Tiger LAX downs Jags 16-6
Tiger takes Gold at State
Open Meetings Act
page 5
page 5
News-Dispatch Volume XXXIX No. 22
Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982
The fight over Kinder Morgan’s proposed 430mile Permian Highway Pipeline has now reached Hays County’s courthouse. On Feb. 26, Hays County Commissioners approved by a unanimous 5-0 vote a resolution opposing the Permian Highway Pipeline, a $2 billion project that is expected to cut through Hays County. Passage of
Complaints filed against Wimberley leaders BY EXSAR ARGUELLO Citizen complaints have been filed with the District Attorney’s (DA) office after the city of Wimberley failed to post a notice of possible quorum prior to a Feb. 25 Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) meeting that four city council members attended. At the meeting, the TWDB voted to postpone approval of Wimberley’s proposed change of scope for its wastewater plant, along with a crucial $5.5 million to fund connection to Aqua Texas, a third-party wastewater entity. Per Texas Open Meeting Act laws, a notice must be posted at least 72 hours prior to a meeting or event where a possible quorum could be present. In Wimberley, a quorum consists of four or more city council members at the same location at the same time. Laura Calcote, Wimberley city secretary, confirmed that a possible quorum notice was not posted by the city before the Feb. 25 TWDB meeting. Councilmembers present at the TWDB meeting were Mayor
OPEN MEETINGS, 2
On Tuesday, Hays County Commissioners approved by a unanimous 5-0 vote a resolution opposing the Permian Highway Pipeline, a $2 billion project that is expected to cut through Hays County.
the resolution follows a similar action taken by Kyle city leaders and officials in mid-February. Lon Shell, Hays County Pct. 3 Commissioner, said his personal concerns
include environmental issues, which are “very real,” as well as private property rights of residents, which is “extremely important to Texans and the county.” Shell said the county
takes eminent domain issues very seriously and has never had to use the tactic for any project. Kinder Morgan, a Houston-based company, is using eminent domain
proceedings in order to acquire land needed to install its underground pipeline, which will extend from far west Texas to the Houston area. Eminent domain is the process where governmental and private entities force the sale of private land for public use. A lack of outreach on the part of Kinder Morgan officials, especially with public
PIPELINE OPPOSED, 4
Trial of the times
PHOTO BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
Hays County District Attorney Wes Mau addresses students during a mock trial held at the Hays County Government Center Feb. 27.
Dripping Springs H.S. students take part in domestic violence awareness program BY EXSAR ARGUELLO Emotional testimonies, accusations of assault and a conviction by jury were all part of a criminal court reenactment starring a handful of Dripping Springs High students Feb. 27. The reenactment, however, also served as a sobering reminder of the impact of dating violence, a problem plaguing all communities across the nation. The mock trial is based on the trial State v. Jamie Roberts, a real court case in Hays County where a male was the victim of a physical assault by his girlfriend. The Feb. 27 reenactment, hosted by the Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center, in conjunction with the Dripping Springs ISD, relives the case while also teaching students about the dangers of dating violence. “It’s tough to hear
The mock trial is based off State v. Jamie Roberts, a real court case in Hays County where a male was the victim of a physical assault by his girlfriend. about these stories from students in our school, but one thing I want people to learn from the program is there are resources and people who can help you get out of these relationships,” said Rachel King, president of the Dripping Springs dating violence awareness board. “A lot of victims may not understand that this abuse is in their lives as they go through these relationships.” In this reenactment, Jamie Roberts, played by a Dripping Springs High student, was found guilty of assaulting her boyfriend. The trial includes more than 100 students making up the
jury, defense attorneys and witnesses, all filled with the same drama and debate of a real criminal trial. The eight jury panel, consisting of 12 high school students, overwhelmingly found Roberts guilty of assault, citing a crucial piece of video evidence in the case where Roberts intentionally kicked the boyfriend. Members of the jury said the video evidence made for a compelling guilty verdict. But Hays County District Attorney Wes Mau, who attend the mock trial, said in many of these cases video evidence is nonexistent. This
LAGNIAPPE An Evening of Jazz to benefit DSISD bands
The Dripping Springs Tiger Band Boosters are excited to present our annual Evening of Jazz Thursday, March 7, 2019, at the Dripping Springs Ranch Park. A favorite of students, directors, alums, family and friends, the Evening of Jazz offers an evening of enticing barbecue and exceptional jazz, all to benefit the middle school and high school band programs. Entertainment, as always, will be provided by the excellent DSHS Jazz Orchestra and the DSMS
Jazz Band! Purchase tickets online at https://dsbandboosters. membershiptoolkit.com
12th annual Fancy Feathers this weekend
March 9th, 2019, at Dripping Springs Ranch Park, Dripping Springs, Texas. There will be APA and ABA Sanctioned Shows, Backyard Show, Junior Show, Youth Showmanship, Egg Show, Cluck-off Contest, Chicken Poop Bingo, Raffle, Silent Auction, Concession Stand. Show runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
75¢ Thursday, March 7, 2019
County opposes controversial pipeline BY MOSES LEOS III
page 4
proves difficult for juries and judges since a lot of evidence can be hearsay. However, Mau admitted that domestic violence is not solved in the courtroom. “There is a much better way to deal with these problems, rather than what I can do or the police can do,” Mau said. “What can really stop this from happening is not the threat of a fine or going to jail, but knowing this is not the way a relationship can work. This is not the appropriate way to deal with someone you claim to love.” Mau urged students to communicate with their peers about the realities of dating violence, as high school students are more inclined to communicate with one another. “All of these unhealthy aspects of this relationship were going on well
MOCK TRIAL, 8
TCEQ approves Dripping permit BY EXSAR ARGUELLO After a grueling campaign with property owners and water conservation groups over its proposed permit, Dripping Springs can now expand its wastewater needs. On Wednesday, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Commissioners approved the city’s requested wastewater permit which, if needed, allows Dripping Springs to discharge up to 825,500 gallons per day (GPD) of treated effluent into a tributary of Onion Creek. However, city leaders were adamant that the city never intends to discharge and has worked to expand its treated effluent storage capacity so it wouldn’t have to do so. City officials said the city currently produces approximately 130,000 GPD, and the permit would accommodate the city’s wastewater treatment needs for the next decade. “This is a historic day for the city of Dripping Springs and
DISCHARGE PERMIT, 6
County applies for new polling place program STAFF REPORT The days of Hays County residents having to vote at their specified precincts on Election Day could be coming to an end. On Tuesday, Hays County Commissioners approved a resolution in support of participating in a countywide polling place program, which, if approved, would allow voters to cast their ballots at any polling site in the county on Election Day. Jennifer Anderson, Hays County Elections Administrator, said county officials must submit an application to the state that includes a plan and methodology for implementing the program. Anderson said she hopes the county receives state approval prior to the November 2019 election period. Currently, voters must cast their ballots at their designated precincts on Election Day. Residents who vote during early voting currently can cast a ballot at any open polling site. “Allowing Election Day voters to do the same (as in early voting) would avoid issues
POLLING PLACES, 2
Page 2
News-Dispatch
News
Police Blotter
-Dispatch
The following are a list of calls made to law enforcement agencies in Hays County between Feb. 25 and March 3, 2019
PHONE: 512-268-7862 FAX: 512-268-0262 PUBLISHER Cyndy Slovak-Barton csb@haysfreepress.com
EDITOR Moses Leos III moses@haysfreepress.com
REPORTERS Exsar Arguello Katie Burrell news@haysfreepress.com
PRODUCTION David White ADVERTISING/MARKETING Tracy Mack ads@bartonpublicationsinc.com
Jim Darby ads@haysfreepress.com
PHOTOGRAPHER Wayland Clark PROOFREADER Jane Kirkham CIRCULATION MANAGER/ LEGAL NOTICES Verna Wommack paper@ haysnewsdispatch.com
News-Dispatch (USPS 011 - 401) is published weekly except for the weeks following July 4 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 Driftwood, TX. Email paper@haysnewsdispatch. com for subscriptions and address changes. POSTMASTER: send address changes to NewsDispatch, PO Box 339, Buda, TX 78610 LETTERS GUIDELINES We welcome locally written letters to the editor on timely topics of community interest. We ask that you keep them to about 350 words in length and that you not indulge in personal attacks on private individuals. Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity. All letters should be signed by the author and include a daytime phone number where the author can be contacted for verification. Letter writers are limited to one letter per month. Letters can be emailed to csb@ haysfreepress.com.
Thursday, March 7, 2019
PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III
Voters wait in line at a polling site at McCormick Middle School near Buda during the Nov. 6, 2018
Polling Places Continued from pg. 1
caused when voters show up at the wrong precinct,” according to the release. Anderson said all governmental entities in the county were in favor of the program and planned to bring up their own resolutions soon. For Hays County to be approved for the program, all jurisdictions must be in favor of it, according to a release. Hays County Democratic Chair Donna Haschke said Feb. 26 the proposal is “a true example of bipartisan cooperation that supports the interest of all voters and strengthens democracy by increasing citizen participation in the electoral process.” Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra said he looks
forward to improvements the county “is undertaking to increase voter participating and election integrity.” Anderson said county officials will hold two public meetings on the proposal, expected to be set for late March. They will also form a committee made up of political party representatives and political subdivision planners to determine polling locations. Anderson said while different types of elections call for different numbers of polling locations, she does not expect a major change in the number of polling locations for each of those elections.
Open Meetings Continued from pg. 1
Susan Jaggers, Mayor Pro Tem Gary Barchfeld, as well as councilmembers Craig Fore and Mike McCullough. Councilmembers Allison Davis and Erik Wollam were not present at the meeting. Hays County District Attorney Wes Mau did not confirm if his office is investigating TOMA violation allegations against Wimberley. Sources in contact with the News-Dispatch sent the newspaper complaints that were filed at the DA’s office. The quorum came two days before the Texas Supreme Court struck down a provision in the Texas Open Meetings Act relating to “walking quorums,” citing the law infringed on elected officials’ First Amendment rights. On Feb. 27, the Texas Supreme Court called the provision to “knowingly conspire to circumvent this chapter by meeting in numbers less than a quorum for the purpose of secret deliberations” as unconstitutionally vague. Although the decision does not affect the outcome of the TWDB meeting, the 7-2 decision from the court could mark the beginning of a discussion about the constitutionality of the Texas Open Meetings Act. “On its face, that case applies to meetings in less than a quorum for the purpose of circumventing the Open Meetings Act, so it would not necessarily impact the application of the act in cases involving violations by a quorum of the governmental body, such as the situation you describe,” Mau said in an
Per Texas Open Meeting Act laws, a notice must be posted at least 72-hours prior to a meeting or event where a possible quorum could be present. In Wimberley, a quorum consists of four or more city council members at the same location at the same time. emailed response. However, Mau said the case does offer conclusions that could be applied to other sections of the act, so whether the court’s opinion will be given broader effect than its immediate holding remains to be seen. “I cannot comment at this stage as to whether or not the ruling would have any application with regard to the TWDB meeting you refer to in your email,” Mau said.
Agency Activity
Date
Time
Street
City
HCSO
Assault
02/25/2019
18:10:40
Cedar Pass Rd
Driftwood
HCSO
Sexual Assault
02/26/2019
3:21:03
Amberwood Loop
Kyle
HCSO
SWAT/CNT
02/26/2019
0:06:23
Post Rd
San Marcos
HCSO
Suicidal Person
02/25/2019
11:15:45
RR 3237 - Wimberley Inn
BPD
Theft
02/25/2019
9:32:11
Old San Antonio Rd - Walmart Of Buda
HCSO
Theft
02/25/2019
8:15:20
Heron Dr
Buda
HCSO
Theft
02/25/2019
9:45:43
River Hills Dr
San Marcos
HCSO
Theft
02/25/2019
15:43:29
W RR 150
Driftwood
HCSO
Theft
02/25/2019
16:13:11
Dacy Ln - Chapa Middle School, Kyle
HCSO
Theft
02/25/2019
20:47:06
Redwood Rd
San Marcos
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 02/25/2019
7:40:55
Stillwater/RR 12
Wimberley
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 02/25/2019
9:29:07
W El Camino Real
Wimberley
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 02/25/2019
10:20:26
S Oak Forest Dr
Dripping Springs
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 02/26/2019
5:35:33
Nutty Brown Rd
Austin
BPD
Assault
02/26/2019
10:16:59
Cabelas Dr - Fairfield Inn, Buda
HCSO
Fraud
02/26/2019
18:50:12
Camino Real - Longhorn RV, Kyle
HCSO
Harassment
02/26/2019
19:49:50
Sad Willow Pass
BPD
Threat
02/26/2019
21:44:17
Cabelas Dr, Silverado Crossing, Buda
HCSO
Threat
02/26/2019
19:58:24
Peaceful Valley Rd Kyle
BPD
Missing Person
02/26/2019
16:49:50
Bradford St
Buda
HCSO
Suicidal Person
02/26/2019
21:47:09
Echo Blf
Austin
HCSO
Theft
02/26/2019
18:30:16
Darryl Dr
Buda
HCSO
Theft
02/26/2019
22:11:37
Cedar Holw
Wimberley
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 02/26/2019
11:48:44
Deer Lake Est
Wimberley
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 02/27/2019
0:46:20
Overpass Rd - Tuscany Park Apts, Buda
HCSO
EMS- Major Accident 02/26/2019
8:57:20
Offermann Hill Rd
Guadalupe Co
HCSO
Endanger/Abandon
02/27/2019
15:12:46
Howard Ln
Buda
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight 02/27/2019
20:56:42
Oak Meadows
San Marcos
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight 02/28/2019
1:55:20
Knox Dr
Buda
HCSO
Harassment
02/27/2019
14:53:01
Greenhill Ct
Kyle
HCSO
Harassment
02/27/2019
15:55:39
E Skyline Acres
Wimberley
BPD
Threat
02/28/2019
5:59:15
Old San Antonio Rd Walmart Of Buda
HCSO
Wanted Person
02/27/2019
14:59:19
Uhland Rd
BPD
Theft
02/27/2019
16:46:36
Old San Antonio Rd Buda Walmart Of Buda
HCSO
Theft
02/27/2019
14:53:05
Lone Cypress Cv Driftwood
HCSO
Theft
02/27/2019
16:04:59
Hunter Road Power Sports, San Marcos
HCSO
Theft
02/28/2019
1:49:40
Lone Cypress Cv
BPD
Accident - Major/Injury 02/27/2019
15:16:18
S Fm 1626/RR 967 Buda
HCSO
Assault
02/28/2019
15:57:32
Dacy Ln - Chapa Middle School, Kyle
HCSO
Assault
02/28/2019
16:33:15
Tangerine Dr
Buda
HCSO
Death Investigation
02/28/2019
11:43:57
Maheo Way
Dripping Springs
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight 03/01/2019
2:24:11
High Rd
Kyle
HCSO
Harassment
02/28/2019
6:13:54
Quail Run
Buda
BPD
Threat
02/28/2019
11:58:30
E Goforth St
RBFCU, Buda
HCSO
Suicidal Person
02/28/2019
12:29:44
Bell Springs Rd
Dripping Springs
HCSO
Suicidal Person
02/28/2019
19:26:39
Manchaca Springs Rd/IH 35 Fr, Buda
HCSO
Wanted Person
02/28/2019
10:51:48
Cedar Pass Rd
Driftwood
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 02/28/2019
11:59:59
W RR 150
Kyle
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 02/28/2019
21:37:55
Darden Hill Rd
Driftwood
HCSO
Assault
03/01/2019
13:41:39
Lehman Rd - Lehman High School, Kyle
HCSO
Assault
03/01/2019
14:49:25
E RR 150 - Simon Middle School, Kyle
BPD
Disturbance - Phys/Fight 03/02/2019
0:21:24
14 Prairie Ave
Buda
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight 03/01/2019
11:18:37
Stonegate Ln
Dripping Springs
BPD
Harassment
03/01/2019
9:18:44
Cabelas Dr - Carrington Oaks, Buda
BPD
Accident - Major/Injury 03/02/2019
5:24:35
S Fm 1626
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 03/01/2019
19:52:42
RR 12/Shelton Ranch Rd, Dripping Springs
BPD
Harassment
03/01/2019
9:18:44
Cabelas Dr - Carrington Oaks, Buda
BPD
Robbery
03/01/2019
18:05:43
Jack C Hays Trl - Pac N Sac Of Buda
HCSO
Death Investigation
03/02/2019
14:30:49
Palmer Ln
HCSO
Fireworks
03/03/2019
1:16:29
Founders Park Rd/RR 12, Dripping Springs
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight 03/02/2019
18:11:02
Friendswood Ln
Austin
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight 03/02/2019
21:51:52
Mercer St
Dripping Springs
BPD
Accident - Major/Injury 03/02/2019
11:58:21
Baker Ln/Sunbright Blvd
Buda
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 03/02/2019
11:56:05
Baker Ln/Sunbright Blvd
Buda
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 03/02/2019
12:40:01
Elder Hill Rd/W RR 150
Driftwood
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 03/02/2019
13:13:27
S Old Stagecoach Rd Kyle
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 03/02/2019
13:30:33
W RR 150 - Double Xing East, Driftwood
HCSO
Assault
03/03/2019
20:03:18
Mathias Ln
Kyle
HCSO
Assault
03/03/2019
20:07:31
Mathias Ln
Kyle
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight 03/03/2019
12:30:19
Mathias Ln
Kyle
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight 03/04/2019
0:30:12
Hart Ln
Dripping Springs
HCSO
Missing Person
03/03/2019
16:57:46
Dacy Lane
Kyle
HCSO
Suicidal Person
03/03/2019
18:06:07
RR 12 - Wimberley Post Office
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 03/03/2019
7:01:25
Post Rd
San Marcos
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury 03/03/2019
21:34:23
IH 35
Buda
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Thursday, March 7, 2019
www.HaysNewsDispatch.com
Page 3
Opinion
EDITORIAL
Hope for a peaceful transition T
here were lots of accusations flying and a lot of name-calling last week when President Donald Trump’s former attorney and fixerin-chief Michael Cohen testified before the Congress House Oversight Committee. Cohen called Trump a liar. He said Trump was deeply involved in hush payments to cover-up sexual misconduct. He said Trump lied about business interests and lied to reporters about stolen Democratic emails. Republicans on the committee asked why Cohen should be believed. But what has Cohen to gain at this point by lying? It’s very unlikely that Trump, after hearing Cohen’s gut-wrenching and painful-to-watch accusations, would pardon his former attorney. Cohen, in his own words, said he lost everything. “My loyalty to Mr. Trump has cost me everything: my family’s happiness, friendships, my law license, my company, my livelihood, my honor, my reputation and, soon, my freedom.” With all of that in mind, think about some of Cohen’s final words: “Indeed, given my experience working for Mr. Trump, I fear that if he loses the election in 2020 that there will never be a peaceful transition of power, and this is why I agreed to appear before you today.” The peaceful transition of power is something that marks the very democracy of the United States. The transition of power in the United States in 1800 shows that political parties that deeply mistrust each other can accept the outcome of an election. That’s not the case worldwide. Think of Venezuela today and we see what happens in a country where a contentious transition of power – heck, a lack of transfer – wrecks an already broken country. Nicolâs Maduro, former president who refuses to give up power, will not relinquish control to Juan Guaido. The country has been plunged into a political crisis as Guaido talks about trying to get back into the country after fleeing for his life. Will he be able to return and take control? At this point no one can say, because there was no transfer of power, much less a peaceful one. It is a political miracle, in a way, that when the U.S. House of Representatives in January changed from being held by Republicans and to Democrats being in charge, there were no bullets fired. The outcome of the election was accepted, and the transition made. That’s the American way. When Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra beat Republican Will Conley for that seat, the change came without a lot of rancor. One day one side has the power; the next the other side steps into the high seat. When we think about the upcoming Presidential election, it is scary to think about what Cohen said – that he fears what Trump will do regarding a peaceful transition of power. We don’t know if Trump will be the Republican Party nominee. We don’t know which of the plethora of Democratic candidates will be chosen. But whatever happens, we want a peaceful transition. Let’s hope that Cohen is wrong about his fears. Let’s pray that any future transition is peaceable. Because if that doesn’t happen, then the United States could easily fall into political instability, and we would no longer be a leader in the Democratic world. That’s a fear that everyone should have.
Transparency is in trouble A s it often goes in the great cha-cha slide that is governmental transparency, Texans often find themselves taking two steps back for every small step forward. Offering officials a little more leeway in dancing around already bare-bones rules meant for clarity can set an awfully dangerous precedent. Imagine the groan then from every newspaper editor and publisher across Texas Feb. 27 when the state’s highest court struck down a provision of the state’s Open Meeting Act relating to “walking quorums.” Face, meet palm. Palm, face. The trouble started when attorneys for Montgomery County Judge Craig Doyle sought to get an indictment filed against him based on “walking quorum” provision dismissed, citing it was unconstitutional. According to a Texas Tribune report, Doyle had been indicted for allegations that he and other
From the Sidelines by Moses Leos III
commissioners secretly deliberated a proposed road bond without the proper number of officials present. Prior to last week, public officials were prohibited from deliberately meeting in numbers less than a quorum – the number of officials needed for official business to take place – to discuss something that might be on an agenda. That all changed when seven of the nine Texas Supreme Court judges sided with Doyle’s attorneys. The majority opinion was the statute lacked specificity and that trying to guess what officials might have been talking about could infringe on free speech. Except isn’t the point of the rule to prevent even the slimmest possibility of such trans-
gressions from happening in the first place? Through its ruling, the state’s highest court has, in effect, stepped foot on the slippery slope that is governmental opaqueness. That’s not to say the majority of public officials are out there trying to do things below board. We’d like to think many of our local leaders try to conduct their official business when and where appropriate. But when you give someone an inch, they might just take the whole mile. By golly, does this ruling practically place local officials on the tarmac of Texas Motor Speedway? Rapidly advancing technology equally plays a role in how disconcerting this ruling could be to transparency. Discussing business outside of the public’s view between one or two officials is already just a few screen taps away. Nixing the prohibition offers them more incentive to do just that, without the possibility of repercussions.
New words to graupel I t seems like every year, new vocabulary words pop up in our everyday talk. Lots of new words and phrases are invented and used by techies and young whippersnappers. These young ‘uns have their own language, it appears, but that doesn’t bother me much since there ain’t no app on their newfangled cellphones that can translate the vernacular of old coots like me. Go ahead, kids. Type in “cattywampus” and see if your $600 phone recognizes it as a word. Speaking of cellphones, I finally entered the 21st Century and bought a so-called Smart phone after my old one died of old age When I showed my dearly departed Nokia to the gal at the AT&T store, her eyes got all big like I had carried in a dinosaur skull. She informed me that she had seen pictures of this type of phone but had never seen one in person. Anyway, I bought myself a smart phone. Not Phd smart but Jethro Bodine/9th grade education smart. Unfortunately, the phone is still smarter than its user. There were so many apps and gadgets on the phone, I spent two hours
Crow’s Nest
by Clint Younts
deleting stuff that was well beyond my intellect. One icon that pops up occasionally has the word “widgets” under it. What in tarnation is a widget? Back in my youth, if I were struggling to crawl into a tight spot while playing Hide-NSeek, my brother would say, “C’mon, widget on in there”. I have no idea what the new meaning of the word is. Remember that blizzard we had a few weeks ago? Brrr! So tell me, if you would, what the heck is a graupel? That’s what the TV meteorologists kept calling the frozen white stuff that covered our deck and prevented me from communing with nature. I had never heard of graupel before, although I recall a few TV anchormen losing their jobs for graupeling women. I’m not sure it’s spelled the same. Spellcheck on this here computer blew a fuse long ago.
Another word that is brand-spankin’ new to me is “hophead”. Just added to the 2019 Webster dictionary, it’s what some jackleg coined for a beer enthusiast. Well, if that don’t beat all! I’ve been drinking beer for pert near 45 years, and nobody has ever called me a hophead. Oh, I’ve been called other names in beer joints across America, but never a hophead. I bet whoever made up this silly term for a beer drinker has never stepped foot in Giddyups. Okay, here’s a word that for the past year has been tossed around like a dried cow patty at a 4th of July picnic. Collusion. Ever since Trump was sworn in, there hasn’t been a day where we haven’t heard “collusion’ on some network newscast. And just this past week, Colin Kaepernick settled his lawsuit with the NFL after claiming there was collusion among the team owners. Does any of y’all with naturally gray hair recall hearing the word “collusion” in your younger days? Besides hearing your toothless grandpa talkin’ about seeing a collusion between a ’65 Buick and a John Deere out on the main road.
Perhaps what’s more troubling is how the ruling adds to a deck that’s already stacked against the taxpayers seeing what their government is doing and how their tax money is being spent. The state’s laws surrounding closed door meetings is a primary starting point. Sure, there are rules in place that require jurisdictions to meet certain statutes when talking about items in executive session. That hasn’t stopped governments in the past from abusing the rules, trying to expand statutes to include things that should be in the public’s purview. It should be easier, not harder, for the public to know exactly what is happening in their local government. Until the shroud is lifted, however, it’s hard to believe officials won’t try take advantage of this remarkably foolish rule change. Seems it might be time to dust off that old magnifying glass after all.
Since I’m half ways literate, and having graduated from college with a degree in beer chuggin’ with a minor in disco dancing, I sorta understand what collusion means, but we just didn’t use the word back when stores didn’t sell ripped up jeans. If a couple of fellas were teaming up to do something wrong, they were in cahoots with each other. Walter Cronkite might’ve used the term “conspiracy”, but I don’t recall him ever saying “collusion”. Look, if y’all Millennials and Gen Z pups want to make up words, that’s fine and dandy. Heckfire, when I was a greenhorn, we concocted a mess of slang words back to get the goat of our parents. Just don’t throw a conniption when we older folks ignore what y’all are jibberin’about. We aren’t being rude. We just don’t know what in the Sam Hill you’re saying. Clint Younts may graupel with words, but when it comes to taking care of his cattle, he certainly speaks Moo. crowsnest78610@gmail.com
LETTER TO THE EDITOR WIMBERLEY MAYOR CONTINUES TO IMPERIL ENVIRONMENT, CITY BUDGET, & REPUTATION When TWDB Executive Administrator Jeff Walker recommended no action at the Feb. 25 Board meeting, Wimberley locals were surprised. The agenda item proposed conditional approval. But Walker said the city had not responded sufficiently on environmental and other issues, so he wanted time to gather more
information before asking the Board to vote. While more delay is not optimal, it was reinforcing to see TWDB refuse to consent to the City’s Aqua Texas request. Most significantly perhaps, in response to criticism of the mayor for openly saying the City will not follow Texas Parks and Wildlife’s environmental “recommendations,” the mayor stated on the record that, of course the City will follow those recommen-
dations. As area publishers have said recently, where the mayor’s promises and statements are concerned, vigilance is the watchword. But at least now the mayor has committed to the TWDB, in public and on the record. Let’s hold her to it. Redo the survey to move the bore holes farther from the creek bed. Survey for threatened and endangered species. Figure out what might go wrong with a bore under Cypress Creek.
Perhaps the most alarming thing this council majority and the mayor have wrought is that the TWDB will require an ad valorem tax to fund the change in scope. Why? Because the city is no longer in the solid financial position it was in before this group took the reins. The majority of this council voted, arrogantly, prematurely and without TWDB consent, to change the scope of the sewer project, putting the city in this perilous financial position.
What can Wimberley citizens do? Vote! Vote for candidates who will make decisions based on financial and environmental facts. Vote for candidates who will bring back civility and transparency. Show the mayor, with your vote, that she can’t crassly run for council so she can step down as mayor and then vote with her cronies to elect the next mayor, taking that vote away from you, the voters. Andrew Weber & Steve Thurber
Page 4
News-Dispatch
Thursday, March 7, 2019
Open meetings act provision struck down in high Texas court BY EMMA PLATOFF TEXAS TRIBUNE
and the media. Craig Doyal, the Montgomery County judge, was indicted under that statute In a major blow to for allegedly conducting the state’s government “secret deliberations” – transparency laws, Texas’ highest criminal court has without a quorum of the commissioners court struck down a significant present – about a Noprovision of the Texas Open Meetings Act, calling vember 2015 county road bond. Doyal filed to have it “unconstitutionally the charges dismissed, vague.” claiming the statute was That law, which imunconstitutional. The case poses basic requirements providing for public access eventually made it to the Texas Court of Criminal to and information about Appeals, which handed governmental meetings, makes it a crime for public him a victory Wednesday. Two judges on the officials to “knowingly nine-member, all-Repub[conspire] to circumvent lican court dissented. this chapter by meeting “We do not doubt in numbers less than a quorum for the purpose of the legislature’s power secret deliberations.” That to prevent government officials from using clever provision aims to keep tactics to circumvent the public officials from conpurpose and effect of the vening smaller meetings Texas Open Meetings – without an official quoAct,” Presiding Judge rum present – to discuss Sharon Keller wrote for the public business outside majority. “But the statute the view of the taxpayers
The Open Meetings Act makes it a crime for public officials to “knowingly [conspire] to circumvent this chapter by meeting in numbers less than a quorum for the purpose of secret deliberations.”
know they can’t go around in secret and deliberate.” Joe Larsen, an open-government lawyer who had defended the law in the case, said the decision “removes a powerful disincentive” put in place to keep public officials from hiding public business. before us wholly lacks But open-government Larsen said he will any specificity, and any advocates warned that likely ask the high court to narrowing construction the ruling, while specific reconsider the case, given we could impose would be to one slice of the open just a guess, an imposition meetings act, undermines its high stakes. “This provision is imof our own judicial views. its aims. This we decline to do.” “I’m disappointed in the portant because it basically addresses what are Attorneys for Doyal ruling,” said Kelley Shanessentially closed meetargued months ago that non, executive director of ings where the members the case should not be the Freedom of Informaof the governmental body interpreted as a broad tion Foundation of Texas. meet in numbers less than “take-down of the entire “Some people will use it a quorum but are acting Texas Open Meetings Act.” as a chance to try to get as a quorum,” Larsen “This case is not about around the spirit of the explained. “It undermines discussions of public mat- law. But the vast majority the strength of the Open ters in a quorum,” they of people want to follow Meetings Act.” wrote in a July 2018 brief. the law and want the Judge Kevin Yeary, “This case is not about public to understand govwho wrote a dissenting shutting out the public ernment and participate opinion, seemed to agree and the press from the in government. The vast political process.” majority of public officials about the provision’s im-
portance. “To provide a true disincentive, the stigma of a criminal penalty is necessary,” Yeary wrote. “Yet another perfectly good statute falls today,” he lamented. Open-government advocates – who are already hoping this session will be an opportunity to close gaps in the state’s transparency laws – said the Legislature should take up the issue. “I’m still reviewing the opinion, but I think the Legislature needs to address this issue this session. This is a matter of high importance,” said state Sen. Kirk Watson, an Austin Democrat who has been a leader on open-government issues. “Members of the public need to be able to trust that decisions are being made in the open, not behind closed doors.”
New bill could require assessment for future pipeline construction BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
state. "These are projects by Questions over the private corporations with process of companies the power of eminent dobuilding infrastructure on main by the state," Zwieprivately-owned land is ner said. "I am concerned leading a local lawmakabout the complete lack er to propose possible of oversight by the state. If changes at the state level. these companies have the Earlier this week, power of the state, there State Rep. Erin Zwiener must be more oversight." (D-Driftwood) authored Zwiener’s bill is directly House Bill (HB) 2277, linked to Kinder Morwhich could require an gan’s proposed Permian environmental assessment Highway Pipeline, which prior to the construction is slated to cut through of natural gas pipelines. the Hill Country, including The proposed legislathrough Hays County. tion could be the first of a In Texas, energy infrahandful of bills that would structure companies are increase public oversight allowed the power of emion the construction of nent domain with compipelines throughout the mon carrier status. To be
considered a common carrier, the company would have to contract with other entities to transport natural gas. Common carrier ensures the pipeline will transport a resource for the common good of the public. Energy companies are currently required to submit a T-4 form to the Texas Railroad Commission (TRC) stating the pipeline is a common carrier. However, the process does not involve oversight or approval from the TRC. Zwiener said she questions the ability of a private corporation to adequately undergo an environmental study at its
own discretion. "It's a fox guarding the hen house," Zwiener said. "(Kinder Morgan) has no financial incentive to do a thorough environmental assessment. And if they have conducted one, has any member of the public seen those documents?" The bill states an analysis must be completed to identify potential harms or impacts to endangered and threatened species, air and water quality, aquifers, and historic, cultural and archaeological sites. That analysis would then be submitted in writing to the Texas Railroad Commission for approval. "This is one step that is
very important that comes before a host of other bills in regard to pipelines," Zwiener said. "These decisions should not be made in the seclusion of a corporate board room. Building large infrastructure will always be a challenge for the well-being of the entire state, but those decisions need to be made in the light of day." For Kyle residents, Zwiener said Kinder Morgan's pipeline poses a public safety risk. Hundreds of houses on the east side of Interstate 35 are in the evacuation zone. This would require city and county services to be prepared in the case of an
explosion, an investment in time and resources. There may be a bill in the near future that would establish a public process for the routing of pipelines, Zwiener said. In addition to the environment, the economic impacts to the county are still unseen. "There is no way you can put a pipeline between San Antonio and Austin without negatively affecting the value of future development," she said. "I understand Kinder Morgan will pay property taxes for the easements, but in no way will this equal the potential value of that land.”
Pipeline Opposed: County says no Continued from pg. 1
officials and government entities, was also one of Shell’s largest issues. Shell said he has spoken with Kinder Morgan officials “several times” and has tried to get them to attend a commissioners court meeting to address public questions. While Kinder Morgan has hosted open houses regarding its pipeline, Shell said more could be done. He cited the county’s recent outreach efforts on FM 150, which could encompass more than 15 years of public participation before it is completed. Pct. 1 Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe said protecting homeowners on the east side of Interstate 35 impacted by the project is just as important as preserving natural resources. Four Kyle area subdivisions could be in close proximity to the pipeline. Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra said he is against the pipeline in its current route. However, Becerra didn’t
think closing the door on Kinder Morgan was prudent. Becerra said the county shouldn’t invest in possible litigation, but “explore other avenues.” Possible options include Kinder Morgan funding an independent hydrology and economic impact study with local commission and environmental group oversight. Becerra said there is a “lot of money being left out of the conversation” if the county moves through “as things are.” Shell, however, said he is not at a negotiating stage with Kinder Morgan at this point. “We have the opportunity to negotiate a process with a volume of product moving through these lines that can benefit us if we take that route,” Becerra said. “I’m against the pipeline. I don’t want to mince words. But I am here to help negotiate for the best interests of Hays County within the confines of the law.”
Dream More. Pay Less.
During public comment, residents and landowners maintained their stance against Kinder Morgan, citing the environmental and economic impacts the proposed project could bring. Resident John Price said the pipeline is not “in the public’s interest,” and worried about the impact the pipeline could have on the Edwards Aquifer. Larry Becker, a Wimberley area landowner who said he could be impacted by the proposed line, worried about plans for the pipeline to go under the Blanco River twice on its current route. Price said the pipeline would introduce the county to an industry “I don’t believe we want to see.” “This scares me and I hope it scares you, because once it’s in, the aquifer in essence, dies,” Price said. “We have the ability to do whatever we can to stop it. This is a travesty in the first place, the company trying to ruin the lives of millions.
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Page 5
Sports Tiger wrestler takes gold at state BY MOSES LEOS III
“I was more motivated to win it (state). I didn’t want to take second again. No one likes that. It drove me to work harder to win.”
has received since starting wrestling when he was six Motivation to excel years old. Warden, whose on the wrestling mat older brother wrestled at was more than plentiful Bowie High years ago, was this season for Dripping introduced to the sport by Springs Tiger junior Chase his father, who takes him Warden. to practices and tourane–Chase Warden, Dripping Springs junior wrestler After falling a win short ments. of a gold medal finish at Participating at the club den said the experience match. This season, Warthe 2018 UIL state wreslevel helps to improve his den pinned 30 of his 34 to- skills outside of practicing tling championships, War- more than prepared him for this year. tal opponents and was in den was determined to with his Dripping Springs “I was more motivated control of all his matches, teammates. shake off that disappointto win it (state). I didn’t Kirksey said. ment this season. “It’s fun to do and I keep That included defeating doing it, putting in the Through hard work and want to take second again,” Warden said. “No Dallas Highland Park’s determination, Warden work to get better and now one likes that. It drove me Spencer Buchholz, whom I’m here,” Warden said. exorcised those demons to work harder to win.” he has wrestled several last weekend when he seWith one more year Part of his success times prior to their match remaining, Warden hopes cured in dominant fashion the gold in the 143-pound stemmed from a summer’s in the 2019 final. to return in 2020 to defend worth of time on the mat. “He knew this year there his title. This summer, weight class at the UIL 5A wasn’t anyone who was as Warden will take part in state tournament. Warden, Joe Kirksey, Dripping Springs High wrestling good as him in that brack- both freestyle and Grewho capped off a perfect coach, said Warden picked et,” Kirksey said. 34-0 season, accomco-Roman wrestling disciWarden said he was plished the feat by pinning up roughly 60 matches plines. nervous prior to the match all four of his opponents at over the summer, includHelping the Tiger wresagainst Buchholz, but state in less than five min- ing those with his club tling team, which finished team which traveled in reminded himself of the utes of mat time. He also 8th in the state in 2019, and out of state. experience from last year. make a return trip to state joins the ranks of Luke Kirksey said Warden “It felt good going in Hodsden and Jonah Ribin Cypress is also a goal for was good enough to win and wrestling just like I era as the only Dripping next season. the title in 2018 in the normally do,” Warden Springs wrestlers to win a “I go out there and win, PHOTO BY JOE KIRKSEY 138-pound weight class, said. state title. but I want to see my teambut it “just didn’t work Winning state adds to By taking what he mates win, too,” Warden Dripping Springs junior Chase Warden shows off his award for out” in the state final a list of accolades Warden said. learned from 2018, WarMost Outstanding Wrestler at the UIL state meet in Cypress.
Tiger LAX beat Lady Tiger soccer Jags stays perfect in 16-6 district with 4-0 win over LBJ
PHOTOS BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM
PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM
Zoe Flores (3) moves in front of an LBJ player and uses her body to gain control of the ball in a district match last Friday night at Tiger Stadium. The Lady Tigers shut out LBJ 4-0 and will host McCallum at 7:45 on March 8.
BY REED GRAFF
the Lady Tigers found their first goal in an unThe Dripping Springs orthodox way. Lady Tigers soccer team Senior Jessica Carmitook care of business Fri- chael sent a cross across day as it rolled past the the goal in an attempt to Austin LBJ Lady Jaguars set up her teammates, 4-0. but the ball deflected The Dripping Springs off an LBJ defender and Lady Tigers began the bounced off the right game hot and continued post and into the goal for to dominate for the next the Lady Tigers’ first goal 80 minutes. After getting of the match. off three solid shots in the first seven minutes, LADY TIGER SOCCER, 6
Senior Kelsey Melvin (19) controls the ball while making a fast break around and between the Jaguar’s Ava Motes and another LBJ defender in Division 2 Central District match last Friday night at Dripping Springs’ Middle School stadium. Tigers beat the Jaguars 16-6. Right, Dripping Springs senior Molly McGregor squares up and takes a shot on goal as the ball passes by LBJ’s Maddie Bisang, who tries to block the shot. McGregor scored two goals. Below, senior Raechel Miskol cradles the ball and goes around LBJ’s Mallory Graham (21) for a shot on the goal. Miskol scored a pair of goals that evening.
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News-Dispatch
Thursday, March 7, 2019
Dripping Springs city secretary strives to connect community and government From an early age, native Austinite Andrea Cunningham envisioned playing a role in government. During her high school years, Cunningham served as a volunteer at her local polling station, even though she wasn’t old enough to cast a ballot at the time. She later did a “tiny” bit of work with campaigns for late Gov. Ann Richards and for Kinky Friedman. There was a time when Cunningham held aspirations of possibly running for the County Clerk seat. But Cunningham soon discovered working as a
“When someone understands how things work, they’re more empowered to have a say. They are coming from more solid ground. They’re getting their voices heard.” –Andrea Cunningham, Dripping Springs City Secretary
civil servant within government could offer a more lasting impact on citizens. Years later, Cunningham, now city secretary with the city of Dripping Springs, takes pride in giving residents the insight they need to the town they live in.
“I love government and I love helping people get the most out of their government, because they pay for us,” Cunningham said. As city secretary, Cunningham fulfills various tasks, which includes receiving and answering
public information requests from residents. Other jobs include crafting agendas, writing meeting minutes, as well as working as the city’s records manager and municipal court clerk. Cunningham, who graduated with a degree in history, entered the field as an intern with the city of Kyle. She later worked as an assistant city secretary in Kyle prior to her hire with Dripping Springs. While at Kyle, Cunningham worked with Chief of Staff Jerry Hendrix, who was a “jack of all trades” and introduced her to all levels
of a city government. For Cunningham, transparency is her passion, as she seeks to help residents understand and get the most out of their government. She enjoys the feeling when residents finally understand what is going on with their local government and understand how certain processes work. “When someone understands how things work, they’re more empowered to have a say,” Cunningham said. “They are coming from more solid ground. They’re getting their voices heard.”
Editor’s note: Last week, we incorrectly ran an unedited version of Andrea Cunningham’s Citizen of the Year story that had several notes that should not have been included. We sincerely apologize for the error. We opted to rerun the story in its entirety in order to honor the work put in by Cunningham, who was a nominee for our COTY campaign.
Edith was preceded in death by her husband – Clarence Eckols; her parents – Mack and Agnes Christal; her sister – Fannie Mae Klingemann; and grandson – Dane Eckols. She is survived by her sons: Shelby Eckols and wife Nica, Tom Eckols and wife Frances; Grandchildren: Colby Eckols (wife Allison), Nelson Eckols (wife Belinda), Byron Eckols (wife Isaac), Rebekah Aldridge (husband Ryan); Granddaughter-in-law Rachael Eckols (wife of Dane
Eckols); Great grandchildren: Grace Eckols, Mary Frances Eckols, Gabriela Eckols, Hollis Eckols, Addie Eckols, Mae Eckols, Hudson Eckols, and Tommy and Annie Aldridge; a sister-in-law Lois Puryear; and many nieces, nephews and friends. The pallbearers will be Colby Eckols, Nelson Eckols, Byron Eckols, Jonathan Janek, Shaylon Eckols and Bobby Janek. Condolences may be sent to: www.harrellfuneralhomes.com.
OBITUARIES ECKOLS Edith Thelma Christal Eckols, beloved Mother, Mother-inlaw, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Sister-inlaw and friend went into the presence of the Lord and reunited with the love of her life, Clarence, on February 25, 2019, at the age of 96, in
Austin, Texas. She was a life-long resident of Driftwood and a member of the Driftwood Methodist Church. Edith was born to Mack and Agnes Christal on September 12, 1922, in Central Texas in the Christian Wilhelm house near FM 967. She lived in the Bear Creek area until she started attending school in Buda and lived with her relatives in Driftwood. It was in Driftwood that she met Clarence. They were married on Decem-
ber 4, 1942 in Laredo, Texas when Clarence was stationed at Fort McIntosh. The only time she left the Central Texas area was in 1942 when she followed her husband to New York, by herself, when he was being sent off to World War II. She always remembered her father taking her to the train station in Austin. When the train left, her father chased after the train crying because his 20-year-old daughter was going so far away. When
Clarence returned from the war, they moved into their home in Driftwood. She lived in that home the rest of her life. While the work was hard and the money was short, the home was always full of love and happiness. Edith made everyone feel special. Those who knew her all have special memories of her. It was a life well-lived, and there is no doubt she heard “Well done, my good and faithful servant” as she entered God’s presence.
Lady Tiger Soccer
An LBJ player kicks the ball after Dripping Springs’ Sofia Picucci bounces the ball off of her body in a district match last Friday night at Tiger Stadium. The Lady Tigers won 4-0 and will host McCallum at 7:45 on March 8.
Continued from pg. 4
Dripping Springs had to wait a bit for the second goal. Despite rattling off nine shots and staying in control for the majority of the half, the Lady Jaguars held off the Lady Tigers and were poised to keep the match at 1-0 going into halftime. Dripping Springs senior Zoe Flores had other plans, finding the bottom right portion of the net for her squad’s second goal with just two minutes until intermission. Dripping Springs led 2-0 after the first half of play. The Lady Tigers picked up right where they left off to start the second half. Flores snuck behind the LBJ backline and scored her second goal of the match, and her team’s third of the night. Despite the early goal, the Lady Jaguars fought back in the second half, and the two squads battled for possession for the remainder of the contest.
Coming Up
They have four matches left in the regular season, starting with a road game against the Lockhart Lady Lions next Tuesday.
Dripping Springs sophomore Sofia Picucci scored off an assist from fellow sophomore Riley Flores with four minutes to go in the match. The goal was the icing on the cake of the Lady Tigers’ dominant 4-0 victory. Dripping Springs head coach Bailee Perrine was ecstatic with her team’s performance and came away reminded how talented her squad is. “My girls are awesome. I love coaching them,” Perrine said. “Everyone on the team can score quality goals. We have an attack from multiple angles.” The Lady Tigers improved to 14-6-3 with the win and maintained their perfect district record at 11-0.
PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM
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Continued from pg. 1
er, the Save Our Springs Alliance (SOS) did not join the settlement and fought the city through the hearings. In November 2018, SOAH recommended approval of the permit to TCEQ with settlement agreements intact. The original application to TCEQ called for the city to discharge up to 995,000 GPD. Since the hearing, the city has actively looked for additional ways to store the treated wastewater to ensure it wouldn’t have to discharge. On July 19, 2018, the News-Dispatch reported that a new mixed-use development approved by city leaders would include a number of retention ponds that will help the city’s wastewater storage efforts. Now that the permit is approved, city leaders anticipate that design and construction phases of the plant’s expansion could take roughly two years.
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Discharge Permit our community. We have been at this for more than seven years, but it has all been worth it,” Mayor Pro Tem Bill Foulds said. “Our responsibility is to care for our citizens and protect our natural resources while planning for the growth that we know is coming. We could have stayed with traditional treatment options and avoided making tough decisions; that is not what our city is about.” Foulds said the city acknowledged obtaining the permit had been a challenge as it caused concerns among area stakeholders. Foulds cited a contested case hearing filed against the permit through the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH). In July 2018, the city reached a settlement agreement with parties in the contested case that included negotiations which lowered the amount of water the city could discharge. Howev-
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Page 8
News-Dispatch
Education
Thursday, March 7, 2019
DSMS student honored with award for writing Dripping Springs Middle School eighthgrader Connor Rezykowski was awarded a Silver Key Award for the Southwest U.S. Regionat-Large for his REZYKOWSKI short story titled “The Last Sunset” in the 2019 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards competition. Connor’s Language Arts teacher is Alex Shindeldecker. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are the oldest student art and writing awards in the United States and annually receive more than 350,000 entries in 29 categories of art and writing from 8th-12th grade students nationally.
Senior portfolio panel volunteers sought DSISD officials are seeking volunteers to help judge Dripping Springs High senior portfolio presentations in April. Each spring graduating seniors at Dripping Springs High School make a portfolio presentation for assessment before a panel consisting of educators, community members, parents, and professionals. According to DSISD officials, the portfolio process and assessment assists in the “development and measurement of standards that DSISD feels critical to our graduates’ success in post-secondary education and in the workplace.” The senior portfolios allow personalized options for the student presentations and a more structured feedback process for the panel. The DSHS senior class will have more than 430 students presenting portfolios.Volunteers with all types and levels of expertise are being sought to sit on portfolio panels and help in the evaluation process, either as a parent/ community member, as a professional, or both. The presentations are scheduled for April 15 to May 3. Morning sessions are 8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m., and afternoon sessions are 12:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m. To sign up: 1. Click this link to go to our invitation page on SignUp.com. 2. Enter email address (those signing up do NOT need to register an account on SignUp.com) 3. Sign up by choosing an available slot. SignUp. com will send an automated confirmation and reminders. Note: SignUp.com does not share e-mail addresses with anyone. Those who prefer not to enter an email address may contact schedulers by phone or email to sign up. Questions may be directed to: 512-8583250 or seniorportfolio@ dsisdtx.us.
DSHS dance teams conclude competition season SUBMITTED REPORT
The Dripping Springs High School Hi-Steppers recently completed their competitive season with multiple awards at the Alamo City Dance Classic in San Antonio. DSHS received the ”Line of Champions” and the “Officer Line of Champions” awards, which signifies being one of the highest eight scoring
and highest five scoring entries in the entire contest. Both the team and the officers had the highest score of the contest for showmanship and choreography in Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop, and Contemporary, as well as Technique in Hip Hop and precision team in both Hip Hop and Jazz. The Hi-Steppers were second for Best in Class (large schools)
and took home both the Judges Award and Sweepstakes ratings for team and officers. The team won Best in Class in Lyrical and placed second in class for Jazz and Hip Hop. Both the Hi-Steppers and the JV Dazzlers team competed at the Winter Dance Classic Feb. 2. The Hi-Steppers were awarded: first place and Audience Appeal
Award in Team Lyrical, first place and Outstanding Presentation in Officer Jazz, second place in both Team Hip Hop and Jazz, second place in Officer Contemporary, first, second and third places in Medium Ensembles, and third place in Large Ensemble. Natalie Thompson was the Senior Solo winner; she and Sofia Albini won first place in Duet.
The Dazzlers, Dripping Springs High’s junior varsity dance team, also competed at the Winter Dance Classic in the JV division. They were awarded first place for Team Jazz, Lyrical, and Pom. The DSHS dance program will hold its annual Spring Show on May 2-4 at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium. Tickets will go on sale April 1.
Turbo Tigers take Land Rover 4x4 Championship title DSHS engineering students competed at the recent Land Rover 4x4 in Schools National Championship event. The challenge involves between three and six team members working together to design and build a radio-controlled fourwheel drive (4x4) vehicle to exact specifications. The vehicle must be able to successfully negotiate a specially designed test track emulating real life and it must perform as a full scale 4x4 vehicle would do in an off-road situation. The competition embodies STEM, project and teamwork, with judging in the following categories: Innovative Thinking, Best Engineered Vehicle, Research & Development, Best Track Time, Best Portfolio and Pit Display, Best Verbal Presentation, Marketing, and Spirit Dripping Springs was represented by two teams.
Championship at this weekend’s event. Comprising the Turbo Tigers are: Jason Fitzpatrick, Bryce Fitzpatrick, Colton Rhoades, Cole Scoot, and Dylan Rice. They also won the following awards: Best Innovative Thinking, Best Engineered Vehicle, and Research & Development.
Murray, Nickolas Enloe, Sean Nelson, and Ethan French. They also won the following awards: Best Track Time, Best Portfolio and Pit Display, and Best
Verbal Presentation. Both teams previously qualified for the 2018-19 World Finals competition to be held in April in Coventry, UK. In addition,
competing yesterday also qualified both of the teams for the 2019-20 World Finals competition at a location to be determined.
PAWXPAW (BELOW) Also competing for DSHS, for the first time, was the PawXPaw team. the PawXPaw team finished second behind its DSHS counterparts. Competing for PawXPaw were: Sarah Bouckley, Brandon Richard, Cade
TURBO TIGERS (ABOVE) The Turbo Tigers were the defending U.S. National Champions and claimed the 2019-20
Mock Trial
Continued from pg. 1 before this case ever happened, and had these people’s friends, community and society let them know and understand that this relationship is unhealthy, this could have been avoided,” he said. Mau said relationships are not about ownership and control, but support, respect and love. He commended the program for shedding light on dating violence, as it’s these types of initiatives that will ultimately help solve the problem. While the lessons learned from the trial exposed the horror of dating violence, it also allowed students to have a real look at the proceedings of the court. After a grueling five-
hour trial, Hays County Associate Judge Brenda Smith commended the students as state-wide leaders in dating violence awareness. Smith led the mock trial in its entirety, and she said she was impressed with testimonies and arguments led by both teams in the case. King said the students began preparing for the mock trial last summer, clocking countless hours to perfect the numerous components of a court case to enhance the realism of the trial. What started as an experiment six years ago is now becoming a tradition for the students of Dripping Springs High. Every year, the students work tirelessly to make the trial better than the last. While
PHOTO BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
Dripping Springs High senior Qasim Aziz plays the role of a defense attorney during a Feb. 27 mock trial.
the message is the same for the sixth straight year, the impact continues to loom large.
“Dating violence is real and it’s everywhere,” King said. “We’re trying to bring awareness to that,
and hopefully it’s trials like these that stick with students so they know the signs in the future.”