HCSO Racial Profiling Report released page 2
Wimberley community cleans up
Veterans counseling expanded
page 3
page 6
News-Dispatch Volume XXXX No. 22
Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982
75¢ Thursday, March 5, 2020
Veterans Court program at risk despite results BY CAMELIA JUAREZ
The graduation rate of the Hays County Veteran’s Court graduates increased from 73 percent to 90 percent between 2018 and 2019, but grant funding is unsustainable to maintain future success. An executive summary says more veterans are becoming stabilized thanks to
The Veteran’s Court is a one to two-year drug and mental health treatment program focused on accountability and strives to help put veterans on the right path after facing criminal charges.
robust screening changes, by using local treatment providers with military experience and creating a “Recidivism Prevention plan.” The most beneficial
addition is clinical staff, but the current budget does not accommodate for staff with higher education and experience. The Veteran’s Court is
a one to two-year drug and mental health treatment program focused on accountability and strives to help put veterans on the right path after facing crim-
inal charges. The program utilizes traditional judicial system players like prosecutors, lawyers, probation officers and judges, but their
roles are not adversarial and punishment based. That doesn’t mean the veteran is off the hook, but the court players are looking for accountability and someone interested in self-improvement. The court’s role is to provide resources and structure that treats the disabilities that
VETERANS COURT, 6
TIRZ for Town Center
Project to develop underutilized property
Dylan Meek was nominated for a Grammy for co-writing the song “Invincible” featured in the movie “Into the Spider-Verse.”
Wimberley Grammy nominee performs at WUMC BY CAMELIA JUAREZ A recently Grammy-nominated Wimberley native will give tribute to the town who raised him in a jazz performance on Thursday, March 12. At the Wimberley United Methodist Church, Dylan Meek will play original jazz, blues and soul with piano, guitar and vocals. The concert begins at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early. Tickets available at the door are $20 donation for adults, $5 for college students, free for 18 and under. Since his departure from Wimberley, Meek has
GRAMMY NOMINEE, 5
BY CHASE ROGERS PHOTOS BY CAMELIA JUAREZ
Dating violence awareness BY CAMELIA JUAREZ To promote an understanding of dating violence, Dripping Springs ISD high school students participated in a mock trial playing the role of all participants from defendants to lawyers and jury members. For the 8th year in the “courtroom” of retired Judge Brenda Smith, a realistic dating violence trial took place at the Hays County Government Center with the
assistance of the Hays Caldwell Women’s Center. High school students playing as prosecutors accuse “Paul Radford” of choking and abusing his ex-girlfriend, but the defense argued that his former girlfriend Monica Watkins is an exaggerated drama queen making false accusations. Students explored the emotional trauma of the
TOWN CENTER PROJECT, 3
Mulcher catches fire at pipeline site
DATING VIOLENCE, 6
LAGNIAPPE
Get ready to ‘Spring Forward’ on Sunday, March 8
It’s an idea first proposed in 1895 to benefit agricultural producers, but increasingly in recent years, challenges have arisen in Texas to Daylight Saving Time (DST), which officially begins at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 8. Legislation that would have allowed portions of Texas to opt out of the annual “Spring Forward” and “Fall Back” exercises Texans have been accustomed to has been introduced during the last
Above are Patrick Pendergrast, Katherine Mihaly and Shaye Ladzinski. Left is Natalie Chavez. Below, Patrick Englehart.
three meetings of the Texas Legislature — twice by Republicans and once by a Democrat; however, all three times it has failed. First suggested in 2015 by State Rep. James White (R-Tyler), the elimination of mandatory DST was suggested again in 2017 by Jose Menendez (D-Austin) and in 2019 by Lyle Larson (R-San Antonio).
Implementation of two Tax Increment reinvestment Zones (TIRZ), adopted in 2016, resurfaced at the Hays Commissioners Court in February. The two TIRZs in Dripping Springs were implemented to create revenue for prospective development projects in the city, specifically Dripping Springs Independent School District, the Dripping Springs Community Library and Hays County. The first TIRZ covers the downtown area of Dripping Springs, including city hall, the administration building for Dripping Springs ISD, Mercer Street and Old Fitzhugh Road. The second covers plots near Bunker Hill and Arrow Ranch. Having started in 2017, the city, concurrent with Hays County, contributes
Virtually all of the U.S. observes DST. Arizona is an exception; however, the Navajo observe it on tribal lands located in that state. Hawaii also does not observe DST. Daylight Saving Time will end on Sunday, Nov. 1.
Free microchips available in Wimberley on March 14 The Hays County Sheriff’s Office will be performing free microchipping of the first 75 pets that show up Satur-
day, March 14 at the Ace Hardware in Wimberley. Chipping will be available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Also on hand will be personnel from the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter, who will have with them adoptable pets. The service is available first-come, firstserved and for residents of Hays County only (bring a photo ID). A similar event held Feb. 22 in Dripping Springs result in 25 animals chipped and three dogs adopted. The HCSO says it will hold similar events in San Marcos, Kyle and Buda over the coming months. For more information call the Animal Control Unit at 512-393-7896.
BY ANITA MILLER A fire that heavily damaged a large mulching machine along the route of the Kinder Morgan Permian Highway Pipeline in Blanco County last week is under investigation. The Blanco Volunteer Fire Department said firefighters were alerted to the fire at 1:55 a.m. Friday and that a fire crew of 15 personnel brought it under control in about two hours. It did not spread from the machine itself. The mulcher had been operating on property off Chimney Valley Road in Blanco County, said Lt. Robert Woodring of the Blanco County Sheriff’s Office.
FIRE AT PIPELINE SITE, 2
Page 2
News-Dispatch
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Thursday, March 5, 2020
Hays County Sheriff ’s Office releases its 2019 Racial Profiling report BY ANITA MILLER
The year 2019 passed without a single allegation of racial profiling being levied against the Hays County Sheriff’s Office, according to the department’s annual Racial Profiling report, which was approved by the Commissioners Court Feb. 25. According to the report, which was prepared by Records Program Administrator Stephanie Robinson, 60 percent of traffic stops last year were for “moving traffic” violations. Next came stops for “vehicle traffic” violations at 29 percent. A moving traffic violation is any violation that occurs while the vehicle is in motion, like speeding and failing to signal a turn. A vehicle traffic violation is more equipment or paperwork related, like an expired registration or a taillight that is out. Of drivers stopped, 71 percent involved were white, while 23.1 percent were Hispanic and 4.5 percent black.
MOTOR VEHICLE STOPS BY RACE AND GENDER Race
Female
% Female
Male
% Male
Total
% Total
Asian
76
1.2%
90
0.9%
166
1.0%
Black
272
4.4%
487
4.6%
759
4.5%
Hispanic
1248
20.0%
2640
25.0%
3888
23.1%
Islander
9
0.1%
45
0.4%
54
0.3%
White
4647
74.3%
7286
69.1%
11933
71.0%
Grand Total
6252
100.0%
10548
100.0%
16800
100.0%
120 did not and two black drivers gave consent while 28 did not. Non-consent searches, the report says, were the result of “probably cause, contraband in view, vehicle inventory or incident to arrest.” Of 505 total searches, Only one percent of warnings, 79.8 percent 346 resulted in a “hit,” traffic stops resulted in an were given to whites, 15.2 which is the discovery of arrest. Twenty one percent percent to Hispanics and drugs, weapons, alcohol, involved a citation and 3.6 percent to Blacks. currency, stolen property 75 percent of the drivers The HCSO also conand other items. Of 314 were issued a warning. ducted 505 consent and searches of white drivWhen it came to total non-consent searches last ers, 232 resulted in a hit, citations, 63.44 percent year. Sixty-three white while of 158 searches of of citations were whites, drivers gave consent to Hispanics, 98 resulted in 31.20 Hispanic and 4.29 search while 251 did not. a hit and of 30 searches of were black. Thirty-eight Hispanic black drivers, 15 resulted Of the total in written drivers gave consent while in a hit.
Only one percent of traffic stops resulted in an arrest. Twenty one percent involved a citation and 75 percent of the drivers were issued a warning.
Grant awarded to Cypress Creek study The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University was awarded a $351,101 grant from the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to implement Years 4-6 of the Cypress Creek Watershed Protection Plan (WPP). The Cypress Creek WPP is the result of a six-year collaboration between numerous stakeholders working together to keep Cypress Creek clean, clear and flowing. After the plan was approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and TCEQ in 2016, the Meadows Center began working with stakeholders to implement strategies that reduce stormwater runoff, pollution and protect flow for Cypress Creek and its tributaries. Located in Hays County, the Cypress Creek watershed is a significant tributary to the Blanco River. Cypress Creek and its spring-fed source, Jacob’s Well, are considered the lifeblood for the Wimberley Valley and the people who live there. Nick Dornak, director of watershed services for the Meadows Center, said the funds will be spread over the next three years to support efforts to build local investment in the sustainability of the Cypress Creek WPP through public engagement and policy work, with much of the funding
The Cypress Creek Watershed Protection Plan is the result of a six-year collaboration between numerous stakeholders working together to keep Cypress Creek clean, clear and flowing.
nance. The ordinance sets standards for development to include best management practices that protect the watershed, such as setbacks from riparian zones and impervious cover limits. Other implementation efforts have included regular monitoring and data collection, incorporating low impact development and constructing on-theground best management practices that prevent and mitigate pollution. “This past year has been an exciting time for our team,” Dornak said. “We saw many projects through, including the first One Water school in Texas.” Spearheaded by Dornak allocated to outreach and and David Baker, director education efforts. of the Wimberley Valley “Our team will be Water Association, the working closely with local One Water design for the governments to ensure school was approved by that we codify many of the Wimberley Indepenthe activities and stratedent School District Board gies that we have recomof Trustees in June 2019. mended throughout the When it opens in fall 2020, process,” Dornak said. the primary school will “The Meadows Center will utilize a variety of One continue to serve as the Water strategies to reduce coordinator of the WPP. groundwater usage from Ultimately, my hope is that the Trinity Aquifer by 90 by 2023 our role will evolve percent when compared to guidance and consulta- to traditional construction tion of a locally-led Cypress standards. Creek WPP.” “The One Water priThe Meadows Center mary school will serve as is currently wrapping up our proving ground, our activities related to Years opportunity to show the 1-3 of Cypress Creek WPP community what a One implementation, with the Water development could latest being Wimberley’s look like,” Dornak said. “It’s adoption of a new water going to be our show and quality protection orditell.”
The investigation is continuing through the State Fire Marshal’s Office, media spokesman Jerry Hagins confirmed. Meanwhile, a Blanco
Sunset Canyon Baptist Church Sunday Morning Sunday Worship
5:45 PM
Wednesday Meal
6:30 PM
Wed TouchPoint
A Family of Faith...
SCBC Preschool Children Ministries Youth Ministries Family Ministries
Moving forward, the Meadows Center will continue its One Water strategic approach to development and plans to work closely with its stakeholders and partners to support responsible development in the watershed. “Another big project we will work on this year is implementing the Jacob’s Well Groundwater Management Zone (GMZ),” Dornak said. “This rule, as proposed, could provide groundwater districts and communities across Texas with an outstanding template for protecting their water supplies, their springs, and in the Texas Hill Country, the crystal clear surface waters that are so inextricably tied to our groundwater systems.” The proposed Jacob’s Well GMZ would be a special management zone, covering much of the Cypress Creek Watershed, that applies a series of management
strategies to protect the water supplies of current permittees and ensure sustainable flows from Jacob’s Well, particularly during drought or heavy usage conditions. For more information, visit the Hays Trinity Water Conservation District’s website at http:// haysgroundwater.com/ management-zones-draftrules. “We’ve had many projects in motion over the years, so the ability to actually get the One Water school done and get the Jacob’s Well GMZ to come together has created a groundswell of positive energy,” Dornak said. “We plan to continue pushing forward on these and other projects that align with the Cypress Creek WPP, and I feel like we have the partners in place to do it.” For more information about the Cypress Creek Watershed Protection Plan, visit www.CypressCreekProject.net.
warm. The dust and stuff in there is fairly easy to catch on fire.” Kinder Morgan, in a statement, said it is working with fire authorities
“as they conduct an investigation into the cause of the incident,” adding that the site was secured after fire personnel left the scene.
Continued from pg.1
County official said the blaze was likely accidental. “We didn’t see anything to make us believe it was anything but
accidental.,” Lt. Robert Wodring said. “When they mulch the trees stuff gets all over the tractor. When you’re done and you turn it off it’s still
Call 512-268-7862 to join the church directory today.
8:45 AM
Permeable paver parking areas in Wimberley are one effort in returning rainwater back to the natural environment.
Fire at Pipeline Site
Worship in a church of your choice 11:00 AM
HCSO personnel used force that resulted in bodily injury 17 times during 2019. Of those, 14 involved individuals who were white and two involved Hispanic individuals. No use of force was noted against black individuals. Racial profiling reports have been required of law enforcement agencies for years. However, the Sandra Bland Act of 2017 removed some exemptions and mandated all agencies to comply with provisions of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedures.
www.sunsetcanyonchurch.org
(512) 894-0480
4000 E. HWY 290
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 4
Thursday, March 5, 2020
www.HaysNewsDispatch.com
Page 3
Community groups pick up more Dripping Springs man killed in crash than 80 cubic yards of trash The Wimberley landscape is much cleaner today due to the citywide cleanup held on Saturday. Sponsors Keep Wimberley Beautiful and the Wimberley Lions Club supplied equipment and supplies and the city of Wimberley arranged for dumpsters. More than 100 people participated including neighborhood associations, scout groups and others. The cleanup began just after sunrise with crews bringing collected trash back to Lions Field. Volunteers were all treated to a hot dog lunch. More than 80 cubic yards of trash were
STAFF REPORT
bound on RR 12. The vehicle was hit by a 2004 Jeep A 67-year-old Dripping Liberty that had reportedly Springs resident was killed “traveled off the right side of in a two-car collision on RR the roadway, overcorrected 12 in Hays County Friday. to the left and drove into Don Olan Young, Jr., the wrong side of the roadwas pronounced dead at way,” Cockrell said, before the scene about 3.4 miles striking the Chevrolet. north of Dripping Springs, The driver of the Jeep, according to DPS Sgt. whom he did not identify, Deon Cockrell. was injured and taken to a Young was at the wheel hospital. of a Chevrolet Espressway The crash occurred at that was traveling south8:20 a.m.
removed from the landscape. “There was an amazing turnout of volunteers Saturday for the Wimberley Valley roadside cleanup. We lost count of the filled trash bags. It was estimated to be over one ton of trash cleaned up,” Keep Wimberley Beautiful said in a statement. “It takes a community to maintain a community. There was definitely community spirit in full effect this weekend. KWB will continue our tradition to beautify our community. We look forward to even more people joining us for the next event.”
Town Center Project Continued from pg. 1
50 percent of property tax increment from established areas to TIRZ for the next 30 years. The project requires DSISD to arrange for the removal of certain buildings to create space, to complete renovation of Walnut Springs Elementary School and move of administrative functions to Walnut Springs Elementary and to offer land to library, city, and/or county at market value. Consultant Darren Smith said the Town Center Project would fail without the offer from DSISD. “If the school district decides that they are not going to make that land available and that they need it for something else like land banking, then we
won’t have a town center,” Smith said. Pct. 4 Hays County Commissioner Walt Smith said DSISD’s board is aware of the proposal and in favor, as far as he can tell. The Town Center Project is intended to “redevelop underutilized property that is currently owned by the city of Dripping Springs and the Dripping Springs Independent School District near the western end of Mercer Street,” and to “strengthen the economic vitality of the Mercer Street Historic District and Downtown Dripping Springs as a destination,” according to the city. A draft interlocal agreement is in the works with prospective approval slated for March 31.
Election Results See the latest primary results at
www.NewsDispatch.com
Police Blotter The following is a tally of all calls made to law enforcement within Hays County between Feb. 25 and Mar. 01, 2020. Civil Matter............................................................. 12 Deliver Message...................................................... 2 Information............................................................. 10 Compliance Check.................................................. 4 Property- Lost/Found/Imp...................................... 2 Sex Offender Registy.............................................. 2 Alarm Business...................................................... 42 Alarm Residential.................................................. 35 Alarm Panic.............................................................. 1 Animal Calls........................................................... 46 Loose Livestock.................................................... 18 Sexual Assault – Child............................................. 1 Assault – Agg........................................................... 1 Assault..................................................................... 1 Sexual Assault......................................................... 2 Assist EMS............................................................. 10 Assist Fire Dept....................................................... 4 Assist Outside Agency............................................ 8 Burglary Building..................................................... 3 Burglary Habitation................................................. 2 Burglary Vehicle....................................................... 2 Reckless Damage.................................................... 1 Criminal Mischief..................................................... 3 Illegal Dumping........................................................ 2 Enviromental Crime................................................. 1 Attended Death....................................................... 2 Death Investigation................................................. 3 Disturbance Noise................................................. 20 Disturbance Physical Fight..................................... 6 Disturbance Verbal................................................ 15 Child Custody.......................................................... 3 Violation of Order.................................................... 1 Narcotics/Information............................................. 3 Marijuana................................................................. 3 Public Intoxication................................................... 1 Fraud.......................................................................... 5................................................................................. Credit/Debit Abuse.................................................. 1 Harassment.............................................................. 7 Threat....................................................................... 3 Sex Offenses............................................................ 1 Mental Health Follow Up......................................... 7 Mental Health Invest............................................... 4 Mental Health Transport.......................................... 1 Canine Search......................................................... 3 Drone Deployment.................................................. 1
SRP Drill................................................................... 3 Missing Person........................................................ 1 Runaway.................................................................. 1 Public Assist.......................................................... 10 Community Contact.............................................. 33 Disabled Vehicle.................................................... 14 Foot Patrol............................................................... 7 Close Patrol......................................................... 151 Flagged Down......................................................... 1 Parental Discipline Assist........................................ 1 Welfare Concern.................................................... 18 Suicidal Person........................................................ 8 Investigation............................................................ 7 Supplement........................................................... 33 Suspicious Circumstances................................... 17 Extradition................................................................ 1 Suspicious Person................................................. 16 Suspicious Vehicle................................................ 20 Wanted Person........................................................ 1 Identity Theft............................................................ 2 Theft....................................................................... 10 Unauth Use Vehicle................................................. 1 Vehicle Theft............................................................ 2 Recovered Stolen Vehicle....................................... 2 Accident Minor...................................................... 15 Accident Hit and Run.............................................. 5 Accident Major/Injury............................................ 19 Accident Unknown.................................................. 3 Traffic Control/Direction.......................................... 1 Accident Unknown.................................................. 1 Abandoned/Stored Vehicle..................................... 4 Traffic Control/Direction.......................................... 1 Directed/Area Enforce........................................... 45 Traffic Hazard......................................................... 22 Attempt to Locate................................................. 61 Parking Enforcement............................................... 3 Traffic Stop........................................................... 423 Trespassing/Unwanted........................................... 5 911 Abandoned/Open......................................... 149 Deadly Conduct....................................................... 1 Discharge Firearm................................................... 3 Sick Person.............................................................. 1 Private Tow/Repo.................................................. 11
Below is a sample of events reported by law enforcement from Feb. 25 through Mar.
01, 2020. The location is where the event was reported or responded to and may not necessarily be where the event occured. Agency Activity
Date
Time
Location
HCSO
Assault - Aggravated
02/25/2020
22:31:12
1811 Sandy Point Rd Wimberley
BPD
Accident - Major/Injury 02/25/2020
10:29:36
EXIT 220 SB Buda EXIT 220 SB
BPD
Accident - Major/Injury 02/25/2020
16:30:13
EXIT 221 SB Buda EXIT 221 SB
BPD
Accident - Major/Injury 02/25/2020
16:30:32
EXIT 220 SB Buda EXIT 220 SB
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 02/25/2020
15:17:44
Jack C Hays Trl Buda
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 02/25/2020
20:30:30
Woodcreek Dr/Rr 12 Woodcreek
HCSO
Stab/Gunshot/Trauma
02/25/2020
10:23:19
S Rainbow Ranch Rd Wimberley
HCSO
Assault
02/27/2020
16:26:27
RR 967 Buda Impact Center
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 02/27/2020
15:35:21
RR 12 Wimberley
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 02/27/2020
16:03:43
Signal Hill Rd/Nutty Brown Rd Austin
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 02/27/2020
21:59:18
Hilliard Rd/Piedras Pass San Marcos
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight 02/28/2020
16:19:49
1309 Southpoint Dr San Marcos
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight 02/28/2020
18:55:39
210 Painted Desert Ln Buda
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight 02/29/2020
4:53:02
1210 Deer Creek Cir Dripping Springs
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 02/28/2020
8:20:38
RR 12/Barton Creek Dr Dripping Springs
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 02/28/2020
8:20:48
RR 12Dripping Springs Elementary
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 02/28/2020
16:33:33
Arroyo Ranch Rd/W Rr 150 Kyle
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 02/28/2020
16:33:50
Arroyo Ranch Rd/W Rr 150 Kyle
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 02/28/2020
17:49:38
RR 12 Wimberley Mountain View Lodge
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 02/29/2020
0:55:28
Sawyer Ranch Rd Austin
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight 03/01/2020
18:09:51
Windy Hill Rd Buda
BPD
Accident - Major/Injury 03/02/2020
5:50:04
EXIT 220 NB Buda EXIT 220 NB
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 03/01/2020
10:31:59
Darden Hill Rd/W Rr 150 Driftwood
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 03/01/2020
18:36:30
Creek RdDripping Springs
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 03/01/2020
20:27:13
Lovelady Ln/Sh 123 San Marcos
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 03/01/2020
20:47:18
Centerpoint Rd/Beback Inn Rd San Marcos
Page 4
News-Dispatch
Thursday, March 5, 2020
Sports Dripping Springs girls basketball selections to the 25-5A All District team Coach of the Year David Norris Offensive MVP Corbyn Davis First team Corbyn Davis Caroline Gamble Kline Stafford Avery Johnson
Second team Malorie O'Neal Teagan Husleg Honorable Mention Ashleigh Aksamit Ally Beck
Dripping Springs girls basketball Academic All District selections PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III
Keeping himself in bounds as much as possible, Dripping Springs Tiger Aidan Bailey (15) tries to leverage himself against San Antonio Harlan’s Elijah Lomas along the baseline during the second half of Friday’s area playoff in Converse.
Harlan tops Tigers in area round BY MOSES LEOS III
earned as the result of a grueling 48-42 loss to the If one needed proof of state-ranked San Antonio the ferocity postseason Harlan Hawks in an area basketball brings, they’d round slugfest at Judson look no further than the High. shiner that developed While the injury added under Dripping Springs to the disappointment of Tiger junior Aidan Bailey’s a season ending sooner left eye Friday. than hoped for, Bailey felt The badge of honor the lessons learned can was a lasting gift Bailey be a catalyst for a deeper
playoff run next season. “This group (of returning players) is expecting to get back here again,” Bailey said. “I feel like we know we’re going to get back again. We just have to go further next time.” Tiger head coach Craig Swannack praised the efforts of his entire team for the success they
experienced in 2020. That included a trendsetting Tiger senior class that became only the second in school history to qualify for the postseason in all four years they played, Swannack said. “They pushed people to higher platforms.
TIGER BOYS HOOPS, 5
Corbyn Davis Caroline Gamble Teagan Huslig Ally Beck Mallari O’Neal Gesena Mitchhart
Ainsley Ballard Kora Meyers Avery Johnson Ella Smith Carson Hall Hanna Peña
Dripping Springs boys basketball selections to the 25-5A All District team Defensive player of the year Xavier Phillips
Second team Aidan Bailey
First team Jayden Guevara
We proudly support our hometown teams Texas hometown friendly bank
512-858-5159
401 E. Hwy 290W. P.O. Box 1243 Dripping Springs, TX 78620
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARISSA TUZZI Dripping Springs Tiger runners Audrey Williamson, Chloe Fredenburg, Avery Kalsu and Hannah Gamez pose for a photo after winning gold in the 4x400 meter relay at the Smithson Valley Ranger Relays.
Good as Gold
Seven total gold medals was the takeaway for the Dripping Springs boys and girls track and field teams Saturday after competing at the annual Smithson Valley Ranger Relays. Tiger runner Avery Kalsu won gold in the girls 400-meter run and was a part of the 4x200 and 4x400 meter relay teams, which also finished in first place. Dripping Springs’ Chloe Fredenburg also finished with three total gold medals, including her role in the girls 4x100 meter relay, which also finished in first. On the boys side, Tiger Tyler Papp won gold in the 800-meter run, while Aiden Carrington won the boys pole vault.
Texas Crossword
sponsored by...
DeMasters - Daniel Insurance Agency, Inc. Serving Hays County since 1983 “Call us for all of your insurance needs” Angiel Dahl
Wimberley: 512-847-5549 or 512-847-9325 Dripping Springs: 512-858-4608
Dripping Springs Tigers (L-R, clockwise) Emma Jones, Avery Kalsu, Chloe Fredenburg and Taliyah Jones pose atop the podium after winning the 4x200 meter relay at Smithson Valley.
Dripping Springs High’s Tyler Papp (left) and Gray Patterson stand atop the podium after finishing in first and second in the boys 800 meter run at Smihtson Valley’s Ranger Relays.
See Texas Crossword solution, page 2
Thursday, March 5, 2020
www.HaysNewsDispatch.com
Page 5
Community Resource Fair Saturday at YMCA The Friends Foundation of the Springs Family YMCA in Dripping Springs will hold a Community Resource Fair on Saturday, March 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Springs Family YMCA, 27216 RR 12 South. This is a free event
to enable the public to interact with more than 40 participating groups and businesses who will be sharing information about their services and resources, as well as any volunteer and job opportunities they may have. Expected are groups
serving seniors, members of the military, people with special needs and learning development, food pantries, mental health organizations, the arts, housing, education and emergency management. Also, on hand will be representatives of
scouting groups, animal welfare groups and more. The North Hays County Fire Department will bring a truck for kids to check out, RED Arena will be bringing a pony and the Lions Club will be offering free vision screenings.
Additionally, the League of Women Voters will be helping people to get registered to vote. The Holy Cow barbecue group from the Dripping Springs Presbyterian Church will also be on hand, serving free hot dogs and sausage wraps.
Tiger Boys Hoops Continued from pg. 4
They challenged people to train and that built a culture of doing a little bit more and a little bit more,” Swannack said. “That culture has permeated through the entire program.” Dripping Springs utilized that higher level of play to keep pace with a stronger Harlan program in the first 16 minutes. Both teams were tied at 10-10 after a quarter with Harlan building a slim 2118 lead at intermission. Swannack credited a Harlan defense that made it difficult for the Tigers “to find places to score.” At the same time, Dripping Springs’ defense countered with aggressive pressure that limited the Hawk offense from stringing together runs. Adept first half rebounding equally allowed Dripping Springs to thrive, guided by the presence of post Luke Lawyer. Swannack said he knew Friday’s contest was going to be a
“war.” “We knew we were going against a good team. We wanted to cut down their scoring,” said Tiger senior Xavier Phillips, who scored a teamhigh 17 points. “Once we knew we could slow them down, we knew we could play our game on offense.” But the tone quickly changed in the second half as Harlan’s muscle wore down the Tigers, primarily in the paint. Meanwhile, Dripping Springs’ scoring struggles magnified as open shots from the floor never fell. Resulting fatigue also impacted Tiger rebounding, which suffered in the final two frames, Bailey said. Harlan took advantage of it all and outscored the Tigers 13-8, taking a 34-26 lead midway through the final quarter. Dripping Springs fought back and cut into the lead down the stretch aided by senior Jay Gue-
vara and his 12 fourth quarter points. However, critical Hawk free throws, along with several missed Tiger buckets in the final minutes, allowed Harlan to keep Dripping Springs at arm’s length. Harlan went 10 of 18 from the free throw line, all shot in the fourth quarter. Two Hawks finished in double figures with Elijah Lomas finishing with 16 points, nine of those scored in the last eight minutes. “They are big boys and they’re athletic. They jump high, but so did we,” Bailey said. “Honestly, I thought we fought them well in the paint. We didn’t hit our shots from outside. That’s what killed us.” For Phillips, the bittersweet feeling of his high school career ending came with the knowledge that he and his fellow seniors are ready for the next phase. All of it credited to Swannack, whom
PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III
Closely guarded by San Antonio Harlan senior Elijah Lomas (32), Dripping Springs senior guard Jay Guevara (right) eyes an opening along the baseline in the first half of Friday’s area playoff at Judson High.
he felt prepared them for life at the collegiate level. “After being here four years, I’ve changed a lot. Swannack has done a lot.
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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. An applicant sponsored meeting is to be held at the Hays Precinct 4 Office at 195 Roger Hanks Parkway, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 at 6 p.m., March 9, 2020 to present the Skyridge Subdivision and receive public comment. Information regarding the application may be obtained from Hays County Development Services (512) 393-2150. Tracking number: SUB-1361.
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.
We changed for the best,” Phillips said. “A lot of us are going to college. He has gotten us ready for college ball.”
Grammy Nominee
Continued from pg. 1 performed in soldout stadiums and is looking forward to getting back to his roots. “I’ve traveled to so many places, here and abroad, played for thousands in stadiums, concert halls and late night TV shows. But there is no place like home and nothing better than playing for the town that supported me from the beginning. Touching base is so important,” Meek said. Five years since Meek’s last hometown concert, the 29-year-old will share songs and stories from his travels and experiences. Meek co-wrote the song “Invincible” featured in the movie “Into the Spider-Verse,” a Grammy 2020 nominee. He recorded music for Mike Judge’s “Tales from the Tour Bus” series, and opened for Imagine Dragons with Grace Vanderwall at 43 major stadiums including Madison Square Garden, The Forum, and Red Rocks. He has shared stages with superstar Post Malone on Seth Myers, Miguel at Rock in Rio, and played the Cannes Film Festival, Canada and the U.K.
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Veterans Court
Counseling now available for spouses, families of veterans
Continued from pg. 1
are a by-product of military service. Veterans Court Program Manager Gerald Ramcharan attributes success to veterans getting help from other local veterans, which created a nuanced level of communication and understanding of military indoctrination. “Everyone on staff has a connection to the military whether they are retired or come from a military family. There is a different culture in the military and it can be difficult for someone who doesn’t understand that culture to understand the language. There is a perspective difference, especially experiences like combat. There is no equivalent and having someone who can understand and communicate with our veterans is just imperative,” Ramcharan said. Veterans on staff can help find the deeper issue in a once obedient and functioning veteran. Ramacharan said another factor in higher graduation rates is developing a personalized plan to address their deeper underlying issues. “We carefully look at every veteran, look at the conditions that brought that person there to begin with and develop plan in advance for how to deal with that temptation or how to deal with the fallout of the future failure with the triggers that got them in trouble and put in place a plan that will address those triggers,” Ramcharan said. Currently the staff shows their dedication by being available 24 hours a day to veterans in the program, said Ramcharan. However, the level of service is not covered through the current grant funding rate. For example, the case manager who currently handles 36 cases is always available, but is the most underpaid. The Veterans Court program is funded by a grant through the Texas Veterans Commission. The grant request for this year is valued at $300,000. Services like mental health assessments, individual and family counseling and service dog programs are always paid for first. Unfortunately, staff salary is on the cutting board when trying to budget. “We do have an issue
with getting the proper pay for some of our individuals approved through the system. That's not an easy thing. The court was put together fairly quickly to serve the need in the community, but there wasn't a lot of understanding about what salary is appropriate for constant effort. I mean, part of the success is the constant effort, and that hard work and discipline, that takes a toll. And that requires somebody to do it and that person needs to get paid properly,” said Judge Chris Johnson. After a veteran is arrested for a crime, they can be referred to the program and go through an intense interviewing process. Ramcharan said there are several rounds of interviews that last from one to two hours in length. Changes to the interview process have proven successful because each facet of the program decides if available resources are adequate to bring this veteran success. “So we have had a lot of professionals look very closely at every single individual who comes in. And I think that's a huge part of the success – we've deliberately gone through and said, this one we can help, this one we cannot help. And we hold each other accountable, right. And a team comes together initially and stays together throughout the process, to clarify what's happening with that person,” Ramcharan said. Developing a deeper relationship with clients is what makes the court so unique, according to Johnson. “The purpose of the criminal justice system is different than the purpose of the Veterans Court. We treat you because we genuinely want to help you. Our program starts by recognizing whatever is bothering you, which is deeply entangled with service to the country and trauma and injury that you suffered serving us. We owe you, we will treat you different, we will actually care about this problem and about you as an individual. So the whole ethos immediately separates us from criminal justice. And consequently, it's much more thorough, much more interested in that individual,” Johnson said.
Thursday, March 5, 2020
The Hays County Veteran Services Office is now able to offer counseling services for veterans and their families at the Veteran Services Office in San Marcos through the Austin Vet Center and the Samaritan Center. “This service broadens our ability to help veterans by offering a
licensed clinical social worker to help veterans and their families with a wide range of issues they might be facing,” the county’s Veterans Services Officer Jude Prather said. He noted that services will be provided through two organizations, the Austin Vet Center and the Samaritan Center. The Austin
Vet Center specializes in counseling for combat veterans and veterans who are survivors of military sexual trauma, while the Samaritan Center provides counseling services to all veterans and their families. Veterans and families seeking help with counseling are asked to call the VSO at 512-
392-8387 to coordinate an appointment. The VSO is located on the second floor of the Hays County Courthouse on the Square, 111 E. San Antonio St., San Marcos. For more information about how the VSO assists veterans, visit https://hayscountytx. com/departments/veteran-services/.
Dating Violence Continued from pg. 1
victim through cross examination and how their trauma is often construed as “attention getting.” During the mock trial, “Monica” said she did not want to press charges and the defense claimed the trial was another testament to theatrics. Expert testimony from a student playing the role of a social worker reminded jurors that often it is difficult to hold the abuser accountable because they are in an intimate relationship with their abuser and stuck in a psychological cycle of abuse.
“This project is very near and dear to my heart ... They may not have seen what an unhealthy relationship looks like and to learn the difference. When they go to college, hopefully they can get out of those relationships and help others leave.”
go to college, hopefully they can get out of those relationships and help others leave.” Student jurors were presented witness testimonies, evidence, heard lawyer’s arguments and felt the discomfort of making a decision with certainty beyond a reasonable doubt. –Judge Brenda Smith, retired The trial explored realistic errors like mishanSmith said she hopes heart. We have been dling of police reports, that students gain an un- working it for almost 10 improper processing derstanding and awareyears,” Smith said. “They of evidence such as the ness of what an abusive may not have seen what defense not being shown relationship looks like. an unhealthy relationship evidence and the value “This project is very looks like and to learn of expert or character near and dear to my the difference. When they testimony.
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