Pick up a pollinator seed pack page 7
Tigers take Cougars 52-39
DSHS hosts robotics competition
page 4
page 6
News-Dispatch Volume XXXX No. 21
May races are unopposed in Dripping Springs, Wimberley BY ANITA MILLER The number of May elections scheduled to be held in Hays County has shrunk. Municipal elections slated in both Dripping Springs and Wimberley will not be held, since there are no contested races in either city. In Dripping Springs, Mayor Todd Purcell was up for re-election, as were Place 2 council member Wade King and John Knoll, who represents Place 4. City Secretary Andrea Cunningham said since all three races are uncontested, the election will be called at the body’s next scheduled meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday,
Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982
Thursday, February 27, 2020
Wimberley school district spends $7,000 on obtaining logo copyright, trademark BY CAMELIA JUAREZ
School district receipts show that more than $7,000 was spent to obtain the copyright and trademark of the Wimberley Texan Logo days after the first pride parade was held in the community. The News-Dispatch obtained receipts from
law firms involved that show the costs and dates spent on obtaining copyright and trademarks. The Wimberley Pride Parade was held Sept. 21, 2019, and many parents posted pictures in the days following of the logo altered to show a rainbow background. Records show that nine days after the parade,
WISD paid Fowler law firm $422.50 for “logo, copyright.” This was the first transaction between WISD and Fowler law
firm and the beginning of their process to obtain copyright and trademark. In October of 2019, parents were asked to remove the logo from their social media in an email from Superintendent Dwain York. On Halloween of last year, two separate transactions were made. The first was $195 for
PIPELINE’S COMING
BY ANITA MILLER “She did something crazy. That doesn’t mean she was legally insane.” That’s part of how Hays County District Attorney Wes Mau framed his case against former Kyle resident Krystle Villanueva on Tuesday during the first day of her capital murder trial. Villanueva, 27, is accused of killing her fiveyear-old daughter Giovanni Lanae Hernandez and then partially dismembering her corpse inside the mobile home the two shared with Krystal’s
CAPITAL MURDER, 2
copyright and $650 for copyrighting the trademark. The next day, $378.84 was spent on a “logo and media release” to Walsh Gallegos Trevino Russo & Kyle P.C., a law firm “dedicated to serving school districts,” according to its website.
WISD LOGO, 3
Witness confirms tripping at FOP forum BY ANITA MILLER
LOCAL RACES, 3
Kyle woman on trial for mutilating daughter
75¢
PHOTO BY ANITA MILLER
Construction begins on Permian Highway Pipeline Forty-two inch pipes make their way by Union Pacific Railroad to areas of Hays County were construction on Kinder Morgan’s Permian Highway Pipeline has begun. The company says it hopes to start moving product on the controversial project in about a year.
Legal counsel offered on trial basis through indigent defense grant BY CAMELIA JUAREZ A study looking at benefits of legal representation at a first appearance before a magistrate for arrestees could be in the works in Hays County. The Hays County Commissioner’s Court approved a grant from the Texas Indigent Defense Commission (TIDC) to participate in a study examining potential benefits of such a program.
Commissioners unanimously approved the measure 4-0 with Pct. 3 Commissioner Lon Shell absent. The grant of $136,500 will be used to pay defense attorneys attending the bail hearings of a defendant in front of a judge. The study will be led by the Texas A&M University, The Public Policy Research Institute will explore five issues, according to TIDC applications.
The study will try to • Does counsel at first appearance have an impact on bail and pretrial release conditions decisions? • For those who are released pretrial, do defendants with counsel at first appearance exhibit lower rates of failing to appear than those without such representation? • Does counsel at first appearance impact case disposition, sen-
tencing, or pre- or post-trial recidivism? • Does counsel at first appearance have an effect on arrestees’ attitudes toward the legal system? • What is the cost-benefit ratio for jurisdictions interested in piloting this program? Currently, Hays County does not have a public defender’s office, which would provide an attorney if someone
DEFENSE GRANT, 3
LAGNIAPPE Wimberley Players perform ‘The Tin Woman’
Performances of “The Tin Woman,” a play about a woman’s life after she receives a heart transplant, continue through March 8 on the stage of the Wimberley Players. Written by Sean Grennan, the family comedy details the life of Joy and her post-tranplant life journey, which includes meeting the family of her donor. “Through sharing and stories, the two parties find that maybe all they need is a little bit of love,” a press release from the Wim-
Vote
Early voting continues through Friday for the primary elections. Election day is Tuesday, March 3. See page 3 for voting locations and hours.
Lone Star Farmers Market berley Players says. The production debuted on Valentine’s Day. Remaining performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, Saturday, Feb. 29, Friday, March 6 and Saturday, March 7.
Matinees will take the stage at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 1 and Sunday, March 8. Adult tickets are $22. Students with ID will be admitted for $8. For more, visit wimberleyplayers.org.
Stroll through the Lone Star Farmers Market and enjoy 40plus booths overflowing with Austin’s finest local produce and locally inspired artisan foods. Every Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Treaty Oaks Distilling in Dripping Springs.
An eyewitness to the altercation at the Feb. 5 candidate forum in Wimberley says a KXAN cameraman whose heavy camera hit a woman over the head was tripped by Pct. 3 Constable’s Office employee Darrell Ayers. “I saw the whole thing. I was standing there,” Abel Velasquez said. Velasquez said he was standing near Jessica Deatherage, who is challenging incumbent Ray Helm for the Republican nomination for Pct. 3 constable, when Michele Hart walked by with the KXAN news crew right behind her, after the conclusion of the Fraternal Order of Police-sponsored forum ahead of the March 3 primaries. “Ayers flew by me and put his foot out to trip the cameraman, which he did,” Velasquez said. “Boom, there went the cameraman.” He said Ayers then began to deny his actions. “He said, ‘I didn’t do it,’ but he did. He caused the cameraman to go forward and hit the lady.” Velasquez left the forum shortly after the altercation and was not asked for a statement by anyone from the Hays County Sheriff’s Department, which took the initial report after Hart said she wanted to file charges. He did, however, post to Facebook on Feb. 7. “My view on it is, if you’re an elected official you’ve got to take the bad with the good. Take your lumps and hopefully they will forgive you. What Ayers did is totally wrong.” Velasquez, a resident from San Marcos, has previously run for the position of Hays County Judge. Hart complained that the news crew had assaulted her. Video later released by KXAN did not show the actual point of contact, but did show Ayers jumping in front of reporter Jody Barr and pushing him backwards, then accusing Barr of stepping into him. In a news release from the sheriff’s office, the incident was described as involving “staff members of Hays County Precinct 3 Constable Ray Helm’s office.” Because of that involvement, the Texas Rangers were called out to take over the investigation. The Rangers have made no comments on the case.
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 Chase Rogers Camelia Juarez Sahar Chmais PRODUCTION David White david@haysfreepress.com Elizabeth Garcia design@haysfreepress.com ADVERTISING/MARKETING Tracy Mack ads@bartonpublicationsinc.com
Thursday, February 27, 2020
Dripping Springs awarded TxDOT grant for sidewalk improvements The city of Dripping Springs was awarded two grants totaling more than $2.8 million from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to improve pedestrian safety via the construction of two sidewalk projects. The grants were awarded through TxDOT’s Transportation Alternative Set-Aside Program (TA), a program that provides funding to construct various alternative transportation projects that improve safety and mobility for non-motorized travelers and assist with reducing traffic congestion. Both grants are matching grants, and the federal funds must be matched by a minimum of 20 percent from the city. While no decision
was made to accept the grants at the Feb. 18 city council meeting, members were positive regarding the grants. Mayor Todd Purcell echoed the sentiments of all the council members, “This is wonderful news for the city, and we are grateful to TxDOT. These generous grants will help improve the safety and quality of life for the residents of Dripping Springs. We just need to do a little due diligence before we can move forward.” Because the grants would require some matching funds, the city council gave the goahead to reach out and work with TxDOT to see if the funds can be distributed over a period of time to ease the impact on the city’s budget. If
THE GRANTS WERE AWARDED TO HELP FUND THE CONSTRUCTION OF SIDEWALKS AND IMPROVE CONNECTIVITY IN TWO AREAS OF TOWN:
• $1,150,116 was awarded to help with Rob Shelton Boulevard sidewalks — This proposed project entails the construction of concrete sidewalks and granite trail improvements along Rob Shelton Boulevard from Sports Park Road to Founders Memorial Park. The project will create contiguous connections between the Springs Family YMCA and Founders Memorial Park. • $1,670,084 was awarded to help with a Dripping Springs Middle School and Dripping Springs High School connection – This proposed project will connect the two schools via sidewalks. Concrete sidewalks will be constructed on each side of Roger Hanks Parkway from the high school to Meadow Oaks Drive which will have a signalized pedestrian crossing to cross U.S. 290 and continue to the middle school. This connectivity gives middle school students access to facilities and programs at the high school.
a feasible plan can be crafted with TxDOT on timing of the grants, the city would approve the matching grants needed, and construction of the two projects would take
place over the next three to four years. The grants for Dripping Springs are two of 30 projects that the Texas Transportation Commission awarded
for under two separate federaly-funded programs: the TA Program and the Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS) program that offers funding to enable and encourage safe bicycling and walking for schoolchildren. Those projects include: • 12 projects totaling $8,577,168 were awarded under SRTS program • 18 projects totaling $15,838,882 were awarded under the Transportation Alternatives SetAside (TA) Program The grant application process for Dripping Springs was a team effort over many months with city staff, the transportation committee, city council, the transportation engineers of HDR, GDS Associates, property owners, area businesses and area organizations.
Jim Darby ads@haysfreepress.com
PHOTOGRAPHER Wayland Clark PROOFREADER Jane Kirkham CIRCULATION MANAGER/ LEGAL NOTICES Verna Wommack paper@ haysnewsdispatch.com
Pipeline construction begins
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 $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.
WIMBERLEY VALLEY WATERSHED ASSOCIATION PHOTO BY JOHN BROWN
An aerial photo gives a good perspective on the progress of clearing land for Kinder Mortan’s Permian Highway Pipeline near the intersection of Ranch Road 12 and Old Oaks Ranch Road.
Capital murder: Kyle woman on trial Continued from pg. 1
husband and his parents on Jan. 5, 2017. She is also charged with stabbing her father-in-law Eustorgio Arellano-Uresti. The proceeding got off to an unusual start when, in response to District Judge Bill Henry’s request for a plea, defense attorney Carlos Garcia replied that the defendant “stands moot.” That, according to an attorney contacted by the Hays Free Press, generally means the defendant lacks the mental capacity to enter a plea. Following Garcia’s statement, Henry entered a plea of not guilty to both charges on behalf of the court. The case took a second turn from established courtroom protocol when both Mau and Garcia told jurors in their opening arguments that while photographs of the crime scene will be described in court and entered into evidence, jurors would not be forced to personally view them. Arellano-Uresti, who is expected to take the stand,
told authorities he was having lunch that Thursday when Villanueva entered the kitchen with VILLANUEVA a knife and began to stab him. “He fights and bites her hand. He gets the knife and runs out the back door to a neighbor’s house,” where 911 was called, Mau said. Based on Arellano-Uresti’s comments, the SWAT team was called and around that time, Villanueva also called 911. Mau said jurors will hear the audio tape in which Villanueva claims people were trying to kill her as SWAT team members surrounded the house and also that she tells the dispatcher she cut off her child’s head because she asked for cereal. “That’s crazy. I’m not gonna tell you it’s not,” he argued. Mau pointed out other occasions in the ensuing hours when Villanueva willingly admitted her guilt
and that jurors will hear statements “I think you’ll find to be remorseful.” “In every statement afterward, she said she knew … The question you will have to answer is at the time, did she not know what she did was wrong?” Mau said. “You’ll find it’s very unclear what was going on in her head … I’m not gonna tell you I’m going to be able to tell you her motive … The evidence will not show that she was legally insane.” The defense is not contesting that Villanueva committed the horrendous crime. “Krystle Villanueva did what they describe, it’s true,” Garcia told jurors. He centered his argument on the jury believing that, at the moment she committed the murder, she did not know right from wrong. The law allows for temporary insanity and Garcia seemed to hone in on that idea. “She did not know what she did was wrong — that’s the law … society recognizes there is a need
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
for this law.” Garcia introduced the concept of Capgras Syndrome, in which a person is under the delusion their family or loved ones have been replaced by imposters, and pointed out instances where Villanueva believed Giovanni was not her daughter, but a clone. He also detailed her history as someone who has been delusional since a young child, claiming to see “shadow” figures and to hear voices. Though Mau told jurors that family members, some of whom will testify, saw “no signs of psychosis” in the days leading up to the murder, Garcia said she had been diagnosed with psychosis and substances abuse in June of 2015 and as bipolar in December of that year. He said by December 2016 — just a month before the murder, she had become convinced that imposters had taken over her family and she had become obsessed with finding a ring that would allow her to
Texas Crossword Solution
St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church Mass Schedule
Rev. Justin
Spanish Mass Sunday: 1:30 p.m.
corner of RR 12 & Post Oak in Dripping Springs
Nguyen, pastor Saturday: 5 p.m. Located at the Sunday: 8:15 a.m., 11 a.m., 5 p.m.
512-858-5667
www.stmartindp.org
See puzzle, page 5
restore the situation. Two days before the murder, she wound up in the Emergency Room after drinking Clorox. In the hours just before the little girl was killed, Villanueva texted her husband at work that she was “going crazy, like for real” and another questioning why her wallet was outside the house. Her husband finally responds, minutes before the murder, that he can’t answer his phone. Mau told jurors the last words Eustorgio Arellano-Uresti Jr., who went by “Junior,” heard from his daughter when she woke him up around 1:30 or 2 a.m. on the day she died. “Daddy, mommy has a knife,” the little girl said. Testimony is scheduled to continue through the week, and Mau mentioned a lengthy list of witnesses. Mau is not seeking the death penalty in the case, which will be decided by a jury of eight men and six women (including two alternates). If convicted, Villanueva faces life in prison.
Thursday, February 27, 2020
www.HaysNewsDispatch.com
Vote Center Locations for Early Voting and Election Day 2020 Primary Elections Early Voting through Feb. 28, 2020
Monday through Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Election Day, March 3, 2020
Tuesday, March 3, 2020, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Early Voting
Election Day
Dripping Springs and Driftwood
✔
Dripping Springs Ranch Park
1042 Event Center Drive (DS)
✔
✔
Hays County Precinct 4 Office
195 Roger Hanks Parkway (DS)
Wimberley
✔
VFW Post #6441
401 Jacobs Well Road
✔
✔
Wimberley Community Center
14068 Ranch Road 12
✔
✔
Wimberley ISD Admin Office
951 FM 2325
Austin
✔
Belterra Centre
151 Trinity Hills Drive
✔
Driftwood Fire Station #2
15850 FM 1826
✔
✔
Ledgestone Senior Living
13152 Four Star Boulevard
San Marcos
✔
Brookdale Horizon Bay
1720 Old Ranch Road 12
✔
Calvary Baptist Church
1906 North Interstate 35
✔
Centro Cultural Hispano
211 Lee Street
✔
Dunbar Center
801 Martin Luther King Drive
✔
First Baptist Church, San Marcos
325 McCarty Lane
✔
✔
Hays County Government Center
712 South Stagecoach Trail
✔ ✔
Live Oak Health (Hays County Health Department)
401 Broadway Street #A
✔
Promiseland Church
1650 Lime Kiln Road
✔
San Marcos Activity Center
501 East Hopkins Street
✔
San Marcos Fire Station #5
100 Carlson Circle
✔
San Marcos Housing Authority/ CM Allen Homes
820 Sturgeon Drive
✔
Sinai Pentecostal Church
208 Laredo Street
✔
South Hays Fire Station #12
8301 Ranch Road 12
✔
Stone Brook Seniors
300 South Stagecoach Trail
Texas State University – LBJ Student Center
301 Student Center Drive
✔ ✔
Page 3
Local Races
Continued from pg. 1 March 10. Similarly, there are no contested races in Wimberley, where Mayor Susan Jaggers, City Council Place 2 member Craig Fore and City Council Place 4 member Gary Barchfelt all faced expiring terms. None sought re-election. Jaggers on Feb. 19 certified that mayoral candidate Gina V. Fulkerson, along with Teresa Shell for city council place 2 and Jim Chiles
There are no contested races in Wimberley, where Mayor Susan Jaggers, City Council Place 2 member Craig Fore and City Council Place 4 member Gary Barchfelt all faced expiring terms and none sought re-election. for city council place 4 were all unopposed. The Wimberley City
Council will next meet on Thursday, March 5, at 6 p.m.
the largest transaction was made of $5,120 for “logo and copyright.” In December a second email was sent from York instructing parents to remove the altered logo post from social media by Jan. 6 or face “a cease and desist letter from the WISD attorney.” At the end of December, $637.50 was paid to
Fowler Law for “logo and copyright.” On Jan. 23, WISD filed another logo featuring “a single star with five points,” according to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. York said he was advised by attorneys to abstain from making a comment until the legal situation is settled.
secure their freedom is in jeopardy. Currently, counsel is not present at this juncture, which presents several problems for defendants, who are ill-suited to navigate this stage alone,” according to
TIDC applications. Last year, commissioners failed to approve a grant that would create a public defender’s office but have since established a General Magistrate’s Division.
WISD Logo
Continued from pg. 1 It is unclear what the media release was for. According to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Fowler law represented WISD to file the Wimberley Texan Logo with a square in the background on Nov. 12. The logo filed that day is the version that was altered with the pride flag in the backdrop. At the end of November,
Defense Grant Continued from pg. 1
cannot afford one. “The bail hearing – the ‘first appearance’ of a defendant in front of a judge or magistrate – constitutes an important moment where a defendant’s ability to
Kyle ✔
✔
ACC Campus Hays
1200 Kohlers Crossing
✔
Goforth Special Utility District
8900 Niederwald Strasse
✔
✔
Hays CISD Transportation Office
21003 Interstate 35
✔
✔
Hays Transportation Department - Yarrington Road
2171 Yarrington Rd
✔
Hays County Precinct 2 Office
5458 FM 2770
✔
✔
Kyle City Hall
100 West Center Street
✔
Tobias Elementary School
1005 East FM 150
✔
Wallace Middle School
1500 West Center Street
Buda ✔
✔
Buda City Hall
405 East Loop Street
✔
Buda Elementary Upper Campus
300 San Marcos Street
✔
Hays Hills Baptist Church
1401 FM 1626
✔
✔
McCormick Middle School
5700 Dacy Lane
✔
Southern Hills Church of Christ
3740 FM 967
Police Blotter The following is a tally of all calls made to law enforcement within Hays County between Feb. 16 and Feb. 23, 2020. Inj to Child/Eld/Disabled......................................... 1 Endanger/Abandon................................................. 3 Civil Matter............................................................. 14 Information............................................................. 20 Compliance Check................................................ 14 Property- Lost/Found/Imp...................................... 2 Sex Offender Registy............................................ 41 Alarm Business...................................................... 33 Alarm Residential.................................................. 38 Animal Calls......................................................... 105 Field Euthinasia....................................................... 3 Loose Livestock.................................................... 28 Sexual Assault – Child............................................. 2 Sexual Assault......................................................... 1 Assault – Agg........................................................... 1 Assault................................................................... 12 Assist EMS............................................................... 7 Assist Fire Dept....................................................... 4 Assist Outside Agency.......................................... 18 Burglary Building..................................................... 2 Burglary Habitation................................................. 1 Burglary Vehicle....................................................... 7 Criminal Mischief..................................................... 6 Illegal Dumping........................................................ 3 Enviromental Crime................................................. 3 Attended Death....................................................... 3 Disorderly Conduct................................................. 1 Death Investigation................................................. 4 Disturbance Noise................................................. 26 Disturbance Physical Fight..................................... 6 Disturbance Verbal................................................ 30 Child Custody.......................................................... 4 Controlled Substance.............................................. 1 Violation of Order.................................................... 1 Alcohol Violation...................................................... 2 Public Intoxication................................................... 1 Marijuana................................................................. 1 MIP Tobacco............................................................ 6 Driving Under Influence........................................... 1 Fraud.......................................................................... 14............................................................................... Credit/Debit Abuse.................................................. 7 Harassment............................................................ 15 Threat....................................................................... 1 Indecency w Child................................................... 1 Indecent Exposure.................................................. 1
Mental Health Follow Up......................................... 5 Mental Health Invest............................................. 11 Mental Health Transport.......................................... 3 Canine Search......................................................... 1 Drone Deployment.................................................. 9 SRP Drill................................................................... 1 Viol City Ordinance.................................................. 3 Missing Person........................................................ 7 Runaway.................................................................. 8 Public Assist.......................................................... 12 Community Contact.............................................. 55 Disabled Vehicle.................................................... 36 Foot Patrol............................................................. 14 Close Patrol......................................................... 291 Flagged Down......................................................... 5 Welfare Concern.................................................... 33 Investigation............................................................ 5 Supplement........................................................... 81 Suspicious Circumstances................................... 32 Suspicious Person................................................. 23 Suspicious Vehicle................................................ 37 Wanted Person........................................................ 3 Identity Theft............................................................ 2 Theft....................................................................... 64 Unauth Use Vehicle................................................. 2 Vehicle Theft............................................................ 3 Accident Minor...................................................... 25 Accident Hit and Run.............................................. 8 Accident Major/Injury............................................ 26 Accident Fleet.......................................................... 2 Accident Unknown.................................................. 1 Abandoned/Stored Vehicle................................... 10 Traffic Control/Direction.......................................... 3 Directed/Area Enforce........................................... 96 Traffic Hazard......................................................... 24 Attempt to Locate................................................. 78 Parking Enforcement............................................... 6 Traffic Stop........................................................... 629 Trespassing/Unwanted........................................... 6 911 Abandoned/Open......................................... 200 Deadly Conduct....................................................... 4 Discharge Firearm................................................. 14 Sick Person.............................................................. 1 Private Tow/Repo.................................................. 37 Citizen Assist/Srvc Call........................................... 1
Below is a sample of events reported by law enforcement from Feb. 16 through Feb. 23, 2020. The location is where the event was reported or responded to and may not necessarily be where the event occured. Agency Activity Date HCSO Assault 02/14/2020 BPD Disturbance - Phys/Fight 02/15/2020 HCSO Disturbance - Phys/Fight 02/14/2020 HCSO Disturbance - Phys/Fight 02/14/2020 HCSO Disturbance - Phys/Fight 02/15/2020 BPD Accident - Major/Injury 02/14/2020 BPD Accident - Major/Injury 02/14/2020 BPD Accident - Major/Injury 02/15/2020 BPD Accident - Major/Injury 02/15/2020 HCSO Accident - Major/Injury 02/14/2020 HCSO Accident - Major/Injury 02/14/2020 HCSO Accident - Major/Injury 02/14/2020 HCSO Accident - Major/Injury 02/14/2020 HCSO Assault 02/16/2020 HCSO Assault 02/16/2020 HCSO Assault 02/17/2020 HCSO Disturbance - Phys/Fight 02/17/2020 HCSO Accident - Major/Injury 02/17/2020 HCSO Accident - Major/Injury 02/17/2020 HCSO Accident - Major/Injury 02/17/2020 HCSO Assault 02/19/2020 HCSO Assault 02/19/2020 HCSO Disturbance - Phys/Fight 02/18/2020 BPD Accident - Hit and Run 02/18/2020 HCSO Accident - Hit and Run 02/18/2020 HCSO Accident - Major/Injury 02/18/2020 HCSO Accident - Major/Injury 02/18/2020 HCSO Accident - Major/Injury 02/18/2020 HCSO Accident - Major/Injury 02/18/2020 HCSO Assault 02/19/2020 BPD Accident - Hit and Run 02/19/2020 HCSO Accident - Hit and Run 02/19/2020 BPD Accident - Major/Injury 02/19/2020 BPD Accident - Major/Injury 02/19/2020 HCSO Accident - Major/Injury 02/19/2020 HCSO Accident - Major/Injury 02/19/2020 HCSO Sexual Assault - Child 02/19/2020 HCSO Assault 02/19/2020 BPD Accident - Hit and Run 02/19/2020 HCSO Accident - Hit and Run 02/19/2020 BPD Accident - Major/Injury 02/19/2020 BPD Accident - Major/Injury 02/19/2020 HCSO Accident - Major/Injury 02/19/2020 HCSO Accident - Major/Injury 02/19/2020 HCSO Assault 02/20/2020 HCSO Assault 02/20/2020 BPD Disturbance - Phys/Fight 02/20/2020 BPD Accident - Major/Injury 02/20/2020 BPD Accident - Major/Injury 02/20/2020 HCSO Accident - Major/Injury 02/20/2020
Time 19:51:21 2:47:33 16:54:21 22:37:31 2:11:46 17:31:08 18:34:21 0:26:59 1:25:38 13:26:41 14:16:44 18:25:41 20:08:38 21:52:27 22:19:57 23:39:04 21:18:05 6:44:57 15:46:52 16:25:15 1:46:44 2:58:42 20:05:59 18:44:40 7:19:45 6:23:00 7:02:42 7:14:33 11:48:06 15:10:30 14:07:32 16:26:16 17:00:44 22:56:49 12:00:43 17:47:11 16:47:52 15:10:30 14:07:32 16:26:16 17:00:44 22:56:49 12:00:43 17:47:11 12:46:41 14:39:57 18:21:47 14:43:52 15:54:17 15:12:21
Location Trinity Hills Dr Austin Belterra Springs Cabelas Dr Buda Microtel Suites Twisted Oaks Ln Buda Southpoint Dr San Marcos S Fm 1626 Buda Bucks Backyard S Fm 1626/Coldwater Holw Buda IH 35 FR Buda Cabelas EXIT 220 NB Buda EXIT 220 NB 16250blk Remuda Trl Buda Sh 80/N Old Bastrop Hwy San Marcos William Pettus Rd/Airport Highway 21 Maxwell Sierra Loma/Rr 12 Wimberley Staples Rd/N Old Bastrop Hwy San Marcos Fm 2001 Buda Buda Fire Department Station 32 Pearl Way Buda Wapiti Rd Buda Cochise Ct Wimberley Camino Real Kyle Poco Loco S Turnersville Rd Buda Creek Rd/W Us 290 Dripping Springs Dacy Ln Buda Springlake Dr Dripping Springs Jack C Hays Trl Buda Hays High School Old San Antonio Rd Buda Walmart Of Buda N Fm 1626/Lakewood Dr Buda S Fm 1626/Jack C Hays Trl Buda Mariettas Way/Jack C Hays Trl Buda Hwy 21/William Pettus Rd San Marcos 3700blk Elder Hill Rd Driftwood Wimberley High School Old San Antonio Rd Buda Walmart Of Buda Cherry Stone Buda Old San Antonio Rd/Main St Buda Royston Rd/Ih 35 Fr Buda Nutty Brown Rd/Rr 1826 Austin Fm 2001/Satterwhite Rd Buda Lehman Rd Kyle Lehman High School Wimberley High School Old San Antonio Rd Buda Walmart Of Buda Cherry Stone Buda Old San Antonio Rd/Main St Buda Royston Rd/Ih 35 Fr Buda Nutty Brown Rd/Rr 1826 Austin Fm 2001/Satterwhite Rd Buda Diamondback Cv Buda Lehman Rd Kyle Lehman High School Jay Gould Way/Heep Run Buda Main St/Ih 35 Fr Buda EXIT 217 SB Buda EXIT 217 SB Fm 2001/Blackbird Ln Buda
Page 4
News-Dispatch
Thursday, February 27, 2020
Sports
DRIPPING SPRINGS WRESTLING PHOTO
Tiger wrestler Warden takes home gold at state
Dripping Spring Tiger senior wrestler Chase Warden stands atop the medal stand after winning gold in his weight class at the UIL 5A wrestling championships in Cypress. Warden repeated as an individual state champion, having won a title in 2019. On the left is silver medalist Alex Vislosky and on the right is bronze medalist Greg Dean of Canyon Lake. PHOTOS BY ALBERT SANCHEZ
Tigers take Cougars 52-39
Above, senior Xavier Phillips (11) draws a charge against a Crockett High School player as he drives in for a layup during the third period of Tuesday night’s game, the last home game of the year. Right, junior Luke Lawyer (24) out rebounds a Crockett player in the fourth period. The Tigers won the game with a final score of 52-39. Their overall record is 22-5. The players also celebrated Senior Night and Parent Night before the start of the game. Seniors, below, from left to right, are Maverick Walker, Hayden Shields, Xavier Phillips, Trace Young, Collin Spires, Mitchell Williams, Zach Steiner and Caleb Thompson.
Sometimes it’s just better to admit you did wrong
G
Lady Tigers shut out the Knights The Dripping Springs Lady Tigers toughed out the cold, drizzly 43-degree weather to shut out the McCallum Knights, 2-0 last Tuesday. Right, junior Sophia Picucci (15) works the ball toward the goal. Bottom left, Chloe Sansalone (16) battles a McCallum player in the corner during the first half. Bottom right, Rylie Flores (7) takes the ball in for a score in the 23rd minute in the first half.
PHOTOS BY ALBERT SANCHEZ
etting down to the honest truth these days seems to be a challenge for some. Just ask the Houston Astros. Ripping a page out of Political Science Today 101, Astros players have attempted to take responsibility for their role in their now infamous sign stealing scandal in the same way a less-thancontrite toddler apologizes for stealing a cookie. Yep, they sure got caught. But hey, the resulting success tasted pretty good while they were doing it. Perhaps that’s why many across the baseball landscape can’t quite accept the numerous half-baked apologies that have come from top Astros players and top brass. It’s a process made even worse prior to the start of spring training when Astros owner Jim Crane turned what was supposed to be the start of a public apology press tour into a viral showcase of how not to fix a team crisis. You can’t Mea your Culpa if one is unable to determine the scandal surrounding your team impacted the game or not, Jim. Spoiler alert – Yes, it does. The reality is any apology said, read or tweeted by an Astros player or high level executive won’t resonate with anyone outside of earshot of Minute Maid Park. It’s hard to blame baseball fans for doing so. So much damage has been done to the game as a result of this wide-ranging sign stealing scandal that its going to take years, perhaps even decades, for it to pass. Baseball fans don’t take kindly to abuse of their game. Cincinnati Reds great Pete Rose still hasn’t been inducted to Cooperstown as a result of his gambling scandal. It’s hard for the Astros organization to expect anything less. The most frustrating part is how the fallout from this scandal is now on the shoulders of a Houston
From the Sidelines by Moses Leos III
fanbase that’s been caught in the crossfire. Perhaps more importantly is how the fan base chooses to go forward from this point. Four months ago, most Astro fans felt the worst thing that could happen to their beloved club heading into March was a hangover from a depressing World Series defeat. Gone are those good ole halcyon days of George Springer Dingers and Justin Verlander TV broadcast puff pieces, I tell you what. But it’s also hard for Astro fans to face the prospect of the team possibly one day handing back that tainted 2017 title won by less-than-reputable means. While Major League Baseball officials fined the Astros millions of dollars and took away future draft picks, the organization hasn’t expressed interest at this time of taking away the title, much to the consternation of multiple teams and thousands of fans. Whether they should or shouldn’t will be up for debate for some time. Selfishly, this Astro fan hates to consider giving back a championship that allowed a community reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Harvey to finally heal. Another thing to consider is what would happen to all that sweet championship swag we all bought after that title? It’s not like the Astros are going to buy it back, right? At the same time, I also understand vacating the championship might just allow for the game and the organization to heal, too. After all, in today’s world where lies are told to justify how right we want to be, sometimes it’s better to admit we’re wrong and to accept whatever punishment might come. Houston, we do have a problem. It’s us. And we need to change that.
We proudly support our hometown teams Texas hometown friendly bank
512-858-5159
HaysNewsDispatch.com
www.
401 E. Hwy 290W. P.O. Box 1243 Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Thursday, February 27, 2020
www.HaysNewsDispatch.com
Page 5
Sports
SIGNING DAY
Student athletes sign Letters of Intent On Feb. 5, 13 Dripping Springs High School seniors announced their commitments to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. Soccer players Cailey Nicolas Austin, Lacrosse, Queens University of Charlotte (N.C.) Nicolas Austin has been a four-year starter at attack and is a senior captain this spring. In 2017, he set the freshman scoring record with 20 goals and followed that up with an even more productive sophomore year. As a junior, Nic led the team with 32 goals and 29 assists on his way to earning all-state honors. Nic also was a member of the Tigers football team and played club lacrosse with Ironhorse for four years. The son of Edith and Barney Austin, he plans to major in business. Coach: Bill Caffereta.
England, Taylor Waters, Eli Sass and Jalen Chavez, football player Scotty Crosby, swimmers Kiara Bobb and Joshua Dowdy, cross country/track athlete Ellie Hov-
Joshua Dowdy, Swimming, Lees-McRae College (N.C.) Joshua Dowdy came to Dripping Springs High School as a sophomore and has made an impact on the boys team for three years. He swam on the 400-yard relay team at last year’s state meet and will do so again this year. The current 400 relay team holds the DSHS school record in that event. The son of Jennifer and Jason Dowdy, Joshua plans to study Wildlife Management. Coach: Andrea McCarthy.
had a successful two seasons, qualifying both years for the state meet. Ellie has earned all-district and academic all-district honors for both cross country and track. The daughter of Mitzi and Greg Hovre, she plans to major in Business in college. Coach: Marisa Tuzzi.
re, and lacrosse players Nicolas Austin, Ethan Hooks, Jakob Joy and Pierce Walker signed National Letters of Intent. Combined with student-athletes in the Class Eli Sass, Soccer, Southwestern University Eli Sass has been a varsity starter for the last two years for the Tiger soccer team. As a junior, he was instrumental in the team winning the district title. A great teammate and leader on and off the field, Eli also is an outstanding student. He also has played club soccer for Lonestar. The son of Lisa and David Sass, Eli plans to major in Business at Southwestern. Coach: Josh Hill.
of 2020 who had signed on the November National Signing Day, 23 seniors have now committed to continuing their playing careers at the collegiate level.
goals.” He played with two lacrosse clubs – Austin Elite and Jammers – over the past 10 years, and also was a member of the Tiger football team. Pierce is the son of Patricia and Troy Walker. Coach: Bill Caffereta. Chase Warden, Wrestling, Campbell University (N.C.) In 2019, Chase Warden claimed a state championship in the 145-pound class by pinning all four of his opponents in the first period of each match at the state meet. Warden needed only a total of 4 minutes and 36 seconds to win his four matches and was voted the most Outstanding 5A Boys Wrestler. He is undefeated this season at 25-0, with 22 matches won by pin. He currently is ranked #1 in his weight class and #4 in all weight classes for all 5A and 6A wrestlers in the state. Chase also was undefeated as a junior and has a career record of 1477. He finished in second
place at state as a sophomore, and third as a freshman. The son of Tammy and Chris Warden, Chase plans to major in Chemical Engineering. Coach: Joe Kirksey. Taylor Waters, Soccer, Cal Lutheran University Taylor Waters is a three-year letterman and two-year starter at center midfielder. According to Coach Perrine, “Taylor controls the majority of the field and has great technical and communication skills.” After missing a year due to an injury, Taylor is back in action and has stepped into a strong leadership role and is a solid contributor. Taylor previously earned academic all-district honors. Taylor is also a member of young life, plays club soccer for Sting and volunteers with the animal shelter. The daughter of Jenifer and Christopher Waters, Taylor plans to major in Film and Television. Coach: Bailey Perrine.
Jakob Joy, Lacrosse, High Point University (N.C.) Jakob Joy has been a four-year starter and threeyear captain for the Tigers, playing on defense. As a Pierce Walker, Lacrosse, sophomore, Jake earned Westminster College all-district honors while (Utah) helping to lead the team Cailey England, Soccer, to a top-eight state finish. Pierce Walker has been a University of Oklahoma As a junior, Jake received three-year starter and has all-state honors and helped earned four varsity letters Cailey Enthe team finish in the top at midfield. According gland played Drip12 in the state. He also to Coach Bill Caffereta, ping Springs High School Kiara Bobb, Swimming, played club lacrosse with “Pierce is one of the hardsoccer her freshman year, Austin College Ironhorse since eighth est workers who has ever starting all 25 games and grade. Along with lacrosse, come through this program Kiara Bobb has been scoring a team-high 38 and does all the little things a four-year high school goals with six assists as the Jake was an all-district for our team including swimmer and letterwinner Lady Tigers were Bi-District linebacker for the Tigers for the Lady Tigers and, Champions. Following that football team. He is the son playing short stick defense, according to Coach season, she was named to of Monica and Thomas Joy. picking up ground balls, Coach: Bill Caffereta. and even scoring some Andrea McCarthy, “has the All-Region First Team, been a huge part of All-District First Team, developing the ‘teamAcademic All District Team first’ atmosphere at and was the Most Valuable DSHS.” She also has Player. Since that year, she e asters aniel been swimming for Nitro has played for the U.S. Swimming for seven years. Soccer Development Acadnsurance gency nc Kiara, who has been emy (which does not allow involved in the Youth and players to play high school Serving Hays County since 1983 Government program, will soccer) and her club team “Call us for all of your insurance needs” be receiving an Academic last summer was National Excellence Scholarship Champion runner-ups. In Angiel Dahl from Austin College. She October 2019, she was is the daughter of Heather invited to the U-18 USWNT sponsored by... Wimberley: 512-847-5549 or 512-847-9325 and Brian Bobb. Coach: (United States Women's Dripping Springs: 512-858-4608 Andrea McCarthy. National Team) camp in Florida. According to Topdrawersoccer, she currently Jalen Chavez, Soccer, has a four-star rating and University of Maryranks #31 nationally, #11 at Hardin Baylor midfielder nationally, and Jalen Chavez is a as the fifth-ranked player three-year starter on in the region. Cailey, who the Tiger varsity soccer currently ranks among the team and is this year’s top 10 seniors academicalteam captain. He has ly, plans to study Pre-Med. helped lead the team as She is the daughter of a center defender to the Laurisa and Teddy England. playoffs the last two years. DSHS also captured the Ethan Hooks, Lacrosse, district championship in Florida Southern College 2019. Jalen was named to the All-State Second Ethan Hooks has been Team as a junior. He also a three-year starter on has played club soccer defense for the Tigers. for Lonestar. Jalen plans Ethan didn’t start playing to major in Business lacrosse until eighth grade, Management and is the but learned the game son of Leslie and Hugo quickly and improved his Chavez. Coach: Josh Hill. skills each year. He also played quarterback and wide receiver for the Tiger Scotty Crosby, Football, football team, which helped Texas Lutheran Ethan become a tenacious University defender on the field. Ethan Scotty Crosby started played club lacrosse with at safety this year, the Jammers team for three contributing on defense years. The son of Melinda for the district champion and Jason Hooks, he plans Tigers. A three-year to major in Engineering at letterman, Scotty recorded FSC. Coach: Bill Caffereta. 29 tackles including three tackles-for-loss, Ellie Hovre, Cross and broke up five passes Country/Track, St. this past fall. According Edward’s University to defensive coordinator Chris King, “Scotty Ellie Hovre is a two-year represents the Tiger core letterman in cross country values of Trust, Discipline and a three-year letterman and Passion to the highest in track. She began her level.” The son of Fawn track career as a hurdler, and Dave Crosby, Scotty but transitioned to the 1600 plans to major in Business Meters and 3200 Meters at Texas Lutheran. Coach: as a junior. She also joined See Texas Crossword solution, page 3 Galen Zimmerman. the cross country team and
Texas Crossword
I
D M
A
-D
,I
.
Page 6
News-Dispatch
Thursday, February 27, 2020
Education
ST. STEPHEN’S SCHOOL PHOTO
Marsha Acock, who has served as St. Stephen’s Head of School for six years, welcomes the new Head of School Will Webber.
DSHS PHOTO
Team members are (from left) John Yim, Drew Wilson, Justin Garrity, Ian Stinson, Angela Gamez, Maya Bisset, Celeste Lohman, Alyssa Ordway and Alex McShan.
DSHS to host robotics competition The weekend of Feb. 28-March 1, Dripping Springs High School will host a district FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics
Competition. A total of 32 teams from across Texas will compete, including many from central Texas, schools as far away as McAllen and Lubbock, and the DSHS robotics
team known as “The Spring Konstant.” Points accumulated at district meets determine state qualification in robotics. This year’s Star Warsthemed competition,
called “Infinite Recharge,” features large, quick-moving, student-created robots. Each school brings one robot to the com-
ROBOTICS COMPETITION, 8
CLASSIFIEDS Want to Buy WANT TO BUY TRAVEL TRAILER OR FIFTH WHEEL
Even if repairs are needed. Trailer must have title. Cell, 346-244-8907.
Public Notices NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SUBDIVIDE An application has been filed with HAYS COUNTY to subdivide 107.186 acres of property located at along FM 1826, Dripping Springs, TX 78620. Information regarding the application may be obtained from Hays County Development Services (512) 393-2150. Tracking number: SUB-1361.b. Please submit an original signed publisher’s affidavit demonstrating actual publication.
VILLAGE OF BEAR CREEK By Order of the Village of Bear Creek City Commissioners, notice is hereby given that on Monday, March 16, 2020 at 7:00PM at the Driftwood Volunteer Fire Department, 15850 FM 1826,Austin, TX 78737, the Village of Bear Creek City Commissioners will hold a Public Hearing to consider approving Preliminary Plat to subdivide 9004 N Madrone Trl, Section 3, Lot 3, a 6.26 acre tract into a 3.003 acre tract and a 3.129 acre tract.
VILLAGE OF BEAR CREEK By Order of the Village of Bear Creek City Commissioners, notice is hereby given that on Monday, March 16, 2020 at 7:00PM at the Driftwood Volunteer Fire Department, 15850 FM 1826,Austin, TX 78737, the Village of Bear Creek City Commissioners will hold a Public Hearing to consider approving Preliminary Plat to subdivide 8105 Bear Creek Dr, Bear Creek Oaks, Section 1, Lot 36, a 12.88 acre tract into a 10.86 acre tract and a 2.02 acre tract.
Texas Statewide Advertising Network
Retiring Head of School honored at St. Stephen’s Extravaganza This year’s St. Stephen’s Episcopal School’s annual Extravaganza event not only helped raise funds for the school, it was a backdrop to honor retiring Head of School Marsha Acock’s six years of service and welcome Will Webber as the school’s new leader to begin in July. Acock was surprised with a gift at the end of
the silent auction. Typically, the All-School Art Project is paramount to a successful Extravaganza silent auction, but this year it was secretly gifted to Acock through contributions from guests who donated funds in her honor. This year’s project was a quilt of each student’s art work depicting
CHANGING HEADS, 8
20 words for $8!
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
Thursday, February 27, 2020
www.HaysNewsDispatch.com
Page 7
PEC providing free pollinator seed packets STAFF REPORT
members and communities to join us in preserving Want to help save populations of monarchs Monarch butterflies? The that help pollinate and Pedernales Electric Coop beautify this place we call wants to do its part. home,” she said. The electric cooperaEach year, millions tive is providing compliof Monarch butterflies mentary packets of seeds migrate directly across of Monarch pollinators the 8,100 square mile PEC including milkweed, the service area, but their migrating insect’s favorite numbers are declining and food. it’s speculated that as early Seeds planted along the as next year, they may be migratory path of Monadded to the Endangered archs, which includes Hays Species list. County, help to sustain To address that threat, the butterflies as they pass PEC launched efforts in through the Texas Hill 2019 to help protect the Country. species. “We’re proud to help Pick up the free packets protect our natural resourc- at any PEC office or any of es for future generations to the following locations: enjoy,” PEC Chief Executive • Buda City Hall and Officer Julie Caruthers Public Library, 405 Loop Parsley said. Street, Buda “We encourage our • Hays Communities
YMCA, 465 Buda Sportsplex Drive, Buda’ • Onion Creek Senior Center, 420 Barton Crossing, Buda • Wimberley Community Library, 400 Farm-toMarket 2325, Wimberley • Wimberley Valley Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitors Bureau, 14100 Farm-toMarket 2325, Wimberley • City of San Marcos Discovery Center, 430 Riverside Drive, San Marcos • San Marcos Public LIbrary, 625 E. Hopkins Street, San Marcos • Meadows Center at Texas State University, 201 San Marcos Springs Drive, San Marcos For more about PEC efforts to preserve Monarch populations, visit pec. coop/monarchs
Governor establishes clemency application for certain survivors
HAYS COUNTY PHOTO Left to right, Precinct 2 Commissioner Mark Jones, Precinct 1 Commissioner Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe, County Judge Ruben Becerra, Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center Executive Director Marla Johnson and Director of Community Partnerships Melissa Rodriguez, and Precinct 4 Commissioner Walt Smith.
DSISD students to hold mock trial to promote understanding of dating violence The Hays County Commissioners Court proclaimed February as Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month at its Tuesday meeting and thanked the Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center (HCWC) for helping young people learn about healthy relationships. According to the proclamation, “Family, friends, teachers, coaches, faith leaders, community members and other important people in young
people’s lives have the power to influence youth in positive ways, and we must work together to raise awareness and promote healthy dating relationships with activities and conversations about mutually respectful and non-violent relationships in our homes, schools and communities.” Melissa Rodriguez, director of Community Partnerships for the HCWC, told the court that in addition to providing
counseling for young people who are already in an unhealthy relationship, the center provides programs to help them prevent dating violence. Dripping Springs ISD students have been learning about the criminal justice system and dating violence all year and will participate in the 8th annual Dating Violence Mock Trial at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Hays County Government Center. Students have worked
all year to prepare for the mock trial, in which students will play the role of all participants – from offenders and defendants to lawyers and jury members. The public is invited to attend. In 2019 the HCWC provided 163 dating violence prevention and healthy relationships presentations to 2,681 teens and young adults. For more information about the services provided by HCWC, visit www.hcwc.org.
Gov. Greg Abbott on Feb. 20 established a clemency application specifically for survivors of human trafficking or domestic violence. The application, crafted in coordination with the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, includes a section that affords the applicant an opportunity to provide a statement to the board regarding their human trafficking or domestic violence victimization. Human trafficking and domestic violence, according to the governor’s office, often lead victims down a path of offenses that entraps them in a vicious cycle of abuse and associated crime. Abbott’s announcement coincides with the launch of a new public awareness campaign informing survivors that they can submit an application for Board of Pardons and Paroles to review and consider recommending that the governor grant a full pardon for crimes committed while under
Capital Highlights by Ed Sterling
the grips of a trafficker or an abusive partner. “Texas is committed to empowering the survivors of domestic abuse and human trafficking, and one of the surest signals of that goal is laying out a true path to redemption and restoration,” Abbott said. “The gubernatorial pardon plays an important role in this redemption process, because it offers a second chance to survivors with criminal convictions resulting from their abuse or exploitation. I am grateful for our ongoing partnership with the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles as we work together to develop a stronger justice system that promotes redemption, restoration and
CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS, 8
SERVICE DIRECTORY Air Conditioning
APC
Service Pros, LLC
Air Conditioning • Heating • Electrical
Service • Repair • Installation
512-410-7739 www.APCServicePros.com TACLB015741E
Licensed and Insured
TECL 24139
Dirt
Dirt Cheap Loam • Topsoil • Sand • Gravel • Roadbase • Asphalt Millings • Granite • Compost Mix
Tractor Work Available
Specializing in Country Driveways
Rick-Rob Trucking 512- 858-7952 www.rick-rob.com
robinnds@aol.com
WHO DOES YOUR LANDSCAPING/LAWN? Taking care of your yard so you can play!
LANDSCAPING AND LAWN SERVICE
• Flower Beds • Fencing • Sprinkler Systems • Patios • Mowing, Edging and Cleanup • Tree Trimming and Removal • Rock Gardens • Garden Boxes • Build Sheds • Leaf Raking
Call Jesse Reyna at 512-788-2180 or email apa6207@sbcglobal.net
Tree Service
Shoe Repair • Boot Experts • Purse Repair • Belt Repair • Luggage Repair • Shoe Care Products
AustinShoeHospital.com locations in in Central Central Texas 1010Locations Texasincluding: including:
Highway 290 & Nutty Brown Road • 512-827-3398 316 Round 290 RockWest Ave. inRound Rock• 512-288-6386 - 512-244-9124 Highway Oak Hill Bee CaveBell in Lakeway • 512-263-4630 306 South Cedar Park - 512-219-8387
8211 Burnet Rd. Austin - 512-453-1961
Reliable Handy Man Painting, Remodel & Home Repair, Flooring & Tile, Carpentry, Decks & Fences, Pressure Washing, Gutters, Cleaning & Repair, RV Repair
Zachary Barton Zachary Barton
512-686-7589 512-686-7589
Get your honey-do list done right.
107 S. Main St., Ste. A • Kyle, TX
ReliableHandymanTX.com
107 S. Main St., Ste. A • Kyle, TX
Financial Planning• Insurance Planning Planning Planning Financial Investment Planning• Insurance
Investment Planning
Painting
Lawn Care
Offering competitive pricing and superior service in the Manchaca, Buda, and Kyle area since 2010
Handyman
Financial Planning Financial Planning
Lees Trees
38 years experience in the hill country Firewood • Pruning • Removal • Chipping Planting • Cedar Posts • Bulk Mulch
20+ Years of Experience • Insured
512-618-0482 • DHALL45@Yahoo.com
Pool Service
699 Painting and More
Over 10 years of experience Keith Miller, owner
Interior Exterior Painting Rot-wood Replacement Sheet Rock Repairs Wallpaper Removal Wall Texture Pressure Wash References Available Esure www.699painting.com
One Time & Weekly Cleanings Drain & Cleans Pressure Washing Full Service Repairs HIGH TIDE Pool Replastering POOL SERVICE
512-699-0441
FREE ESTIMATES HIGHTIDEPOOLSERVICE@YAHOO.COM HIGHTIDEPOOLSERVICE.COM
News-Dispatch Providing you with news for Dripping Springs, Wimberley and surrounding communities
Free Assessments & Estimates • Insured MARCUS LEES (512) 858-4018 leestreestexas@gmail.com
512-965-3465
Like us on Facebook
Page 8
News-Dispatch
Thursday, February 27, 2020
Robotics Competition Continued from pg. 6
Annette Ashby and Maya Bisset.
petition. After the initial qualification rounds, the top eight teams continue through the final elimination rounds. To prepare for this competition, teams of up to 20 students work as a team to raise funds by reaching out to the community, designing a team brand, and building and programming industrial-sized robots to be used in competition. They must complete these steps in six weeks using limited resources under a defined set of rules. Professionals in the STEM field serve as mentors, volunteering to DSHS PHOTOS guide the team through the process.
The FIRST Robotics Competition hosted by DSHS will be held at multiple campus locations: the competition gym, A gym, B gym and library. Action will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free, and concessions will be available. FIRST was founded in 1989 to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology.
Drew Wilson, David Pieper and Jason Garrity (standing).
Changing Heads Continued from pg. 6
hands and hearts along with love-filled quotes. Studio art teacher Leslie Williams designed and laid out the quilt, and her mother, Florence Duncan, added her quilting magic. Even the stitching was a heart or hand design. Incoming Head of School Will Webber brings over 30 years of teaching and administrative experience as teacher, technology specialist, department head, Gifted & Talented teacher, assistant principal, and principal — at both Negley Elementary in Kyle and Bonham Academy in San Antonio. Webber has a BA from Southwest Texas State University and an MEd from Trinity University.
Webber’s official start date is July 1st – the first day of the school’s next fiscal year. An additional highlight of the event was the Paddles Up effort. Traditionally, this fundraising element has supported a single program for St. Stephen’s School that otherwise may not have been able to fit into the school’s budget. Past efforts have helped fund the all-school iPad program, the Dancing Drum® “Drumming Up Character!" program and Wonder Workshop’s Dot and Dash robotics program. This year’s Paddles Up effort rallied donations for the installation of a garden of three sound sculptures for the school’s outdoor learn-
ing space. More than $6,000 was raised for this initiative that focuses on music’s ability to promote cognitive development, creativity and self-expression. “I’m so thankful for all those who worked so hard planning this event – especially school parent and first-time committee chair Renee Sanchez and her team of volunteers – and for all who provided goods, services, financial partnerships, auction donations – and to all who attended this important event,” Acock said. “And it was such a touching surprise to be given such a special parting gift. I have admired that beautiful quilt from the moment I saw it.”
Capital Highlights Continued from pg. 7
transformation,” Abbott added. In his recent announcement proclaiming January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month, Abbott applauded state lawmakers for passing legislation to provide survivors with “streamlined access to a clean criminal record and a fresh start.”
they prefer.” Currently, Paxton said, individuals can only file bankruptcy in their district of residence. Corporations,
on the other hand, have a wide choice of possible venues, which can be manipulated to their own advantage, he added.
HELPING OUR NEIGHBORS RETURN TO HEALTH AND INDEPENDENCE DEER CREEK OF WIMBERLEY HAS BEEN
30 YEARS. OFFERING SCENIC VIEWS OF THE HILL COUNTRY AND OF OUR SERENE ENCLOSED COURTYARD.
ESTABLISHED FOR OVER
• HOSPICE/PALLIATIVE CARE • INPATIENT SHORT TERM REHABILITATION • IV/PICC LINE MANAGEMENT • LONG TERM CARE • LYMPHEDEMA • NEURO REHABILITATION • OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY • ORTHOPEDIC REHABILITATION • OUTPATIENT REHABILITATION • PHYSICAL THERAPY • RESPITE • SPEECH THERAPY • STATE-OF-THE-ART MODALITIES • TRACHEOSTOMIES • VITAL STIM - DIATHERMY • WOUND CARE
DEER CREEK OF WIMBERLEY
555 R ANCH ROAD 3237 • WIMBERLEY, TX FACILITY (512) 847-5540 • FAX (512) 847-0419
AG leads in support of act
JOIN FEB. 24-29
0
$
Some 42 state attorneys general joined Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in a Feb. 20 letter expressing support of the Bankruptcy Venue Reform Act of 2019. If passed by Congress and signed into law by the president, the federal legislation would prevent forum shopping during bankruptcy litigation. Paxton said such a law would provide protection to consumers, workers, retirees, shareholders and small business vendors “who are currently harmed by the one-sided right for corporate debtors to choose whichever court
JOIN FEE SAVE $49
LEAP
INTO ACTION Family Time
Senior Programs
Dance & Gymnastics
Youth Sports
Springs Family YMCA Benefits
Consolidate Debt
with an RBFCU Mastercard Credit Card ®
0% Introductory APRs on Balance Transfers and Cash Advances* $0 Balance Transfer Fee • No Annual Fee Apply today at rbfcu.org
Membership eligibility is required. Credit cards are subject to credit approval. Rates and terms subject to change. *The 0% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is a promotional rate for only balance transfers and cash advances made during the first 90 days your account is open. Purchases are not included. We will not charge you any interest on purchases if you pay your ENTIRE balance, including balance transfers and cash advances, by the due date each month. If the ENTIRE balance is not paid, then interest will be charged on any purchases, but not on the balance transfers and/or cash advances made during the first 90 days of the account opening. Promotional rate balances will remain at 0% APR for twelve months starting from the date of the initial balance transfer or cash advance request. Beginning with the thirteenth month, any remaining balance will be repriced to an APR of 9.200% to 18.000% for a Premier Rate credit card or 11.400% to 18.000% for a CashBack Rewards credit card based on your creditworthiness and other factors.
• 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!
It’s Leap Year, so leap into action today at the Y. There’s still time to reach your New Year goals like getting in shape, making new friends, building a strong family and a stronger community. So what are you waiting for?
Springs Family YMCA 27216 RR 12 South in Dripping Springs (512) 894-3309 l AustinYMCA.org FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE