January 20, 2021 News-Dispatch

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JANUARY 20, 2021 FILLING BOWLS

LOBO WIN

Art center celebrates anniversary with Empty Bowls fundraiser.

Lobo girls soccer beats Del Valle 4-0.

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Vol. 41 • No. 16

To prom or not to prom:

VACCINES

Hays County soon to receive COVID-19 vaccines for public

Hays parents conflicted

BY SAHAR CHMAIS

“Please reconsider your position. because if you allow athletes to play their these uncertain BY SAHAR CHMAIS contact sports and intermix times. without masks on the sidelines COVID-19 has robbed Prom and for photo opportunities… high school students of has been a then your position on prom for a second contradition for cancelling prom out of secutive year. This came American high “Gathering concern for safety is as upsetting news to some school students a large group of parents and their kids, since the 1920s, hypocritical and kids together who are while some were relieved. but all three Hays double standard.” Hays High officials state CISD high schools asymptomatic carriers of that they will not move for- are not taking the risk. COVID is a terrible idea. I ward with prom planning Just because the high am a health care provider due to the ongoing panschools have decided to and we are struggling demic. Maintaining student opt out of a prom it does with COVID. Stay safety and enforcing proper not mean that parents have home. That’s my protocols are not possible given up. There have been suggestion.” at an event with dancing parents who suggested and socializing, according to the school. While prom is cancelled, Hays CISD is still finalizing in-person graduation plans – but nothing is guaranteed in

creating their own prom. And in some cases, parents are fighting back with stern letters to their schools to

TO PROM OR NOT, 4

Dripping Springs growth demands park fees on new developments Fancy Restaurant

BY MEGAN WEHRING

DRIPPING SPRINGS — Population growth caused Dripping Springs to shift its focus to the city parks. City Council unanimously approved a proposed parkland dedication ordinance on Tuesday to update regulations, improve parkland quality and implement fees. The amount of the feein-lieu will be based on an appraisal. Staff originally proposed a park development fee of $983 per dwelling unit being submitted to the city by developers on new lots, based on the 2019 census that showed 3.03 people per household. City council only approved a fee of $648 per dwelling unit. Mayor Pro Tem Taline Manassian questioned what the park development fee would cover. Brent Luck,

Average $66.61 (Two entrees, two drinks, one appetizer and one dessert with a 15% tip. )

Prom tickets $50

Limousine

Minimum $510 ($85/hour for 6-hour min), average $600-$650.

pay when purchasing land “Both Founders and the sports park or residence. Price sources pressure right now “Now we are tacking have tremendous Manicure from U.S. Nails in Kyle; Clothes from Special Occasions in San Marcos; Flowers from on a whole other new fee Lutrick’s in Kyle; FoodLuck averaged said. from menu items in each category from Palmer’s Restaurant in from active useFlorist sports,” onSpa; topLimo of the existing fee,” Limousine San Marcos; Hair from Lyndee Martinez at White Stone Day from Austin Capital Purcell said. “Our drive to “With more development pressures some of our coming into the city, the use of those accommodate teachers and local folks that parks and the amenities are going to want to stay here in this town, we are driving them continue to grow. out. They can’t stay. They

are not going to be able to afford a home.” Council member April parks planning consultant to grow. … The money from Harris Allison said there for Luck Design Team, said the park development fee are other places that sports the fee would contribute to can also go toward trails or teams can use rather than a variety of development trail connectivity.” prioritizing a park dedicaoptions. The main goal of the park tion. “Both Founders and the development fee is for new “I do think it’s important sports park have tremeninfrastructure in the future to maintain what we do dous pressure right now like trails or sports fields, have,” Allison said. “But from active use sports,” Luck explained. I know from experience Luck said. “With more Council member Todd when there is no place deddevelopment pressures Purcell expressed his conicated for active sports, they coming into the city, the use cern for adding on more rent or lease out space at of those parks and the ame- fees on future lots that nities are going to continue residents will be required to PARK DEMANDS, 4 –Brent Luck, parks planning consultant

Observers welcome quiet opening to Texas Legislature BY CHRIS COBBLER

have access to high-quality healthcare, improving The Texas Legislature public safety, getting Texans opened quietly, which back to work and promotdelighted everyone after ing the state’s economic the violence inside the U.S. recovery. Capitol the previous week. Many other state orgaAt the Texas State Capitol, nizations announced their a variety of legislative agen- agendas, too: das took center stage at the • The Texas Farm Bureau start of the 87th session, outlined 11 priorities, startwhich will run 140 days. ing with protecting propGov. Greg Abbott’s goals erty owners’ rights under include ensuring Texans eminent domain law. Other

COUNCIL MEETINGS

Serving Hays County, TX

See stories from Tuesday night council meetings online at www.haysfreepress.com or www.haysnewsdispatch.com.

legislative priorities include protecting landowners and agricultural producers’ rights to surface water and groundwater; legalizing reasonable chemical controls for feral hogs and maintaining all current legal methods of controlling feral hogs; and supporting efforts to install broadband and cellular infrastructure

STATE NEWS, 4

HAYS COUNTY – The COVID-19 vaccine will soon be dispensed to the Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD). The county will receive a small allotment of the doses to vaccinate residents. While residents in Hays County have already received more than 5,275 COVID-19 vaccines, these were only given through personal medical providers or vaccine hubs in Travis or Bexar counties. The first option residents have is to speak with their personal medical provider to determine if they are eligible to get the vaccine at a participating medical facility, including pharmacies, that provides the vaccines. The second option would be to pre-register for the vaccine through

MEDICAL CONDITIONS INCLUDE: • Cancer • Chronic kidney disease • COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) • Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies • Solid organ transplantation • Obesity and severe obesity (body mass index of 30kg/m2 or higher) • Pregnancy • Sickle cell disease • Type 2 diabetes mellitus

the state’s hub system. “We are coordinating with Austin Public Health in Travis County,” said Tammy Crumley, HCLHD director,

COUNTY VACCINATIONS, 2

Critical drought stage is close BY MEGAN WEHRING Drought restrictions could soon be declared, as monitoring wells are approaching critical levels. Enforcement procedures and strategies were discussed by the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District on Thursday, Jan. 14, as the Lovelady Monitor Well levels slowly approach a Stage III Critical Drought. “With the current rate of decline here at Lovelady, without any rain, we could cross over into that critical Stage 3 as early as next month,” Hydrogeologist Technician Justin Camp said. The district’s board previously declared a Stage II Alarm Drought on Oct. 8, 2020, as Lovelady passed below its drought trigger late September. The district is nearing Stage III Critical Drought levels and the public is encouraged to continue conserving water. District General Manager Vanessa Escobar said the main objective is to work with permittees, find a middle ground, and help them identify solutions to reach their curtailments. “This is the second full month of expected drought compliance in curtailments,” Escobar said. “Each month that we are in drought,

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

“With the current rate of decline here at Lovelady, without any rain, we could cross over into that critical Stage 3 as early as next month.” –Justin Camp, hydrogeologist technician for BSEACD

we take a look at their compliance success and meter readings and their monthly pumpage to see if they met their targets for the monthly allocations.” Staff generates a list of non-compliance permittees based on permitted volume and percentage overpumped: Tier One permitted pumpage is less than 12,000,000 gallons per year, Tier Two is between 12,000,000 and 120,000,000 gallons, and Tier Three is 120,000,000 gallons. Drought management fees will be assessed after two full months of drought, starting in February, Escobar explained. These would only apply to permittees with two million gallons or more.


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NEWS

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • January 20, 2021

Art center hosts Empty Bowls fundraiser BY MEGAN WEHRING BUDA — With one in seven Hays County residents food insecure, Inspired Minds Art Center is raising funds for the Hays County Food Bank while celebratings its first anniversary Jan. 30. The statistics on food security is, according to Feeding America, that only 40% of households in need qualify for federally supported programs. The art center in Buda is teaming up with local artists and restaurants to host an Empty Bowl event called, “Buy a Bowl, Feed 100 People.” Inspired Minds set a $2,500 goal for the Hays County Food Bank to provide at least 10,000 meals. All handcrafted and ceramic bowls sold at the events will be accompanied with gourmet soup to-go from Amici, Batwings Co., Helen’s Casa Alde or Los Olivos Market. The bowls and the soup will be available in the Inspired Minds gallery from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Jan. 30. Proceeds from each $25 Empty Bowl purchase will go directly to the Hays County Food Bank to feed 100 people. “Part of the fun of an Empty Bowl event is that the community comes together to enjoy a bowl of soup and socialize,” co-owner Sinéad Whiteside said. “However, because of COVID-19, we’ll be offering the soup in to-go containers. We’ll give people the option to take

teacher, Lisa Klingemann, for bringing the Empty Bowl event to their attention months ago. “We immediately decided that this event would be the perfect way to celebrate our first year because it embodies our mission so well,” Whiteside said. “So many parts

The bowls and the soup will be available in the Inspired Minds gallery from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Proceeds from each $25 Empty Bowl purchase will go directly to the Hays County Food Bank to feed 100 people.

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it home or eat it outside on our patio or elsewhere outside along Main Street.” Challenges and chaos can only begin to describe the pandemic year. Whiteside looks back on what she and fellow owner Susan Guerra have accomplished. “We are so grateful to have made it through this very strange first year,” Whiteside said. “Susan and I have worked so hard every day to keep our doors open and to fulfill our mission to support local artists and the community by joining them together to inspire a dialogue of creativity, passion, fine art, and a celebration of culture.” Located in downtown Buda, the art center is surrounded by a budding community. Whiteside

highlighted that Inspired Minds has received enormous support from “local artists who have stuck with us” to teach both in-person and virtual classes, and from the city of Buda which has “advocated for us in so many ways,” and “families, friends, and members of the community who have stepped up to volunteer.” Raising funds for summer camp scholarships, installing the first public artwork in downtown Buda and allowing the community to safely gather outside for the Buda Plein Art Festival are just a few of Whiteside’s favorite moments from the last year. “We are constantly amazed at the level of support that we’ve received from friends, family,

local businesses and government, and complete strangers through donations, knowledge, expertise and a helping hand when we’ve needed it most,” Whiteside said. “Thank you for continuing to support us while we work tirelessly to turn this grand dream of creating a cultural hub into a reality for the benefit of us all.” With the new year underway, community members can expect to see even more from Inspired Minds. These features include more diverse art courses, scholarship funds, partnerships with local businesses and the city of Buda; and music, theatre education along with live performances in the Chamber Theatre. Whiteside and Guerra credit local artist and

County Vaccinations Continued from pg. 1

“which is a hub, in order to dispense the vaccine to Hays County residents in the Phase 1B category. Bexar County is also a hub.” Phase 1B vaccinations are given to those who are more likely to become very sick or die from COVID-19. According to DSHS, because Phase 1B provides vaccine to higher-risk people regardless of work sector or status, it will provide protection for a number of critical populations. Critical populations include communities disproportionately affected by COVID-19 and other chronic diseases, teachers and school staff who ensure that Texas children can learn in a safe environment, special services workers who ensure that those in need receive care and support, workers who maintain critical infrastructure to support the Texas economy, and other front-line workers who are unable to work remotely and so are more likely to be exposed. Candidates to receive vaccination in Phase 1B include residents who are 65 and older or those who have medical conditions, listed.

of our community together in a creative, generous, and celebratory way to provide support for those who need it most.” For more information and to RSVP to the “Buy a Bowl, Feed 100 People” event, residents should visit www.inspiredminds. art or call 512-689-4203.

Vaccinating these individuals would reduce deaths due to the virus and relieve pressure on the healthcare system by reducing hospital and ICU admissions. It also reduces absenteeism among front-line workers with a greater risk of severe disease. According to Crumley, anyone who believes they would qualify under Phase 1B can visit the Austin Public Health website to pre-register. Pre-registration does not guarantee a vaccine or an appointment. The website is: https://www.austintexas.gov/covid19-vaccines. “Because the vaccine supply is still limited,” Crumley said, “we’re asking the public to be pa-

tient and understand that we want everyone who wants the vaccine to get it, but it may be days or weeks before an appointment is available.” Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra said the county is prepared to begin implementing the vaccine plan for the general public. But this is a time-consuming process. For now, Becerra and Crumley urge residents to continue practicing safety measures such as staying home when possible, frequent hand-washing, mask-wearing and social distancing. “Trauma affects everyone and COVID has certainly brought trauma to our community,” Becerra said. “No one is immune,

and the effects of the virus can hit any family or business. Please be kind to each other.”

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Opinion

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “I am a health care provider and we are struggling with COVID. Stay home. That’s my suggestion.” –Dr. Mike Banyasz, M.D. in emergency medicine at Baylor Scott and White. Story on pg. 1

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • January 20, 2021

Page 3

Dumber than a rock? Maybe … Crow’s Nest by Clint Younts

Well, here it is, mid-January, pert near February, and I haven’t made any New Year’s resolution. I just can’t decide on something that would improve my life or give me some goal to pursue this year. A year ago, I made some resolutions like running a marathon and eating healthy meals. Well, this stinkin’ pandemic put a kibosh to those two goals, along with me not wanting to run any farther than my bathroom and my addiction to red meat, nachos and cold beer. So, in an attempt to find some way to improve my well-being, I decided to do one of those searches on the internet. Some folks say you can find everything online if you look long enough, so I fired up my pooter and started my search. I couldn’t find what I was looking for, but I did discover there are a mess of very angry, self-centered people insulting complete strangers. Lots of cruel, hatefilled souls spewing filth on social media because they have nothing better to do. I used to toss my two cents-worth into these discussions, but I have decided it’s not worth my time. Plus, I once made a resolution to be kinder to those of lesser intelligence and to never call someone stupid, even if they are as dumb as a cedar fence post. No sir, I refuse to stoop as low as these crude cretins. I have pledged to never go down to the level of these manure-munching sewer rats. It’s useless arguing with someone inflicted with cerebral guano. For example, I won’t say anything derogatory to someone who is obviously playing soccer with a deflated ball. Perhaps this individual who has moss growing on his brainstem does not have the mental acuity to carry on an intelligent conversation with another human being. For all I know, he’s three beavers short of a lodge, playing solitaire with half a deck. Like those brainless thugs who sought to destroy our democracy while claiming they are patriots. It’s kinda like a vegan getting take-out from Arby’s. You can’t support the Constitution by setting a match to it. No sir. These domestic terrorists have an IQ lower than a stump in a Louisiana swamp. And by not wearing a mask and posting selfies inside the Capitol indicates they’re as sharp as mashed potatoes. If dumb were dirt, those thugs would be about an acre, and that fella dressed like Attila the Hun must have a brain that’s collecting disability checks. I just can’t figure out why there are so many people who feel like they have to vent their anger on social media. Is it because they have no friends who will put up with all that complaining and nonsensical rhetoric? So they sit at home alone, in front of their PC, sharing their cerebral flatulence with the world. What most of them don’t understand is that they are displaying their complete ignorance of certain facts. I don’t want to appear malevolent, but if any of these folks ever birthed a brilliant idea, it was an only child. There doesn’t seem to be any one group more bitter than others. Whether they’re Republicans or Democrats, Cowboy fans or Eagle fanatics, some folks will argue until hell freezes over and neither side will win the debate. Intelligent people can engage in a tactful debate, but some folks who burn a dim bulb in the attic have to resort to spewing vile, malicious slander. These poor souls are definitely missing some rungs on their ladder. Well, heck, I reckon I should work on my previous resolution of being kind and forgiving to others, no matter how small their calcified gray matter is. It seems like this is a worthy goal, a goal attainable as long as I keep blocking raving lunatics from my Facebook page. If you are wondering if I might’ve offended any bird-brained trolls, I doubt they’ll understand half of what I’ve written. Too many big words.

Barton Publications, Inc. News tips: news@haysfreepress.com Opinions: csb@haysfreepress.com 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640 www.haysfreepress.com 512-268-7862 Publisher Cyndy Slovak-Barton

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CORRECTIONS

The new Austin Several decades ago, Austin was faced with a conundrum. The growth was becoming exponential and its infrastructure, as well as its longtime residents, were not ready for it. So, faced with this seeming inevitability, everyone read the writing on the wall and came to the conclusion it would be in everyone’s best interest to prepare the town for considerably higher populations, making profound investments in quality of life, transportation and infrastructure to handle the fast growing population. Wait ... no they didn’t. The neighbors of Austin fought hard at every junction to attempt to ward off the growth, setting Austin back several decades. The prevailing attitude was that, if they continue to vote against progressive measures, somehow time and progress would reverse course and bring Austin back to a weird little secret. As we all know, that didn’t happen, and now the price tag for

The Kyle File by David Abdel

fixing it is in the billions. Well, in this way, Kyle is the new Austin. No, not the new Austin in the way of cuisine, nightlife, familyoriented entertainment or progressive ideology. Rather, Kyle is the new Austin when it comes to wishing things go back to the way they were, lacking imagination, and complaining that every fault is that of “newcomers” mucking things up. The latter of which I’ve always found to be the most insulting. Especially when studies have shown that most immigration to Central Texas has come from other areas of Texas, NOT from California as is often bandied about. An informal poll I conducted on neighborhood site NextDoor resulted in confirming this. Almost 150 responses were made to the question “If you

moved to Kyle in the last 10 years where did you move from?” and 70 percent said from within the state. For those that were from out of state, California was hardly mentioned. Kyle is at that same tipping point Austin was many moons ago. Does it embrace what is already right in front of its eyes and deal with that reality, or keep pining for the days before? Kyle is growing, and will continue to do so. This is a certifiable fact. Since 2017, when our current elected mayor took office running on a campaign to limit our town’s tax dependency on residential property, this council has approved almost 2000 acres for just that. Currently, according to the city GIS map, there are over 3400 residential lots planned covering another 1000 plus acres. Comparatively, there is only 151 acres of commercial development planned. Here we are, putting in significant effort apparently to grow in size, but no clear plan for what to do to handle

when everyone gets here. What will we do? This council seems to desire every inch of land to be developed as quickly as possible, rezoning land for residential development almost every meeting. While, at the same time, doing very little to prepare for that influx. In addition, allowing the neighbors of this town to blame “outsiders” for all of the troubles. Many people moved to Kyle years ago as they were priced out of Austin. Many of those folks fought change there, only to succumb to it and move to Kyle to once again fight the same change. It’s time to wave the white flag. It’s time to take responsibility. It’s time to demand that those whom you’ve elected to lead the city articulate a plan for how this growth will be managed, how the cost of living will be steadied as not to force relocation of people yet again, and how those who come and those who remain will come to celebrate that decision of living here.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR TED CRUZ DESERVES MORE CREDIT

between the two? Ted was only innocently responding to the dear leader’s unThere are those who say precedented allegations! Sen. Rafael Edward “Ted” Mr. Trump’s rhetoric Cruz is just an unprinciresulted in the sacking of pled weasel who should the U.S. Capitol and the resign. I must take issue loss of at least six lives. with that. But Mr. Cruz can bear no Ivy League educated, blame for that – he was self-styled man of the busy trying to overturn people Ted Cruz is one a free and fair election of two senators who led at the time. Besides, as the attempt to reject the Mr. Cruz said: “…The certified election results president’s language and from states which the dear rhetoric crossed the line, leader lost. and it was reckless… If The soon to be foryou looked to what I have mer president alleged said, you will not find me the election had been using the same language rigged and stolen through or rhetoric.” widespread voter fraud. There you have it. Mr. Cruz said he needed to Cruz cannot possibly be preserve election integrity held accountable – he due to “unprecedented didn’t use the same words allegations of voter fraud.” to whip up the crowd. He See the clear distinction used different words and

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means to whip up the crowd! Ted deserves more credit. He’s not just an unprincipled weasel, he’s an articulate, scheming, dangerous, unprincipled weasel who should resign. Jeff Kaufmann Buda

OPEN LETTER An open letter to Frank Media, who wrote an open letter to Senator Ted Cruz requesting the senator to resign his seat in the Senate. Frank, regardless of your obvious hatred of President Trump and all things related to him and his supporters, Senator Cruz has not been accused of an illegal act in his conduct in the Senate. He was well within his

LETTERS GUIDELINES

rights to try any non-illegal method to challenge an election that was clearly not conducted in accordance with the US Constitution. Check Article one, Article four, Clause one. The legislature of each state is responsible for setting the rules of conduct for voting requirements. In most of the states where there were voting irregularities, the voting requirements were changed by other than the state legislature. For my part, I am going to send Senator Cruz advice to stand firm in doing what he believes to be right and to give no thought to following your or any other individuals’ call to quit. Marvin Reeves Kyle

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.


Page 4

COMMUNITY

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • January 20, 2021

State News

Continued from pg. 1

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

not changed is the importance of making sure the voices of farm and ranch families are heard at the Capitol.” Raise Your Hand Texas officials said lawmakers can keep their promises to education despite the tight budget outlook. “Even during this difficult budget cycle, the state has options to continue investing in and fully funding public education. These options can give our schools the ability to provide the services our students need and to effectively implement targeted interventions for learning loss that occurred over the last year due to COVID-19,” Raise Your Hand Texas wrote in a statement. Jason Modglin, energy alliance president, encouraged lawmakers in search of revenue to consider whether all energy sources are paying as much as oil and gas producers. “Renewable energy projects in the state do not pay a severance tax to the state like we must do,” Modglin wrote in Shalemag.com. “Those arguing Texas and the U.S. should fully transition to renewable energy sources have offered no plan for how they will fund schools, roads and water infrastructure in the same way oil and gas severance taxes do. For example, electric vehicles are currently not required to pay for the use of roads like gasoline and diesel vehicles must.”

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in underserved rural communities. • Raise Your Hand Texas is focused on making sure public dollars remain in public schools. Some of those policy recommendations include protecting all investments made in 2019’s House Bill 3, including the funding for full-day pre-kindergarten; ensuring federal stimulus dollars are used to increase public education funding; continuing to invest in students with the goal of reaching the national average in per-student funding; and opposing any form of taxpayer subsidies to private schools and vendors, such as tax credit scholarships, education savings accounts, vouchers for students in special education and virtual vouchers. • The Texas Alliance of Energy Producers will be working with lawmakers to avoid proposals to raise taxes, impose new or higher fees, or shift additional regulatory costs onto the industry or mineral interest holders. The alliance also plans to participate in the Coalition for Critical Infrastructure to put forward reasonable solutions to address landowners’ concerns about eminent domain. “This session will have some unique challenges due to COVID protocols and how the legislative process will be conducted,” Farm Bureau President Russell Boening said. “It will be different, but what has

See solution on page 5

Park Demands Continued from pg. 1

the elementary school or at the church. There are other alternatives.” Purcell, along with the rest of council, agreed that a $648 fee is more reasonable at this time. “This is a way to collect fees on those newcomers that are going to utilize our parks,” Purcell said. “As we grow as a community

and the need rises, maybe we up it. But right now, I don’t see why we need to be higher than everybody else.” Developers will be required to pay the Park Development fees. The fees shall be paid at or prior to the final plat or site plan approval, whichever is most applicable to the project.

To Prom Or Not Continued from pg. 1

bring prom back. Then there are others who simply do not care to follow this tradition. One disapproving parent, who wanted to remain unnamed, wrote a letter to Hays High School Principal David Pierce. Last year, the parent had a senior and this year a junior. The note to Pierce said that there is a double standard. It said the school has held many events, such as football games, where the players and those on the sidelines wore no masks. The parent added that if students can go to school wearing masks, why not apply the same rule to the prom, only allowing masks to be removed when drinking. Other tips that included finding an outdoor venue and limit groups from six to 10 students. “Please reconsider your position,” the letter concluded, “because if you allow athletes to play their contact sports and intermix without masks on the sidelines and for photo opportunities … then your position on cancelling prom out of concern for safety is hypocritical and double standard.” On the opposite side of the spectrum, one mother reached out to the Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch anonymously, afraid of parents lashing back at what she believes to be an unpopular opinion. “I see many parents are upset about this,” the 43-year-old said, “we however aren’t. I think Hays did the right thing to cancel prom. It’s not the end of the world and honestly my daughter could care less about attending.” This parent is afraid of another COVID-19 outbreak, especially after hearing about kids going to parties and spreading the virus. There is a middle ground in all of this. Some parents

and community members have formed a Facebook group to create their own prom, expenses paid out of their pocket. So far, the group has 32 members on board. Melanie Byrne commented on the post which suggested creating this group saying, “at this point, we are just doing it ourselves. Cutting out the middle man and going all in. Our event, our rules.” Dr. Mike Banyasz, M.D. in emergency medicine at Baylor Scott and White, does not believe there should be a prom this year. “The prom was cancelled most likely for health and safety reasons,” Banyasz said. “Gathering a large group of kids together who are asymptomatic carriers of COVID is a terrible idea. I am a health care provider and we are struggling with COVID. Stay home, that’s my suggestion. The hospitals are struggling to find beds for sick patients.” When 15% of total hospitalizations were due to COVID-19 for seven consecutive days, Hays County and others in Central Texas had to put restrictions in place beginning Jan. 11. This change was based on Governor Greg Abbott’s Executive Order. Since September, Hays CISD has had a total of 130 documented staff COVID-19 infections and 145 documented student infections.

See solution on page 5

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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • January 20, 2021

SPORTS

Page 5

Jailbreak killing leads to manhunt A trivial incident onboard a Central Texas passenger train on Jan. 20, 1894 set in motion a series of violent events that led to a three-week manhunt and five fresh graves in the cemetery. The dominoes began to fall when a conductor booted DeWitt “Dee” Braddock off a train in Colorado County for refusing to pay the fare. The hot-tempered freeloader chunked the nearest rock at the ticket-taker as the train pulled away and

Texas History by Bartee Haile

then fired a single shot through the sleeping car. The irate railroad worker reported the incident at the next stop, the small community of Weimar. The mayor summoned the local marshal and several able-bodied citizens, and together they

followed the tracks to the source of the trouble. Dee Braddock surrendered without a struggle but gave his captors an earful all the way back to town. He informed the skeptical strangers they did not know who they were fooling with and that their ignorance could prove fatal. He already had killed two men and there was plenty of room on his pistol for a few more notches. The tough talk from the 23-year-old loudmouth

did not impress much less alarm the watchdogs of Weimar. They had seen their share of dangerous desperadoes, and he did not look the part. But Braddock was telling the truth. Three years earlier on his father’s farm near Flatonia, he shot to death two black sharecroppers. At his murder trial in La Grange, he pleaded self-defense and the jury gave him a free pass in spite of eyewitness testimony to the contrary.

In the three years since the double murder, Braddock had been suspected of numerous crimes and even arrested for train robbery. However, none of the charges stuck and the ne’er-do-well remained on the loose. If Mose Townsend had known all this about his prisoner, he might have taken appropriate precautions while serving him dinner. Instead, the constable casually unlocked the cell door like a carefree bellhop.

Braddock met him with knife in hand and demanded the six-gun from his holster. Angered by Townsend’s refusal to hand over the weapon, he buried the blade in his chest. Braddock ran from the jail with the mortally wounded constable in slow-motion pursuit. Townsend got off one wild shot before collapsing in the street, and the escapee disappeared in

Austin and Landry Neely and fiancé Ashley Savino of Austin. Kellea leaves behind seven nieces and nephews: Brant, Sara, Elizabeth, Kristina, Kasey, Miguel and Lily and many great-nieces and greatnephews. In addition, she is survived by her in-laws Sam and Jo Standridge of Kingsland. The family would like to thank Tate Pureyer, Ben Gielsman, Cory Poe and the rest of the responding officers

of the Hays County Sheriff’s Department for their support as well as the maintenance and management team of the Springs Apartments. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. At that time we will invite all the family and friends she loved to join us in honoring Kellea Maurine Standridge by sharing stories and pictures. Condolences may be sent to www. harrellfuneralhomes.com.

TEXAS HISTORY, 8

OBITUARIES PATTERSON Faith, family, friends – those are the words which define Patricia, known to all as Anne. Anne Patterson, vibrant and energetic wife, mother, grandmother and friend to all, died at her home in Buda, surrounded by her loving family, on Jan. 15, 2021 at the age of 79. Anne was born in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, England to Catherine W. Hogan and Thomas Richard Berwick. On April 1, 1961, she married the love of her life, Douglas Patterson, a young U.S. Air Force pilot, in Woodbridge, England. As Douglas was a career Air Force man, fate would have them traveling the world together, raising their children and facing life’s trials and tribulations unified as one loving family. Anne always had the ability to create a warm, inviting home within days of each move. She completed her last move in 1986, when they settled in Buda following Douglas’ retirement. Anne loved to travel and easily made friends everywhere she went. She had a warm smile, a great sense of humor, incredible comic timing

and could tell captivating stories which always had a conversational hook. Anne was a voracious Kindle reader, saving the family from moving tons of her books. She enjoyed a good glass of wine, never left a party early and could easily be found in a crowd due to her loud infectious laugh. Anne loved her faith and people, both of which were almost one in the same to her. She gave much of her time and energy to the community, volunteering at Santa Cruz Catholic Church in Buda, serving as the president of the Altar Society and as a Eucharistic minister. Anne set the standard for being well dressed and put together. Effortlessly elegant, she brought a bit of class wherever she went. Anne leaves behind so many friends and family on whom she made a lasting impact. She will be eternally missed by her loving dance partner, Douglas Patterson, her devoted children, Mark and his wife Heidi, Gary and his wife Sharon, David and Lisa and her husband Chad. Her humor and generosity will also be missed by her grandchildren, Jessica and her husband Jeremy, Jennifer and her husband Jimmy. Douglas and his wife Zeynep, Natasha, Spencer, Zoe, Ella and

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

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

Sudoku Solution

Avery. Anne was preceded in death by her infant daughter Tracy Anne as well as her parents Catherine W. Hogan and Thomas Richard Berwick. A celebration and visitation will be held frm 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20 at Harrell Funeral Home in Kyle. Her funeral mass will be hel at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 21, at Sandra Cruz Catholic Church in Buda. Interment will follow at Onion Creek Memorial Park in Austin. Visit www. Harrellfuneralhomes. com to share a fond memory, photograph or condolence with Anne’s family on her online memorial site.

STANDRIDGE Kellea Standridge, 55, died on Jan. 9 at her home in the town she loved most, Dripping Springs. She was born to William and Johnnie O’Day (Milam) on Feb. 24, 1965 in Austin. She graduated from Dripping Springs High School in 1983, where she met the love of her life, Charles Keith Standridge. After high school, she studied medicine and began working for the Greer Clinic in Wimberley. For

CHURCH OF CHRIST

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Faith Assembly of God 1030 Main St., Buda

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

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

BAPTIST

Southern Hills Church of Christ 3740 FM 967, Buda

The Connection Church 1235 S. Loop 4, Buda

EPISCOPAL

Antioch Community Church Old Black Colony Rd., Buda

First Baptist Church-Buda 104 San Marcos St., Buda First Baptist Church-Kyle 300 W. Center St., Kyle Hays Hills Baptist Church 1401 FM 1626, Buda

Manchaca Baptist Church Lowden Lane & FM 1626 Immanuel Baptist Church 4000 E. FM 150, 4 miles east of Kyle Center Union Baptist Church Goforth Rd., Buda Primera Mision Bautista Mexicana Kyle Baptist Church of Driftwood 13540 FM 150 W. CATHOLIC Santa Cruz Catholic Church 1100 Main Street, Buda

Texas Crossword, from page 4

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ASSEMBLIES OF GOD

Southeast Baptist Church 5020 Turnersville Rd., Creedmoor

Texas Crossword Solution

Full-Circle Aftercare

512-268-8200 HarrellFuneralHomes.com

Come worship with us

Sledge Chapel Missionary Baptist Church 709 Sewell, Kyle

Sudoku Puzzle, from page 4

more than 15 years, she cared for her patients both in the office as well as making home visits when she was concerned about their welfare. Kellea’s home in Dripping Springs was custom built by her husband, Keith. Love was poured into the foundation. Kellea shared this love with others and was always welcoming to the neighborhood children for a snack and Dr. Pepper or a friendly game of football or baseball in the yard. Some of these friends became family in her heart such as Linda Murphy, Michael and Luke Long, Tarrah Hendrickson and so many others. Kellea was always at a ball field or gym wearing a Texas Longhorn hoodie and visor (she loved her Texas Longhorns) watching her children play sports. She was very dedicated to and loved by her community. She was preceded in death by her parents William and Johnnie O’Day and beloved husband Charles Keith Standridge. She is survived by her brother Michael Kenneth O’Day and wife Diane O’Day, sister Laurie Molis and husband Joseph Molis, three children Haley Standridge of Spring Branch, Caden Standridge and wife Alexis Standridge of

St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church 725 RR 967, Buda St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church RR 3237 (Wimberley Rd.), Kyle St. Alban’s Episcopal Church 11819 IH-35 South JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses FM 2770, Kyle Jehovah’s Witnesses South 10802 Manchaca Rd., Manchaca LUTHERAN Living Word Lutheran ELCA 2315 FM 967, Buda Redeeming Grace Lutheran LCMS FM 1626 & Manchaca Rd., Manchaca Resurrection Church, CLBA 401 FM 967, Buda St. John Lutheran Church 9865 Camino Real, Uhland The Well Buda Buda United Methodist Church San Marcos & Elm St., Buda

Mission Fellowship Church 200 San Marcos Street, Buda

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

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

Friendly, Courteous Service

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

Call 1-866-691-2369

Word of Life Christian Faith Center 118 Trademark Drive, Buda

BUDA

Por Tu Gracia Fellowship 701 Roland Lane, Kyle

DRUG STORE

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

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

Journey United Methodist 4301 Benner Rd, Kyle, Tx

CHRISTIAN

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

New Life Christian Church 2315 FM 967, Buda

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

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

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

Driftwood United Methodist Church RR 150 at County Road 170

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

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

First Baptist Church

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

www.hayshills.org 1401 N. FM 1626

Pure Texas

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

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

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

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

Kingdom United Christian Church 100 Madison Way, Buda

Kyle United Methodist Church Sledge & Lockhart St., Kyle

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

Hays Free Press

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

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

Baptist Church

Like us on Facebook

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

METHODIST

Hays Hills

TEXAS LEHIGH CEMENT CO. LP

Nursery Provided

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

Your Hometown McDonald’s

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

512-312-2383

Locally owned and operated by Jimmy and Cindi Ferguson

Sunset Canyon Baptist Church 8:45 AM

Sunday Morning

11:00 AM

Sunday Worship

5:45 PM

Wednesday Meal

6:30 PM

Wed TouchPoint SCBC Preschool Children Ministries Youth Ministries Family Ministries

A Family of Faith... www.sunsetcanyonchurch.org

(512) 894-0480

4000 E. HWY 290


Classifieds Page 6

PUBLIC NOTICES

EMPLOYMENT

DIRECT CARE COUNSELORS

DRIVERS, CDL-A:

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

Local, Home Daily!Sign On Bonus!! Excellent Starting Pay and Benefits Package! 6mo CDL-A Exp. Req. We Help You Make it at US Foods! www.usfoods.com

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BUDA & KYLE SONIC DRIVE-INS NOW HIRING!! ALL POSITIONS! ALL SHIFTS! On the Spot Interviews & Hiring! Apply In Person TODAY OR Apply Online www.AustinSonic.com BUDA • 15330 IH-35 • 3200B FM 967

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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • January 20, 2021

273

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

TEXAS DISPOSAL SYSTEMS

TDS IS NOW HIRING! Find your career with us.

Opportunities Include: Landscape Workers, CDL Drivers, Wash Technicians, Mechanics, Labor Positions and more.

Visit our website www.texasdisposal.com/careers to view and apply! For more information call 512-329-1778

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TEXAS STATEWIDE ADVERTISING NETWORK

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Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

NOTICE OF APPLICATION AND PRELIMINARY DECISION FOR TPDES PERMIT FOR MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER AMENDMENT PERMIT NO. WQ0015293001 APPLICATION AND PRELIMINARY DECISION. Aqua Texas, Inc., 1106 Clayton Lane, Suite 400W, Austin, Texas 78723, has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for a major amendment to Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) Permit No. WQ0015293001 to authorize an increase in the discharge of treated domestic wastewater from an annual average flow not to exceed 540,000 gallons per day to an annual average flow not to exceed 1,250,000 gallons per day. TCEQ received this application on May6, 2020. The facility will be located approximately 2,500 feet northeast of the intersection of State Highway 21 and Yarrington Road, in Hays County, Texas 78640. The treated effluent will be discharged to Hemphill Creek, thence to Morrison Creek, thence to Lower San Marcos River in Segment No. 1808 of the Guadalupe River Basin. The unclassified receiving water use is limited aquatic life use for Hemphill Creek. The designated uses for Segment No. 1808 are primary contact recreation, public water supply, and high aquatic life use. In accordance with 30 Texas Administrative Code §307.5 and the TCEQ implementation procedures (June 2010) for the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards, an antidegradation review of the receiving waters was performed. A Tier 1 antidegradation review has preliminarily determined that existing water quality uses will not be impaired by this permit action. Numerical and narrative criteria to protect existing uses will be maintained. This review has preliminarily determined that no water bodies with exceptional, high, or intermediate aquatic life uses are present within the stream reach assessed; therefore, no Tier 2 degradation determination is required. No significant degradation of water quality is expected in water bodies with exceptional, high, or intermediate aquatic life uses downstream, and existing uses will be maintained and protected. The preliminary determination can be reexamined and may be modified if new information is received. This link to an electronic map of the site or facility's general location is provided as a public courtesy and is not part of the application or notice. For the exact location, refer to the application. https://tceq.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=db5bac44afbc468bbddd360f8168250f&marker=-97.845091%2C29.921881&level=12 The TCEQ Executive Director has completed the technical review of the application and prepared a draft permit. The draft permit, if approved, would establish the conditions under which the facility must operate. The Executive Director has made a preliminary decision that this permit, if issued, meets all statutory and regulatory requirements. The permit application, Executive Director's preliminary decision, and draft permit are available for viewing and copying at Kyle Public Library, 550 Scott Street, Kyle, Texas. PUBLIC COMMENT/ PUBLIC MEETING. You may submit public comments or request a public meeting about this application. The purpose of a public meeting is to provide the opportunity to submit comments or to ask questions about the application. TCEQ holds a public meeting if the Executive Director determines that there is a significant degree of public interest in the application or if requested by a local legislator. A public meeting is not a contested case hearing. OPPORTUNITY FOR A CONTESTED CASE HEARING. After the deadline for submitting public comments, the Executive Director will consider all timely comments and prepare a response to all relevant and material, or significant public comments. Unless the application is directly referred for a contested case hearing, the response to comments will be mailed to everyone who submitted public comments and to those persons who are on the mailing list for this application. If comments are received, the mailing will also provide instructions for requesting a contested case hearing or reconsideration of the Executive Director's decision. A contested case hearing is a legal proceeding similar to a civil trial in a state district court. TO REQUEST A CONTESTED CASE HEARING, YOU MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS IN YOUR REQUEST: your name, address, phone number; applicant's name and proposed permit number; the location and distance of your property/activities relative to the proposed facility; a specific description of how you would be adversely affected by the facility in a way not common to the general public; a list of all disputed issues of fact that you submit during the comment period; and the statement "[I/we] request a contested case hearing." If the request for contested case hearing is filed on behalf of a group or association, the request must designate the group's representative for receiving future correspondence; identify by name and physical address an individual member of the group who would be adversely affected by the proposed facility or activity; provide the information discussed above regarding the affected member's location and distance from the facility or activity; explain how and why the member would be affected; and explain how the interests the group seeks to protect are relevant to the group's purpose. Following the close of all applicable comment and request periods, the Executive Director will forward the application and any requests for reconsideration or for a contested case hearing to the TCEQ Commissioners for their consideration at a scheduled Commission meeting. The Commission may only grant a request for a contested case hearing on issues the requestor submitted in their timely comments that were not subsequently withdrawn. If a hearing is granted, the subject of a hearing will be limited to disputed issues of fact or mixed questions of fact and law relating to relevant and material water quality concerns submitted during the comment period. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ACTION. The Executive Director may issue final approval of the application unless a timely contested case hearing request or request for reconsideration is filed. If a timely hearing request or request for reconsideration is filed, the Executive Director will not issue final approval of the permit and will forward the application and request to the TCEQ Commissioners for their consideration at a scheduled Commission meeting. MAILING LIST. If you submit public comments, a request for a contested case hearing or a reconsideration of the Executive Director's decision, you will be added to the mailing list for this specific application to receive future public notices mailed by the Office of the Chief Clerk. In addition, you may request to be placed on: (1) the permanent mailing list for a specific applicant name and permit number; and/ or (2) the mailing list for a specific county. If you wish to be placed on the permanent and/ or the county mailing list, clearly specify which list(s) and send your request to TCEQ Office of the Chief Clerk at the address below. All written public comments and public meeting requests must be submitted to the Office of the Chief Clerk, MC 105, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, TX 78711-3087 or electronically at www14.tceq. texas.gov/epic/eComment/ within 30 days from the date of newspaper publication of this notice. INFORMATION AVAILABLE ONLINE. For details about the status of the application, visit the Commissioners' Integrated Database at www.tceq.texas.gov/goto/cid. Search the database using the permit number for this application, which is provided at the top of this notice. AGENCY CONTACTS AND INFORMATION. Public comments and requests must be submitted either electronically at www14.tceq.texas.gov/epic/eComment/, or in writing to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Office of the Chief Clerk, MC-105, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087. Any personal information you submit to the TCEQ will become part of the agency's record; this includes email addresses. For more information about this permit application or the permitting process, please call the TCEQ Public Education Program, Toll Free, at 1-800-687-4040 or visit their website at www.tceq.texas.gov/goto/pep. Si desea información en Español, puede llamar al 1-800-687-4040. Further information may also be obtained from Aqua Texas, Inc. at the address stated above or by calling Ms. Lori Bender, P.E., Weston Solutions, Inc., at 713-985-6600, Ext. 6622. Issuance Date: January 14, 2021


Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • January 20, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICES

Page 7

PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Jo Ann Childress were issued on January 11, 2021, in docket number 200334-P, pending in the County Court at Law Number of Hays County, Texas, to David Jordan Childress. All persons having claims against the estate, which is presently being administered, are required to submit them, within the time and manner prescribed by law, and before the estate is closed, addressed as follows: Representative Estate of Jo Ann Childress c/o Hollis W. Burklund 403 W. San Antonio St. Lockhart, TX 78644 Dated January 15, 2021. By /s/Hollis W. Burklund Hollis W. Burklund Attorney for Executor of the Estate of Jo Ann Childress

ADMINISTRATIVELY COMPLETE APPLICATION

Aqua Texas, Inc, (2611 FM 2325 Wimberley, TX 78676) filed a well drilling application on October 16, 2020, with the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (District) for one new nonexempt well. The well is proposed to be discretely completed in the Lower Trinity aquifer, and is planned to be used as a public water supply well to support residents connected to the Chaparral Water System Hays, Copper Hills Water System and Southwest Territory (aka

Bliss Spillar Systems). A separate Production Permit Application will be required in order to operate and produce from this well in the future. The proposed well is located in Hays County on a 1 acre tract located at Copperleaf Dr (30°8’34.15” 97°52’48.74”). Publication of this notice was published in the San Marcos record on January 13, 2021 which began a 20-day public response period for which comments, written formal protests and requests for a public hearing will be accepted by the District through the close of business February 1, 2021. Parties interested in formally participating in a hearing on a contested application should refer to District Rule 4-9.13. For further information, please contact the District, 1124 Regal Row, Austin, Texas 78748, (512) 282-8441, bseacd@ bseacd.org. You may also contact the applicant, Aqua Texas, Inc. at (512) 330-9904.

NOTICE TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS AGAINST THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL RAY MILLER

On December 14, 2020, letters testamentary for the Estate were issued to Joanne M. Summers by the County Court of Hays County, Texas, in Cause Number 20-0389-P pending upon the Probate Docket of said Court. All persons having claims against the Estate, which is currently being administered,

should present those claims within the time prescribed by law to: William D. Pargaman Attorney for Joanne M. Summers, Independent Executor 2630 Exposition Blvd., Suite 203 Austin, Texas 78703-1763

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

The Alliance Regional Water Authority (the “OWNER”) is requesting sealed written statements of qualifications for serving as the OWNER’S representative providing Materials Testing Services (RFQ No. 2020-003). ALL STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS ARE DUE BY 3:00 P.M., Central Time, on Thursday, February 4, 2021. Documents may be obtained without charge from www. CivCastUSA.com. Proponents must register on this website in order to view and/or download the Request for Qualifications. At the time a Proponent registers on this website, the Proponent must provide a working e-mail address, so the Proponent will receive any addenda or clarification issued by the OWNER. ANY STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS NOT RECEIVED BY THE DATE AND TIME SET FORTH ABOVE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR CONSIDERATION. All procurements by the OWNER are subject to the OWNER’s Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program. The Program provides HUBs

full opportunity to participate in all of the OWNER’s contracts. Goals for HUB participation are stated for each solicitation. Information on achieving the goals or documenting good faith efforts to achieve the goals are contained in the Bid Documents. When a HUB participation goal applies, each Proponent is required to complete and return a HUB Participation Plan with its Statement of Qualifications. If a HUB Participation Plan is not submitted with a Statement of Qualification, the Statement of Qualification will not be accepted for consideration. The OWNER reserves the right to reject any or all Statements of Qualifications and to waive any minor informality (one that does not affect the competitiveness of the Statement of Qualifications) in any Statement of Qualification or in the solicitation process. The persons listed below may be contacted for information regarding the Request for Qualifications. If a Proponent contacts any other officer or employee of the OWNER during the period beginning on the date this Request for Qualifications is issued and ending on the date of contract award or rejection of all Statements of Qualifications by the OWNER’s Board of Directors, any Statement of Qualification submitted by the Proponent is subject to rejection by the OWNER. Authorized Contact Persons: OWNER’s Executive Director: Graham Moore; 512-294-3214; gmoore@alliancewater.org

THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION

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

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

PUBLIC NOTICES, 8

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and south of Lehman High School, in Hays County, Texas. Page 8

NEWS/PUBLIC NOTICES

Lobos level Del Valle 4-0

PUBLIC NOTICE

PHOTOS BY MOSES LEOS III/HAYS CISD Above, Lehman High junior Hannah Loya (10) didn't let an oncoming Del Valle Cardinal defender stop her from powering into the scoring third of the field during Friday's game. Left, by putting in some extra effort Friday, Lehman High's Faith Howells (11) forcefully repositioned an unsuspecting Del Valle Cardinal defender off of the ball as she collected possession in the second half of their game at Lobo Field.

Texas History Continued from pg. 5

the dark. The well-liked lawman died four hours later without regaining consciousness. His slaying incensed the townspeople, who spent the rest of the night combing the countryside for the killer. The aroused residents were out for blood, according to a report in the Houston Post: “The feeling against the murderer here is at fever heat, and in case he is captured he would perhaps be safer in the Austin jail than he would be in the hands of the friends of Constable Townsend, his victim.” The next morning, Colorado County Sheriff Light Townsend took charge of the search for his nephew’s assassin. In the days that followed, the massive manhunt spread to five more counties (Fayette, Wharton, DeWitt, Gonzales and Karnes) but the elusive fugitive was nowhere to be found. By early February,

Free Press/News-Dispatch • January 20, 2021 The Hays Planning and Zoning Commission may recommend, and the City Council may consider, assigning district PUBLIC NOTICES, CONTINUED FROMany PAGEzoning 7 which is equivalent or more restrictive.

most folks believed Dee Braddock was long gone. They sympathized with Sheriff Townsend’s loss and respected his dogged determination but felt further pursuit was a waste of time and resources. Events soon showed the veteran lawman was not merely grasping at straws. He had a hunch that Braddock was hiding out in the vicinity of Egypt in Wharton County with a partner in crime named Henry Moore. Tipped to the killer’s exact whereabouts on Feb. 7, Townsend hurried to Egypt where he rendezvoused that afternoon with his colleague Hamilton Dickson. After putting Moore, who just happened by, under guard, the two sheriffs and four deputies went after Braddock. Townsend and Dickson were working their way through a dense thicket, when the sharp crack of a rifle confirmed they had come

to the right place. The Wharton County sheriff clutched his chest and cried out, “He has shot me!” Townsend grabbed his Winchester and fought a long-range duel with Braddock, who was firing from behind a log. Every time the outlaw raised his head, the badge-toting marksman put a bullet in him. Townsend’s fifth bull’seye finished the job. Just as the victorious posse emerged from the underbrush, Henry Moore rode up intent on avenging the dead Braddock. He fired a couple of rounds before Sheriff Townsend and the Egypt constable blew him out of the saddle. Read all about the early years of the oil frenzy in “Texas Boomtowns: A History of Blood and Oil” Order your copy for $24 (tax and shipping included) by mailing a check to Bartee Haile, P.O. Box 130011, Spring, TX 77393.

By order of the Hays County Commissioners Court, notice is hereby given that on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 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: ESTABLISHING A “NO DUMPING” ZONE ON PLUM CREEK ROAD SOUTH BETWEEN GRIST MILL ROAD AND THE LOW-WATER CROSSING NEAR UHLAND.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Skyway Towers is requesting comment concerning a 54.9-meter (overall height) lattice type telecommunications tower. The tower location is 2743 Purgatory Rd, San Marcos, TX 78666 (near 29 55 57.6N, 98 7 51.7W, NAD 83). The tower is not lighted. The FCC Form 854 File Number is A1177964. Interested persons may review the application by going to www. fcc.gov/asr/applications and entering the Form 854 File Number. Interested parties may raise environmental concerns about the proposed action by filing a Request for Environmental Review (RER) with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC strongly encourages interested parties to file RER online; instructions can be found at www.fcc.gov/asr/environmentalrequest. However, if an online request is not possible, interested parties may mail their request to: FCC Requests for Environmental Review, Attn: Ramon Williams, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554. Comments may be sent to David McGlothlin of NewFields, LLC at dmcglothlin@ newfields.com or 3265 N. Fort Apache Road, Suite 110, Las Vegas, NV 89129. Mr. McGlothlin can be reached at 828-450-0055. [Potter TX09323]

A public hearing will Hearing be held by the Notice of Public Planning and Zoning Commission on Notice is hereby Given to all interested persons, that: Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at 6:30 P.M. The City of Kyle shall hold a public hearing on a request by Clayton Properties Group, Inc., dba Brohn A public hearingto will heldzoning by the Homes (Z-21-0070) assignbe original to ap-Kyle proximately 29.8 acres of land from Agriculture City Council on Tuesday, February 16,‘AG’ 2021 to Single Family Residential-3 ‘R-1-3’ for property loat 7:00 P.M. cated southeast of Lehman Road and south of Lehman High School, in Hays County, Texas.

This is planned as Commission a virtual meeting The Planning and Zoning may recommend, and the City Council may consider, assigning taking place at https:// any zoning district which is equivalent or more restricwww.cityofkyle.com/kyletv/kyle-10tive. live. thebeCOVID-19 disaster A publicShould hearing will held by the Planning and be Zoning Commission on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at repealed between the date of this notice 6:30 P.M. and the date of the public hearing, the A public hearing will be held by the Kyle City Council location be 16, at 2021 Kyleat City Hall, 100 on Tuesday,will February 7:00 P.M. W. Center Street, Kyle, TX 78640. This is planned as a virtual meeting taking place at https://www.cityofkyle.com/kyletv/kyle-10-live. Please check the agenda for the proper Should the COVID-19 disaster be repealed between the location. date of this notice and the date of the public hearing, the location will be at Kyle City Hall, 100 W. Center

Street, Kyle, TX 78640. Please check the agenda Owner: Clayton Properties Group, Inc.,for dba the proper location. Brohn Homes Owner: Clayton Agent: AdamProperties Berry Group, Inc., dba Brohn Homes BGEBerry Inc. Agent: Adam BGE Inc.507-4361 (512) (512) 507-4361

Publication Date: January 20, 2021 Publication Date: January 20, 2021 Z-21-0070 Z-21-0070

M O R E S T O R I E S O N L I N E AT

HaysFreePress.com or www.HaysNewsDispatch.com

www.

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