Feb. 11, 2016 News-Dispatch by Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch

DSISD in running for HEB award

All in the family for Tiger coach

page 5

page 4

Duo helps map family histories page 7

News-Dispatch Volume XXXVI No. 18

LAGNIAPPE County offices closed

Hays County offices will be closed Monday, Feb. 15, in observance of Presidents Day. Offices will reopen at their regular times on Tuesday, February 16. Commissioners Court will be held as usual at 9 a.m. Tuesday, February 16, at the Hays County Courthouse, 111 E. San Antonio St., San Marcos.

ESD 1 Town Hall Meeting

Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Primary races heat up at debate BY MOSES LEOS III

News-Dispatch Editor

No punches were held by a challenger vying for Hays County Sheriff as he teed off on his incumbent opponent who didn’t attend Monday’s Hays County League of Women Voter’s debate. Tommy Ratliff, who is running in the Republican primary for Hays County Sheriff, further slung mud against incumbent Gary Cutler at the debate held at the San Marcos Activity

Center. Cutler was not able to attend the event. Without Cutler there, Ratliff wasted little time going after the incumbent. Ratliff, who was appointed Hays County Sheriff in 2008, said he brought the Hays County Jail into compliance within a two year span while he was sheriff. When he “handed the reins” to Cutler, he said within two months, two people escaped from jail. Ratliff also claimed Cutler

Be informed

Early voting for March 1 primary races begins Feb. 16. Visit www.HaysNewsDispatch. com for candidate information.

was a “part-time” sheriff. “I will be available to you and be there for you,” he told audience members. “Integrity will always be my priority.” Ratliff later went on to say that there is “not one sheriff that would have left the coun-

Head to Texas State University in San Marcos at 7 p.m. Feb. 11 for a conversation among leading groundwater scientists about the longterm health of the CarrizoWilcox Aquifer, and its ability to sustainably serve the needs of a thirsty region. Texas State University Geography Department, the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment and the Hill Country Alliance have gathered a highly qualified group of aquifer scientists to explore the various aspects of the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer’s characteristics and carrying capacity. The event is free.

Blood Drive

Hamilton Pool Road’s neighborhood blood drive will be held Saturday, Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. inside Compass Church (18901 Hamilton Pool Road in Dripping Springs). Contact Ben Rehder at benrehder@gmail.com for information. Please eat prior to donating and bring ID. Visit http://www. inyourhands.org or call 512-206-1117 to sign up.

LAGNIAPPE, 9

ty” during a disaster. “Had they left the county, not one of them wouldn’t have come back,” he said. During the Memorial Day flood, Cutler was en route to Europe when the event hit. Cutler said he was unable to get a return flight home to Texas. Regarding overcrowding at the Hays County Jail, Ratliff said there were 100 inmates that are housed in four different counties. He claimed there were 100

DEBATE, 8

WIMBERLEY

North Hays County Emergency Services District No. 1 (ESD1) is the organization responsible for emergency medical services in north Hays County, including Dripping Springs, Driftwood and Henley. The district is considering a tax rate increase to accomodate the growing population. The meeting will be held Feb. 11 from 7-8 p.m. at Dripping Springs City Hall at 511 Mercer Street.

Texas Water Symposium

75¢

Road repairs approved BY PAIGE LAMBERT

News-Dispatch Reporter

Petunia’s back! PHOTO BY PAIGE LAMBERT

Regina Smith and Melissa Magill carefully lift Petunia the Purple Toilet from Smith’s truck to its next resting place. The suprising guest has popped up in yards across Dripping Springs and has helped raise thousands of dollars for Relay for Life. See the story on page 6.

Oak Hill project to improve Y junction BY PAIGE LAMBERT

News-Dispatch Reporter

Ben Sorrett used to spend about 30 minutes traveling from Westlake to Dripping Springs. Now, eight years later, the commute takes him at least an hour, thanks to congestion and the massive junction at U.S. 290 and State Highway 71. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Central Texas Mobility Authority (CTMA) held a stakeholders meeting Feb. 2 to present options on a project that could help alleviate such traffic woes. The project, deemed the Oak Hill Parkway Project, focuses on the Y junction at U.S. 290 and S.H. 71 in Oak Hill. Officials have narrowed the project to two options, A and B, which span U.S. 290 from MoPac/Loop 1 to just west of Circle Drive. “Dripping Springs specifically is growing and needs better access through the Oak Hill area,” Sorrett said, who is on the Dripping Springs Transportation Committee. “There are millions of people who use these highways.” Based on a study conducted by CTMA, 135,000 vehicles are expected to drive through the junction on a daily basis. About 58,000 vehicles currently go through the area daily. The study also found drivers wasted 454,000 hours per year stuck in traffic. In addition, 868 wrecks occurred at the Y in Oak Hill from 2010-2014. Officials sought input from Dripping Springs residents on the project since so many commute to Austin said TxDOT

As the City of Wimberley transitions to a lesser state of recovery following the Memorial Day Flood, officials are now moving on to matters delayed by the event. It began on Feb. 4 when the Wimberley City Council unanimously approved a list of street improvement plans from the Transportation Advisory Board.

ROADS, 6

Where to vote early in Hays Below are the early voting locations:

FEB. 16-18

Government Center Conference Room 712 S. Stagecoach Trail San Marcos, TX 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Hays County Health Dept 401 A Broadway St San Marcos, TX 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Hays County Precinct 2 Office 5458 FM 2770 @ Crystal Meadow Dr. Kyle, TX 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wimberley Community Center 14068 Ranch Rd. 12 Wimberley, TX 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Hays County Precinct 4 Office 195 Roger Hanks Pkwy Dripping Springs, TX 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Texas State University LBJ Student Center 700 Student Center Dr. San Marcos, TX 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

FEB. 19-21

PHOTO BY PAIGE LAMBERT

Dripping Springs residents and consultants with TxDOT discuss potential changes for the Oak Hill Parkway project Feb. 2. The project would call for the main thoroughfare to be a tollway with U.S. 290 possibly below ground.

consultant Wade Strong. “It’s really the folks in Oak Hill that should really be concerned with which alternative,” Strong said. “If you’re coming from Dripping Springs, you’re going to fly through, so either plan is going to work.” Plan A calls for U.S. 290 to go under S.H. 71 with direct con-

nections at the thoroughfares’ intersection. It also puts the main lanes of westbound U.S. 290 north of Williamson Creek and over the frontage roads. “At the Y it is less obtrusive and you see more of the landscape than the structure of the

OAK HILL, 3

VOTE, 3

Page 2

News-Dispatch

Opinion

NewsDispatch PHONE: (512)-268-7862 FAX: 512-268-0262

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

PUBLISHER

“This is not the first time the armadillo has crossed the road ... Our feeling is [the district] would donate it to the city and the city would maintain it at no cost to them.”

Cyndy Slovak-Barton csb@haysfreepress.com EDITOR

–Don Ferguson, Wimberley city administrator, on the possibility of turning Stadium Drive into a public road. See story on page 1.

Moses Leos III moses@haysfreepress.com PRODUCTION David White Christine Thorpe ADVERTISING/

MARKETING DIRECTOR Tracy Mack tracy@haysfreepress.com Pam Patino ads@haysnewsdispatch.com Jim Darby ads@haysfreepress.com WIMBERLEY MARKETING/ REPORTER

Paula Pulley dallaspaula@yahoo.com REPORTERS Paige Lambert paige@bartonpublicationsinc.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS Wayland Clark Paula Pulley PROOFREADERS Jane Kirkham

What’d you say?

o y’all remember back in the days when someone said, “You’ve got mail” and actually handed you an envelope? I recall running out to the mailbox as a kid to see if my Boy’s Life magazine or my secret decoder ring had arrived. (I wonder what happened to my ring.) Back then, people wrote letters on paper and mailed them to their friends and family. At Christmas time, our mailbox would be filled with cards and letters. Nowadays, folks keep in touch through social media. They tweet, twit-

From the Crow’s Nest

by Clint Younts

ter, post and poke each other via the internet. With a click of a mouse, they can send a short message to their friends that older folks like me can’t decipher. Sometimes they don’t even use words but some silly cartoon figure like a smiley face. Are they too lazy or just illiterate and can’t write out a simple sentence? The thing that really chaps my hide is when someone re-

plies to your text with the letter K. How much more time and energy would it take to stick an O in front of that K? I rarely find letters or postcards in my mailbox. No, not that icon on my desktop; I’m talking about that dented metal box up at the road. I do find bills and political propaganda occasionally, but recently I have been receiving mail from some other folks, and lots of it. For some unknown reason, I keep getting mail from audiologists and hearing aid supply companies.

CROW’S NEST, 9

Debbie Hall CIRCULATION MANAGER/ LEGAL NOTICES

Suzanne Hallam paper@haysnewsdispatch. com News-Dispatch (USPS 011 - 401) is published weekly except for the weeks following July 4 and Christmas by Barton Publications, Inc., 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640. Subscription price: $32 local, $45 County, $56 out of state. Periodicals Postage paid at Driftwood, TX. Email paper@ haysnewsdispatch.com for subscriptions and address changes. POSTMASTER: send address changes to News-Dispatch, PO Box 339, Buda, TX 78610 LETTERS GUIDELINES We welcome locally written letters to the editor on timely topics of community interest. We ask that you keep them to about 350 words in length and that you not indulge in personal attacks on private individuals. Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity. All letters should be signed by the author and include a daytime phone number where the author can be contacted for verification. Letter writers are limited to one letter per month. Letters can be emailed to csb@ haysfreepress.com.

Thursday, February 11, 2016

GUEST COLUMN

Dripping Springs shows fiscal, environmental stewardship By Patrick Rose The City of Dripping Springs is moving forward with an expansion of the South Regional Wastewater Treatment System, which serves the wastewater needs of our growing community. The facts are simple – unless we act now, we could run out of wastewater capacity by 2017, a reality that would cripple our response in serving even the most conservative of growth estimates and limit our ability to shape the kind of sustainable, quality community we deserve. I applaud the City’s willingness to tackle this difficult issue head-on and with our long-term sustainability in mind. Our Mayor and City Council are on the record as strong proponents of beneficial reuse, a practical solution that presents an immediate opportunity to service public and private irrigation needs, while reducing the need to discharge our wastewater into Onion Creek. So, what exactly is

beneficial reuse? You may have heard it called by other names, such as reclaimed or recycled water, gray water, purple pipe or “Chapter 210” reuse. Basically, the City collects and treats our wastewater to a standard to which it can then be used to irrigate our parks, sports fields and other open spaces. This puts our treated effluent “to work” and reduces the demand on our scarcest resource – drinking water. If you are following the issue, you realize the City is moving in a positive direction, one that is environmentally friendly and fiscally responsible. It was reported that the City entered into a beneficial-reuse agreement with the Caliterra development to accept 118,000 gallons per day of treated effluent from the wastewater plant. This may sound like a minor development,

but I would argue the contrary. This news is significant because it’s proof-positive of the City’s publicly stated intent to secure agreements with multiple beneficial-reuse customers in the area. The City’s goal is to reuse wastewater, not dispose of it. Additional proof may be seen in the City’s investment in new pipeline infrastructure to deliver treated wastewater to customers in the area. The beneficial-reuse strategy serves two important functions: First, it reuses water, a precious and increasingly scarce resource. Second, it reduces the City’s need to discharge highly treated effluent into Walnut Springs, a tributary of Onion Creek. I have heard from some in the community

The City’s goal is to reuse wastewater, not dispose of it.

WASTEWATER, 7

Incumbent Conley announces fourth re-election bid

epublican Will Conley is running for re-election as Hays County Commissioner, Precinct 3. Will Conley was elected in 2004 and overwhelmingly re-elected in 2008 and 2012. As Commissioner, Conley has been instrumental in finding cost-effective transportation solutions and securing millions of dollars to improve safety and traffic flow on Hays County roads. He has worked hard to make Hays County a national leader in job growth. It led to more than 10,000 new jobs being created in the county. He was an integral leader in the campaign to Save our Wells by helping pass legislation and creating a regional coalition to give us the support to protect our water resources. Will’s leadership through the past flood events was essential to ensuring citizens received necessary services. “I was the first person in my family to graduate from college and opened my own business after graduating,” said Conley. “My family embodies the American Dream and its twin pillars of hard work and freedom. Through my public service, I fight to protect this dream for my own children and future generations to enjoy.” Conley has championed limited but effective government by cutting taxes, eliminating waste, and reforming his county’s regulatory culture to create a business-friendly climate. His pro-jobs policies spurred a wave of new business investment, leading CNN Money to feature Hays County as having the third highest rate of job growth in the nation. An advocate for taxpayers, Conley doubled the homestead exemption for senior citizens and created a

homestead exemption for disabled citizens on fixed incomes. In their first year, the Conley homestead exemptions saved an average of 14% for seniors and 25% for disabled citizens on their county property tax bills. He also authored one of the first in the nation voluntary restrictions on the use of eminent domain powers by local governments to safeguard property ownership. In recognition of Conley’s energetic, conservative leadership, he received a gubernatorial appointment as Commissioner of the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission. He was elected to the Capitol Area Council of Governments and Capitol Area Regional Transportation Planning Organization during the 2012-2013 term. Conley is owner and president of Conley Enterprises, an auto services business he opened in 2001. He has since expanded the business and helped raise more than $225,000 for local charities. Conley holds a degree in political science and business from Texas State University. His civic involvement includes service as a current or former board member of the Hays County Food Bank, Crime Stoppers, San Marcos Main Street Association, and the Texas State University River Center Master Planning Committee. He is a member of the National Federation of Independent Business, San Marcos and Wimberley Chambers of Commerce, Texas State University Alumni Association, President of the Wimberley Valley GOP, Lion’s Club, Ducks Unlimited, and National Rifle Association. Conley and his wife, Erin, reside in Wim-

CONLEY, 3

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Thursday, February 11, 2016

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Page 3

Obituaries SWAN It is with great sadness that the family of Mateo Austin Swan announces his recent death. Mateo is survived by his parents, Jerry and Italia Swan, and five brothers: Shane (and his wife, Monica), Carlos-Avery, Emilio, Jaime, and Antonio. He is also survived by two nephews, Colin and Nicolas, and two grandmothers, Alicstine Swan and Gloria Heffernan, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Mateo’s grandfathers, Austin Swan and Bartholomew Heffernan, preceded him in death. A funeral mass was celebrated on Saturday, Feb. 6 at Saint Martin de Porres

Catholic Church (26160 Ranch Road 12, Dripping Springs). Interment was at Phillips Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations designated in Mateo’s honor may be sent to the Phoenix House, Austin, Texas.

STEWART Gary Hutchinson Stewart was born July 12, 1949, the first baby born in the new hospital in Groom, Texas. He passed away Sunday, February 7, at home in Dripping Springs, Texas. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Jane Stewart, and 5 children - Carrie Leonard, Brock, Ticer, Meagan, and Dakota Stewart, his

brother Gayle Stewart, his 5 grandchildren Brandt, Chloe, Collin, Maggie, and Julia. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Gilbert, and granddaughter Miranda. Gary was a life-long lover of education. He graduated Valedictorian of White Deer High School and went on to earn his Doctorate in Business Communication from the University of Texas at Austin. He taught countless students as an adjunct professor at Austin Community College for 34 years, a passion he continued after his retirement from the State of Texas. In 2013 this teaching led to recognition with NISOD, a worldwide organization that honors contributions to teaching, leadership and learning. He contributed to the local newspapers as the Mighty Fighting Tiger Re-

Sheriff ’s Report

porter, covering sporting events and his children’s athletic endeavors. He made every practice, rehearsal, game and meet. You could find him in the stands with notepad and pen in hand, enthused with his passion for records and statistics. Gary was also a great fan of country music songwriting, and his children have endless fond memories of growing up and singing his songs in the car and on family projects in the recording studio. He will be remembered for his generous heart for those with whom he came in contact, and for his corny & quirky sense of humor. He was relentless in his passion for seeking out the truth, and gathering the facts of history. Funeral arrangements are pending. Please see Dakota Stewart’s Facebook page for details.

DRIPPING SPRINGS

Fraud 3:34 p.m. - 12303 Tripple Creek Cir - Feb. 2 Theft 11:13 a.m. - Vik Jewelers - Feb. 2 Theft 4:13 p.m. - Dripping Springs Substation Feb. 2 Assault/Family Violence 7:28 p.m. - County Line Water - Feb. 3 Burglary/Attempted 1:47 p.m. - 214 Old Mill Dr - Feb. 3 Fraud 12:52 p.m. - 216 Merion Dr - Feb. 3 Theft 1:18 p.m. - Sleep Inn Of Dripping Springs - Feb. 3 Fraud 11:59 a.m. - 110 Breed Rd - Feb. 4 Theft 1:04 p.m. - Buddy L Construction - Feb. 4 Burglary/Habitation 8:32 a.m. - 198 Creek Rd - Feb. 5 Theft/Service 3:50 p.m. - Flores Restaurant - Feb. 5 Theft/Identity 4:11 p.m. - Dripping Springs Substation - Feb. 8

Vote

Continued from pg. 1 Hays County Precinct 4 Office 195 Roger Hanks Pkwy Dripping Springs, TX 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

FEB. 22-23

Government Center Conference Room 712 S. Stagecoach Trail San Marcos, TX 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Hays County Health Dept 401 A Broadway St San Marcos, TX 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Hays County Precinct 2 Office 5458 FM 2770 @ Crystal Meadow Dr. Kyle, TX 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Wimberley Community Center 14068 Ranch Rd. 12 Wimberley, TX 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Hays County Precinct 4 Office 195 Roger Hanks Pkwy Dripping Springs, TX 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Buda City Hall 121 N Main St. Buda, TX 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

FEB. 24-26

Government Center Conference Room 712 S. Stagecoach Trail San Marcos, TX 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Conley

Hays County Health Dept 401 A Broadway St San Marcos, TX 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Wimberley Community Center 14068 Ranch Rd. 12 Wimberley, TX 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Hays County Precinct 2 Office 5458 FM 2770 @ Crystal Meadow Dr. Kyle, TX 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Editor’s note: Any Hays County resident running for office may submit a 300 dpi photo and an initial declaration that

they are running for office in 500 words or less. Announcements will be run space available on a first come/first served basis. Announcements should be sent to news@haysfreepress.com. Candidates should also include all of their contact information – not for publication – for for future stories and clarifications.

sponsored by...

Oak Hill

Continued from pg. 1 highway,” Sorrett said. “Highway 290 is below grade so that makes the flyover on 71 lower.” Plan C would have U.S. 290 to over S.H. 71 with direct connections at the thoroughfare’s intersection. All the main lanes of U.S. 290 would be north of Williamson Creek and the frontage roads would be along the existing highway. Dripping Springs resident Arminda Grote said she preferred Plan C as it would get her and her husband to Austin faster. “It has a more streamlined and elevated drive,” Grote said. “I think the less back and forth you have to go through means less traffic and less accidents.” Strong said he doesn’t expect the travel time for either plan will be better than the other. Officials will have a better idea once more traffic studies

are conducted. Both plans call for the improvements to be tolled with free frontage roads on either side. If it was a non-toll project funds from Proposition 1 couldn’t cover the total project cost, according to the project’s website. Proposition 1 was approved in November 2014 to increase transportation funding. About $8 million is set aside for Blanco, Hays, Travis and Williamson counties. The project still has a ways to go before dirt is turned and construction begins. If the right channels approve the project, it could begin by 2020 and take three to five years to complete. “There’s no doubt that not building roads will not keep people from coming,” Sorrett said. “All that does it make it difficult for everybody.”

Worship in a church of your choice Call 512-268-7862 to join the church directory today.

ACROSS

1 in Hamilton Co. on hwy. 281 5 in Concho Co. on hwys. 83 & 87 6 San Antonion Zoo was first to breed this gazelle in U.S. 7 this TX Underwood was a LB for UT and Houston Oilers 8 TXism: “likely as ___” (probable) 9 TX-born Robin Wright Netflix series: “House __ _____” 16 ‘tween Mon. & Wed. 18 excessively harsh 21 a Dallas mayor: _ _ Thornton 22 TXism: “shootin’ ____” (gun) 23 higher learning in San Marcos (abbr.) 24 Johnson City is the seat of this county 30 TXism for “in that direction” (2 wds.) 34 Ranger or Astro 4-bagger (abbr.) 35 TXism: “that’ll do _______” 36 Mineola’s county 37 ex-Houston center Olajuwon is from this Nigerian city 39 highest Civil ct. in the state: “_____ _______ Court” 43 moved cattle 44 TXism: “fast as a cat with ___ ____ on fire” 45 Astros’ leag.

Fraud 9:34 a.m. - 1000 Rolling Hills Dr - Feb. 5 Fraud 1:58 p.m. - 100 River Rapids Rd - Feb. 5 Assault/Family Violence 7:47 a.m. - 128 River Road Cir - Feb. 6 Public Intoxication 10:33 p.m. - Rr 12 At Wimberley Hills Dr Feb. 7 Burglary/Building 3:45 p.m. - Hill Country Tire - Feb. 8 Burglary/Habitation 10:59 a.m. - Wimberley Substation - Feb. 8 Minor In Possession 10:33 a.m. - Danforth Junior High - Feb. 8 Theft 1:21 p.m. - Heb Of Wimberley - Feb. 8 Theft/Service 10:05 a.m. - The Farm Loft - Feb. 8

Wimberley: 512 - 847 - 5549 or 512 - 847 - 9325 D.S.: 512 - 858 - 4608

46 membership fees 47 TXism: “plain as the ____ on your face” 48 UNT’s famous “One O’Clock ___ Band” 50 basketball-like sport played by women in commonwealth countries 53 TXism: “a ___ piece” 54 legendary TX ranch & famous hunting ranch 55 guitar _____ 24

Burglary In Progress 10:02 a.m. - 3 Happy Hollow Ct - Feb. 5

Serving Hays County since 1983 “Call us for all of your insurance needs” Angiel Dahl

Continued from pg. 2 berley with their three children, Eve, Abram and Forrest. To learn more about Will Conley, visit his website: www.VoteWillConley. com.

Assault/Family Violence 11:33 a.m. - 1070 Lone Man Mountain Rd Feb. 2

Theft/Identity 4:12 p.m. - 710 Green Acres Dr - Feb. 3

DeMasters - Daniel Insurance Agency, Inc.

Texas Crossword

WIMBERLEY

Hays County Precinct 4 Office 195 Roger Hanks Pkwy Dripping Springs, TX 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Theft/Identity 1:16 p.m. - 710 Green Acres Dr - Feb. 3

TEXAS CROSSWORD

5 6

by Charley & Guy Orbison

9 17

39 44 56 TXism: “hard as 47 putting __ _ ____ in a 53 windstorm” 59 TXism: “hot as road ___ ___ July” 10 60 antique auto 61 “Fanthorp ___ State Historic Site” 11 62 San Antonio shoes 12

DOWN

1 TXism: “__ ____ do nothing but burn hay” (bad horse”) 2 in Lubbock Co. on hwys. 62 & 82 3 TXism: “if he bought a ________, people would stop dying” (unlucky) 4 TXism: “fits like ugly __ __ ape” 9 how TX Janis Joplin died (abbr.)

13 14 15 17 19 20 24

54 56

this Kinky ran for governor in 2006 TX singer Vikki TXism: “if it ain’t true, there ain’t _ ___ in Texas” in 1984, TX voted for this Reagan this Noonan was a Cowboy player from 1987 to 1992 (init.) TXism: “___ a spell” delay of game in football (2 wds.) TXism: “put to bed with _ ______” (bury) hospital RNs great TX pro golfer, Byron (init.)

33 37

15 19

P-1258

59 60 61 62

25 TXism: “___ out” (left) 26 TX George Strait’s “___ __ the Hole” 27 TX Swayze 1989 film: “____ __ Kin” 28 TX 6-man football (2 wds.) 29 edible mollusk 31 neither’s sidekick

32 female deer 33 plastic pink flamingo? (2 wds.) 38 this Jay owned the Texas & Pacific RR 40 TX “Stone Cold” Steve (init.) 41 interscholastic org. 42 voting processes 49 TXism: “near ____” 51 TX Debbie Reynolds book: “If I knew ___” 52 “___ Jovi” was in first “Farm Aid 57 TX or France city 58 stadium

See Solution, pg. 5

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. Charlie Garza, pastor Located at the corner of RR 12 & Post Oak in Dripping Springs

www.stmartindp.org

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

Page 4

News-Dispatch

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Sports

Tiger lacrosse raids Cedar Ridge SUBMITTED REPORT The Dripping Springs High School lacrosse team defeated the Cedar Ridge Raiders 12-4 during the varsity game Saturday in Round Rock. Dripping Springs’ Tanner Heinchon finished with a hat trick, scoring three goals and went 10 of 12 on face-offs in the game. Play on the offensive end was swift and sure with goals scored by numerous Tigers, including Geoffrey Tyler, Connor Jamail, Riley Pakes, Shane Lyones, Cameron Howorth, Seiler Hess and Gabe Reno. Dripping Springs goaltender Tri Hays led the defense with seven saves in the game. Other notable defenders were Reid McClintic and Nate Henze. Dripping Springs hosted its first home game on Wednesday and will return home to play Cedar Park on Saturday, Feb. 20 at 2:00 p.m.

COURTESY PHOTO

All in the family

PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM

Tiger swim coach continues family’s legacy of leadership BY MOSES LEOS III

News-Dispatch Editor

rowing up around coaching was a way of life for Dripping Springs resident Andrea McCarthy. When your dad is the late Hall of Fame football coach Bum Phillips, it’s hard not to have coaching infused in your blood. But as she oversees the Dripping Springs Tiger swim program for the second time in a decade, McCarthy plans to employ the same coaching values learned from her famous father. “I do come from coaching blood and I want to be the leader,” McCarthy said. “It does come naturally, to coach, and I love it.” Some of McCarthy’s memories of her father came at a young age. She recalled her father often bringing a projector home

to view practice film. It was at that time when she noticed the dedication her father had to his craft. “He would bring in a film projector and reverse and forward the film,” McCarthy said. “I always thought, ‘how can he look at that defensive line come out of their three point stance 15 times in a row?’ I couldn’t understand how detailed he would get.” She quickly learned how intricate her father’s job was. She said the coaching life was “a lot more indepth than you think it is.” But as a coach’s daughter, McCarthy said she often didn’t realize that she and her family looked at football in a different way. Her friends saw football as a hobby or passion; the Phillips family knew it was their livelihood. “It’s not just a game for

MCCARTHY, 10

Tiger seniors to play final home game

Dripping Springs senior Ben Johnson goes in for a twopoint shot against Marble Falls earlier in the season. Johnson and his classmates will play their final home game of the season on “Senior Night” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, February 12 against Georgetown.

COURTESY PHOTO

Dripping Springs head swimming and diving coach Andrea McCarthy (right) holds a trophy with her assistant coach following a swim meet. McCarthy, whose father is famous head coach Bum Phillips, took over the Tiger swim team at the start of the 2015 season.

Longhorns open 2016 season

Texas Longhorn alumnus and current Houston Astros infielder Brooks Marlow takes a swing at a pitch during the 2016 Texas Alumni Baseball game held at UFCU Disch Falk Field on Feb. 6. The current Texas Longhorn team, of which Dripping Springs product Chance Callihan is a part of, defeated the Alumni team 4-0. Texas begins their 2016 season on Feb. 19 at home against UNLV. PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM

Texans take down Hawks Conor Stratton led the Texans with 15 points in a 58-49 win over Canyon Lake last Friday night. WImberley and Navarro are set to battle for first place or a possible tie for first place when the Texans travel to Navarro at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, February 16. The Panthers won 61-56 when the teams last met on January 22 at Wimberley.

We support the Tigers Do Business Locally Advertise in the News-Dispatch sports section and put the spotlight on your business. Email ads@haysnewsdispatch.com for more information.

Texas hometown friendly bank

512-858-5159

401 E. Hwy 290W. P.O. Box 1243 Dripping Springs, TX 78620

Go Tigers!! 100 Creek Road Dripping Springs 512-829-2243

Thursday, February 11, 2016

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Page 5

Education

PHOTO COURTESY OF LAURIE GREER

Teacher of the Term: Debi Cox DSISD finalist for HEB award PHOTO COURTESY OF DALE WHITAKER

SUBMITTED REPORT

A team of judges from the H-E-B Excellence in Education awards program visited the district on Feb. 3 as part of the selection process for Small District of the Year in the state of Texas. The judges visited both secondary campuses and stopped in several classes, including Jamie Biel’s room where they talked with students who were analyzing water samples during a lab. They also held a roundtable discussion at a luncheon with representatives of the district and community.

Dripping Springs Education Foundation (DSEF) presented Debi Cox with the Teacher of the Term Award for her outstanding contributions and dedication to teaching. Cox teaches fifth grade at Walnut Springs Elementary School where her compassion and commitment over the last nine years have impacted the lives of many students in a life changing capacity. Cox has a gift of truly understanding her students and their needs. She fuels her students’ love for learning and influences their desire to be life-long learners. Cox exemplifies a love for teaching and

Five Tigers named to all-state band SUBMITTED REPORT Five Dripping Springs High School students have been named to the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) 5A All-State Band for 201516. All-state honors are determined by the results at Area auditions, where individual musicians perform selected music for a panel of judges who rank each instrument. Only the top 3 percent of musicians who initially audition become All-State musicians. Selections from Dripping Springs High School are Erika Gossett (flute), Seiler Hess (baritone saxophone), M.J. Jadeja (euphonium), Eric Kiehnau (tenor trombone), Grace Shuman (bassoon). This is the third consecutive year for Hess to earn all-state recognition, and the second for both Jadeja and Kiehnau. “Dripping Springs High School has established an outstanding reputation at the state level and our students’ performance

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this year emphasizes that level of excellence,” DSISD Director of Bands Keith Lancaster said. “Being chosen as a member of this all-state group is an achievement attained by a very small percentage of students who begin

the audition process each fall and we are extremely proud of these students.” All-state musical groups will perform for music educators, family members, and the public at the 2016 TMEA Convention, held in San Antonio’s Henry

B. Gonzalez Convention Center Feb. 13. Prior to their performances, students will participate in two days of clinics and rehearsals with some of the best high school musicians in the state.

Youth in Government contestants place second SUBMITTED REPORT Several DSHS students were successful after competing in the YMCA Youth in Government state competition Jan. 28-30. The team of Wyatt Cross, Sylvie Higgins, Elisa Higgins, Insiya Aziz and Gabrielle Chavez placed second in the judicial district court division and will find out in March if they qualify for national competition. Typically the first- and second-place teams are invited to national competition. The team of Grace Wyzkowski, Brooke Kelley, Emma Gell, Gillian Bynum, and Macaella Gray was third in the county court division. Aiden Edwards was

for the students that she inspires. She is also recognized as a team member who contributes to the innovative ideas that help the 5th grade class excel. DSEF and Walnut Springs Elementary School is proud to honor Cox with this well-deserved acknowledgement as a Life Changer. Pictured are left to right: LeighAnne Slack, South Star Bank representative; Debi Cox, the recipient of the Teacher of the Term award and a $100 gift card, and Nannette Erickson, DSEF Board Member. South Star Bank underwrites the Teacher of the Term program for the Dripping Springs Education Foundation.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DALE WHITAKER

selected as outstanding legislative clerk, Sylvie Higgins was chosen as outstanding delegate, and Wyatt Cross, Sylvie Higgins and Elise Higgins were recognized as

outstanding district court witnesses. Students who take part in judicial competition are part of a team of five consisting of two lawyers and three witnesses. The

lawyers are the students who show interest and prepare for and pass the lawyer test that was created for this competition. The other three students take on two roles as witnesses, one for the defense and one for the prosecution. The students learn their duties and a real case that they will present. The 2016 case was Amelie Hodges’ Forensic Files: The Case of “The Faith Healing Father” – The State of Texas v. Don Coleson. The teams have to be ready to be the defense or the prosecution and will do each several times at district and again at state. They compete against teams from other schools all over the state.

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Page 6

News-Dispatch

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Locals work to flush out cancer BY PAIGE LAMBERT

yard can pay $10 to have post office or the back of it removed, $20 to have it Smith’s truck. Smith said transported to a friend’s a man stopped them one yard and day, asked $30 to keep why they it out of had a purple “The first their yard. toilet, and But the proceeded to year I didn’t team has donate $50. learned tell people we “Not only to post is it raising were coming money, but is Petunia’s movements also raising and some on Faceawareness book and about the got mad ... leave letters event,” explainCardenas They aren’t ing what a said. “Beflower filled forced to pay, cause somepurple toilet one may and it’s not was doing not know in their it and extortion like I about yard. Smith wonder ‘why said they I have was accused do didn’t leave this purple letters the of one time.” toilet?’” first year, Each year which led Petunia, – Regina Smith to some along with misunderPetunia the standings. Second, collects $2,000 “The first year I didn’t in donations during the tell people we were com- three-month tour. ing and some got mad,” DSISD bus driver Smith said. “They aren’t Melissa Magill, who lost forced to pay, and it’s her grandfather to lung not extortion like I was cancer, said Petunia accused of one time.” continues to bring in Petunia’s movement money, and gives the typically cycles around community a way to Sawyer Ranch, since the help those who battle area is Smith’s route and cancer. she knows many of the “It brings it close to homeowners. home,” Magill said. Petunia raises money “When she asked me to no matter where she join, I said definitely and goes, whether it’s at the I’ll help wherever I can.”

News-Dispatch Reporter

ew flowers, greener grass and blue skies pop up in Texas between January and March. For some Dripping Springs residents, a visit from a purple toilet is also in store. Three years ago, Dripping Springs resident Regina Smith transformed what was a plain white house installment into Petunia, a royal purple bowl full of flowers. Smith, a Dripping Springs ISD bus driver, said creating Petunia was her quirky way to raise money for Relay for Life. “My mom passed away from cancer and a lot of friends go through it,” Smith said. “I never realized it was so out there until I started talking with people.” Smith and other bus drivers, who had or knew loved ones with cancer, created the Driving Out Cancer Relay for Life team and began raising funds for the event. Relay for Life began in 1986 after a doctor ran for 24 hours to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Relays are held each spring and are coordinated by local committees, said Jessica Cardenas, Relay for Life community manager. “If I walked into somewhere and try to recruit someone, I would get a different response than one of you,” Cardenas said. “Here it’s your community, it’s your friends, and there’s an investment there.” Each relay looks a little different, reflecting the teams and the commu-

PHOTO BY PAIGE LAMBERT

nity. In this case, Petunia is the face of the team. Smith, who began looking for new ways to fundraise, saw people dropping purple flamin-

gos and toilets in yards on Pinterest. A toilet was quickly donated, and Smith began dropping Petunia in neighbors’ yards.

According to City Adwith Wimberley ISD in minisrator Don Ferguson, the past to improve the the board met more than makeshift road for school a year ago as a result of buses. a bond initiative (calling “It’s been successful, for road improvements?) but we feel if it can be failed from a improved lack of gathand made “This is not ered public a public input. road, be it the first time an alterAbout 86 projects and the armadillo nating 38 miles of one-way road were narrow has crossed or identified for two-way improvements. road,” Ferthe road ... None of the guson said. Our feeling is “It would projects would be funded by be very they would property tax, successful Ferguson said. in further donate it to “They (the relieving board) think traffic conthe city and it’s important gestion.” the council the city would Transeriously sitioning maintain it consider alloStadium cating some Drive into at no cost to a pubserious money on a regular lic road them.” basis for road would improvecost about –Don Ferguson, city ments,” he $86,000. administrator said. “At least Construc$200,000 a year tion would is what they think would include widening the be adequate.” road and adding in drainProjects were ranked age work. on the need and feasibilThe city would need ity of completing them an agreement from the in a timely manner. The school district since the board also advised setting road would be available aside a fund for ongoing to the public. Fergumaintenance repair, he son said construction said. shouldn’t impact operaThree projects were tions at the stadium. prioritized as funding “This is not the first becomes available. time the armadillo has La Buena Vista Drive crossed the road,” Fernear the Water Supply guson said. “Our feeling Corporation was identiis they would donate it fied as the highest priorto the city and the city ity project. The project would cost about $42,000 Ferguson said. “That street is in a significant state of disrepair,” Ferguson said. “It’ll be consistent with Las Flores Drive which was done a few years ago.” The city will also look at the stretch of road south of the Texans Stadium, which is called Stadium Drive. Ferguson said the city has worked

would maintain it at no cost to them.” *QOTW The third and most expensive project would be Little Ranches Road from Flite Acres Road to Hoots Holler. Ferguson said the road base is failing, there are significant drainage issues and significant shoulder cuts. The board advised the project needs to be completed in one fell swoop because of its subpar condition, Ferguson said. The project would cost $250,000. “This is a bigger enchilada on the plate,” Ferguson said. “It’s not a safe road because of its narrow and winding nature but because of the shoulder collapse we’ve seen.” Multiple projects were also identified on Ranch Road 12, which would need the approval of the Texas Department of Transportation. The projects include multiple turning lanes along Ranch Road 12 and a right hand turn lane at Green Acres Drive. The city may also look at lowering the speed limits on Ranch Road 12 and FM 1492. “If you put that counter out there and request the speed study and it comes in that the speed limit is too low, the state has some mandates to set at that level,” Ferguson said. “There’s a risk, but you have to keep that in mind.”

Roads

Continued from pg. 1

Texas Crossword Puzzle Solution

Smith and other team members move Petunia to different yards at night and await a call from the homeowner. People who discover Petunia in their

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Thursday, February 11, 2016

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Page 7

Leaving no stone unturned

Wimberley duo helps neighbors map family histories with new resources BY PAIGE LAMBERT

News-Dispatch Reporter

fter Lisa Chaftin’s dad passed away a few years ago, all she was left with was his old photos and stories of their ancestors. Rather than trying to piece it together on her own, she instead looked to professional help that originated not from a website or a firm, but from her local library. Chaftin was one of many who took part in the Dripping Springs Community Library’s Genealogy Workshop for Beginners Feb. 6. The over-capacity workshop taught ways to easily – and cheaply – discover a family’s past. Wimberley residents Cindy Foreman and Beverly Herring began the interactive genealogy group last year. Foreman said her love of genealogy began when she picked up scrapbooking. “I got back into scrapbooking and thought, ‘who are these people?’” Foreman said. “I graduated from pictures, to genealogy, to teaching, and that’s what I really enjoy.” But there wasn’t a forum for interactive teaching in Hays County. Herring said other genealogy classes were mainly like lectures where people didn’t get to practice what was taught. “If you do it while you’re thinking about it, it’s much easier to go home and do it yourself,” Herring said. “It’s a thing where they are going to learn it on their computer

PHOTO BY PAIGE LAMBERT

Residents follow along during the Interactive Genealogy Group class at the Dripping Springs Community Library. The interest group focused on how to delve into the past without spending a dime.

while they are doing it.” Attention toward the group has snowballed over the past few months. The ladies have taught free classes in San Marcos, Kyle and all over Hays County. Foreman said they touched on topics such as record keeping, finding records, DNA testing, and doing all of it without

paid services such as Ancestry.com. “Those little flapping leaves that they advertise on TV, those may be good ideas or they may be bad ideas,” Foreman said. “We want them to do their genealogy correctly.” The Dripping Springs workshop was the first of three, with the second already filling up with

land required, the costs associated with that acquisition and the ongoing maintenance, it is not sustainable. The bottom line is that our elected officials and staff leadership at the City of Dripping Springs are moving in a responsible direction to address our wastewater needs. I believe our officials have set us on a path toward meaningful

reuse, and their actions over the last several months certainly suggest they are walking the walk.

Wastewater

Continued from pg. 2 that they believe the City is pursuing a discharge permit because it’s the easiest and cheapest alternative. That is simply not true; the permit is required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and is an arduous, long-term undertaking. A landapplication permit was also explored, but due to the amount of

Patrick Rose is a Dripping Springs native, Hays County resident, President of Corridor Title Company, and Chairman of the City of Dripping Springs Economic Development Committee.

reservations. The first workshop focused on basic computer skills before jumping into complicated websites. “Everyone has a different level of computer skills, the more mature you are the less skill,” Foreman said. “It’s easier for people like us who are in business and are on the computer all the time.” The ladies gave each participant a USB flash drive containing the lessons and resources they use. From there, attendees can go back or prepare for the next session. Each session delves into free sites such as findagrave.com and myheritage.com and how to verify records. While the group serves

as a teaching mechanism, to pass along their family it’s also an history, Herinformal ring said. way to meet Chaftin’s “You start people with kids aren’t developing similar interinterested in ests. their family friendships Foreman history yet, often times it said she but she said and Herring she wants to develops into became fast have it coleverything ... friends after lected, just in meeting at a It’s another way case. genealogical “I see an session. of connecting old photo“You start of a people beyond graph developing family memfriendships ber of mine, Facebook.” often times and I go, ‘I it develops want to know – Cindy Foreman into everywho they are, thing,” Forewhat they man said. “It’s another were about and where way of connecting people they were living,’” Chaftin beyond Facebook.” said. “Some day I hope Most people who they will look at photos attend the session are I’ve saved and think the grandparents that want same thing.”

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Classifieds - Service News-Dispatch

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Debate

Employment

Services

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Continued from pg. 1

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FULL-TIME POSITION OF PARK LABORER FOR BLUE HOLE REGIONAL PARK.

The City of Wimberley is seeking applications for the fulltime position of Park Laborer for Blue Hole Regional Park. The Park Laborer will maintain and repair park facilities and equipment by performing a variety of semi-skilled and skilled carpentry, painting, plumbing, landscaping, irrigating, and mechanical repair work; and participate in trash removal, various cleaning and sanitizing activities, and other duties as assigned. Must be able to operate a variety of tools and equipment and have a valid driver’s license. Applications are available online; or at the City of Wimberley City Hall, 221 Stillwater, Wimberley, Texas 78676; or by calling 512.847.0025 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday–Friday.

See public notices and classifieds online 24/7 at

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empty beds in the jail. “If you have empty beds in the jail, we should be watching them here,” Ratliff later answered an audience member’s question on the topic. In a written statement, Cutler acknowledged the overcrowding in the Hays County Jail, but said outsourcing programs have saved taxpayers $5,000. Cutler wrote in a statement that he was the “only fully qualified candidate” for sheriff. He wrote that he has a proven track record for “transparency, fiscal conservancy, honesty, passion and integrity.” In addition, he wrote that he refers to the

District Attorney, grand jury or Attorney General office for just decisions for citizens. He also said that his first priority are that citizens are safe and that “we remain vigilant in our efforts to be tough on crime.” “I have kept the promises I have made,” Cutler said.

PRECINCT 3 Hays County Pct. 3 Constable Republican primary candidate Rob Roark also had the chance to speak Monday without the incumbent present. His opponent, incumbent Pct. 3 Commissioner

Will Conley, was unable to attend the debate as he was attending a Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO), of which he is a chairperson. Roark, who has lived in hays County for 25 years, said Hays County should “not have people in harms way” when asked about flood control measures. He said the county should look at protecting “infrastructure so we don’t have to replace it every time we have flooding.” Roark said he wants to “make sure we stay in the budget” and that he wants to keep spending “under control.”

Public Notices

Advertisement for: RFP 15-004(2) Clothing ApparelMultiple Award

Advertisement for: RFP 15-005(2) Athletic Uniforms & Equipment Multiple Award

Dripping Springs Independent School District is requesting proposals for Clothing Apparel under RFP # 15-004(2) Clothing Apparel-Multiple Award. Proposals will be received in the Business Office of the Dripping Springs Independent School District, 510 West Mercer Street P.O. Box 479, Dripping Springs, Texas 78620. Proposals shall be addressed to Michelle Lyons, Purchasing Specialist. Any questions pertaining to the proposal specifications should be directed to Michelle Lyons, Purchasing Specialist, michelle.lyons@ dsisdtx.us. Proposals will be submitted and received by 2:00 p.m. (CST) on March 04, 2016. The proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud upon submission. Dripping Springs Independent School District reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, to waive any formalities and irregularities in the bids received, and to accept the offer(s) most advantageous to the District.

Dripping Springs Independent School District is requesting proposals for Athletic Uniforms & Equipment under RFP # 15-005(2) Athletic Uniforms & Equipment-Multiple Award. Proposals will be received in the Business Office of the Dripping Springs Independent School District, 510 West Mercer Street P.O. Box 479, Dripping Springs, Texas 78620. Proposals shall be addressed to Michelle Lyons, Purchasing Specialist. Any questions pertaining to the proposal specifications should be directed to Michelle Lyons, Purchasing Specialist, michelle.lyons@dsisdtx.us. Proposals will be submitted and must be received by 2:00 p.m. (CST) on March 04, 2016. The proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud upon submission. Dripping Springs Independent School District reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, to waive any formalities and irregularities in the bids received, and to accept the offer(s) most advantageous to the District.

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Page 9

Central Texas home sales still rising D

ear Terese, Do you expect interest rates and sale prices to rise and have an impact on home sales in Central Texas? Maury

Dear Maury, According to NAR (National Association of Realtors) Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun, economic growth will help lift home sales, but inventory shortages will push prices up. This may impact first time home buyers. He forecasts the average 30year fixed rate loan to increase to 4.5% by the end of 2016, up from 3.8 in 2015. Higher interest rates, along with home price appreciation, will make affordability the issue. However, lenders are easing up on credit restrictions, which should

Dear Terese

Hays County real estate statistics, Jan. 2016

by Terese Perabody

Buda

208

$245,000 51

Kyle

173

$195,263 40

San Marcos 31

125

$236,018 51

Dripping Springs

101

$386,000 75

offset higher costs. In Texas, economic growth is brisk, including Austin and surrounding communities. These continued job gains and eased credit could help offset the tight inventory and increasing interest rates. Dear Terese, Are you seeing an increase in commercial opportunities in Central Texas? Otis Dear Otis, According to Tierra Grande, the Journal of the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, the area

CITY

# SOLD

referred to as the Texas Triangle commercial real estate is doing very well. This area includes the area encompassing the state’s four major metropolitan statistical areas (MSA’s) Austin-Round Rock (Austin), Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington (DFW), Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land (Houston) and San Antonio-New Braunfels (San Antonio). Approxi-

Photo Restoration workshop

The Wimberley Village Library will host a Photo Restoration Hands-On workshop on Saturday, Feb. 13 at 10 a.m. at 400 FM 2325 in Wimberley. For more information call (512) 847-2188.

WAG Rescue adoption day

WAG Rescue invites you to fall in love with your new best friend on Feb. 13 and 14 at its dog adoption event. King Feed, 14210 RR 12 will host the event. Visit www. WimberleyWagRescue. org or call (713) 449-5558 for more information.

Prayer Flag Sunday

Join your Wimberley friends and neighbors on Feb. 14 from noon to 3 p.m. at Bent Tree Gallery (105 Hinson Road) in Wimberley to create a prayer flag. As part of the city’s healing from the 2015 floods, the Wimberley Vally Arts and Cultural Alliance is

TexSCAN Week of February 7, 2016 LEGAL

REAL ESTATE

mately 77% of the value of all nonresidential construction is concentrated within this area. It is a 60,000 square mile area that represents less than one fourth the state’s land mass. New relocations and existing firm expansions have steadily increased demand for Austin office space. Retailers continue to expand in the region, increasing the

demand for retail space. The Austin warehouse market continues to improve. Dear Terese, What is the average home sold for in Dripping Springs? Judy Dear Judy, The market changes every 30 days. As of De-

Tip of the day: Anyone can catch your eye, but it takes someone special to catch your heart. ~Author unknown Terese Peabody, Broker Associate, Stanberry & Associates GRI, CRS, ABR, SRES, CNE, GREEN, CLHMS 400 Hwy 290 W, B-101, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 terese@stanberry.com, www.tpeabody.com 512894-3488 office, 512-6997711 cell

Continued from pg. 2 embarking on a project to have the Wimberley community create prayer flags using images and messages personal to them. A donation of $5 is requested. Supplies will be provided and docents will be available to guide you.

Hays County Hunger STRIKE The Hays County Hunger STRIKE will be held Friday, Feb. 19 from 1-4 p.m. at Sunset Bowling Lanes in San Marcos. Hunger STRIKE is an annual bowling tournament benefiting the Hays County Food Bank. It is a fun-filled fundraiser to raise awareness about how Hays County businesses and civic groups can help feed neighbors struggling to live within their limited means. Visit www.haysfoodbank.org/ events/hunger-strike/ to register your team and for more information.

Starlight Symphony Orchestra

The Starlight Symphony Orchestra will perform a piece from its classical series entitled “Our Circles: Our Neighborhood” on Feb. 21 at 4 p.m. at the Wimberley First Baptist Church (15951 Winters Mill Parkway in Wimberley).

SAXET Gun Show

Head to Dripping Springs Ranch Park for a gun show filled to capacity with a huge variety of firearms, accessories, ammunition, knives, tactical gear, hunting and target sports products, worthwhile organizations and much, much more. The event will be held 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 20 and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 21.

Garden volunteers needed

It’s time to prepare the gardens at the EmilyAnn Theatre for spring planting. Between now and early March, gardener Norm Rolling will be composting all of the beds at the EmilyAnn and he could use some help. Workdays are planned for Feb. 16 and 23 at 9 a.m. If you’d like to participate, send a message to Rebecca Stoian at rebecca@ emilyann.org.

Toastmasters meeting

Every Tuesday, improve your communication and speaking skills while enjoying an hour of fun, growth and great energy. The Toastmasters meet weekly on Tuesdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Pioneer Bank, 100 Creek Road, Dripping Springs, TX 78620. For more information contact Patrick Reznik at (512) 773-9639 or preznik@braungresham. com, or Larry Dunlap at (512) 913-4804 or oneeyedlarry@gmail. com.

New contact number for The Friends Foundation

The Friends Foundation, a 501(c) (3) organization in Dripping Springs has a new contact number: (515) 592 1345. The Friends Foundation’s Our Daily Bread program provides meals to the homebound, provides medic alert devices for summoning help in an emergency and provides financial assistance to low-income needy elderly in the Dripping Springs community. For more information call or visit the web site at: www. thefriendsfoundation.org

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Crow’s Nest

Continued from pg. 1

The Rotary Club of Wimberley presents “Smooch: A Hill Country Romance” Feb. 13 from 7:30-10 p.m. Enjoy music by Jazz, Blues and Diamonds, as well as complimentary wine, beer, desserts and photos. There will also be an optional poker tournament. The event will be held at 680 Saddleridge near the Junction. Tickets are $40 and available at the Wimberley Village Library and online at www. rotaryclubofwimberley. com. All proceeds benefits Rotary Loves Readers.

MED $

Wimberley 10 90 $239,500 61

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Smooch: A Hill Country Romance

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cember 2015, the average year-to-date closed sales in area HD (all of DSISD) was $462,000, with an average of $156/SF. The average Sold to List price was 98%. The average days on the market was 52 days. A well-priced home should move quickly!

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Why in tarnation do these folks think I need my hearing checked and get me fitted for hearing aids? Okay (kids, you see how I spelled out the whole word?), I am a bit long in the tooth. My hair might be a bit grayer than it was 10 years ago, and I have to put on reading glasses just to work my TV remote, but I’m not officially an old geezer. I am still very active, mainly due to a skilled surgeon. I can still fit in a pair of Wranglers, and they aren’t pulled up to my nipples. My mind is still pretty sharp, and I can often remember why I’m standing in front of the refrigerator. Is there a certain age that men start to go deaf? If so, how did these hearing aid companies find out that I have reached that stage? A few years ago, I went to an ENT to have her do something about a bad case of vertigo. She insisted on performing a hearing test on me. I figured what the heck? It might be kinda fun. I think she might’ve informed me

that I do indeed have a hearing deficit but I’m not sure. I couldn’t hear her very well. But, why does every hearing aid company in America think I need their product stuck in each ear? I can hear just fine, thank you. And … hold on a sec. My wife just yelled at me to check out some rash. Be right back. Oops, my bad. Ma asked me to take out the trash. Anyhow, where was I? Oh, yes, my hearing. Dude, I can go on a walk in the woods and hear a squirrel poot 100 feet away, but sitting in front of my TV watching football, I can’t hear my wife telling me her friends will be here in 10 minutes and I had better put some pants on. I might

have suffered hearing loss from being struck by cast-iron cookware over the past few football seasons, but I can still hear Troy and Joe Buck just fine. For the record, I don’t need hearing aids, dagnabbit! I don’t care what I think I heard some folks say. My hearing is fine, and … Hold on… What’s that, Ma? My winner is Betty? Huh? Oh, my dinner is ready. Sorry, folks, I’d better go. Ma got herself a new frying pan for Christmas.

My mind is still pretty sharp, and I can often remember why I’m standing in front of the refrigerator.

Listening to Clint Younts might make you deaf. Luckily the cows on his ranch just look at him and keep chewing their cud. They wonder why he keeps yelling at them. crowsnest78610@gmail. com

Page 10

News-Dispatch

Thursday, February 11, 2016

February 14th Happy 40th Birthday Jessie! PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MCCARTHY FAMILY

You are one sweet girl! Love, Mom

Andrea McCarthy, of Dripping Springs, (top row, second from left) poses for a family photo with her brother, Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Wade Phillips (top row, third from right) after his team won Super Bowl 50 at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. McCarthy is one of six siblings whose father is famous head football coach Bum Phillips.

McCarthy

Continued from pg. 4 us,” McCarthy said. “It’s a game, but losing a game could mean getting fired and moving again.” While the specter of relocating was ever present, McCarthy and her family enjoyed some of the aspects of having a professional coach as a father, such as her memories of having football players hanging around their house. Some of her best memories were during the heyday of the “Luv Ya Blue” Houston Oilers teams coached by Bum. As she got older, McCarthy understood that the notoriety was something others began to notice. “I always had a joke that I had more friends during football season than the offseason,” McCarthy said. “As a girl, you didn’t know if (boys) liked you because of you, or because of who your dad was.” But wherever her father coached, McCarthy always remembered a man who was “all about family.” She said her father truly loved his players, with them respecting him as well. That mentality rubbed off on her brother, Wade, who is currently the Denver Broncos defensive coordinator. While there

was criticism that they were too easy on players, McCarthy said her father and brother showed a respect they expected in return. “You don’t have to yell at (players) to do what you want to do,” McCarthy said. “You want to do it for them to make them proud.” While football was ingrained in her life, swimming soon took over. McCarthy said she was a swimmer in her youth, but wasn’t truly enthusiastic about the sport until she moved to Dripping Springs 21 years ago. Getting involved in Masters swimming programs helped usher in her passion. Attending a clinic helped her fall in love with the technical aspects of swimming. “It’s kind of a physical kind of thing. I like to watch others and how I can improve their swimming,” she said. Ten years ago, then Dripping Springs Athletic Director Howard Ballard hired McCarthy as the Tiger swim coach. Over the next eight years, McCarthy oversaw a variety of success, including state swim medals earned by Jessica Shepard

and Ali Cisewksi. After a few years of retirement, McCarthy opted to get back into the sport. But she soon realized the landscape had changed. High school swimming, McCarhty said, had taken a “back seat” to club swimming. She believes high school swimming allows young athletes to receive accolades and recognition they may not get at the club level. “It’s a different culture now. Swimming has gotten so big with so many clubs in the area,” she said. Despite the changing times, McCarthy said her team puts the effort in the pool. “Even those who are not in club (swimming) will be at the pool early and put the time in and encourage teammates,” McCarthy said. “That’s what I love about the team, they are very encouraging to each other.” They do so not truly knowing the backstory behind their coach’s famous father. “They don’t know who Wade is and they don’t remember who dad was, because they don’t know the Houston Oilers,” she said.

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