WISD seeks student input on bullying
Foster child care funding accepted
Buzzer beater lifts Tigers 59-56
page 4
page 2
News-Dispatch Volume XXXX No. 16
DSISD to hold elections May 2 The Dripping Springs ISD will hold elections for two at-large positions on its board of trustees May 2. Early voting will take place April 20-28. Up for election are the seats currently held by Barbara Stroud and Ron Jones. For more information, and to obtain candidate filings, visit dsisd.tx. Wimberley ISD elections will be held in November.
Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982
page 6
75¢
Thursday, January 23, 2020
ACLU says Wimberley ISD legal threat over logo violates freedom of speech BY CAMELIA JUAREZ
The ACLU is now stepping in to protect parents’ freedom of speech after the Wimberley Independent School District (WISD) threatened legal action against parents who posted a Texan logo with a pride flag in the background.
“Wimberley ISD is not only violating the First Amendment but also wasting potentially thousands of taxpayer dollars at the detriment of Wimberley students and parents.” –ACLU’s letter to the Wimberley School District
A six-page letter from the ACLU details how WISD’s actions violated parents' First Amend-
ment rights, through ‘the chilling effect’, the term used by the U.S. Supreme Court regarding the
concept of deterring free speech. In the letter, the ACLU requested that the district retract its email
threatening legal action and drop all further actions against parents by Jan. 17. “Wimberley ISD is not only violating the First Amendment but also wasting potentially thousands of taxpayer dollars at the detriment of
WISD LOGO ISSUE, 8
LIVING STRONG
Dripping Springs and Wimberley holding municipal elections May 2 BY CHASE ROGERS The cities of Dripping Springs and Wimberley are holding municipal elections on May 2, with early voting April 20-28. In Dripping Springs, voters will be deciding on three positions: Places 2 and 4 and the city’s mayoral seat. Incumbents in places 2 and 4 are Wade King and John Kroll, respectively. Todd Purcell is the incumbent mayor. Applications for a slot on the ballot opened Jan. 15 and will be accepted until Feb. 16. Prospective candidates can apply by submitting an application, found on the city’s website, to Dripping Springs City Hall at 511 Mercer St. In Wimberley, voters will also decide City Council Places 2 and 4 and the mayor’s seat, with early voting April 20-28. Place 2 is currently held by Craig
LOCAL ELECTIONS, 3
Springs Family YMCA sponsors cancer survivor program BY CHASE ROGERS The Springs Family YMCA has begun the spring session of its LIVESTRONG at YMCA program, a program poised to help mitigate the side effects of cancer treatment on survivors. Members chosen for the program undergo physical exercises to improve muscle mass, strength, flexibility and endurance while improving mental qualities, including confidence and self-esteem. The 12-week program is offered at no cost to participating members, includes a free YMCA gym membership for the duration of the program, which began Jan. 13 and runs to April 1 on
“When people are walking through this cancer journey, they love having a group of people who understand what they are going through and that maybe they will get a new resource from. For most of these people, they love getting stronger, but it’s about the community they build.” –Bernadette Johnson, Health and Wellness director
Mondays and Thursdays from 1:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. LIVESTRONG, an Austin-based nonprofit organization created by professional cyclist and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong, introduced the program with curriculum aiming to help cancer survivors return to physical activity during or after cancer
treatment. Health and Wellness Instructor and Group Exercise Coordinator Kim Castro works at the Buda YMCA location and oversees five other YMCA locations’ LIVESTRONG programs, including the Springs Family location. Castro said the programs cover a wide array of activities and vary YMCA to YMCA,
Property tax deadline Jan. 13 STAFF REPORT
using a credit/debit/eamount by Jan. 31 are check option (vendor fee encouraged to pay as Hays County Tax applies); by mail at 712 much as possible so that Assessor-Collector S. Stagecoach Trail, Suite they accrue as little as Jenifer O’Kane reminds 1120, San Marcos, TX possible. property owners that 78666 (mail-in payments Persons who pay 2019 property taxes are not accepted at quarterly and have must be paid in full by precinct offices, and 65-or-older, disabled Friday, Jan. 31, to avoid payments are person, or penalties and interest. credited as of disabled “There are a variety the postmark veteran tax of payment options date); and exemptions See more tax available,” O’Kane said. by phone at and have information, “And if you wait until the 1-888-546made their page 5 31st, chances are you will 4337 (credit/ first payment find yourself in a crowd.” debit card on or before Taxpayers can vendor fee Jan. 31 are drop off a check in applies). not assessed penalty and person or in the drop Beginning Saturday, interest. box at any of the Tax Feb 1, seven percent Questions about your Assessor-Collector’s penalty and interest property tax bill are locations (Hays County will be added to answered by emailing Government Center and property accounts with Jenifer.okane@co.hays. all four precinct offices); outstanding balances. tx.us or by calling the pay online at www. Taxpayers who are main office at 512-393hayscountytax.com by not able to pay the full 5545.
with accommodations made for instructors, members and available facilities. “(Activities) can change week to week. One week can be in the fitness center where you’ve got people using the machines and then next week it’ll be in the group exercise room where you’ll be doing a more senior-fitness kind
of class,” Castro said. “(The program) is very customizable with what that branch will decide to do with the 12 weeks.” Members participate in yoga, stretching exercises, strength exercises, water aerobics and Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese martial art incorporating slow, focused movement to target certain muscle groups. Health and Wellness Director Bernadette Johnson, who works at the Spring Family YMCA, said specialized exercises like Tai Chi and water aerobics are easily tailored for and greatly benefit members. “Water is beautiful, but especially for our cancer survivors,” John-
YMCA CANCER PROGRAM, 7
CORRECTIONS Wimberley logo story
In the Jan. 16 edition of the News-Dispatch, an incorrect story was printed concerning the controversy over the logo of the Wimberley ISD Texans being altered with the addition of a rainbow flag. A lapse in our story flow procedures turned around and bit us, and we have taken steps to ensure that it does not happen again. The story that was supposed to run in that edition has been available online since Jan. 15 and will continue to be. That story is also printed at the top of this page.
Jail’s Securus contract
A story in the Jan. 16 edition of the News-Dispatch concerning a new contract approved by the Hays County Commissioners Court with Securus Inc. to handle jail communications including inmate phone calls and video visitation contained an error. It said that the new contract would drop the cost of a 15-minute phone call from $10.41 to 80 cents. In fact, the correct number is $4.80, instead of 80 cents.
Wimberley brothers & Grammys There were a couple of misspelled names in the story: The restaurant where Buck worked is Juan Enrique’s, it was Django Porter who invited Buck to Blue Grass Nights, and the bartender who noticed Buck was Brandon Gist. We regret these mistakes and sincerely apologize.
Page 2
News-Dispatch
News -Dispatch PHONE: 512-268-7862 FAX: 512-268-0262 PUBLISHER Cyndy Slovak-Barton csb@haysfreepress.com
EDITOR Anita Miller anita@bartonpublicationsinc.com
REPORTERS
Thursday, January 23, 2020
County accepts funding for foster child care BY ANITA MILLER
Hays County children in foster care will have the opportunity to participate in more extra-curricular activities and Child Protective Services will have more support in pursuing professional training due to the donations of one governmental body, one nonprofit foundation and one individual.
The Commissioners Court on Tuesday accepted $25,5000 in grant funding for the Hays County Child Protective Board (HCCPB). The award included $15,000 from the city of San Marcos, $10,000 from the Dunagan Foundation and $500 from E.B. Crook. According to agenda material, the funds will be used for: • Basic clothing
• Participation in extracurricular school activities and scholastic achievements • Equipment and services to encourage and assist academic success and improve graduation rates • Recognition of significant milestones • Provide for physical and mental health services not covered by governmental pro-
grams • Provide support for CPS workers participation in professional training • Increase public awareness of child abuse. The HCCPB is an all-volunteer organization founded in 1978 to work with governmental agencies to “assist and enhance the lives of children of families in crisis by providing needed support and services not other-
wise available under the state mandated program,” the organization’s web page says. The group annually sponsors fundraising events that have included the Buda Child Wellness Extravaganza, Founders Day Parade in Dripping Springs and Youth Fest in San Marcos. For more visit hayscocpb.org or find them on Facebook.
Chase Rogers Camelia Juarez PRODUCTION David White david@haysfreepress.com Elizabeth Garcia design@haysfreepress.com ADVERTISING/MARKETING Tracy Mack ads@bartonpublicationsinc.com
Jim Darby ads@haysfreepress.com
PHOTOGRAPHER Wayland Clark PROOFREADER Jane Kirkham CIRCULATION MANAGER/ LEGAL NOTICES Verna Wommack paper@ haysnewsdispatch.com
News-Dispatch (USPS 011 - 401) is published weekly except for the weeks following July 4
Zwiener out front in fundraising, Isaac has more cash on hand BY ANITA MILLER In the race for Texas House District 45, incumbent Democrat Erin Zwiener raised more cash between July 1 and Dec. 31 of last year, though one of her Republican challengers, Carrie Isaac, has the most cash on hand as of the reporting deadline of Jan. 15. Also in the GOP primary race are Kent “Bud” Wymore and Austin Talley. Isaac is the wife of former State Rep. Jason Isaac, whose seat Zwiener won after he lost the Republican primary to U.S. Rep. Chip Roy in the District 21 race. According to filings through the Elections Division of the Texas Secretary of State, Zwiener, of Driftwood, has raised a total of $109,467.14.She listed expenditures totaling $56,446.42 and had $75,336.15 on hand.
Isaac is the wife of former State Rep. Jason Isaac, whose seat Zwiener won after he lost the Republican primary to U.S. Rep. Chip Roy in the District 21 race. Isaac, of Wimberley, listed total political contributions of $51,686.36 and expenditures of $58,405.90. Her report
says that she has $108,546.64 in cash onhand. Neither woman listed any loans. Wymore, meanwhile, listed total political contributions of $57,465.26 and expenditures totaling $38,363.20. His cash on hand was listed as $80,185.55 and he listed no loans. He is a resident of Driftwood. Talley, of Dripping Springs, reported $780 in contributions and $8,650.94 in expenditures. He said that his cash on hand totaled $971. No loans were listed by Talley. The last day to register to vote in the March 3 primaries is Monday, Feb. 3. Early voting will begin Tuesday, Feb. 18 and continue through Friday, Feb. 28. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on election day and Hays County voters can cast their ballots at any of the county’s Voting Centers.
and Christmas by Barton Publications, Inc., 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640. SUBSCRIPTION PRICE $42 local, $59 county, $62 out of state. Periodicals Postage paid at Buda, TX. Email paper@ haysnewsdispatch.com for subscriptions and address changes. POSTMASTER: send address changes to News-Dispatch, PO Box 339, Buda, TX 78610 LETTERS GUIDELINES We welcome locally written letters to the editor on timely topics of community interest. We ask that you keep them to about 350 words in length and that you not indulge in personal attacks on private individuals. Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity. All letters should be signed by the author and include a daytime phone number where the author can be contacted for verification. Letter writers are limited to one letter per month. Letters can be emailed to csb@ haysfreepress.com.
Frequently flooded agricultural land may be eligible for assistance SUBMITTED REPORT The USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Texas is taking applications through Feb. 15 for floodplain easements through the Emergency Watershed Protection Floodplain Easement Program (EWPP-FPE). The program’s focus is to provide landowners with another option for frequently flooded properties such as agricultural fields, forested land, fallow land, pasture and, in certain situations, residential areas in cooperation with a qualified sponsor. Through the EWPPFPE program, eligible applicants voluntarily agree to sell a permanent conservation easement to the United States through NRCS. EWPPFPE is administered in locations where a Presidential Disaster Declaration has been made or areas identified and funded through Congressional legislation. For eligibility, the applicant must have documented evidence of flooding which occurred at least once within the previous calendar year
For eligibility, the applicant must have documented evidence of flooding which occurred at least once within the previous calendar year or at least twice within the previous 10 years. Lands inundated or damaged because of dam breach also qualify. or at least twice within the previous 10 years. Lands inundated or damaged because of dam breach also qualify. Compensation is based
on fair market value. “Landowners across the Texas have faced – and continue to face – significant challenges from flooding and natural disasters,” said Darren Richardson, acting NRCS state conservationist for Texas. “This easement program offers an option that alleviates the stress of operating in a floodplain while still retaining ownership of their property.” A major goal of EWPPFPE is to restore the floodplain functions and values to the greatest extent practicable. Structures, including buildings, fences, pipes, etc., within the floodplain easement must be demolished and/ or removed, or relocated outside the affected floodplain area. The costs of all restoration practices are also paid for through the program, and the landowner can participate in the restoration efforts. To apply for the program, visit the local USDA Service Center for an application package. Applications will be prioritized by a statewide ranking.
Worship in a church of your choice Call 512-268-7862 to join the church directory today.
Sunset Canyon Baptist Church 8:45 AM
Sunday Morning
11:00 AM
Sunday Worship
5:45 PM
Wednesday Meal
6:30 PM
Wed TouchPoint
A Family of Faith...
SCBC Preschool Children Ministries Youth Ministries Family Ministries
www.sunsetcanyonchurch.org
(512) 894-0480
4000 E. HWY 290
St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church Mass Schedule Saturday: 5 p.m. Sunday: 8:15 a.m., 11 a.m., 5 p.m. Spanish Mass Sunday: 1:30 p.m.
512-858-5667
Rev. Justin Nguyen, pastor
Dripping Springs fee schedule ordinance amendments approved STAFF REPORT
Proposed amendments to the city of Dripping Springs’ Fee Schedule Ordinance were adopted at the Jan. 14 city council meeting. The fee schedule was updated to meet state law requirements and to reflect the increased staff and resources costs for various services • Section 7 – including planning and Residential Building development, building Code services, and parks Reduction of services. Changes to the the Swimming Fee Schedule include: Pool Permit Fee to $450, making • Section 2 – Signs it comparable to Adding the city’s other Central Texas sign permit fee chart jurisdictions. for ease of use by sign applicants. • Section 9 – Parks & Recreation • Section 3 – Site Increased fees Development based on increased Increased fees costs. based on increased More staff and resource programming will costs. be added for the Reinspection fees community. added for projects where reinspection Fees will go into is required due to effect Jan. 30. After that construction errors date, the updated fee which have not schedule ordinance will been fixed by the be posted on the city’s applicant. website.
PEC accepting nominations for three director positions STAFF REPORTS
background information and collecting The Pedernales member signatures. Electric Coop (PEC) is Fully completed now accepting nomipetitions must be nations for its board of received by or hand directors in districts 2, delivered to the Board 3 and 4. Recording Secretary at Elections in districts PEC at 201 S. Avenue 2 and 3 are for threeF, Johnson City, TX, year terms. The person 78636, no later than 5 elected to district 4 p.m. on March 23. will serve the unexApplicants must pired two-year term reside in the district of former director Jim and have received PEC Powers, who resigned electric service for his position last year. at least one year and Applicants may must obtain verifiaccess the nomination able signatures from forms online, down50 members who live load them and fill them within the nominee’s out at their convedistrict. nience. The forms A qualifications reinclude qualification view committee comrequirements, detailed prised of members will instructions, an appliverify nominees’ qualcation, maps of PEC ifications. After that, board districts and PEC will announce the forms for submitting candidates.
News-Dispatch
Located at the corner of RR 12 & Post Oak in Dripping Springs
www.stmartindp.org
• Section 4 – Subdivision Fees Increased fees based on increased staff and resource costs. Reinspection fees added for projects where reinspection is required due to construction errors which have not been fixed by the applicant.
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Thursday, January 23, 2020
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Page 3
Seniors urged to avoid common Police Blotter mistakes on mail-in ballots
The following is a tally of all calls made to law enforcement within Hays County between Jan. 1 and Jan. 8, 2020.
STAFF REPORT
• Voters who will be out of the county during both early voting and Election Day. The ballot itself must be mailed to and from an out-ofcounty address.
Only one ballot is allowed per envelope As the 2020 primaries (even for married couples approach, Jennifer or persons at the same Anderson, Hays County address), and if more than Elections administrator, one election is occurring wants to make sure that simultaneously ensure persons applying for and that each ballot matchDouble-check not once casting a mail-in ballot es the correct envelope but twice to ensure understand there are before sealing the envethe application is not several common errors lope. Forever stamps can rejected that by law will cause your be used on the envelopes. Make sure the application or ballot to be Make sure your ballot is application is completely rejected. mailed in plenty of time to filled out and signed by “In every election, reach the Elections Office the voter. The signature some of the applications must match the signature by the deadline. for a mail-in ballot and As with the application, on your ballot. The some of the mail-in address on the application the signature on the ballot ballots themselves are must match the address envelope must match the rejected by law because on the voter registration signature on the ballot-byof unintentional errors, card. And, apply for the mail application. A spouse some of which are very ballot as early as possible or parent cannot sign the easy to make,” Anderson to ensure time to receive said. “Our office wants ballot envelope for the the ballot, vote, and send to help end these errors, voter. The envelope MUST the ballot back to the and we’ve compiled a be signed in the red box Elections Office. list of the most common over the flap. Not signing During even-numbered is a reason for rejection of mistakes.” years, political parties, the ballot. candidates and groups APPLYING FOR A Persons assisting a often send out “pre-filled” MAIL-IN BALLOT voter with a ballot must applications for ballotplace their own name, by-mail. If you do use the address, and signature on Who is eligible: preprinted version, make • Registered voters 65 the envelope. sure that the address years or older on the Deadline for the Elecand party affiliation (for first Election Day in tions Office to receive a primary election) are which they plan to vote marked and correct, and your ballot is March can apply annually that you have signed 3, (Election Day) by 7 beginning Jan. 1 to the application. The p.m. The ballot must be receive mail-in ballots Election Office always mailed in and can only for the calendar year by urges voters to visit the be hand-delivered to the marking the application elections website and Election Office by the as such. The ballot print the official ballotvoter on Election Day. must be reapplied for by-mail application for Mail ballots cannot be each January; it is not complete instructions and hand-delivered to a pollautomatically renewed. information on how to ing location unless they • Disabled voters properly fill out the form are being surrendered and can apply annually to avoid rejection of the cancelled. beginning Jan. 1 to application and resulting Questions? Visit the receive mail-in ballots time delays with the Hays County Elections Offor the calendar year by ballot. fice or the Texas Secretary marking the application Deadline to apply for as such. The ballot ballot-by-mail for the March of State’s Elections Office must be reapplied for primary election is Feb. 21. for information or call the Hays County Elections each January; it is not Casting (mailing) your automatically renewed. mail-in ballot Office at 512-393-7310.
Local Elections Continued from pg. 1
Fore and Place 4 is held by Gary Barchfeld. Susan Jaggers is the incumbent mayor. Two contesting candidates have filed so far for the May 2 election: Gina Fulkerson for mayor and Teresa Shell for Place 2. The period for submit-
ting an application to run for a seat on the council began Jan. 15 and will continue until Feb. 14. Prospective candidates can access the application packet on the city of Wimberley’s website. More information con-
cerning Dripping Springs’s criterion for prospective mayoral and council candidates can be found on its website. More information concerning Wimberley’s mayoral and council elections can be found on its website.
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Springs Family YMCA Benefits • FREE Group Exercise Programs • FREE Child Watch for Y Members • FREE Y Active Sessions with a Personal Fitness Coach • Full-Size Gymnasium for basketball, pickleball, volleyball and more • Swim Lessons, Pools & Water Exercise • Two Lighted Tennis Courts • DISCOUNTS for Y Members on Sports Leagues, Swim Lessons, Camps & More!
The Y empowers everyone -- no matter who you are or where you’re from. We strengthen communities by connecting all people to their potential, purpose and to each other.
Springs Family YMCA 27216 RR 12 South in Dripping Springs (512) 894-3309 l AustinYMCA.org FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE
Civil Matter............................................................... 5
Drone Deployment.................................................. 3
Information............................................................. 10
Viol City Ordinance.................................................. 2
Compliance Check.................................................. 5
Missing Person........................................................ 2
Sex Offender Registry............................................. 8
Runaway.................................................................. 1
Property- Lost/Found/Imp...................................... 3
Public Assist.......................................................... 13
Civil Process Service............................................. 14
Community Contact.............................................. 30
Alarm Business...................................................... 30
Disabled Vehicle.................................................... 30
Alarm Residential.................................................. 34
Foot Patrol............................................................... 8
Alarm Unknown/General......................................... 2
Close Patrol......................................................... 190
Animal Calls........................................................... 95
Parent Discipline Assist.......................................... 2
Field Euthanasia...................................................... 4
Flagged Down......................................................... 4
Loose Livestock.................................................... 21
Unsecure Open Building......................................... 2
Assault – Aggravated.............................................. 1
Welfare Concern.................................................... 32
Assault..................................................................... 4
Suicidal Person........................................................ 4
Sexual Assault......................................................... 1
Investigation.......................................................... 12
Assist EMS............................................................. 16
Supplement........................................................... 52
Assist Fire Dept....................................................... 5
Suspicious Circumstances................................... 27
Assist Outside Agency.......................................... 14
Extradition................................................................ 2
Burglary Habitation................................................. 5
Suspicious Person................................................. 15
Burglary Vehicle....................................................... 5
Suspicious Vehicle................................................ 43
Criminal Mischief................................................... 10
Wanted Person........................................................ 7
Illegal Dumping........................................................ 2
Identity Theft............................................................ 1
Death Investigation................................................. 1
Theft....................................................................... 20
Fireworks................................................................. 1
Accident Minor...................................................... 26
Disturbance Noise................................................... 8
Accident Hit and Run............................................ 11
Disturbance Physical Fight..................................... 6
Accident Major/Injury............................................ 20
Disturbance Verbal................................................ 14
Accident Unknown.................................................. 2
Child Custody.......................................................... 2
Abandoned/Stored Vehicle................................... 10
Violation of Order.................................................... 1
Traffic Control/Direction.......................................... 4
Drug Paraphenalia................................................... 1
Directed/Area Enforce........................................... 36
Narcotics/Information............................................. 2
Traffic Hazard......................................................... 21
Public Intoxication................................................... 1
Attempt to Locate................................................. 34
Fraud........................................................................ 5
Parking Enforcement............................................... 1
Impersonating LE Officer........................................ 1
Traffic Stop........................................................... 601
Credit/Debit Abuse.................................................. 5
Trespassing/Unwanted........................................... 7
Harassment.............................................................. 6
911 Abandoned/Open......................................... 188
Threat....................................................................... 5
911 Abon/Misdial/Open.......................................... 1
Mental Health Invest............................................... 8
911 Hang Up............................................................ 1
Mental Health Transport.......................................... 2
Deadly Conduct....................................................... 1
Canine Search......................................................... 3
Discharge Firearm................................................... 9
Canine Training........................................................ 1
Private Tow/Repo.................................................. 18
Below is a sample of events reported by law enforcement from Jan. 1 through Jan. 8, 2020. The location is where the event was reported or responded to and may not necessarily be where the event occured. Agency Activity
Time
Location
BPD
Disturbance - Phys/Fight 01/01/2020
Date
13:33:25
15570 IH 35 FR Buda Cabelas
BPD
Disturbance - Phys/Fight 01/02/2020
5:51:27
1480 Cabelas Dr Buda Silverado Crossing Apt
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight 01/01/2020
16:42:44
Oakwood Loop San Marcos
HCSO
Missing Person
01/01/2020
17:52:02
Tuscany Park Apartments Buda
HCSO
Vehicle Theft
01/01/2020
9:09:32
S Turnersville Rd Buda
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 01/01/2020
20:44:32
2400 block W Fitzhugh Rd Dripping Springs
HCSO
Burglary - Habitation
01/02/2020
14:03:21
RR 2325 Wimberley
HCSO
Burglary - Habitation
01/02/2020
15:33:55
Maeves Way Austin
HCSO
Burglary - Habitation
01/02/2020
19:41:07
Redbud Trl Buda
HCSO
Burglary - Vehicle
01/02/2020
18:32:07
Champions Cir Woodcreek
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight 01/02/2020
19:08:38
Iron Rail Rd Dripping Springs
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight 01/03/2020
3:12:49
Duchess Pass Kyle
BPD
Suicidal Person
01/02/2020
23:39:41
1278 Cabelas Dr Buda Carrington Oaks
HCSO
Suicidal Person
01/02/2020
18:13:13
Windy Hill Rd/Andrews Xing Kyle
BPD
Accident - Major/Injury 01/02/2020
20:48:35
N FM 1626/RR 967 Buda
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 01/02/2020
11:17:16
Crystal Hill Dr/RR 1826 Austin
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 01/02/2020
14:29:07
190 Chalk Bluff Ct Driftwood
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 01/02/2020
22:14:11
8100 block RR 3237 Driftwood
BPD
Burglary - Vehicle
01/03/2020
6:21:19
Stone Rim Loop Buda
HCSO
Burglary - Vehicle
01/03/2020
7:37:18
Fossilstone Trl Buda
HCSO
Burglary - Vehicle
01/03/2020
8:13:24
Shale Cir Buda
HCSO
Burglary - Vehicle
01/03/2020
8:16:19
Buda Trails At Buda Ranch Apts
HCSO
Burglary - Vehicle
01/03/2020
9:09:48
Shale Cir Buda
HCSO
Burglary - Vehicle
01/03/2020
9:10:36
Buda Trails At Buda Ranch Apts
HCSO
Burglary - Vehicle
01/03/2020
10:16:03
Tanzanite Cir Buda
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight 01/03/2020
7:07:28
Hunter Ridge Rd San Marcos
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight 01/04/2020
3:36:02
Dacy Ln Kyle
HCSO
Assault/Sex Aslt/Stun Gun 01/03/2020
6:42:12
Iron Rail Rd Dripping Springs
BPD
Assault
01/04/2020
14:42:35
1278 Cabelas Dr Buda Carrington Oaks
BPD
Assault
01/04/2020
22:44:44
HEB of Buda
HCSO
Burglary - Habitation
01/04/2020
14:26:59
Naples Ln Austin
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight 01/04/2020
9:48:30
Timberline Trl Austin
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight 01/04/2020
19:20:24
Old Bastrop Hwy San Marcos Dollar General
BPD
Drug Paraphernalia
01/04/2020
19:08:37
Jackson Tyler Norris Memorial Skate Park Buda
BPD
Missing Person
01/04/2020
19:11:28
1115 Main St Buda Buda Flooring Store
HCSO
Missing Person
01/04/2020
12:12:19
1141 Currie Ranch Rd Wimberley
HCSO
Suicidal Person
01/04/2020
21:51:36
Camino Real San Marcos
HCSO
Vehicle Theft
01/04/2020
18:07:00
Buda Trails At Buda Ranch Apts
HCSO
Vehicle Theft
01/04/2020
22:14:09
Mariah Dr Kyle
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 01/04/2020
20:27:27
15555 IH 35 Buda Tractor Supply Of Buda
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 01/05/2020
2:27:38
2651block N Old Bastrop Hwy San Marcos
HCSO
Burglary - Vehicle
01/05/2020
12:46:50
E Mccarty Ln San Marcos
HCSO
Burglary - Vehicle
01/05/2020
13:18:11
Bell Springs Rd Dripping Springs
BPD
Disturbance - Phys/Fight 01/05/2020
23:50:16
Stone Rim Loop Buda
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight 01/05/2020
15:11:13
Nutty Brown Rd Austin
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight 01/05/2020
17:14:39
Dryden Ln Buda
HCSO
Suicidal Person
01/05/2020
13:35:23
River Run Dripping Springs
BPD
Vehicle Theft
01/06/2020
5:34:19
14500 IH 35 Fr Buda Fast Break 4
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 01/05/2020
14:04:05
Nutty Brown Rd/W Us 290 Austin
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 01/05/2020
18:31:47
W RR 150/Woods Loop Driftwood
BPD
Assault
01/06/2020
10:21:23
205 W Goforth St Buda Budas Bright Side
HCSO
Burglary - Building
01/06/2020
6:52:39
Cotton Gin Rd Kyle
BPD
Burglary - Vehicle
01/06/2020
15:12:47
550 Old San Antonio Rd Buda Cracker Barrel
HCSO
Death Investigation
01/06/2020
8:54:40
Dripping Springs Mentus Neuro Health Care
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight 01/06/2020
20:22:22
Pebble Creek Ln Buda
HCSO
Suicidal Person
01/06/2020
22:02:48
Adoquin Trl Buda
BPD
Accident - Major/Injury 01/06/2020
20:17:30
15855 IH 35 Fr Buda Camper Clinic
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 01/06/2020
18:40:33
2550 block Centerpoint Rd San Marcos
HCSO
Assault
01/07/2020
16:05:23
S FM 1626 Buda Alpha Business
HCSO
Burglary - Habitation
01/07/2020
16:29:06
Magnolia Blossom Cv Driftwood
BPD
Disturbance - Phys/Fight 01/07/2020
22:30:00
Buda Silverado Crossing Apartments
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight 01/07/2020
16:37:05
Golden Cv Kyle
BPD
Missing Person
13:35:59
Buda Elm Grove Elementary School
BPD
Accident - Major/Injury 01/07/2020
9:25:05
Marlstone Trl/IH 35 Fr Buda
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 01/07/2020
6:46:07
W Us 290/Sawyer Ranch Rd Dripping Springs
HCSO
Assault
01/08/2020
18:37:15
Deer Lake Est Wimberley
HCSO
Burglary - Habitation
01/08/2020
13:44:31
Cypress Point Dr Woodcreek
HCSO
Burglary - Habitation
01/08/2020
17:26:10
Owl Hollow Rd San Marcos
BPD
Accident - Major/Injury 01/08/2020
21:50:23
RR 967/Oyster Crk Buda
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 01/08/2020
14:36:23
Dripping Springs Elementary
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 01/08/2020
18:15:54
Founders Park Rd/RR 12 Dripping Springs
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 01/08/2020
19:21:05
Dollar General of Dripping Springs
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 01/08/2020
20:32:25
800 Hays Country Acres Rd Dripping Springs
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 01/09/2020
4:51:05
8145 block RR 12 San Marcos
01/07/2020
Page 4
News-Dispatch
Thursday, January 23, 2020
PHOTO BY MICHAEL CARIAGA, PHOTOGRAPHY.MICHAELCARIAGA.COM
Livestock Show 2020
The Hays County Youth Livestock Show kicked off Jan. 11 with a horse show and introduction of the 2019-2020 Queen’s Court. Livestock show festivities will continue through Saturday, Jan. 25. Queen’s Court consists of (front row, l-r): Duchess Arielle Wortham, Duchess Caitlyn Warren, Duchess Rebekah McDaniel, Duchess Hannah Griffin, Princess Faith Baxter, Queen Grace Vasicek, Queen Emeritus Mia Cariaga, Duchess Alyssa Tate, Duchess Konleigh Eben, Duchess Annaleah Lombardo (back row, l-r) Ambassador Hunter Savage-Pierce, Ambassador Weston Gutierrez, Ambassador Guy Massey, Senior Ambassador Ty Dahlstrom, Senior Ambassador Emeritus Joseph Nino, Ambassador Jacob Hill, Ambassador Hayden Lugo, Ambassador Mason Elmer, Ambassador Caleb Covarrubias.
WISD superintendent meets with students to discuss bullying, mental health solutions BY CAMELIA JUAREZ
While the community is divided over the controversial alterations to the Wimberley Texan logo, students have created an open line of communication with administrators, such as counselors, principals and Superintendent Dwain York. Students heavily influenced and expanded an anti-bullying resource document under the guidance of Amy Lyles, Wimberley ISD Director of Student Support Services. For the past year, Wimberley High School students have been meeting with Lyles, who spends her time asking students how the district can improve and understand student safety.
Lyles said she collaborated with the Wimberley High School Spectrum Club, which is a student led initiative that strives to improve the district through student input. Last year students informed administrators of several issues, which inspired implementation of new programs, such as the wellness center and outside agencies now helping the district. Revamping an anti-bullying resource document is the latest and on-going collaborative solutions effort. Students pointed out gaps in the current document and administrators are working to create processes that fill those gaps. Educating students and staff is an initiative led by students and Lyles ex-
Revamping an anti-bullying resource document is the latest and ongoing collaborative solutions effort. Student’s pointed out gaps in the current document and administrators are working to create processes that fill those concerning gaps.
students saying that they want to hurt themselves or others, according to the WISD website. Students felt that the reporting system wasn’t enough. Amid recent political tensions, Lyles said that students’ concerns have led to a plan of action before recent district issues. plained what that educadoing that, then this is how “In case it appears that tion looks like. you go about reporting it,” this is reactive, I want to go “Our next step is to Lyles said. back to the wellness center. educate high school and Currently, the reporting We gave students a voice to junior high teachers and system in place is called ask for what they needed students. We’re still in the P3, which is anonymous support-wise in school. process of formulating this, and is a safe, instant place Every single time a student but it starts with questions for students to report any has brought up an idea, like, what is harassment? concern, from a student I’ve helped build the bridge We all need the same reporting that they are between students and understanding of what that feeling bullied, or sharing York. The answer is always means. Then, what do we concerns about a student yes. There has been action do when we see it hapwith a weapon, social metowards their needs for a pening? The third step is, dia posts that might scare long time, not just because if it doesn’t get better after them or conversations with this is going on now. They
have been heard or the programs here wouldn’t already be in place,” Lyles said. York has attended Spectrum club meetings for the past year and before the 2019 winter break he bought the students lunch to spend more time talking with students. After making several appearances and hearing students’ concerns, he believes the line of communication is open between himself and students. “We’ve had this agreement all along that you[students] can say what you want to say. View me as a vessel to help you. My perception is that they feel much more comfortable talking to me because they will talk very bluntly to you,” York said.
PHOTO COURTESY OF HAYS COUNTY Left to right, Precinct 2 Commissioner Mark Jones, Precinct 1 Commissioner Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe, Assistant Hays County Veteran Services Officer Miles Nelson, County Judge Ruben Becerra, Hays County Director of Veteran Services Jude Prather, Hays County Assistant Veteran Services Officer and County VSO of the Year Sasha Matthews, Texas Veterans Commission Southwest District Manager Mike Jaeger, Precinct 3 Commissioner Lon Shell, and Precinct 4 Commissioner Walt Smith.
Assistant Veteran Services Officer named VSO of the Year, among other awards STAFF REPORT
Veteran Services Officer Jude Prather said. “She The Hays County Com- is a calm, no-nonsense missioners Court congrat- yet friendly proponent ulated Assistant Veteran for our claimants, often Services Officer II Sasha going above and beyond Matthews for her recogni- to assist them, and has an tion by the Texas Veterans impressive success rate. Commission as County Her expertise has helped Veteran Services Officer of change a lot of veterans’ the Year during a special lives. Other county offices meeting on Dec. 23. She have tried to lure her was also recognized with away from Hays County the Achievement Award to work her magic in their for the Texas Veterans offices, and while so far Commission Southwest they’ve failed at that she District, and a statewide is always willing to offer Claims Excellence Award them advice.” for her stellar benefits “These awards caught advice to veterans in Hays me off guard,” Matthews County. said. “I never thought this Texas Veteran Services would be something I Southwest District Manag- would ever be recognized er Mike Jaeger, who overfor. I started off as an sees 54 counties, nomiintern here and from then nated Matthews for the knew what I wanted to awards. “Her expertise has do. Our office is not only helped the Hays County a place where we help Veteran Services Office veterans with claims, we increase compensation are family.” coming in for veterans by Matthews served more $5.3 million,” Jaeger said. than three years as an Air“Sasha has been a key craft Avionics Technician contributor to a more before working on her than 300 percent indegree at Texas State Unicrease in productivity versity, where she was also for our office,” County a work-study student at
the Hays County Veteran Services Office. After four months she was hired as the Hays County Veterans
Treatment Court Coordinator and during her year in that position she helped grow the court’s capacity
by threefold. In 2016 she returned to the County’s Veteran Services Office as an assis-
tant VSO and has helped countless area veterans with their claims and benefits needs.
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Page 5
Free E-filing services at DSISD administration STAFF REPORT
School District Administration building Free assistance with at 510 West Mercer income tax preparation is Street. Volunteers are available through DSISD available at this site at Community Services, a new time – Thursdays which is sponsoring the Feb. 6 through April 9 local Tax-Aide program, (except during spring located at the Dripping break) from 9:30 a.m. to Springs Independent 6 p.m. Tax returns will
be filed electronically. To make an appointment, call 512-858-0954 after Jan. 20. The tax assistance group is part of the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. Each year, the volunteers are trained and certified by the
TAX INFORMATION UPDATED PROPERTY TAX INFORMATION NOW AVAILABLE FOR TEXAS TAXPAYERS
New and updated property tax information has been compiled by Hays Central Appraisal District and is available now to assist taxpayers. This property tax information is current and covers a wide range of topics, such as taxpayer remedies, exemptions and appraisals, and has information for select groups, such as disabled veterans and persons age 65 or older. “Whether you are a homeowner, business owner, disabled veteran or other taxpayer, it’s important you know your rights concerning property tax laws,” said Laura Raven, chief appraiser of the Hays Central Appraisal District. “You can contact us about any property tax issue you may have.”
EXEMPTIONS FOR DISABLED VETERANS
The law provides partial exemptions for any property owned by disabled veterans or surviving spouses and surviving children of deceased disabled veterans. Another partial exemption is for homesteads donated to disabled veterans by charitable organizations at no cost or not more than 50 percent of the good faith estimate of the homestead’s market value
COLUMN
A
s some of y’all know, I’m not the sharpest crayon in the box when it comes to all these electronic contraptions we’ve got these days. It’s like everything we use has gone digital, and I’m here rubbing Ben Gay on my arthritic digits. I can use my TV remote alright, but it’s hard flipping from satellite to another source. I’ve gotta switch remotes to control the Roku that has about 200 streaming channels. And once I find the right channel, I spend another 30 minutes searching for my show. On most nights, with all that switching, searching and scrolling, by the time I start watching my show, my brain is plumb wore out and I fall asleep 10 minutes into it. My 9-year-old grandson can finagle his way through the electronic jungle with ease. More than once, he has grabbed the TV remote from my hands so he can get to his Netflix show without waiting an eternity. When I was his age, I was pretty good at changing the channel on our TV, but then, we only got three channels, four if you count the one from Mexico that televised bullfights every Friday night. Televisions today are so easy to get a clear picture; just press the ON button. Back in the days, my dad would have me adjust the fine tuning knob while my brother scooted the rabbit-ears antenna around until we got a good picture on that old RCA. I was 11 years old when I discovered that not every televised football game was played in snow. When I was young, a 19-inch screen was the norm. Over the next half century, screens got larger and flatter. It’s rare to go into a home today and not see a television the size of a billboard attached to the wall. I like watching football on
to the disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. The exemption amount is determined according to percentage of service-connected disability. The law also provides a 100 percent homestead exemption for 100 percent disabled veterans and their surviving spouses and surviving spouses of U.S. armed service members killed in action.
OTHER EXEMPTIONS
Non-profit organizations that meet statutory requirements may seek property tax exemptions and must apply at the appraisal district by a specific date. Businesses that receive tax abatements granted by taxing units; ship inventory out of Texas that may be eligible for the Freeport exemption; store certain goods in transit in warehouses that are moved within 175 days; construct, install or acquire pollution control property; own and operate energy storage systems; convert landfillgenerated gas; or store offshore drilling equipment while not in use may also be eligible for statutory exemptions.
RENDERING TAXABLE PROPERTY
If a business owns tangible personal property that is used to produce income, the business must file a rendition with its local county appraisal district by a specified date. Personal
Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Although AARP Foundation focuses on the needs of older taxpayers, the Tax-Aide program has no age limits. The local site will continue to provide assistance to taxpayers of all ages. Tax-Aide
property includes inventory and equipment used by a business. Owners do not have to render exempt property such as church property or an agriculture producer’s equipment used for farming.
APPRAISAL NOTICES
Normally, taxpayers receive a notice of appraised value from the appropriate local appraisal district. The city, county, school districts and other local taxing units will use the appraisal district’s value to set property taxes for the coming year.
PROPERTY TAXPAYER REMEDIES
This Comptroller publication explains in detail how to protest a property appraisal, what issues the county appraisal review board (ARB) can consider and what to expect during a protest hearing. The publication also discusses the options of taking a taxpayer’s case to district court, the State Office of Administrative Hearings or binding arbitration if the taxpayer is dissatisfied with the outcome of the ARB hearing.
HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONS
A homestead is generally defined as the home and land used as the owner’s principal residence on Jan. 1 of the tax year. A homestead exemption reduces the appraised value of the homestead and, as a result, lowers property taxes. Applications are submitted to the appropriate local county appraisal district office or can be filed online at www.hayscad.com.
assistance is limited to returns within the scope of the Tax-Aide training. Taxpayers who have their returns prepared by Tax-Aide must bring photo identification for the taxpayer(s) and social security cards for all family members,
PRODUCTIVITY APPRAISAL
Property owners who use land for agricultural purposes or wildlife management can be granted property tax relief on their land. Visit the appraisal district’s website for more information or to file an application online for agricultural appraisal which may result in a lower appraisal of the land based on production, versus market value.
RESIDENCE HOMESTEAD TAX DEFERRAL
Texas homeowners may postpone paying the currently delinquent property taxes due on the appreciating value of their homes by filing a tax deferral affidavit at their local county appraisal district. This tax relief allows homeowners to pay the property taxes on 105 percent of the preceding year’s appraised value of their homestead, plus the taxes on any new improvements to the homestead. The remaining taxes are postponed, but not cancelled, with interest accruing at 8 percent per year.
DEFERRAL FOR PERSONS 65 OR OLDER OR DISABLED OR DISABLED VETERAN HOMEOWNERS
Texans who are age 65 or older or disabled, as defined by law, or who qualify for a disabled veteran exemption may postpone paying current and delinquent property taxes on their homes by signing a tax deferral affidavit. Once the affidavit is on file, taxes are deferred, but not cancelled,
all W-2 and 1099 forms for 2019, and any other relevant information about 2019 income and expenses. They also should bring their 2018 tax return and, if using direct deposit for the refund, they should bring their checkbook.
as long as the owner continues to own and live in the home. Interest continues to accrue at 5 percent per year on the unpaid taxes. You may obtain a deferral affidavit at the appraisal district.
AVAILABILITY OF ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION In appraisal districts located in counties with a population of more than 200,000 or that have authorized electronic communications, and that have implemented a system that allows such communications, chief appraisers and ARBs may communicate electronically through email or other media with property owners or their designated representatives. Written agreements are required for notices and other documents to be delivered electronically instead of mailing.
PROTESTING PROPERTY APPRAISAL VALUES
Property owners who disagree with the appraisal district’s appraisal of their property for local taxes or for any other action that adversely affects them may protest their property value to the appraisal district’s ARB. To learn more visit www.hayscad. com, contact the Hays Central Appraisal District at info@ hayscad.com , call 512-268-2522 or go to the appraisal district office at 21001 N. Inerstate 35, Kyle. Information is also available on the Comptroller’s Property Tax Assistance Division’s website at comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/ property-tax/.
This tablet is hard to swallow
Crow’s Nest by Clint Younts
these big screens, but it’s hard on my neck turning my head back and forth. Some young’uns these days spend huge bucks on phones with stampsize screens to watch TV and sporting events. They must have really good eyes to be able to see what’s on that small screen. Dang, I have to search for my readers just so I can see who’s calling me on my phone. By the time I find my glasses, the caller’s hung up and left me a message on my voicemail. Then I have to go over to my daughter’s house to get my grandson to open my voicemail. Do any of y’all have trouble answering a call on your phone, or is it just me? When I get a call, there is a green dot to answer and a red dot to hang up on the screen. I can’t remember if I’m supposed to press the dot or swipe it. Eventually, the ringing stops and my trigger finger is all wore out from all the punching and swiping. Then I go visit my grandson again. Lots of folks have iPads or tablets. I’ve got one, but heck if I know what I’m doing on it. My wife gave it to me as a Christmas present so I wouldn’t be hogging our desktop computer all the time. My tablet allows me to write my column on it instead of our home computer, but I prefer typing on a real keyboard instead that little sensitive keypad on my Android. Did you know if you keep your finger on the keys on a tablet, all sorts of letters, punctuation marks and hieroglyphics will appear? My typing skills are slightly better than my phone-answering proficiency, and it’s really bad when one of my two
typing fingers is sore from pounding a green dot on my stupid phone for 5 minutes. There is some app that allows me to dictate to my tablet and it’ll
write down what I say. I’m thinking if Siri can’t decipher my Texas accent, then there’s no telling what I’ll see on my Word document. I may just have to switch tablets
Texas Crossword
sponsored by...
and use the one with a picture of a big Indian chief on the cover. I know how to use that tablet. We can all agree for sure that Clint Younts
is digitally impaired. Maybe that’s why there are always a few strange sayings in his columns. crowsnest78610 @gmail.com
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Page 6
News-Dispatch
Thursday, January 23, 2020
Sports
BUZZER BEATER Last second three pointer lifts Tigers to 59-56 win BY SHANE SCHOLWINSKI With only three seconds remaining in the fourth quarter and the game tied at 56-56, Dripping Springs needed a miracle play to happen for them to get the final shot in regulation and avoid going into overtime with the Northeast Early College Raiders last Friday night. On this night that miracle play happened as Tigers junior guard Aidan Bailey hit a game-winning buzzer beater from beyond the arc to lift Dripping Springs over the Raiders 59-56. “Lots of adrenaline like for real,” Bailey said after the game-winning shot. “I can’t believe Trace (Young) passed the ball to me because he is the best player on the team and he is supposed to take the last shot. But he made the unselfish play, a Tiger basketball play, and he passed it to me.” On the final play the Raiders full court inbounds pass was intercepted by Tigers senior guard Trace Young, who then had the court awareness to find an open Bailey a few steps beyond the three-point line. Bailey’s quick release got the ball off in time, and his shot was perfect as he swished the three-pointer as time expired. The Tigers bench and student section then rushed the court and dogpiled Bailey. “The ball kind of went right into my hands, and I looked up at the clock,” said Young. “Aidan, he is a sniper, one of the best shooters on the team, so I trust him all the time. So I dished it to him and he hit the shot.”
PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM
Winning Big
Dripping Springs Lady Tiger junior Corbyn Davis (0) lays up a shot during the team’s Jan. 14 district contest against McCallum at Tiger Gym. District success continued this week for the Lady Tigers as they improved their mark to 7-0 with decisive wins over McCallum and Austin Northeast. Dripping Springs dispatched both opponents by a combined score of 132-35, which included a 73-16 win over McCallum. After traveling to play at Austin Travis Tuesday, Dripping Springs returns home to host Crockett Friday at 7 p.m.
Texas Crossword Solution PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM Aidan Bailey beat the buzzer during Friday night’s game against Northeast Early College with a three-pointer that lifted the Tigers to a 59-56 win.
This is the fourth buzzer beater win this season for Dripping Springs, according to Tigers head coach Craig Swannack, and the late game experience helped with the phenomenal play on the final shot. “These guys have probably played, I want to say off the top of my head, seven or eight different games that have been decided on the final possession,” Swannack said. “Because of that, we can really stay unusually calm in these situations and find the open man.” Leading up to the final shot, the game went backand-forth with multiple lead changes and was a highly intense matchup in front of an electric Dripping Springs crowd. Northeast jumped out to a 18-14 lead in the first
quarter on four made three-point shots, but Dripping Springs answered back in the second with 20 points of their own, taking a 34-31 lead
into halftime. The Tigers got up to a 49-42 lead with six minutes left in the fourth
TIGER HOOPS, 7
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Page 7
YMCA Cancer Program: Growing strong
Tiger Hoops
son said. “So many of them suffer from lymphedema and their lymph nodes are damaged and can swell, but you get them in the pool and the hydrostatic compression on their body helps bring down that lymphedema. The pool, when you are in chest-deep, can put 80 percent less impact on your joints.” Efforts from instructors also include developing camaraderie among survivors by encouraging interaction and establishing alumni groups that reconvene annually. Johnson said a sense of community plays a significant role in recovering from cancer treatment. “When people are walking through this cancer journey, they love having a group of people who understand what they are going through and that maybe they will get a new resource from,” Johnson said. “For most of these people, they love getting stronger, but it’s about the community they build.” Douglas Hoppock, a retired theater professor who completed the program in 2017, said that a cancer diagnosis causes people to interact with you differently, but that members within the program understand what you are going through more than anyone else could. “People just don’t know how to talk to people with cancer, so they ostracize them, not meaning to. It is just an uncomfortable situation, but with LIVESTRONG that is some-
quarter before the Raiders started to chip away at their lead. Northeast ended up tying the game at 56 on a three-point shot with 30 seconds remaining. Then a failed inbounds play by Dripping Springs with eight seconds left ended up with a Northeast rebound and timeout, setting up the final play with three seconds left on the clock. “It was a big game for us, we knew that we wanted this one at home,” said Swannack. “The guys just came out and played really well.” Bailey finished the game with 12 points, all of which came on four made three-point shots. The Tigers had three other players score double digit points, as Young also contributed 11 points, six rebounds and six assists. Junior guard Jayden Guevara had 13 points and four rebounds, while senior guard Xavier Phillips had 12 points and seven rebounds. For Northeast Early College, sophomore Jivenson Sylvestre led all scorers with 21 points, and junior guard Tristin Thomas chipped in 17 points of his own. The win improves Dripping Springs overall recored to 14-4, and 4-1 in 5A District-25. At the midway point through their district schedule the Tigers are currently slotted in second place, just behind the 4-0 LBJ Austin. After a home matchup versus Travis (2-3) on Tuesday, the Tigers will hit the road to face Crockett (1-4) on Friday at 8 p.m.
Continued from pg. 1
thing that everyone has in common,” Hoppock said. “They’ve walked in those shoes.” According to Hoppock, LIVESTRONG sessions are often made up of many different kinds of people, sometimes the only common denominator being their history with cancer. “We all came in different sizes, different ages, different races, different religions and background, but we all had cancer in common,” Hoppock said. “This class ranged greatly in ages. There was a young man that was in his 20s all the way up to a lady who was in her late 80s.” Nan Stubblefield, who was diagnosed with her third type of cancer in 2018 and completed the LIVESTRONG program early last year, said the connections made with other survivors in the program run deep and alleviate the isolating feeling a cancer diagnosis can bring. “With a cancer diagnosis, regardless of how incredibly supportive your family, friend and community might be, there is still this separation you feel,” Stubblefield said. “Then you get into this LIVESTRONG program where everyone feels the same. The level of understanding is there.” Stubblefield credits the physical and mental gains of the members at the end of the program to the relationships they build over the 12 weeks, declaring extraordinary
results. “At the end, every single person is practically in tears with the results of their final assessment. You just can even believe that (the program) can make such a difference,” Stubblefield said. “All of that is possible because of the emotional support you’ve had over 12 weeks. It is like it has given you the courage and the strength to really push yourself.” Hoppock said the impact of LIVESTRONG at YMCA is inspiring and is making a significant difference in the lives of those who participate. “The (YMCA) is all about physical exercises, mental exercises and making friends, but I think there is no exercise better for your heath than reaching down and lifting others up. To me, that doesn’t just describe the LIVESTRONG program, but also the YMCA,” Hoppock said. “What the LIVESTRONG program does is make people that have cancer feel like they are in control of their lives again for the first time since their diagnosis. Everybody that has had cancer should know about it.” According to LIVESTRONG’s website, the program has served 71,548 people and 803 communities nationwide since its inception in 2007. For additional information contact Health and Wellness Director Bernadette Johnson at 512-8943309 or bernadette.johnson@austinymca.org.
Continued from pg. 6
CLASSIFIEDS Public Notice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
78711-3231. An Environmental Information DocA public hearing is being ument for the project has held on February 27, 2020 been prepared and will be available for public review at 5:30 pm at 511 Mercer at Dripping Springs’ city St, Dripping Springs, TX hall at 511 Mercer St, 78620 to discuss the City Dripping Springs, TX of Dripping Springs pro78620 between the hours posed project to expand the South Regional Water of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm for 30 days following the Reclamation Facilities date of this notice. Written (West Interceptor, Recomments on the proclaimed Waterline, Water posed project may be sent Reclamation Facility, to 1507 South IH 35, Ausand Reclaimed Water tin, Texas, 78741 or to the Holding Pond) south of Texas Water Development Dripping Springs. One Board (Project #73819). of the purposes of this meeting is to discuss the NOTICE OF REVISED PLAT potential environmental Project name: impacts of the project Belterra Plat – Lot 1B and alternatives to it. The Mailing date: 12/05/19 total estimated cost of the Project location: Belterra project is $19,000,000. Commercial Subdivision The estimated monthly Please be advised that sewer bill for a typical resLot 1B-1 and 1G of the ident is currently $50.00. Final Plat of Resubdivision A user rate increase and/ No. 3 of North Belterra or a connection fee/tax/ surcharge/other fee will be Commercial Subdivision, not be required to finance recorded in document this project. An application number 19009399 is being replated to create a new for financial assistance lot configuration for Lot for the project has been 1B-2. With the replat, filed with the Texas Water Lot 1B-1 and 1G will be Development Board, P.O. Box 13231, Austin, Texas, converted into one lot,
PHOTOS BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM Above, Junior guard Jayden Guevara (1) had 13 points and four rebounds in the game. Below, Trace Young (3) passed the game-winning shot to Aiden Bailey for a 59-56 win.
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Place your classified ad by calling 512-268-7862 or send an email to paper@haysnewsdispatch.com. We accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover DEADLINE: NOON MONDAY FOR THURSDAY’S PAPER
Texas Statewide Advertising Network Lot 1B-2. Please see the attached plat for details. The property falls within the following jurisdictions/ service areas: Water: Hays County WCID No. 1 Wastewater: Hays County WCID No. 1 Electric: Pedernales Electric Cooperative Emergency Service District: ESD No. 6 – North Hays County Fire Rescue Hays County Development Services and the City of Dripping Springs is reviewing this development application to ensure that it is in compliance with applicable regulations. For more information please contact the project’s owner or agent. Owner’s name: Belterra Lot 1B LTD Owner’s phone number: 512-683-1481 Agent’s name: Harrison M. Hudson, P.E. Agent’s phone number: 737-202-3202
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News-Dispatch
Thursday, January 23, 2020
Logo discussion creates tensions at board meeting BY CAMELIA JUAREZ
WISD School board members did not discuss appropriate uses for the Wimberley Texan logo as the agenda had planned. However, the lack of discussion has left community members and school board members frustrated to the point of personally attacking one another. During Monday’s meet-
ing, community member Armando Perez shared a story about how another student brought his daughter comfort on her first day of school. Perez linked his anecdote to Lori Olson’s Facebook post, which signaled comfort and acceptance to students in the district. In his anecdote, the student who brought his nervous daughter comfort was school board
member Ken Strange’s daughter. “I was thinking, what does she think of all this. My dad is supporting hatred and bigotry. It’s not a cool thing,” Perez said. Before Perez finished his comment, Strange said, “When do I get to make a comment?” Strange got up from his seat and walked up to the podium next to Perez. Strange appeared to be
upset. “I would like to set the record straight. No one here is supporting hatred and bigotry. These people up here are trying to make this the best district it can possibly be,” Strange said. While standing next to Strange, Perez asked if this behavior is normal and Strange responded, “No.” Before anyone could say another word, board
members called for a recess and left for about twenty minutes. When board members returned, Strange apologized. “I’d like to apologize to all of y’all out there and my board members up here. It’s been difficult. These guys are really working hard to make this good and I’m really embarrassed and I’m really sorry. I just want y’all to
know that we passionately care about every child in this district,” Strange said. His apology was interrupted by a gay couple who voiced their support for Strange. Perez asked the couple, “What grade are you in?” and they responded, “What grade are you in?” After the series of interruptions, the meeting was adjourned.
threaten forms of political expression. “Modifying a logo, even if copyrighted, for the purpose of political expression is protected by the First Amendment and specifically allowed under the fair use doctrine of federal copyright law,” wrote the letter from the ACLU. “By altering the logo and adding a rainbow flag, they changed its meaning for the purpose of making a political statement, which triggers fair use protections. The district’s intellectual property arguments also fail because no one used the Wimberley Pride image for commercial purposes. The ACLU cited case law and the constitution to argue that the district has caused a chilling effect. “The school district is impermissibly retaliating against parents based on the content of their speech and chilling free expression with threats of legal action,” ACLU letter said. The News-Dispatch spoke with Texas State University media law professor Gilbert Martinez to better understand what “chilling free expression means.” “When a government entity makes a threat and try to silence particular expressions, usually some-
thing that they don't agree with. Certainly threatening to send a cease-and-desist letter from a lawyer is an example,” Martinez said. Regardless of political belief, everyone should have the right to express that belief because it improves society and school districts should embrace values in our society, high among those values is the right to express yourself, Martinez said. “If you punish only some expressions but not others then there's a favoritism going on. That's where sort of a discrimination can come into play. Parents were expressing something specific about what they want the school district atmosphere to be and it appears that the administration does not agree with it and has done what any other authority has done and tried to silence those expressions. Whether you are doing it with copyright law or whether you're doing it with the threatening letters from lawyers or whatever, it is still a chilling effect and it's not good for the free society,” Martinez said.
has requested. So far, the district has not retracted its emails. WISD Superintendent Dwain York has not recognized nor apologized that the district’s actions have threatened taxpayers’ First Amendment rights. In an email response, York said he strives to bring the community together. In an email response York wrote: “As we begin this new year, Wimberley ISD wants to bring this community together, and if any actions that we have taken contributed to any disharmony, all of us at WISD take to heart our leadership role in bringing about unity. We ask all of you to come together to work with us to make this a priority. Our goal is to be fair and consistent with each and every student, teacher, employee, parent and community member. We know that together, we can continue to be the harmonious, inclusive and welcoming school district that attracts the best teachers and highest achieving students in the state. My doors are always open, and I look forward to face-to-face conversations with anyone who has concerns, ideas or solutions for making WISD better for every student.”
WISD Logo Issue: ACLU gets involved in fight Continued from pg. 1
Wimberley students and parents,” according to the ACLU’s letter. The first time the ACLU stepped in was to warn WISD against taking disciplinary action against school board member Lori Olson for posting a selfie of herself wearing a shirt with the rainbow Texan logo. Wimberley’s online community was split between people who supported Olson’s choice to wear the rainbow Texan logo and people upset that the district appeared to be embracing the LGBTQ community. Around the same time Olson posted that selfie, several parents embraced the pride festivities by also posting an altered Texan logo with a pride flag in the backdrop. In response, Superintendent Dwain York sent a letter to students and parents that altering the district’s logo is frowned upon. “... any Wimberley ISD administrator, in a position of authority, will always protect the official marks/logo of Wimberley ISD and will not approve the brand’s use in any altered format,” York wrote in the letter. However, altering the district’s logo is common in the Wimberley commu-
nity. The Texan Car Wash, which is located across the street from Wimberley High School, uses the logo on its business sign. Ace Hardware sells t-shirts with variations of the logo, including one with crosses behind it. Soon after the online backlash over the altered logo, the district rushed to obtain copyrights of the logo. Compared to other Hays County school district, While it is not yet been reported if other Hays County school districts have trademarked their logos, the Dripping springs ISD trademarked its paw logo in 2011. The ACLU argued the district’s actions discriminate against certain viewpoints like the LGBTQ community. “This suggests that the school district is selectively enforcing its intellectual property rights in opposition to the viewpoints expressed by Wimberley parents, which is bolstered by the fact that Wimberley ISD did not obtain the copyright for the Texans logo until after local news coverage of the controversy.” After filing for copyrights, the district sent an email warning parents to remove any postings of the
altered logo by Jan. 6 or legal action would be taken against those parents. “Wimberley ISD is aware that you are using and displaying an altered Texan logo,” York wrote in an email. “We request that you immediately take down the altered Texan logo on social media or in print. Failure to do so by Jan. 6, will result in a cease and desist letter from the WISD attorney.” In response, most parents removed the logo from their social media page in response. On Jan. 3, the ACLU sent a six-page letter asking York to retract his email sent to parents in order to avoid “significant legal liability at the detriment of Wimberley taxpayers,” the letter wrote. Total legal fees for obtaining the copyright and hiring a lawyer have not been disclosed. The News-Dispatch has made a public records request for the cost estimate.
THE ACLU’S ARGUMENT The ACLU argues that posting a logo altered for political statements is protected under copyright laws. In the letter, the ACLU reminded the district that the First Amendment protects against government bodies which
WISD’S RESPONSE: The News-Dispatch asked York if he will retract his emails as the ACLU
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