MARCH 16, 2022 BREATHING AGAIN
NUTRITION MONTH
Local girl gets surgery, support in her battle with scoliosis at Shriner's Hospital
School districts offer resources for combatting hunger locally.
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Buda Area Chamber announces interim director STAFF REPORT
The Buda Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors announced the hiring of Interim Executive Director, Kenneth Higdon, CCE, IOM, a veteran of several Tex- HIGDON as Chamber of Commerce programs. Higdon, 67, a native of Andrews, Texas, has served for more than 40 years in various capacities with Chambers across Texas. He served more than 18 years with the Temple Chamber of Commerce. He is also a certified trainer with the US Institute for Organizational Management which specializes in training Chamber, Associations and Economic Development professionals including Presidents/CEO, Executive Directors and staff of government and nonprofit organizations. “I have known Ken Higdon for nearly 30 years and am excited he will be leading us through the next stages of finding a permanent Executive Director,” said John Hatch, Chairman of the Board of Directors. In the interim, Ken will ensure the Chamber continues to serve the members and community without pause. Former director J.R. Gonzales has left to pursue other opportunities. “We thank J.R. for his years of service and wish him well in his new endeavors,” said Hatch.
Vol. 42 • No. 25
Hays YMCA turns 15 BY BRITTANY ANDERSON
The YMCA, or “the Y,” has long been a place for communities across the world to connect through recreation, personal development and volunteer work, regardless of the age, background or socioeconomic status of its members. The Hays Communities YMCA, located next to the Buda Sportsplex, has been a fixture in Hays County since spring 2007. As the Hays Y heads into its 15th year of operations, it continues to instill these values into local residents through its programs and outreach efforts. Sean Doles, Vice President of Mission Advancement at YMCA of Austin, said that the Hays Y is one of the biggest in terms of members and program participation out of the nearby Travis and Bastrop counties served. Like the whole of the YMCA, Doles said, the intent with the Hays Y was to be a focal point in the community for recreation and youth programs and for people of all backgrounds to come together. “One thing that distinguishes the Y is it’s a very welcoming environment,” Doles said. “Some people, particularly those who haven't exercised a lot, can feel intimidated. We try to create an environment in which we meet people where they are to help them feel comfortable and quickly connect them with a community who can support them and deepen their engagement.” Doles said that the Y is a catalyst for enabling people
“It’s a place for people to come and work towards becoming the best versions of themselves,” Doles said. “Whether that means reaching health goals, developing new talents or staying engaged with other people. It’s a place for people to maximize their potential.” –Sean Doles, Vice President of Mission Advancement at YMCA of Austin
PHOTO COURTESY OF YMCA
to get involved in the community and make positive changes. “It’s a place for people to come and work towards becoming the best versions of themselves,” Doles said. “Whether that means
reaching health goals, developing new talents or staying engaged with other people. It’s a place for people to maximize their potential.” Jason Daniel, District Community Executive for
the Hays Y, said that the Y’s various programs — from swimming, youth sports and dance classes to safety courses, arts and crafts and gardening — provide
YMCA MILESTONE, 10
DS robotics team is serious about their games During the remaining 2 Above, team members Marshall, Michael and Gavin minutes and 15 seconds, working on their robot during the FIRST competition. drivers control the robots Below, the Spring Konstant’s robot in action. as they continue to 30 bright students collect and score cargo. make up Team 6357, The Spring Konstant — a Robots earn additional points if they are able to Dripping Springs High climb rungs. School robotics team Once the game is that competed during the FIRST Robotics Com- announced, teams have only six weeks to design, petition, held on March build and test the robot 5 and 6 at Dripping from scratch while meetSprings High School. ing the engineering and This year, competitechnical requirements tors faced off in FIRST’s set forth by FIRST. Rapid React game. The The Spring Konstant is premise of the game involves two alliances of composed of engineering students — those who three teams each who design, build and test the compete to score cargo balls into a lower hub for robot — and business students — those who one point or an upper work on community hub for two points. During the first 15 sec- STEM outreach opportunities for the team. Both onds, robots are autonsides have to work in tanomous, moving without dem and come together guidance from drivers at competition to show (students) as they score judges everything they preloaded cargo, as well PHOTOS BY as collecting and scoring DAVE WILSON any additional cargo. DS ROBOTICS, 2
Texas Navy stops U.S. mariners from smuggling guns and munitions to Mexico.
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Suspect arrested in Dripping Springs robbery STAFF REPORT DRIPPING SPRINGS – Benjamin Brusen of Round Rock was identified as the suspect involved in a robbery at a Dripping Springs gas station. He was arrested in Kerr BRUSEN County on March 10. On Sunday, March 6 at approximately 10:49 a.m., Brusen arrived at 104 US 290 in Dripping Springs (Circle K Gas Station), approached the clerk and demanded money. He then fled the scene in a white passenger car. Hays County Sheriff Gary Cutler wishes to thank all of the agencies involved in locating and arresting Brusen. The specific agencies were not provided. If you have information regarding this incident, the identity of persons, whereabouts, etc., please contact Hays County Sheriff’s Office at 512-393-7896, or Detective Lisa McNiel at 512-268-0349 or lisa.mcniel@co.hays.tx.us.
Kyle PD arrests woman in fatal hit and run STAFF REPORT
BY BRITTANY ANDERSON
TEXAS HISTORY
Serving Hays County, TX
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
KYLE – A 35-year-old woman was arrested after she was involved in a fatal hit and run accident involving a bicyclist Sunday evening. Upon arrival to MITCHELL the scene on the southbound Interstate 35 Access Road near Martinez Loop, Kyle Police officers began first aid efforts on the injured bicyclist. EMS transported the victim, identified as Bret Steinmann, 26, of Giddings, to the Ascension Seton Hays Emergency Room where he later succumbed to his injuries. Hays County Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 Beth Smith pronounced his death and ordered an autopsy. Witnesses were able to provide information about the suspect’s vehicle with one witness following the
HIT AND RUN FATALITY, 10