January 18, 2023 News-Dispatch

News-Dispatch

FAMILY OWNED, FAMILY OPERATED

Triple S Feed & General Store celebrates 29 years

By Amira Van Leeuwen news@haysfreepress.com

DRIPPING SPRINGS

— For 29 years, Triple S Feed & General Store has grown from a mom-andpop shop to a thriving resource for the Dripping Springs community. After retiring from a government job, Gordon Swenson decided to start a business to provide for his family. He opened the first location in 1988

in Creedmoor and later decided to expand to have a second location in Dripping Springs, which his daughter Monica now owns.

Monica grew up with her family farming and growing crops like corn, wheat and hay. While her two brothers worked in the field, baled hay or drove the tractor, she would help in the feed store.

The original building

was demolished about nine years ago and with a new space, they decided to expand their inventory and advance to a computerized system.

With larger corporations coming to rural and developing communities, some local businesses might worry about being pushed out — but Monica isn’t.

“We don’t worry about

British bakery brings variety to Dripping Springs

By Amira Van Leeuwen DRIPPING SPRINGS —

“London Calling” — one of The Clash’s most popular songs — played over the speaker as locals strolled into Dripping Springs’ newest bakery.

The Great British Baking Company is owned by a father-son duo, Andrew and Johnty Scriven.

Nick, Johnty’s brother, also brings his culinary expertise after training at Le Cordon Bleu. The family is from Yorkshire, England.

The idea for a bakery surfaced last November. Originally, Johnty was going to work farmers markets in Austin and Dripping Springs; there was no plan to open a brick-and-mortar so soon. But then, he and his family heard through the

grapevine that two units were available.

The bakery gleans inspiration from traditional British and family recipes — a lemon pudding, Johnty’s grandmother’s go-to, could be hitting the menu soon.

Johnty noted that the food they make is “unbelievably popular” in England, Canada, Australia and South Africa.

“It’s only really America where it’s not really taken off yet,” the 24-year-old said.

The Scrivens wanted to bring something unique to the area.

“In Dripping Springs and most places in Texas, you’ve got your tacos, you’ve got your burgers,

DSISD teacher recognized with award

By Brittany Anderson brittany@haysfreepress.com

DRIPPING SPRINGS — For one

Dripping Springs ISD teacher, a recent recognition has sparked her love for teaching all over again.

Jamie Malchak, a kindergarten teacher at Cypress Springs Elementary School, was recognized on Jan. 6 as the inaugural winner of the Texas Education Service Center

Region 13 Star of the Month award.

The region includes 102 school districts across Central Texas and winners are recognized for making a positive and lasting impact on their students and contributing to the success of the public school system.

Although Malchak is fairly

"WE DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE COMPETITION. WE JUST TRY TO BE THE BEST BUSINESS WE CAN BE."

– MONICA SWENSON

PHOTO BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Monica Swenson, owner of Triple S Feed & General Store in Dripping Springs.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Jamie Malchak receives the Star of the Month award. From left: Foundation Innovation Founder and Chief Strategist Laurie Cromwell, Region 13 Deputy Director of Academic Services Kerry Gain, Region 13 Chief Deputy Executive Director Dr. Millie Klein, Region 13 Executive Director Dr. Rich Elsasser, Jamie Malchak, DSISD Superintendent Dr. Holly Morris-Kuentz, DSISD Board President Dr. Mary Jane Hetrick, Cypress Springs Principal Kellie Raymond, DSISD Board Vice President Ron Jones, DSISD Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Innovation Dr. Karen Kidd and Cypress Springs Assistant Principal Dr. Kristin Tudor.

'This has definitely reignited my passion'

PHOTO BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

From left: Nick, Andy and Johnty Scriven.

DSISD band members named All-State

Staff Report

DRIPPING

Westlake High School. Out of a total of 18 DSHS students who qualified for the area auditions, Jace Byrd (trombone), Wyland Diehl (tenor sax) and Quentin Dollard

consecutive

DSHS junior selected for All-State Choir

Staff Report

Colin

Tuohy

Purgatory Creek Nature

Staff Report

HAYS COUNTY – Hays County has acquired Purgatory Creek Nature Preserve, a 1,068-acre conservation easement, to permanently protect and preserve the land from future development.

This easement was proposed and sponsored by the Hill Country Conservancy (HCC) to be funded through the 2020 Hays County Parks and Open Space Bond. The property is located next to the Purgatory Creek Natural Area, the La Cima Parkland and the La Cima Regional Habitat Conservation Plan Preserve.

The combined area will protect more than 3,200 acres of uniquely biodiverse habitat including the Goldencheeked Warbler habitat, natural springs, canyons, caves and other karst features that

the competition. We just try to be the best business that we can be,” Monica said. “A lot of people like to support local, even if they have to pay a little bit more for the products.”

She noted that keeping up with trends is important and being a locally-owned business allows them to connect with customers.

“We’ve been a part of this community for such a long time, and since we’re locally owned, we can talk to the customers one-on-one and be able to meet their needs a little bit more timely than a big box store,” Monica said. “We can do all of our ordering here at the store versus a lot of other places; they do all their ordering based on their sales, and it’s all done from a corporate office

carry water directly into the Edwards Aquifer. The preserve will be part of the network of protected conservation lands in the area, creating one of the state’s largest unbroken blocks of urban wilderness, open space and water quality protection lands.

In September 2022, the Hays County Commissioners Court approved approximately $9.6 million for the

that’s not based in this area.”

Not only does Triple S strive to foster its connection with the community as a business, but it also gives back to local organizations.

Triple S donates auction items to Dripping Springs Ag Boosters and other local youth and 4-H clubs in the surrounding counties. The store bids and purchases animals from the livestock show to help kids out. Triple S also donates to the “Jackpot Shows,” which give kids the opportunity to show their animals and practice in front of an audience before the livestock show.

“We’re very proud to be a part of this community. When you’ve had a longevity of 29

Purgatory Creek Nature Preserve conservation easement.

“HCC values the protection of natural areas that conserve critical natural resources and wildlife habitat,” said Kathy Miller, CEO of Hill Country Conservancy in a news release. “This easement is just one example of how we do this – planning for growth while ensuring we preserve our most precious natural lands

years, it says something about the community’s support of us. When you own a business, it’s not a 9-5 kind of business.

You put in a lot of hours and dedication to your business to make it the success you want it to be,”

and habitats. We are thrilled to work with Hays County and La Cima to help provide public access to this beautiful Hill Country site.”

She added that this preserve is a great example of a private and public partnership that can balance the need to plan for future growth while preserving the surrounding ecosystem and the community’s access to nature.

“This project is a wonderful accomplishment for Hays County and its partners,” commissioner Lon Shell said. “Hays County is one of the fastest growing areas in Central Texas and in the nation. With growth at this rate, we work to identify and improve upon partnerships that help make our community a welcoming and equitable place for all.”

General election set for May in Wimberley

By Megan Wehring megan@haysfreepress.com

WIMBERLEY — Three city council seats are up for grabs in Wimberley.

The city of Wimberley’s next general election will be held on Saturday, May 6. Positions that will be filled include city council Place One (currently held by Rebecca Minnick), Place Three (currently held by Chris Sheffield) and Place Five (currently held by David Cohen).

Requirements for council members include one year of residence in the state and six months of residence in the city prior to the filing deadline.

From Page 1

you’ve got pizzas, you got more tacos, burgers, pizza,” Johnty said. “We wanted to do something different.”

The bakery offers a small variety of soups such as tomato basil and leek and potato soup. The Great British Baking Company also sells savory pastries like scotch eggs, a British classic.

For new customers, Johnty recommends the chicken pot pie slice because although it is British-style food, it has Texas flavors.

Since opening, the bakery has received positive feedback from the community.

First-time customers, Julie Eppers and her sister Linda Eppers, were enjoying their slices of chicken curry and ordered two

broccoli and cheese slices to go. Julie thought the chicken curry was “really good.”

And now they also have regular, returning customers that come in three to four times a week.

In the future, the bakery hopes to expand to manufacturing.

“Our sausage rolls are so popular, maybe getting a production line going with them and trying to get them into other coffee shops and hopefully supermarkets,” Johnty said.

The Great British Baking Company is located at 104 W. Mercer St. in Dripping Springs. For more information, visit www. thegreatbritishbakingco. com.

she said.

Triple S carries a wide selection of products like PVC fittings, soil supplements, hardware, animal feed and garden supplies. It also has a gift section stocked with products from

local businesses like Hill Country Jams from Fredericksburg Farms, candles from Circle E Candles and chocolate bars from Dripping Springs Chocolate Company.

The store, located at

2111 U.S. 290, is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. On Saturdays, the store is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed on Sundays. For more information, visit www. triplesfeedstore.com.

SPRINGS – Three Dripping Springs High School seniors were selected to the Texas Music Educators Association AllState Band on Saturday, Jan. 7, at

(euphonium) earned allstate recognition for the second

year. Fewer than 3% of Texas high school musicians earn all-state recognition.

The trio will participate in an all-state clinic and concert from Feb. 8-11 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS Jace Byrd (trombone, far left), Wyland Diehl (tenor sax, left) and Quentin Dollard (euphonium, above).

BAKERY

DRIPPING SPRINGS –

Tuohy, a Dripping Springs High School junior, was named to the Texas Music Educators Association All-State Choir after placing first as a Tenor 1 at the auditions on Saturday, Jan. 7.

was selected to

the Tenor-Bass Choir for the second consecutive year and will take part in a clinic and concert from Feb. 8-11 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. Those selected are among the top 1% of high school musicians in the state of Texas.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Pictured is Colin Tuohy.

FUSE brings more than office space to Dripping Springs

'We are in the people business'

By Megan Wehring

DRIPPING SPRINGS — For John Herring, there is a larger purpose in running his business.

The president of FUSE Workspace is bringing his vision of flexible office space to Dripping Springs, located adjacent to the Belterra residential development.

“People are looking for a different lifestyle. They are looking for a better worklife balance and we offer that,” Herring said.

“We build our FUSEs where people live. We are not in downtown Austin [and] we have no plans to be in downtown Austin. We love the suburbs and really, I would say, the exurbs like Dripping Springs [and] Bee Cave.”

Services offered at the location include daily and monthly coworking passes, hourly meeting spaces and a professional business address including mail services and live

new to DSISD, she was nominated by Cypress Springs Principal Kellie Raymond who called her a “light and joy” for the school and the district.

Only in her second year teaching here, Malchak is a “California transplant” with 19 years of teaching in California under her belt. There, she started her career in kindergarten (later being moved to fourth grade), but began feeling burnt out and sought a fresh start.

“I wasn’t sure if I was making a difference anymore,” Malchak said.

Malchak and her husband found Dripping

A story in the Dec. 28 edition of the News-Dispatch incorrectly labeled a wildfire photo as being of the Smoke Rider Fire. In fact, the photo used was from the Hermosa Fire Barton Publications wants to promptly correct any errors. If you feel a correction or clarification is in order, contact Ashley Kontnier publisher@ bartonpublicationsinc.com.

telephone answering services. Amenities on-site include complimentary coffee and barista-styled drinks, Wi-Fi, print/scan/copy services, catering upon request, free on-site parking and a full-time concierge team to assist you.

While FUSE welcomes individuals and teams to rent office space, there is more to the passion behind the company. FUSE believes that businesses and people can do more in the community not only through providing products/services, but also through their time as volunteers and putting resources to use in areas where they are needed.

On a global level, FUSE partners with Master Cares, an international nonprofit that is committed to the physical and spiritual well-being of the people of Rakai, Uganda.

“Every new FUSE that gets built builds a

Springs and it was the charm of the Hill Country and school district that pulled them in.

Malchak said teaching isn’t something that she always felt destined for, but in the two decades of teaching since, she seems to have found her calling.

“Coming out of high school, I had no clue what I was good at. My mom thought I was good at working with kids, so I just went with it. Moms know best,” Malchak said.

Malchak and her mother have such a close relationship that she flies out to Texas from California every six weeks to help Malchak in her classroom for a full week, doing everything from running small groups to making copies — something she also did when Malchak was still teaching in California.

“My mom had always wanted to be a teacher, but she never got the chance. Now that she’s retired, she helps out,” Malchak said. “She’s my best friend. Moving here was one of the hardest but best decisions.”

In fact, making the transition from California to Texas as a teacher was a challenge in and of itself.

“Texas hours of work are insane. In California, our school hours were six hours. Here, it’s about eight,” Malchak said. “It makes sense why Texas is ranked higher because they’re literally in school longer, but I had to get my stamina up as a teacher. I don’t know how these kindergarteners have an eight-hour school day. It’s pretty impressive. I guess everything in Texas is bigger, the school day included.”

However, Malchak acknowledged that this rigor can come with its own set of problems and is something she tries to address and navigate as an educator.

“It’s kind of sad that we’ve kind of gotten away from the social and emotional [learning] and play time,” Malchak said. “I think we’re seeing more behavior problems because we’re forcing kids to do more than what they’re ready for … I feel like learning needs to be fun, because I feel like as a country we’re taking the fun out of learning and kids see learning more as a punishment these days. I want the kids to go to school, no matter if they're in fourth grade or kindergarten, and I want

them to love learning.”

This philosophy is what has helped shape the way she teaches. For Malchak, being able to speak her students’ “kid language” is the key to creating a healthy classroom environment.

“I’m still very much a kid myself, so I can connect with them. Simple things like standing in line. Not that any adult enjoys it, but I know how boring it can be as a kid. So while we stand in line, we do silly things like 'do as I do,' or we pretend to blow bubbles,” Malchak said. “I like to be creative and have fun and try to see things through the children’s perspective. When I plan a lesson, I think about obviously, ‘Can they handle this, is it academically appropriate?’ but then I also look at, ‘Is this something that's meaningful to them?’ … I want to make sure that they’re into it, that they’re having fun, and the things that we’re doing are activities they can connect with and they want to do.”

Kindergarten has proven to be Malchak’s favorite grade level to teach, allowing her to

explore this creativity on a level that others might not be able to, as well as set a good educational foundation for students.

“I think every grade level has its own challenges, but kindergarten is just magical,” Malchak said. “The kids have a good time. Fourth graders have a good time too, but there’s so much testing and so much pressure there, that it’s harder to fit in all the fun stuff [like] we get to do in kindergarten … That’s not to say that K, 1 and 2 are a cake walk, but there’s no state testing, so that pressure is off.”

“In kinder, you can pretty much tie a standard to anything we’re doing,” Malchak continued. “If we’re having a puppet show, it’s because we’re learning how to take turns. If we’re doing a really messy craft, it’s because we’re working on fine motor skills.”

For Malchak, another advantage to teaching at this grade level is being able to connect closely with families. A lot of the time, she said, her students are the parents’ first kid in the school system. As such,

she strives to make sure these families know that they are a part of her “extended family” and works to cultivate positive relationships with both students and parents.

Teaching — no matter the city, state, school district or grade level — is not an easy profession. But for educators like Malchak, it’s the drive to make a difference in the lives of kids that make the commitment worth it.

“Kindergarten in my 20s is very different from kindergarten in my 40s … [but] I want to be a ‘lifer,’” Malchak said. “That's part of the reason I came to Dripping Springs, because they had a great reputation and parents are very involved.

Coming from a Title I school in California where there wasn’t a lot of parent support, I was excited to try something new. This has definitely reignited my passion. I definitely was in a slump there for a few years; I was trying to figure out a plan B. So this award was kind of the icing on the cake, because this year has been a lot of fun, and I'm finding the joy in it again. I’m hoping this momentum can continue for 20 more years.”

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO John Herring, president of FUSE Workspace, is bringing his flexible office designs to Dripping Springs. It will be located at 13341 W. U.S. 290 #2.

Stage III drought continues

By Megan Wehring

COUNTY – Texas

HAYS

Water Development Board (TWDB) reported that 2022 was the worst drought year for the state since 2011. Little precipitation is causing Hays County and surrounding areas to be in a continuous drought.

Last year started with a no-drought status due to a wet spring and summer in 2021, keeping spring flow and aquifer levels from going below Alarm Drought (Stage II) thresholds, according to the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (BSEACD). However, that did not last the whole year.

By June 2022, Barton Springs and Lovelady crossed under their Stage II thresholds and the BSEACD Board of Directors declared a Stage II Alarm Drought on June 9, 2022. Then, on Oct. 20, a Critical Drought (Stage III) was declared and has remained the same.

Reducing water use is now critical. With a continued lack of necessary rainfall and high rates of pumping, water levels could drop to the extent that some wells go dry.

“We can’t afford to underestimate the threat that the current drought poses and the need for everyone to do their

part to conserve water,” said BSEACD General Manager Tim Loftus in a news release.

TWDB reported that with a statewide average of 21.2 inches of precipitation and average of 66.5 degrees Fahrenheit, 2022 was the second driest and seventh warmest year for Texas since 2000.

In Stage III, district permittees are required to implement mandatory measures to meet the following monthly pumpage reduction requirements.

• 30% for Edwards Historical and Conditional Class A permittees

• 75% for Edwards

Conditional Class B permittees

• 100% for Edwards Conditional Class C and Class D permittees

• 30% for Trinity and Alluvial/Austin Chalk Historical permittees

For more information about water conservation, visit www.bseacd. org/education/waterconservation.

The Hays Free Press/ News-Dispatch is monitoring the drought conditions that are happening across the state of Texas. If you are a rancher, farmer or business owner concerned about the impact of the continued drought, email news@ haysfreepress.com.

well in the country of Uganda,” Herring said. “Why a well? One, people need clean drinking water in underserved communities — it’s a must — and two, wells are where the community happens. That’s what we are trying to build. We are trying to build a place for people to come together to do life and do business.”

Master Cares strives to build a well every month. Through partnerships with other nonprofits, the organization is able to purchase microbial filters to ensure the drinking water is as clean as possible.

Under the management of several trained water engineers, Master Cares has drilled more than

95 wells and counting. Each well supplies a clean water source to an average of 1,000 people.

It costs approximately $3,700 to drill each 100-foot water well, which is considered to be a low-cost standard compared to other areas of Uganda, according to the organization.

Locally, FUSE selects 10 nonprofit organizations annually to enjoy the facilities for free and at discounted rates.

“We are doing more to make the world a better place,” Herring said. “Yes, we are in it to offer a world-class office space, but really, our secret sauce is we are desiring to help the communities and world be a better place.”

Capital Highlights: What's happening in Texas

Speaker open to resortstyle casinos in state House Speaker Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, told The Dallas Morning News and other media outlets that he is open to bringing resort-style casinos to Texas. But don’t expect to find slot machines in 7-Eleven stores if casino gambling

ELECTION From Page 2

Candidates also must be at least 18 years old and a registered voter in the county.

The period for filing an application for a place in the city of Wimberley general election begins on Wednesday, Jan. 18, and ends on Friday, Feb. 17 at 5 p.m.

Candidates are encouraged to read the 2023 General Election Candidate Packet to become familiar with the information relating to campaign laws and procedures. The packet can be found at www.cityofwimberley. com/313/2023-GeneralElection.

is legalized.

“What I don’t want to see is to walk into every convenience store and see 15 slot machines,” Phelan said. “I want to see destination-style casinos that are high

Capital Highlights

by Gary Borders

Correction

A story in the Jan. 11 edition of the News-Dispatch about a proposed venue in Dripping Springs stated that local businesses mostly shut down at 8 p.m. and there would be about 8,000 cars an hour on Fitzhugh Road before and after an event. In fact, the closing time is 9 p.m. and approximately 800 cars.

Barton Publications wants to promptly correct any errors. If you feel a correction or clarification is in order, contact Ashley Kontnier publisher@ bartonpublicationsinc.com.

quality and that create jobs and that improve the lifestyle of those communities.”

The gambling industry is preparing for another strong push to bring gaming to one of the few major markets that

doesn’t allow it. But other state leaders seem more hesitant, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who said in December that he “doesn’t see any movement on it.”

Gov. Greg Abbott has softened his oncestrong opposition to legalized gambling, echoing Phelan’s support

for casinos that also feature golf courses, luxury hotels and other amenities.

The Morning News report said the DallasFort Worth area would be a top location because of its strong convention and tourism industry, as well as access to major airports.

Gary Borders is a veteran award-winning Texas journalist.

He published a number of community newspapers in Texas during a 30year span, including in Longview, Fort Stockton, Nacogdoches and Cedar Park.

Email: gborders@ texaspress.com.

Local LGBTQIA+ nightclub closes unexpectedly

Community says goodbye to Stonewall Warehouse

By Brittany Anderson

SAN MARCOS — For the past eight years, thousands have trekked up the rainbow stairs to Stonewall Warehouse, located on the Square in San Marcos, for an LGBTQIA+ safe space and fun nightlife experience. On New Year's Day, this was unexpectedly cut short.

After a successful New Year's Eve party, Stonewall staff were abruptly informed of the business’s closure on Jan. 1 when they were arriving to what they thought was a normal shift.

Former general manager of five years, Lena Jacobs, was the first to arrive with owner Jamie Frailicks for what she assumed was a beginning of the year business meeting.

“We got into his office and sat down and his whole attitude and energy changed. He basically said, ‘Today’s going to be a hard day; last night was Stonewall’s last night,’” Jacobs said. “During that whole time, I honestly can’t tell you if I said anything. I don’t think I did. I was in shock.”

Frailicks, along with Chris Rue, Brian Scofield and James Wilson, founded Stonewall in 2014. Rue served as general manager from 2014 to 2017 and Frailicks took full ownership in 2018.

In summer 2022, Frailicks was approached by various groups inquiring if he was selling the space. While he initially wasn’t, it “started some conversations.”

“I ultimately had the right conversation with the group that I'm with now,” Frailicks said. “I decided, after months of going back and forth with them, that it was a good idea. It was a great deal for me. It was going to allow me to move on to some other things that my wife and I have been wanting to do for years.”

“Stonewall has been failing for years. It's cost me money every month for years,” he continued. “So, when the opportunity came around [to

sell], I listened … We've tried everything. I feel like I've been beating my head against the wall for years trying to figure out something to improve it and get more people up there.”

Frailicks said that other than the weekends and Monday night karaoke, the bar was essentially closed Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights for years.

“With Stonewall being a place where the entertainment costs money, the overhead was a lot more,” Frailicks said. “We have shows and shows require people and people require labor costs. And we just could never figure out a formula where that would work and be cost effective during the week.”

However, some former Stonewall staff — like bartender Cooper Murphy, who began working at Stonewall in December 2021 — have been vocal about Stonewall feeling like Frailicks’ “neglected bar,” and that a myriad of problems it faced likely contributed to its closure, such as plumbing issues and a broken air conditioner.

“We had a lot of ideas that we wanted to implement at Stonewall, but we realized that

our bar needed some work on our work conditions,” Murphy said. “Having events in the summer with no A/C did affect our sales. We'd have some major shows with RuPaul Drag Race queens and it was very abnormally warm in there. People were ordering water instead of alcohol toward the end of the night. And it's stuff like that we asked for, just some better working conditions to help our business grow … There was a toilet that was out of order the entire year I was there.”

Frailicks admitted that his lack of presence in the bar likely “had a lot to do with some of our failures,” but having two young children while working in the bar business didn’t mix.

“That's why I had a lot of trust in my staff and my managers that were operationally taking care of everything,” Frailicks said. “As a business owner, at some point, you have to be able to trust people that you are paying to take care of your stuff. And that's what I did. I think it did create some problems, but I didn't know how else to do it. Trying to be a good husband and a good father, those duties were more important to me

than anything.”

Many have stressed that they understand that this was ultimately a business decision, but the abrupt closure meant an entire community of people were unable to properly say goodbye to a meaningful space.

“Just to be clear, him selling the business, I have no issue with that,” Jacobs said. “I mean, it makes me sad that he did, but it’s his business, he can do what he wants with it. We’re all upset about the way he did it to us. Not giving us warning or notice … Personally, if I knew New Year’s Eve was our last night being open, it would have been very different. It would have been a completely different drag show. I know there would have been different people there. And I know a lot of people that weren't there for different reasons would have been there. And he [Frailicks] took that away from a lot of people.”

Frailicks, however, stands by his decision to close the way in which he did, saying in the past he has experienced a staff with “nothing to lose” in these situations.

“Anybody who's in this industry knows that unless it's

worship with us

CHURCH OF CHRIST

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD

Faith Assembly of God 1030 Main St., Buda

BAPTIST

First Baptist Church-Buda 104 San Marcos St., Buda

First Baptist Church-Kyle 300 W. Center St., Kyle

Hays Hills Baptist Church 1401 FM 1626, Buda

Sledge Chapel Missionary Baptist Church 709 Sewell, Kyle

Southeast Baptist Church 5020 Turnersville Rd., Creedmoor

Manchaca Baptist Church Lowden Lane & FM 1626

Immanuel Baptist Church 4000 E. FM 150, 4 miles east of Kyle

Center Union Baptist Church Goforth Rd., Buda

Primera Mision Bautista Mexicana Kyle

Baptist Church of Driftwood 13540 FM 150 W.

CATHOLIC

Santa Cruz Catholic Church 1100 Main Street, Buda

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

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

CHRISTIAN

New Life Christian Church 2315 FM 967, Buda

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

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

Southern Hills Church of Christ 3740 FM 967, Buda

EPISCOPAL

St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church 725 RR 967, Buda

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church RR 3237 (Wimberley Rd.), Kyle St. Alban’s Episcopal Church 11819 IH-35 South

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses FM 2770, Kyle

Jehovah’s Witnesses South 10802 Manchaca Rd., Manchaca

LUTHERAN

Living Word Lutheran ELCA 2315 FM 967, Buda

Redeeming Grace Lutheran LCMS FM 1626 & Manchaca Rd., Manchaca

Resurrection Church, CLBA 401 FM 967, Buda

St. John Lutheran Church 9865 Camino Real, Uhland

The Well Buda

METHODIST

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

the perfect circumstance for shutting down a business or a bar, it's hard to announce that you're going to say goodbye to it and then be able to run it properly and have everybody’s safety being taken care of,” Frailicks said. “When you lose the promise [of the business] … it becomes dangerous for the public, for the patrons, for the staff, because people aren't acting responsibly. And I take that very seriously. I always have in operating a business that sells alcohol … Even after all of this, I would still make the same decision, because it's not safe to take chances like that.

And while I 100% understand that people needed some closure, they needed to say goodbye to it, it just ultimately was not an option. I wish that it could have been different, but it just wasn't, and I stick by that.”

Former staff view the situation differently, though. Murphy believes that if Frailicks had gotten to “know the integrity of his workers up there,” Stonewall’s final days could have looked much different.

“Throughout the year I was there, we were always praised on how we did a good job and got work done from our manager. I understand that at the end of the day, he made a decision to sell the bar, and it is what it is. But other gay clubs I feel like have gotten closure,” Murphy said. “They were able to enjoy their last night with their ‘home.’ And it's sad that it had to be the way it was, because if we had just gotten some closure, none of this public craziness would have happened.”

For many, the loss of Stonewall felt like a death. Following the meeting with Frailicks, Jacobs and several of her employees gathered to process through the situation together.

“We sat around and hugged and cried,” Jacobs said. “We

PHOTO BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Stonewall Warehouse, located on the Square in San Marcos, was the only LGBTQIA+ bar and nightclub between San Antonio and Austin.

Tigers open district play with shutout

By Albert Sanchez

On Friday, the Tigers hosted the Austin High School Maroons. Both teams played hard in their first game of the district schedule. The final score was Tigers 5, and Maroons 0. Ellie Hodsden made four goals and Chole Frudenburg made one goal.

Last year, the Tigers lost in the Regional Finals Tournament in Corpus Christi. They finished the season with a record of 25-1 and look forward to returning to the UIL State Tournament this year.

The Tigers’ next home game will be on Jan. 20 at 7:30 p.m. with Buda Johnson High School.

BY ALBERT SANCHEZ

Pictured right: the team poses after the shutout win over Austin High School 5-0. Pictured below, Ellie Hodsden (No. 7) works toward the goal during the first half of the game. Pictured below right, Riley Sisson (No. 10) displays some fancy footwork as she out maneuvers a Maroon defender. Sisson had one assist to Hobsden for the second goal of the game.

talked a lot about things that we loved and things that have made us laugh. You know after a funeral when you go with your friends to a restaurant and you all sit there and talk about how you’re sad, but then someone says, ‘You remember when they did this?’ It was one of those moments. It went on for hours and hours.”

While Frailicks gave his employees severance pay, plus an extra envelope of cash for Jacobs — “He considered it generous, I considered it insulting,” she said — the sudden closure left a handful of employees and regular performers without a consistent source of income and the rush to find new employment.

In light of this, Jacobs created a GoFundMe to split solely among her nine employees. While the fundraiser has since closed, it amassed $9,430.

“I decided I was going to start a GoFundMe for these kids to help them … Just to give them some room to breathe and process what happened to them and so they’re not struggling for the next few weeks,” Jacobs said. “When I did it, the first option was $5,000. I clicked it not thinking we’d get close to that. So it’s been really overwhelming; everything that’s happened and all the support we’ve gotten as a group. We’re all very grateful and overwhelmed right now, it’s really appreciated … I'm just trying to make sure my kids are taken care of.”

Stonewall has undoubtedly had an impact on San Marcos, as many other places in town now hold drag shows and other drag events. Frailicks believes this was ultimately detrimental to his business’s fate.

“I knew that this [closure] would be devastating. That was a very sensitive thing for me from the beginning.

But on the other side of that, I think that we're in a much different place than we were in 2014,” Frailicks said. “It's a much different world for a lot of different reasons. In 2014, what we did was kind of groundbreaking … I feel like Stonewall was a part of creating that acceptance. So now, there's several options, and back in 2014, there wasn't. And I'm proud that Stonewall had a big part in doing that. But at the same time, if these things are happening

it's not going to be me doing it. I have closed that chapter and I've moved on.”

For many, though, Stonewall offered something that no other bar in town can.

“I'm actually really scared for a lot of these kids. Not all families are accepting of gay people. They leave home and come here and this is the first time they actually get to express themselves how they want to for the first time. They're finally away from home and

again, unless someone opens another bar.”

When news of Stonewall’s closure started to hit social media, hundreds of comments rolled in on the business’s Instagram page, as its Facebook page was deactivated during Frailicks' and Jacobs’ meeting.

Employees, students, residents, former performers and even one-time visitors have all expressed their sadness, frustration and disbelief at the news, sharing stories of their time at the venue and offering support.

One performer who composed a letter on Instagram about Stonewall was local drag queen Tequila Rose, a nearly seven-year veteran of Stonewall who had recently been crowned Miss Stonewall Warehouse 2022.

Rose began performing at Stonewall in 2016 after moving to San Marcos for school. Like many other drag queens, “growing up” at the venue is where she found her love of performing, perfecting her craft and finding herself in the process.

at a lot of other bars around town, if they were all happening back at Stonewall, then maybe we would have done a little bit more business … I think it's devastating that the openly LGBT bar is closed. But you know, it's not the only option … I told the staff during the meeting that someone is going to pick up the slack, someone is going to see that there's a need, and someone is going to do what it takes to make that happen. And when it does, I'll be the first one to be excited about that and wish them well … I think the town needs it, [but]

they're like, ‘I can be who I want to be.’ And I think that's really going to hurt a lot of people that now feel they have nowhere to do that,” Jacobs said.

“I know there's queerfriendly places. I don't think everywhere is bad, by any means. But it's not the same. It's not a place where you can go and know 100% that no one is going to judge you, no one is going to hurt you, no one is going to mess with you. You are in a safe place to be who you want to be. And I don't think there's anywhere else like that in San Marcos and I don't think there will be

“It's [Stonewall has] gone through so many waves and it's been filled with so much happiness and love from so many different people. There were so many personalities that really illuminated the building,” Rose said. “It gave me so many resources to push myself in my creative freedom and my self expression. It's taught me about what a community really is. It's taught me about igniting that fire within and serving as a leader for our community … I always felt like Stonewall had that magic touch to it … You never felt like eyes were on you or you were targeted. It was like everyone was there to literally love and to party and celebrate ourselves.”

For Rose, the loss of Stonewall comes with a

loss of San Marcos itself.

“I felt like the only reason I was here in San Marcos is because of Stonewall, and that's what really made San Marcos feel so magical. It was like a whole dream sequence for me. And now that it’s gone, my love for San Marcos has died,” Rose said. “There's no reason for me to be here. Like, there's no attachment anymore.”

Above everything comes the biggest loss: the reality that San Marcos no longer has an openly LGBTQIA+ bar for those 18 and up.

“I think the one thing that really affects me throughout all of this is the minors and I think that's what really breaks my heart. It was the only place on the Square for 18+ people to go to. When you move from a small town or a big city or anywhere for school and you start exploring with your community and what's in your backyard, [Stonewall] was a wonderland,” Rose said through tears. “It was an eye opener for so many people … Because now I feel like there's not a safe space for those incoming freshmen and I think that's the biggest loss of it all.”

Murphy shared similar sentiments, saying that having a space like Stonewall is a “safety thing” for cities to have.

“For a lot of these kids, it’s their first time living on their own. They're getting out of the house for the first time going to college, experiencing life themselves,” Murphy said. “They should be able to have the opportunity to do something safe in our city, instead of going and driving to Austin or San Antonio and driving back on I-35 late at night. It's safety concerns like that, that also just make me sad for the community.”

While Stonewall will no longer exist as it was on the Square, there may be

a

“able

“That was not the end of Stonewall … Stonewall will live again,” Rue said.

“We don’t know when, where or how, but I promise you, it will.”

While the exact future of the business is yet to be determined, many in the community are sure to be there rallying in support.

“I have faith that something will turn back around and I feel like there will be another spot here in San Marcos,” Rose said. “That one is really gonna have to start from the soil of, like, the experience, but I also feel that within that it will be 10 times better. So I'm trying to be optimistic.”

“I hope that there is another place that's curated in a great light so that people can have another safe space in San Marcos,” she continued.

“I take pride in all the love for each other; it's not going to go away … It's going to happen not necessarily promptly, but eventually, it will.”

The memories made and community found at Stonewall have unquestionably made a lasting impact — and its legacy, no matter how the business ended or how it will be reborn, will not be forgotten.

“It really changed my life,” Jacobs said through tears.

“Meeting all these people, it's changed who I am as a person and how I see the world and how I view things. I know how much it's helped other people, but that's how it's helped me personally. It changed my life. I met people that will be in my life forever.”

A benefit for Stonewall’s drag queens and other performers will be held on Jan. 26 at The Porch in San Marcos starting at 8 p.m., featuring a lineup of performances, a silent auction and more.

glimmer of hope for the future of the business. In a Jan. 6 Facebook video, Rue stated that he was

to get the branding back” for the business.

STONEWALL From Page 5

PHOTOS

PHOTO BY SEAN PETERS/COURTESY OF TEQUILA ROSE

For the past eight years, drag queens like Tequila Rose have graced the Stonewall catwalk and their presence helped cultivate a community of love and acceptance within the nightclub’s walls.