MARCH 10, 2021 ONE SHOT
HEAVY LIFTING
Johnson and Johnson vaccines make their way to Hays County.
Local lady weightlifters advance to state competition.
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News-Dispatch
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HaysNewsDispatch.com
Vol. 41 • No. 23
Serving Hays County, TX
MISSION BUDA Six days, 31,000 meals
ANALYSIS
BY SAHAR CHMAIS
The masks that came on one year ago are coming off — but that will not erase the changes the COVID-19 pandemic brought to Hays County. In a matter of one year, the virus took its toll on every household in its own unique way. COVID-19 affected the future of all residents differently. Hays County witnessed the death of 229 people, leaving many heartbroken with altered life plans. Some residents have been living with longhaul symptoms, unsure when the pain will subside. Health was not the only adverse effect of COVID-19; businesses had to learn to adjust to the virus at the drop of a hat. Many found their way and continued to serve the community, but some could not make it through the pressures of the pandemic. These side effects of COVID-19 became prominent in March 2020, and one year later, residents continue to feel the fatigue. Businesses and residents now have a choice on whether they want to wear their masks in public or
In the hustle and bustle of disaster relief event, the lash of Winter Storm Uri and COVID-19 were almost forgotten in Buda. In the six-day event, more than 31,000 barbecue meals were served to Hays County residents. The feeding effort had a small trial run on Feb. 20 and Feb. 21, where Tito’s barbecue team partnered with the Central Texas Veterans Center and gave 5,000 meals to anyone who came. Seeing the success of the barbecue, a decision to expand the effort was made. Within 72 hours, a new relief effort was set. “Once we had done the first weekend, we started finding out about a much greater need of underserved populations – from the older population, the disabled and many who are not on social media,” said Cassaundra Melgar-C’De Baca, creator of the program and CEO of the F7 Group. “We also found there were still people without power and water.” Mission Buda Cares was born out of this need. It was organized by the F7 Group, Buda Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) and Texas Firewalkers. Support organizations in the mission were CenTex VSO Alliance, Operation BBQ Relief and the city of Buda. From Feb. 25 through Feb. 28, more than 26,000 meals were served. Most of the meals were ordered online, but some were hand-delivered to older adults. “I called everybody on my phone list to see who wanted food; about 20 people wanted it,” said Erlinda Cano, a 67-yearold woman living in
MISSION BUDA, 2
Looking at COVID-19 in rearview mirror BY SAHAR CHMAIS AND MEGAN WEHRING
PHOTO BY COURTESY OF THE BAXTER FAMILY
Sisters Faith and Grace Baxter (from left) saw a need of meat products for local families and took action. The sisters realized that some families could not afford to buy meet and developed the project, Center of the Plate.
Sisters provide meat to families in need “I also find that leadership is not just a one man show. It really is a partnership or a community coming together to enact change … Center of the Plate was just a perfect pairing of being able to provide our knowledge of agriculture for a need in our community.”
BY MEGAN WEHRING
DRIPPING SPRINGS — When Dripping Springs sisters Grace and Faith Baxter saw too many families trying to survive on a strict food budget, they started working toward bridging the gap. For some, animal products are a vital part of a balanced diet. The Baxter sisters noticed that some families just simply could not afford to buy meat. That’s when they decided in 2016 to develop Center of the Plate, a project focused on feeding the community one family at a time. The meat is donated by 4-H and FFA members. “Meat protein is such a valuable source of energy and nutrients,” Grace said. “It’s really interesting to see how many people don’t actually have access to that because of economics.” Over this past year, they have provided more than 52,000 meals to families, which equals 9,600 pounds of
–Faith Baxter, co-developer of Center of the Plate
beef and pork. These numbers are based on the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) labeling a serving as three ounces of meat protein. There are other food assistance programs throughout the city of Dripping Springs, yet Center of the Plate is one of the only services that offers high-quality protein sources, according to Faith. Center of the Plate currently offers an open door policy from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursdays at the Dripping Springs Presbyterian Church. To keep everyone safe from COVID-19,
they are conducting a drive-thru system with volunteers distributing pre-packaged products into vehicles. Both Grace and Faith do not consider themselves to be young entrepreneurs; they just have a passion for lending a helping hand in their community. “It’s been a very humbling experience,” Grace said. “We started off with this idea and came up with ways to hopefully execute that to the best intention. But, it’s really been through the community’s support that it’s been as successful as it has been.”
“I also find that leadership is not just a one man show,” Faith said. “It really is a partnership or a community coming together to enact change … Center of the Plate was just a perfect pairing of being able to provide our knowledge of agriculture for a need in our community.” Grace is a senior at Texas Tech University and Faith is a sophomore at Oklahoma State University. When their academics keep them away from their hometown of Dripping Springs, they rely on their parents and church group to help with the day-to-day operations. Looking into the future of Center of the Plate, Grace said that she wants to see the next generation of 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) students more involved. “I know there are kids that have watched us start the project,” Grace
CENTER OF THE PLATE, 2
Schools keep safety protocols despite state mask lift BY MEGAN WEHRING
To mask or not to mask is a burning question circulating in the education community following Governor Greg Abbott’s removal of the mandate effective on March 10. The answer for many school districts in Hays County is masks will
COMING UP
include wearing face masks. Community members are encouraged to watch the Students and staff upcoming school board meetings: Dripping Springs 10 years and older will ISD on March 22, Wimberley ISD on March 22 and be required to wear a Hays CISD on March 29. face mask unless they have a medical condistill be required unless continue following the tion that prevents them the school board votes Texas Education Agency from doing so, while otherwise. (TEA) guidelines. The engaging in physical Hays, Dripping districts will maintain outdoor activity and Springs and Wimberley the current safety proschool districts will tocols in place, which MASKS ON IN SCHOOL, 5
PUBLIC NOTICES
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The News-Dispatch Barton Publications, Inc. The News-Dispatch (USPS 011-401) published weekly by Barton Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 339, Buda, TX 78610. Periodicals postage paid at Buda, TX 78610 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Barton Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 339, Buda, TX 78610. ISSN#1087-9323
COVID ANAYLSIS, 10
Amazon delivery station to bring hundreds of jobs to county BY MEGAN WEHRING SAN MARCOS — As many Texans are still climbing out of unemployment, Amazon has the answer with its new last mile facility in San Marcos that is expected to open later this year. The facility, located at 1346 Fortuna Road near Yarrington Road, will handle receiving and delivery to customers of larger items such as furniture and televisions. Amazon is a familiar face in the Hays County area; it has become one of the largest employers in
NEW AMAZON STATION, 2