March 19, 2020 News-Dispatch by Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch

Coronavirus and its local effect

Runoff election for State Board of Education

page 2

page 6

Lady Tiger soccer wins season finale page 4

News-Dispatch Volume XXXX No. 24

Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982

75¢ Thursday, March 19, 2020

Not due to Coronavirus

Dripping Springs May 2 election canceled STAFF REPORT

The Dripping Springs City Council has cancelled the May 2 General Election as all candidates running were unopposed following

the candidate filing period that ended on Feb. 14. Due to the candidates running uncontested, the city is not required by law to hold a municipal election. All the uncontested candidates

were declared winners. Mayor Pro Tem Bill Foulds was elected mayor. He will be replacing Mayor Todd Purcell, who is stepping down in May. Incumbent Wade King was

elected as Council member Place 2. April Harris Allison was elected as council member Place 4, replacing current member John Kroll who did not run again. Elected members will

be sworn into office at the May 12, city council meeting. With Bill Foulds assuming the mayor position, that leaves a position open in Place 3. At the May 12

Two DAs refuse to prosecute former Pct. 3 employee

Texas Parks open for business during Spring Break

BY ANITA MILLER The latest salvo in a years-old dispute between Hays County Pct. 3 Constable Ray Helm and his former employee Gary Griffin came last week when two GRIFFIN Central Texas district attorneys declined to prosecute Griffin on charges he was arrested on in January. Helm had sought the warrants, which were signed in January by 453rd District Court Judge David Junkin. Junkin was appointed to his position in November 2018 by Governor Greg Abbott. They had accused Griffin, who served more than 20 years as a constable in Williamson County, with misuse of official information, which is a 3rd degree felony, as well as tampering with governmental records, a state jail felony, abuse of official capacity, a Class A Misdemeanor and two counts of theft by a public servant, both Class B Misdemeanors. Griffin turned himself in to authorities Jan. 9 and was released the same day on person recognizance bonds. On March 10, both Hays

PCT. 3 DISPUTE, 7

meeting, the city council will decide whether to hold a general election for Place 3 or appoint someone to the position. For more information, call 512-858-4725.

STAFF REPORT

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Dripping Springs mother Paige Powell prepares to plant a tender kiss on her son Beckettt as he lay in bed. At right, the sunny child’s happ face.

ROAD TO RECOVERY

Family shows strength as 5-year-old Dripping Springs boy has tumor removed BY CAMELIA JUAREZ The worst thing a parent can experience is watching their child suffer, but a Dripping Springs mother only recalls all the miracles that healed her son. Paige Powell’s 5-yearold son’s strep throat diagnosis turned out to be a tumor in his head, but finding it sooner rather than later was the first miracle. Her easy going, long haired youngest boy

Beckett was staying up all night crying about his head hurting and that’s when Powell knew that this was different. Beckett’s headaches continued and his neck became so stiff he could not turn his head to look at others. Pediatricians said Beckett could possibly have an abscess from the strep virus that would need to be drained surgically, but after a CT scan they

found a tangerine sized tumor at the base of Beckett’s skull. Powell felt helpless wanting to cure her son herself, but disbelief was awash. “It is unbelievable I mean in every sense of the word. It's weird because I've seen stories like these pop up on social media and you always feel for those parents but you really never think this would be my story, so it's even weird saying it now,”

Powell said. At the Texas Children’s Hospital, a doctor recommended by Powell’s friends was coincidently on call to perform Beckett’s surgery. Dr. William E. Whitehead was a miracle worker. In Powell’s blog post a nurse assured Powell that Beckett was in great hands. “Dr. Whitehead ain’t got no quit in him,” the

ROAD TO RECOVERY, 2

For families running out of options for Spring Break, the Texas Parks system has a message: Come visit. Texas State Parks are open and running, and note that “outdoor spaces are well suited to increased social distance.” There are, however, a few steps people can take to assure their part in keeping healthy. For one, potential park visitors can print day-use and camping permits at home and bring them, which will cut down on the time it takes to check in. Visit twpd.texas.gov and create an account to get started. Then select “Print Tickets & Daily Entrance” and follow instructions. This should be done 24 hours or more ahead of the expected visit. Also, visitors are advised to pack extra soap and hand sanitizers, even though both are stocked in park restrooms. Consult the Department of State Health Services for additional information on best practices. Parks are also waiving cancellation fees through March. To cancel without a fee, call 512-389-8900. Parks have implemented more stringent protocol for cleaning restrooms and other common areas, and will continue to monitor the developing situation.

A few considerations for working at home BY MIKE CATO

In between washing our hands with soap for 20 seconds several times a day, many are having to work and study from home, some for the first time. There are some technology considerations. One is that there may be more people at home doing higher demand internet activity than normal. Not only are you working from home, but students are back at home and may not be able to return to their schools given the announcements of extended spring breaks, or to spend the remainder of the semester away from campus. The cheerful reply to “don’t come back to campus or work” announcement is “we’ll do remote

learning and meetings.” But if you have a meeting at the same time as a student has a remote class, there may be congestion on your internet service, depending on the quality of service you have (or is even offered in your area). In addition, with your neighbors also working/schooling from home, the capacity the internet service provider has allocated to a specific geography may be stretched for the neighborhood And if you haven’t done video chats or meetings before, you may not have the equipment or space set aside for it.

INTERNET SERVICE Most of us have two internet service providers: our home internet (Spectrum, AT&T Uverse, Frontier, etc) and

through our cell phone providers. The home internet generally has no data caps, so only overall speed is the major concern. If you have a higher level of service, you may not have problems with multiple people doing their internet work (or play) at the same time. Others with lower levels of service may need to coordinate with the household to avoid bottlenecks in internet service, or pay more. (“You can’t stream movies while I’m on a video conference, or your sibling is in a remote class.”) Mobile internet service through cell phone providers often has monthly data caps, though the trend is to have “unlimited” service. However, “unlimited” does not mean they will not slow

down the speed after you reach the pre-determined amount of activity. If you want to use the mobile internet service to ease the load on the home internet service while still at home, remember to temporarily turn off WiFi in the phone’s settings. This of course depends on how good the mobile internet service is at your location. The FCC has asked internet service providers to suspend broadband data caps and not terminate service or apply late fees during the COVID-19 outbreak. The big ones such as Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Comcast & Charter (Spectrum’s parent) have all pledged support. If you’re not using one of them, you might check with your provider for its policy.

PRIVACY

You may want to set aside or create a space that does not have any personal pictures or views of passing household traffic, and that it relatively quiet. (And yes, we’ve all seen viral videos of toddlers walking in on parents in the middle of a video meeting from the home office. Very professional!) With multiple people in the household doing work/study-from-home limiting available quiet spaces, there may just have to be humorous apologies.

EQUIPMENT Your laptop and phone already have cameras and microphones built in.

WORKING AT HOME, 8

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News-Dispatch

News -Dispatch PHONE: 512-268-7862 FAX: 512-268-0262

CORONAVIRUS 2020 H-E-B limits hours for stores, pharmacies

PUBLISHER Cyndy Slovak-Barton csb@haysfreepress.com

EDITOR Anita Miller anita@bartonpublicationsinc.com

REPORTERS Chase Rogers Camelia Juarez Sahar Chmais PRODUCTION David White david@haysfreepress.com Elizabeth Garcia design@haysfreepress.com ADVERTISING/MARKETING Tracy Mack ads@bartonpublicationsinc.com

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 Buda, TX. Email paper@ haysnewsdispatch.com for subscriptions and address changes. POSTMASTER: send address changes to News-Dispatch, PO Box 339, Buda, TX 78610 LETTERS GUIDELINES We welcome locally written letters to the editor on timely topics of community interest. We ask that you keep them to about 350 words in length and that you not indulge in personal attacks on private individuals. Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity. All letters should be signed by the author and include a daytime phone number where the author can be contacted for verification. Letter writers are limited to one letter per month. Letters can be emailed to csb@ haysfreepress.com.

Coronavirus prevention in assisted living homes “Due to extreme risk of COVID-19 our community is on lock down until further notice. We will not be accepting any visitors.”

BY CAMELIA JUAREZ

As more events and schools shut down to follow social distancing and prevention protocols, the most vulnerable group, the elderly, are living in close quarters in assisted living centers around Hays County. “Given their congregate nature and residents served (e.g., older adults often with underlying chronic medical conditions), nursing home populations are at the highest risk of being affected by COVID-19,” according to the CDC website page about nursing homes. The News-Dispatch has called several assisted living centers and few have responded, but most are following strict CDC guidelines. Under guidelines issued on March 9, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) urged facilities that are in counties, or counties adjacent to other counties where a COVID-19 case has occurred to limit visitation to essential (medically necessary or extenuating circumstances) visits. Two days later, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared Coronavirus a pandemic. During President Donald Trump’s coronavirus address that day, he stated that “…we are strongly advising that all nursing homes for the elderly suspend all medically unnecessary visits.” Although assisted living communities are not categorized as nursing homes, they are considered long-

–Sodalis Senior Living Care in Buda

term care facilities for the elderly, which is the most at-risk demographic for this virus. Therefore, due to the continued pattern of transmission of COVID-19 in the United States and the evidence of community spread, local assisted living centers made the tough decision to stop allowing nonmedical visitors into the community. Community administration is instead urging residents and their families to employ technologies such as Skype or FaceTime to keep in direct touch, even though they are aware of the possible hardships that might present. Physicians, nurse practitioners, home health and hospice providers will still be granted access, and will undergo a travel screening, symptoms screening, and have their temperature checked prior to being allowed inside the community. If there are extenuating circumstances in which a family member needs to visit a loved one, the executive director should be contacted. Additionally, all community events have been cancelled for March and April. The News-Dispatch has not been able to contact

corporate and learn more about what will happen if the resident has a high fever. The CDC encourages family members of older adults, prone to the virus, to know what kind of medications your loved one needs and help them get extra supplies on hand, and to stock up on medical supplies such as oxygen, and items relating to incontinence, dialysis and wound care. The following statement was issued by Deer Creek of Wimberley: “We have been closely monitoring the situation and have reviewed the latest information provided by the Centers for Disease Control, the American Health Care Association, local health departments, and the Society for Post-Acute and Long Term Care Medicine. “We are using those protocols and the latest-available information to develop education and tools for the Centers related to the Coronavirus or COVID 19. We are screening our vendors and staff to be sure that they are safe to be in the Centers. “Furthermore, we are keeping in regular contact with our suppliers and vendors, as well as our pharmacy providers.”

Road to Recovery Continued from pg. 1

nurse told Powell. After a 10-hour surgery, Beckett’s tumor was removed and he got to keep his long blonde hair. Luckily, Beckett would not need radiation, chemotherapy or any kind of follow up treatment. After surgery, Powell stayed at the hospital for three months to learn about Beckett’s 12 to 24-month intensive speech and occupational therapy and rehabilitation.

“The surgery is over, now the real work begins. It’s a marathon,” Powell said. Fortunately, Powell has the support of her community and family to make sure that her business, Black Bear Farm, and her other children’s lives have basically stayed the same. It just looks different how they are handled. “I just feel like it all happened for a reason you know our friends

and our family and the doctors and physical therapists and everybody that have sort of been put in our path has just sort of laid down a really great foundation for Beckett to just heal and I can't feel anything but grateful and thankful for everything now that we've gone through,” Powell said. Beckett is currently recovering faster than expected and continues to make progress every day.

Worship in a church of your choice Call 512-268-7862 to join the church directory today.

Sunset Canyon Baptist Church 9:45 AM

Sunday Morning

11:00 AM

Sunday Worship

5:45 PM

Wednesday Meal

6:30 PM

Wed TouchPoint

A Family of Faith...

SCBC Preschool Children Ministries Youth Ministries Family Ministries

Thursday, March 19, 2020

www.sunsetcanyonchurch.org

(512) 894-0480

4000 E. HWY 290

H-E-B is now observing new operating hours, opening all stores and pharmacies, including Central Market, at 8 a.m. and closing at 8 p.m. The grocery chain is also offering free curbside pickup and free home delivery of all prescription medications. Here was the company’s initial message: “To better serve our customers and increase product availability, all H-E-B stores, Central Market and H-E-B Pharmacies will close tonight at 8 p.m. Beginning Sunday, March 15, all stores will open at 8 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. until further notice. “While we restock our shelves around the clock, much of our restocking and replenishment happens overnight when our stores are closed. This temporary change in store hours will give our Partners extra time to work diligently overnight to better stock our shelves, allowing us to better serve our customers. “More information about this temporary change to store hours and operations is at H-E-B Newsroom: https:// newsroom.heb.com/ store-hours-and-operations/ We are working diligently to keep everyone informed. Follow us at

Dripping Springs Chamber offices closed Due to COVID-19, the Dripping Springs Chamber staff will be working remotely this week and the office will be closed. Anyone with questions or concerns or needing to schedule a meeting should email dschamber@drippingspringstexas.org. The Chamber will be following CDC guidelines and attending to their families during this pandemic. The Chamber has cancelled March events, including the March Membership Luncheon. Updates will be provided in future emails, the Facebook business page concerning possible cancellation of later events. For any community events, be sure to check with the event host beforehand on any possible cancellation or postponement. The Chamber also encourages its members to share specials, tips, changes in hours or operating procedures during this time on the Facebook Chamber Member group. The organization can also help spread any news on a business if they tag the Chamber on social media @drippingsprings chamber.

See more Coronavirusrelated coverage on page 7. Keep up to date with all the latest local coverage at www. HaysNewsDispatch.com

Application period for Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Local Hotel Occupancy Tax Grant Funding Program is open beginning Friday, March 20, 2020 through Friday, May 01, 2020. The City of Dripping Springs is accepting applications for Local Hotel Occupancy Tax Grant Funds for projects that directly enhance and promote tourism and the convention and hotel industry. Projects must increase overnight stays in the area and meet one of eight categories for expenditure: 1) convention and visitor centers; 2) convention registration; 3) advertising the city; 4) promotion of the arts; 5) historical restoration and preservation; and 6) sporting events; 7) transportation systems for tourists; 8) signage directing tourists to sights and attractions; or 9) promotion and preservation of dark skies. The grant guidelines and application are available at City Hall, 511 Mercer Street, on the website at http:// www.cityofdrippingsprings.com, or at Dripping Springs Ranch Park located at 1024 Event Center Drive. Applications are due by 5:00 pm, May 01, 2020. Please call (512) 858- 4725 if you have any questions about this program.

Texas Crossword Solution

St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church Corner of RR 12 and Post Oak Dripping Springs, Texas

MASS Schedule Saturday – 5:00 pm • Sundays – 8:15 am, 11:00 am

512-858-5667 www.stmartindp.org

H-E-B Newsroom for the latest updates and company news.

See puzzle, page 7

Thursday, March 19, 2020

Governor waives STAAR resting requirements Governor Greg Abbott has announced that he has waived the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) testing requirements for the 2019-2020 school year. Additionally, Abbott is requesting that the Department of Education (DOE) waive federal testing requirements for the 2019-2020 school year. Abbott’s office says he is working closely with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to ensure that schools continue to deliver instruction to students while students are absent or while schools are closed due to COVID-19. This includes tailoring instruction for students with special needs so that they have access to the same education as other students in the district. Abbott will continue to work with the TEA on developing additional methods to ensure that students are learning and ready to succeed at the next grade-level. These discussions are ongoing and more information will be provided as it develops. “Your health and safety are top priorities, and the state of Texas will give school districts flexibility to protect and ensure the health of students, faculty and their families,” Abbott said. “We will empower schools to make the best decisions to protect their communities from COVID-19.” The move to waive testing requirements reflects the governor’s emphasis on public health over all other priorities at this time. In normal times, Texas’ assessment system provides educators and parents with reliable information on whether or not their students have mastered grade-level content. The governor remains committed to ensuring parents, students and school districts have access to this information in future years. “Superintendents should continue to prioritize the health and safety

www.HaysNewsDispatch.com

of students, faculty and their families. Their leadership is an important part of our statewide efforts to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and protect public health,” Abbott’s office said.

Governor waives regulations so students in work-study programs receive funding during school closures Governor Greg Abbott has waived regulations to ensure students who are enrolled in workstudy programs will continue to receive critical funding while campuses close due to their response to COVID-19. As campuses across the state move instruction online, critical work-study programs that ensure students receive the financial assistance they need to pay their bills would have been put at risk without this waiver. “While the State of Texas works to respond to the coronavirus and protect public health, it is important that we also do all we can to help college students stay on track to earn their degrees,” Abbott said. “Students who rely on work-study programs to pay for their education are uniquely affected by disruptions in core campus operations, and with today’s action we are ensuring these students will be able to pay their bills and remain on track with their education.”

The Wimberley Players adopts COVID 19 protocols As of Friday, attending performances by the Wimberley Players is among options available to local residents.

CORONAVIRUS NEWS, 6

Page 3

Local officials advise public to remain calm, go online for COVID-19 updates BY ANITA MILLER With three presumptive cases of COVID-19 in Hays County and more expected, officials are calling for calm and cooperation, urging the public to observe social distancing and proper hygiene as local authorities rely on plans and protocols already in place. County Judge Ruben Becerra issued a state of disaster declaration on Sunday effective for seven days. On Monday, the Commissioners Court extended that for 120 days unless it is suspended before then. Becerra’s declaration was announced at a Sunday press conference in the rotunda of the county courthouse in downtown San Marcos. At the time, only one presumptive case had been identified, but officials were mum, however, on details of the specific patient, saying only that the person is 44 and became symptomatic after returning from visiting several cities on the West Coast. Whoever it is, they were savvy enough to directly contact Eric Schneider, the county’s epidemiologist. Schneider said the patient then went to an unspecified hospital from an unspecified Hays County city. The hospital, he said, had all proper procedures in place, bringing the patient in through a side door. The patient was later

PHOTO BY ANITA MILLER

Kyle City Council member Alex Villalobos (right) waits while Rachel Ingle, Emergency Management coordinator for San Marcos, speaks about disaster preparedness. discharged and is “recovering at home, as the majority of people will.” Schneider said the patient did not come into contact with anyone else in Hays County and that the CDC, which has been briefed on the case, will identify and inform anyone that shared a flight with the presumptive case. A definitive diagnosis, either positive or negative, is expected within days. No details were released following the second and third cases, citing federal HIPPA rules governing patient privacy, both of which were announced Monday. “What you see is only the tip of the spear,” Becerra said in the rotunda of the courthouse. He noted

that unlike some natural disaster, water, electricity and the supply chain have not been affected, calling the plans in place “locally executed, state coordinated and federally supported. This declaration is confusing but that’s why we’re doing this — to stay ahead of things and to solidify and open other channels of resources.” Kyle Mayor Travis Mitchell acknowledged the city, like the “majority of the planet,” has “been through a wringer.” However, he added, “We’re in good hands … we’re very much prepared for whatever scenario comes forward.” He encouraged the public to remain calm and practice good hygiene, and called attention to the

most vulnerable — the elderly and people with underlying conditions that put them at higher risk as well as those who might be food insecure or experiencing homelessness. “There are also significant consequences to the local business community,” Mitchell said, asking people to find ways to support those businesses “who are suffering economically.” “We’ve got this,” Buda Mayor George Haehn said. “It’s not a declaration of emergency. Our hair is not on fire.” Calling for people not to panic, Haehn noted, “Will you get sick? Maybe. Will you still be able to buy stuff? Yes.”

COUNTY PROTOCOL, 4

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(512) 658-0773

Police Blotter The following is a tally of all calls made to law enforcement within Hays County between March 6th and March 12th , 2020. Civil Matter............................................................. 12 Deliver Message...................................................... 1 Information............................................................. 17 Compliance Check................................................ 12 Civil Standby............................................................ 1 Property- Lost/Found/Imp...................................... 5 Sex Offender Registy.............................................. 1 Alarm Business...................................................... 40 Alarm Residential.................................................. 39 Animal Calls........................................................... 74 Loose Livestock.................................................... 15 Assault – Aggravated.............................................. 2 Assault................................................................... 10 Assist EMS............................................................. 13 Assist Fire Dept....................................................... 7 Assist Outside Agency.......................................... 14 Bomb/SusPack/Cont General................................ 1 Burglary Habitation................................................. 2 Burglary Building..................................................... 3 Burglary Vehicle....................................................... 3 Criminal Mischief................................................... 10 Reckless Damage.................................................... 1 Enviromental Crime................................................. 2 Attended Death....................................................... 1 Death Investigation................................................. 1 Disorderly Conduct................................................. 2 Disturbance Noise................................................. 40 Disturbance Physical Fight................................... 14 Disturbance Verbal................................................ 27 Child Custody.......................................................... 3 Narcotics/Information............................................. 2 Public Intoxication................................................... 2 MIP – Tobacco......................................................... 4 Marijuana................................................................. 1 Fraud........................................................................ 6 Credit/Debit Abuse.................................................. 1 Impersonating LE Officer........................................ 1 Harassment.............................................................. 8 Threat....................................................................... 6 Mental Health Follow Up......................................... 8 Mental Health Invest............................................... 4 Mental Health Transport.......................................... 3 Canine Search......................................................... 3 Canine Training........................................................ 1 Drone Deployment.................................................. 1 Missing Person........................................................ 1

Viol City Ordinance.................................................. 4 Runaway.................................................................. 3 Public Assist.......................................................... 10 Community Contact.............................................. 34 Disabled Vehicle.................................................... 24 Foot Patrol............................................................... 4 Close Patrol......................................................... 176 Unsecured/Open Building....................................... 1 Parental Discipline................................................... 1 Flagged Down......................................................... 5 Welfare Concern.................................................... 36 Robbery................................................................... 2 Suicidal Person........................................................ 2 Investigation............................................................ 8 Supplement........................................................... 78 Suspicious Circumstances................................... 20 Extradition................................................................ 1 Suspicious Person................................................. 14 Suspicious Vehicle................................................ 39 Wanted Person...................................................... 14 Identity Theft............................................................ 2 Theft....................................................................... 13 Unauth Use Vehicle................................................. 2 Vehicle Theft............................................................ 6 Recovered Stolen Vehicle....................................... 1 Accident Minor...................................................... 31 Accident Hit and Run............................................ 14 Accident Major/Injury............................................ 27 Accident Unknown.................................................. 1 Abandoned/Stored Vehicle..................................... 6 Traffic Control/Direction.......................................... 4 Directed/Area Enforcement.................................. 79 Traffic Hazard......................................................... 30 Attempt to Locate................................................. 53 Parking Enforcement............................................... 5 Traffic Stop........................................................... 503 Trespassing/Unwanted......................................... 16 911 Abandoned/Open......................................... 205 911 Aban/Misdial/Open.......................................... 3 Deadly Conduct....................................................... 3 Discharge Firearm................................................. 12 Sick Person.............................................................. 1 Private Tow/Repo.................................................. 38

Below is a sample of events reported by law enforcement from March 6th through March 12th, 2020. The location is where the event was reported or responded to and may not necessarily be where the event occured. Agency Activity BPD BPD HCSO HCSO HCSO BPD BPD HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO BPD HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO BPD HCSO HCSO HCSO BPD HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO BPD HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO BPD BPD HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO

Date

Assault - Aggravated 03/06/2020 Bomb/SusPack General 03/06/2020 Disturbance - Phys/Fight 03/06/2020 Disturbance - Phys/Fight 03/06/2020 Disturbance - Phys/Fight 03/06/2020 Accident - Major/Injury 03/06/2020 Accident - Major/Injury 03/06/2020 Accident - Major/Injury 03/06/2020 Accident - Major/Injury 03/06/2020 Accident - Major/Injury 03/06/2020 Accident - Major/Injury 03/06/2020 Accident - Major/Injury 03/06/2020 Accident - Major/Injury 03/06/2020 Assault - Aggravated 03/08/2020 Disturbance - Phys/Fight 03/07/2020 Disturbance - Phys/Fight 03/07/2020 Disturbance - Phys/Fight 03/07/2020 Disturbance - Phys/Fight 03/07/2020 Disturbance - Phys/Fight 03/08/2020 Disturbance - Phys/Fight 03/08/2020 Accident - Major/Injury 03/07/2020 Accident - Major/Injury 03/07/2020 Disturbance - Phys/Fight 03/08/2020 Disturbance - Phys/Fight 03/08/2020 Accident - Major/Injury 03/09/2020 Accident - Major/Injury 03/09/2020 Accident - Major/Injury 03/09/2020 Accident - Major/Injury 03/09/2020 Accident - Major/Injury 03/10/2020 Disturbance - Phys/Fight 03/10/2020 Disturbance - Phys/Fight 03/10/2020 Impersonating LE Officer 03/10/2020 Accident - Major/Injury 03/10/2020 Accident - Major/Injury 03/10/2020 Accident - Major/Injury 03/10/2020 Accident - Major/Injury 03/10/2020 Accident - Major/Injury 03/10/2020 Sexual Assault - Child 03/11/2020 Accident - Major/Injury 03/11/2020 Accident - Major/Injury 03/12/2020 Disturbance - Phys/Fight 03/12/2020 Accident - Major/Injury 03/12/2020 Accident - Major/Injury 03/12/2020 Accident - Major/Injury 03/12/2020 Accident - Major/Injury 03/12/2020 Accident - Major/Injury 03/13/2020

Time

Location

21:11:05 14:33:17 10:31:03 14:29:34 20:47:52 11:42:17 21:38:38 12:32:08 16:12:45 16:24:42 16:24:54 16:35:17 16:44:08 1:58:13 23:13:39 18:38:03 19:37:24 22:36:49 0:32:10 0:33:05 9:46:13 11:26:17 12:14:22 21:14:27 10:32:11 10:33:12 15:00:40 17:37:21 4:30:35 18:02:12 6:46:35 10:31:34 12:38:30 15:42:28 19:06:00 19:22:00 22:18:50 20:49:23 22:54:16 3:10:10 15:54:13 9:16:25 10:38:59 10:41:26 13:57:42 5:38:30

N Fm 1626 Buda Stripes 1533 @ Fm 1626 Old San Antonio Rd Buda Austin Telco Pump House Rd Kyle Rr 967 Buda Johnson High School Satterwhite Rd Buda Main St Buda Bill Miller Bbq Glenview Ln/Old Goforth Rd Buda Bunton Ln Kyle River Rd Wimberley Ozona National Bank Stillwater Wimberley Sonora Bank Stillwater/Rr 12 Wimberley SB San Marcos 207 SB Mile Marker Jack C Hays Trl Buda Hays High School Santa Fe Run Kyle Old San Antonio Rd Buda Mavericks Ranch House Loop Kyle Ranch House Loop Kyle E Us 290 Dripping Springs Holiday Inn Summit Dr Kyle Remuda Run Wimberley N Fm 1626/Rr 967 Buda Fm 2001 Buda Poco Loco FM 2001 Lone Man Mountain Rd Wimberley Lone Man Mountain Rd Wimberley Fm 2001/Royston Rd Buda Fm 2001/Royston Rd Buda Sh 80/Military Dr San Marcos Cr 158 Kyle Hilliard Rd San Marcos Ih 35 Buda Shell Station Four Star Blvd Austin Ledgstone Assisted Living Knight St San Marcos W Us 290/Rr 12 Dripping Springs N Fm 1626/Hardin Loop Buda RR 2325/Woodcreek Dr Wimberley S Fm 1626 Buda Kyle Pkwy Kyle Seton Hays Hospital Longhorn Trl Wimberley IH 35 FR Buda Lewis Signs Cullen Blvd Buda Morningwood Dr San Marcos Royston Rd/Ih 35 Fr Buda Hunter Rd/Posey Rd San Marcos Rr 32/Rr 12 San Marcos Hilliard Rd/Valley View Dr San Marcos S Fm 1626/Kohlers Xing Kyle

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News-Dispatch

Thursday, March 19, 2020

Sports

Taking the bench

PHOTOS BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM

Lady Tigers blank Northeast 4-0 Northeast goalkeeper America Reyes blocks a shot on goal by Dripping Springs senior Caroline Luttrull on Tuesday, March 10 at Tiger Stadium. The final game of the regular season 4-0 win against Northeast could possibly be the final game of the season. (Right) Dripping Springs senior Taylor Waters steals the ball from Northeast’s Jennifer Garcia. (Below) Dripping Springs senior Chole Sansalone scored the Lady Tiger final goal of the season.The UIL has suspended all sports contests through March 29 due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus).

From the Sidelines by Moses Leos III

within five days’ time. And understandably so. Regardless of your political position, one must agree curbing the spread of this novel disease takes high priority above all else. Where else can COVID-19 thrive more prevalently than a packed arena filled with 200 to 60,000 people? Sadly, it means sports must hit the bench, at least for now. It’s the right thing to do, for society’s sake. We will be taking a similar approach here at the Hays Free Press and News-Dispatch in our sports coverage in the coming weeks, too. Through at least March 31, we will be scaling back sports coverage due in

part to the UIL’s decision to halt all competition until that point. But perhaps more importantly, we feel it necessary to give our outstanding news team the page space and resources available to keep our readership abreast of this rapidly evolving situation. Obviously, we are praying for a speedy resolution to this global issue. Once that happens, it’s our hope that we can cover our talented local high school athletes back on the field, representing our communities with pride. It’s okay to feel a little uneasy. Strange times, these are. But to fear that we will never get back to normal is just not true. While it might take some time to get there, normalcy will return. So please sit back, stay home and be safe. We'll get through this together. We will persevere. Thank you and we’ll see you in a few weeks.

UIL suspends all high school activities through March 29 BY MOSES LEOS III

County protocol Continued from pg. 3

Rebecca Minnick, Wimberley mayor pro tem, noted that her community not only has an older demographic but is a tourist destination, both of which could place residents at higher risk. “We are a small town and don’t have a hospital or a lot of medical resources, so it’s more important to coordinate,” she said. Kyle City Council member Alex Villalobos, who also serves as the county’s emergency management coordinator, assured the public that plans for this type of situation were made weeks ago. “My job is to coordinate, talk to agencies and continue to be a student of this particular incident so I can inform all my partners and we can stay out ahead of this as best we can.” He suggested people consult not only their

A wise world leader once said the only thing we have to fear is fear itself. Such has been difficult for many of us this week as we tried to make sense of Coronavirus and how it's going to impact our world. Long lines at the stores, social distancing (do it), bans on large outdoor activities. Yes, all the fun things in life we like to do are halted. At least for now. But as that wise man inferred, letting our fears get the better of us will do only more harm than good. Fearing that we’ll never get to experience those things again just isn’t a healthy disposition. We’ll get the chance to go back to DIsneyWorld and Six Flags, South by Southwest and much more one day, hopefully sooner rather than later. That mentality fits just as perfectly for the world of sports, a medium that’s dropped off the radar

city and county web sites but also haysinformed. com. State Rep. Erin Zwiener said her office is working with others to ensure resources reach local communities. “Encouage people to follow the advice of your local officials,” she said. Schneider went on to point out the COVID-19 virus is not always lethal. “It’s not ebola.” “A lot of people in Hays County will probably end up getting the disease, the majority can stay home like you would with a cold or the flu,” Schneider said. “Stay hydrated. Go back to your normal life after 48 hours of being fever free.” He did, however, stress that there’s “No magic cure for COVID-19. There’s not a pill they can give you … let it run its course and you can go back to your daily life.” Officials with the Centers for Disease

Control have since said that post-fever quarantine time should be increased to 72 hours without medication. The CDC has imposed a national ban on gathering of 50 people or more. The San Marcos mayor banned gatherings of 50 people or more until May 11.

As school districts across Texas suspended extracurricular activities in wake of the novel Coronavirus outbreak, the state’s governing body over high school academic, athletic and musical competition is now following suit. On Friday, the University Interscholastic League (UIL) announced it will suspend all of its sanctioned contests from March 16-29 in order to support the health and safety of students and their communities, according to a release. Rehearsals and practices may be held at the discretion of the local school district during that time, per UIL officials. Charles Breithaupt, UIL Executive Director, said the league is urging member schools and their communities to stay vigilant and take “every possible precaution to remain safe and healthy.” “We understand there is a lot of uncertainty during this unprecedented time,” Breithaupt said. “Please know UIL leadership is working diligently to adjust to this rapidly evolving situation and will share updates as soon as possible.” The UIL’s announcement comes on the heels of decisions made by school districts in the past week to halt extracurricular activity as a precaution to COVID-19. Hays CISD Friday canceled all non-instructional activities within

So what’s next?

While the situation surrounding COVID-19 remains fluid, UIL officials offered several possible timetables for district certification, or the finalization of district standings, to take place. All dates are preliminary and subject to change.

ATHLETICS

• Soccer – District Certification by April 11, possible bi-district games April 14 • Golf – District Certification by April 14, possible regional semifinal and finals April 20-23 • Track and field – District certification by April 11, possible area meets April 18 • Tennis – District certification by April 18, Regional semifinals and finals April 27-30 • Softball (no change) – District certification by April 28, bi-district games May 2 • Baseball (no change) – District certification by May 5, bi-district games by May 9

ACADEMICS

• District Academic and Speech – meets scheduled for March 23-28 are rescheduled for March 30-April 11. That includes speaking events. • One Act Play – District/Bi-district certification deadline extended to April 7; Area certification deadline extended to April 14 • Regional Academic and Speech meets are scheduled for April 17-18; One Act Play regional meet is April 15-18. Sites are subject to change. • Robotics – The FIRST Division FRC State meet scheduled April 2-4 has been postponed.

MUSIC

• State Wind Ensemble Festival for May 9 has been canceled • State Solo and Ensemble Contest (no change) – May 30 and June 1 at Pflugerville ISD campuses.

the district until March 31, including UIL related events. Dripping Springs ISD canceled multiple contests taking place during the week of Spring Break.

On March 12, Austin ISD canceled classes for the day as a result of the outbreak. Houston ISD earlier this week opted to cancel classes until at least March 30.

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Page 5

Opinion Talk to your doctor, but first learn the lingo Crow’s Nest by Clint Younts

With all this hysteria over the coronavirus, lots of folks are worried about catching this nasty bug. Although the majority of those who get the virus recover fairly quickly, it isn’t something to mock fun at. If you think you have the coronavirus, or just the plain old flu, it’s best to get checked out by a doctor. But, here lies the problem. With all these adoptive citizens we now have here in Texas and other southern states, these folks from faraway lands like California and New York might not be familiar with medical terminology down here in Dixie. As a professional in the animal health community, plus a reader of several medical books written by Dr. Seuss, I believe I should disperse my finite wisdom to all y’all newcomers to God’s Country who might need to go to a doctor one day. Although most doctors here are fluent in English, some might have difficulty deciphering a Bostonian accent or jargon from Napa Valley. So, y’all might need to know how to properly describe maladies and symptoms ‘round these parts. When you twist your knee chasing the cows in the pens, you might need to have the doc look at your leg ‘cause it’s “all swole up.” This terminology also refers to a gastric condition where something you ate has your belly “swole up like a dead hog.” Having a swole up knee may leave you “laid up” for some time, and even after the swelling subsides, you might have a “hitch in your giddyup” for a few weeks. Now that it’s springtime, you might have to see a doctor after camping in a state park because you’re “ate up with” insect bites such as chiggers. One or two chigger bites ain’t much to fret over, but when your legs look like ostrich-skin cowboy boots, son, you’re ate up. If you don’t want to use this term for your skin irritation for risk of sounding like a hick, you can substitute “got in a mess of poison ivy” or “them ticks thought I was a buffet table.” Now, if you do catch some virus, there’s all sorts of medical terms y’all can use to describe your illness when you call in sick to work. My go-to phrase is “I’m sick as a dawg.” This condition is much worse than “feelin’ poorly” but not quite as bad as “knocking at Death’s door.” The problem with the flu is it can leave you “plumb wore out” and “weak as a new-born kitten.” Sometimes, you wake up and just “ain’t feelin’ perky today.” You might even look “peak-ed (pronounced “peek-id”) since you’re “under the weather.” No need to see a doctor over this, but if you’ve got a bad cough, feel free to tell the doc that you have “the consumption.” Then he’ll know what it is. As we Texans get a bit long in the tooth, we tend to have more maladies. Pert near every morning, I’m all “stove up” from all the work I did the day before. Now don’t get “stove up” confused with “swole up.” While both conditions are painful, they are treated differently. If some ailment sends you back to bed, you can tell your boss, “I’m down with (fill in the blank).” Here’s an example: “Hey, boss, I can’t come in today. I’m down with the gout. My big toe is all swole up and it hurts like all get-out.” There are a few colloquial sayings that y’all might say if you’re really sick, like “I’ve got one foot in the coffin” or “I’ve gotta feel better to die.” Other folks might take a look at you and say, “You look like death warmed over.” If you hear this, you might soon, God forbid, be “pushing up daisies.” Now that y’all are familiar with southern terminology, y’all should feel comfortable talkin’ to your new health care provider. But take precautions to avoid catching these bugs out there. Stay away from sick folks, wash your hands often, use alcohol to kill germs on your hand and esophagus, and stay off cruise ships for a while. Follow my advice and you may stay on this side of the dirt for a few more years. We’re not sure how often Clint Younts recommends washing hands, but we know that he tends to clean his esophagus with Lone Star Beer. crowsnest78610@gmail.com

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.

Learning from my aunt’s polio experience

y Aunt Cecelia was just beginning the eighth grade when it happened. In late spring 1951, she came home from school with a high temperature, feeling very ill. The next morning, her legs gave out as she tried to get out of bed. By that evening, she was so weak she could barely move. She’d contracted polio. In the 1940s and 1950s, polio infected thousands of children annually. In 1952 alone, nearly 60,000 were infected, leaving thousands paralyzed and more than 3,000 dead. No one knew how polio was spread. Fear of the unknown ran rampant – with good reason. The day Cecelia was struck, the ambulance driver wouldn’t take her to the hospital for fear other patients might become infected. Cecelia’s home and family were quarantined for 14 days, polio’s lifespan. Within two weeks, polio ravaged her body. Her limbs were in various degrees of paralysis. She could barely lift her head. She was relocated to the D.T. Watson Home for

in America and worldwide are working around the Guest clock to stop its spread. Newsweek reports Column Australian researchers say by Tom Purcell they’ve identified a coronavirus cure, which they hope to roll out by the end Crippled Children in Seof this month. They say wickley, Pa. Her long, pain- two existing drugs – one for ful rehabilitation began. HIV, the other for malaria Had polio not been – wipe out coronavirus in cured, say the authors of test tubes and has helped Freakonomics, the United some of the first COVID-19 States would now be caring patients to recover comfor at least 250,000 longpletely from the infection. term patients at an annual Rather than hoard toilet cost of $30 billion. paper and worry about But we did cure it. The what we cannot do, aren’t March of Dimes mobilized we better off focusing on millions to raise money. what we can do? Numerous researchers, We can make sure including Dr. Jonas Salk, elderly neighbors have sought the cure. On April food in their pantries. We 12, 1955, Salk’s polio vaccan make good use of time cine was declared safe and at home by reading that effective. book we’ve been wanting Clarity about events to read, or taking on that of a half-century ago is project we’ve been putting easy, but harder regarding off, or starting that healthy current times. But as the eating plan. coronavirus impacts the We can learn from my world, there’s no reason to Aunt Cecelia’s example. lose our cool – and every Despite a year in the reason to remain hopeful hospital – despite two and positive. years of rehab and needing Coronavirus arrived at crutches for life – she didn’t a time when we have inlet her bout with polio credible research capacity. define her. Many very talented people In time, she walked to

school every day. In time, she was no different than anyone else. Like her sisters, she was beautiful, lively and full of wit. She had many friends. Her senior year, her classmates voted her Queen of Carrick for a spring track event. Eventually, she married and had four children. Now 81, she has eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren who are incredibly vibrant and cheerful. By every measure, my Aunt Cecelia continues to enjoy a fantastic life – because she focused not on what happened to her, but what she could make happen. We can all learn from her experience as we navigate the days ahead., Tom Purcell. Tom Purcell, author of “Misadventures of a 1970’s Childhood,” a humorous memoir available at amazon.com, is a Pittsburgh Tribune-Review humor columnist and is nationally syndicated exclusively by Cagle Cartoons Inc. Tom@TomPurcell.com

Sun starting to shine again on Texas gov’t

exans have something to celebrate during Sunshine Week this year. But we also have more work to do to protect the public’s right to know about our government. Sunshine Week, March 15-21, is an annual national initiative proclaiming the importance of access to public information. First, the bright spot for Texas: Essential elements of contracts between governments and private companies – including pricing and promises – are public again under a law that took effect Jan. 1. It seems like those basics of how taxpayer dollars are spent should be easily accessible, doesn’t it? They were, for years, under our Texas Public Information Act. But the Texas Supreme Court in 2015 blocked the sunshine and in many cases banished that tax-dollar information into the darkness. The court’s action resulted in the Texas Attorney General’s Office issuing more than 4,000 rulings from mid-2015 through 2019 allowing governments and private entities to withhold contract details, sometimes even hiding the final price.

Guest Column by Kelley Shannon

Gone from public view were records on school construction contracts; prison supply purchases; Uber, Lyft and Yellow Cab licensing; naming rights agreements at public buildings and stadiums; marketing deals between governments and private firms; and many more tax-dollar expenditures. After working on it two legislative sessions, Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, and Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, passed Senate Bill 943 in 2019, reopening key contracting records. “If Texans are to hold their public officials accountable, access to public information is essential,” Watson said in a joint statement with Capriglione. Among the law’s early success stories is disclosure of the city of McAllen’s contract with entertainer Enrique Iglesias to perform at a holiday festival. For four years, the city refused to reveal what it paid and promised Iglesias, but the newly released contract reveals

it paid $485,000. It agreed to charter a flight for the performer from Mexico and supply his backstage with steak, sushi, sashimi and aloe juice with pulp. Other previously concealed contracts are now coming to light across the state. Open government advocates and everyday Texans will be watching to make sure the new law works as intended. Meanwhile, still on the to-do list in the Texas Legislature are other important bills to open information. Accuracy is crucial, whether in news reporting, vetting political candidates or checking someone’s background for employment, credit scores or lending. Birthdates in public records allow for getting it right. Yet, another court ruling has been closing off this vital information. Legislation is needed in 2021 to respond to the court and enhance accuracy. When it comes to police records surrounding an in-custody death, families and the public need to know what transpired to hold law enforcement accountable. Many law enforcement agencies use part of the Public Information Act that was intended to protect the living who

were arrested but never convicted to instead hide records when an arrested person dies in custody. It’s beyond time to close that loophole. It’s also time for a law to codify what the attorney general’s office has long stated: Electronic information shall be provided in the format a requestor prefers if it is stored that way and can be provided at no greater expense or time. For example, if government data is stored in a searchable and sortable electronic spreadsheet and it’s requested that way, it should be provided as a spreadsheet – not in some other less useful format. Stay tuned for additional public information initiatives in the months to come. If there’s one thing certain about the quest for open government in Texas, it’s that the effort never ends. We must remain vigilant and protect the public’s right to know. Kelley Shannon is executive director of the non-profit Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas, based in Austin. For more information about the foundation and regional open government seminars go to www.foift. org.

Page 6

News-Dispatch

Thursday, March 19, 2020

Coronavirus News

Morrow, Popp in runoff election for State Board of Education seat CHASE ROGERS

Robert Morrow, former chairman of the Republican Party of Travis County, is heading into a runoff election with party-backed candidate Lani Popp for a seat on the 15-member State Board of Education. Having garnered 40.1 percent of the vote in the March 3 primary over Popp’s 33.9 percent, Morrow will face his own party, which opposes him obtaining the office, in addition to the Democratic nominee for the seat, Rebecca Bell-Metereau, should she win the runoff. Morrow has an acknowledged history of making sexist, racist and obscene remarks toward athletes and major political figures, including former first lady Michelle Obama and former Sec-

ROBERT MORROW

LANI POPP

retary of State and 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Because of this history, neither party wants to see Morrow elected to office. Morrrow is characteristically known for wearing a multi-colored jester’s

hat, and for a top campaign issue that is unique to most Republicans; “to impeach, convict and remove Donald Trump and throw his sorry ass in prison.” Morrow was unexpectedly elected chairperson

Continued from pg. 3

The group said in a statement that several measures have been taken to help prevent the spread of disease like COVID 19, including: • Sterilizing most often touched surfaces like doorknobs, tables, counter tops and handrails. • Staff are washing hands frequently. • Everyone is encouraged not to touch their face or eyes. • Staff and volunteers are advised to stay home if they feel ill or have been traveling. • Staff are allowed to work from home when necessary. • Signage about proper handwashing and other techniques has been posted. In the event Hays County or the city of Wimberley forces the theater to shut down, there will be options for ticket holders: • Donating the cost of your tickets in

of the Travis County Republican party in 2016 but was forced to resign the position after having filed to run for president as a write-in candidate that same year. Ballot returns from Super Tuesday on March 3 showing Morrow’s lead over the two other Republican challengers and the possibility of a runoff prompted vehement responses from party leaders, with Travis County Republican chairman Matt Mackowiak tweeting “(We) will crush him on May 26 or I will light myself on fire." Running along Interstate 35 between San Antonio and Austin, district 5 was held for 14 years by Republican incumbent Ken Mercer, who did not seek reelection. The runoff election will occur on May 26.

exchange for a charitable contribution letter. “In the event of a closure, the Wimberley Players will suffer a major loss on ticket and bar sales, but will continue to incur costs. If you are able to donate the cost of your tickets, we would greatly appreciate it. • Exchanging tickets. The Wimberley Players will allow exchanges for another non-affected performance of the same or different show. • Refunds. Refunds may be offered for canceled performances. There have been three presumptive but not confirmed cases in Hays County, the Wimberley Players will continue to monitor the situation. For more information, contact Executive Manager Simone Corprew at manager@ wimberleyplayers.org.

Consolidate Debt

‘Blackface’ bandit who robbed Buda bank now behind bars BY ANITA MILLER

The man who donned blackface prior to robbing the Broadway Bank in Buda March 9 has been arrested. Hays County authorities were assisted by the Bastrop County Sheriff’s Of-

fice in apprehending 39-year-old Santiago Campuzano-Salazar on Thursday, March 12. He reportedly confessed, according to a Facebook post by the Buda Police Department, and was charged with robbery.

At the current time, he is still in Bastrop County Jail, HCSO Sgt. Stephen Traeger said, though he is expected to be brought to Hays County soon. His bond and any criminal history were not immediately available.

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DSISD board adopts COVID-19 emergency resolution The Dripping Springs Board of Trustees held an emergency meeting March 16, with the primary purpose of adopting a resolution related to school closures as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The resolution, which was approved unanimously (7-0), delegates authority to the superintendent to take action and make decisions during the emergency closure. Earlier, DSISD announced it would suspend normal operations following Spring Break by closing all schools from March 23 to April 3. The resolution is based on national, state and county disaster declarations and recognizes the need to protect the health of students, staff and the community to the fullest extent possible. It covers multiple areas of operation such as employee pay, continued learning, employee leave, the school calendar, attendance waivers and procurement of contracts for necessary goods and services. The resolution shall remain in effect until rescinded by board action at a duly called meeting of the DSISD Board of Trustees.

PEC closing offices to member interactions Out of an abundance of caution for its members and employees, Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) has temporarily

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CORONAVIRUS 2020

closed its offices to member interactions, effective March 16. PEC employees will continue to be available to help meet the needs of its membership over the phone and online. PEC has several ways members can pay their bills, including via the SmartHub mobile app, by phone, mail, payment kiosk or at participating Moneygram locations. To learn more, visit pec. coop/pay. If members experience a service disruption, they can report it online or at 888-883-3379. PEC contact centers will continue to answer phone calls between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, at 888-554-4732.

ing hands and coughing into your elbow or a tissue (and immediately disposing of the tissue), are important actions to prevent transmitting the disease to others. Doctors also recommend staying home if you are sick. While the symptoms appear the same, there is a big difference between patients suffering a severe case of COVID-19 and influenza. The flu has a shorter incubation period from infection to diagnosable symptoms and can take 3 days to spread from person to person. The flu spreads faster than COVID-19, which can take 5 to 6 days to spread person to person. Also, flu can be transmitted before someone has symptoms, a major factor in the spread of influenza. As a result, children, pregnant women, elderly people, patients with chronic medical conditions and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk to catch the flu. The WHO reports a COVID-19 carrier can spread the virus 24 to 48 hours prior to symptom As physicians, other onset. medical experts, and the Pre-symptomatic public learn more about transmission of the flu is 3 the 2019 Novel Coronavito 5 days. However, when rus, or COVID-19, scienCOVID-19 symptoms aptists are learning more pear, the range of illness about the similarities – and differences – between severity is proportionately different than the flu. COVID-19 and influenza. WHO data suggests that Both viruses cause re80 percent of COVID-19 spiratory disease, yet the infections are mild or World Health Organizaasymptomatic, but 15 pertion (WHO) reports there are important differences cent are severe infections between the two and how requiring oxygen and 5 percent are critical infecthey spread. tions requiring intensive First, COVID-19 and care. influenza viruses have So, who is most at similar disease symprisk? Medical experts say toms and a wide range of illness from mild to severe people who are elderly, especially those with predisease, and even death. existing conditions, have Second, both viruses are an increased risk of gettransmitted by contact, ting sick from COVID-19. droplets (from sneezes So far, the WHO says and coughs, for example) children, from newborn and contact with surto age 19, are less likely to faces that can carry the infection, such as clothes, catch COVID-19. Additional studies in China utensils and furniture. As also suggest that children a result, common public who do catch COVID-19 health measures, such as cleaning high-contact sur- are more likely to catch it from adults, rather than faces such as door handles and handrails, wash- vice-versa.

Coronavirus vs. Influenza: Differences and what we need to know

Pct. 3 Dispute Continued from pg. 1

County District Attorney Wes Mau and Caldwell County District Attorney Fred Weber sent letters advising that “based on the totality of the circumstances the State believes there is insufficient credible evidence to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.” Helm had accused Griffin of stealing public records during the time he worked for Helm, whose office he joined in 2017. Griffin left the position in June of last year. After Griffin’s arrest, Mau sent the case to Weber, who also declined to prosecute. For his part, Griffin had accused Helm of falsifying records as well, specifically regarding a training session on the use of body cameras. The situation came to a head in February, when Helm declined to answer questions about Griffin asked by a KXAN news crew at a forum in Wimberley for Republican candidates ahead of the

March 3 primary election. The crews’ footage shows Helm dismissing reporter Jody Barr and then, at the forum’s conclusion, Darrell Ayers, who is an employee in Helm’s office, putting his hands on Barr’s chest and shoving him backwards. Witnesses said Ayers also tripped the KXAN cameraman, causing him to fall forward and the heavy camera to hit forum attendee Michele Hart on the top of the head. Hart accused the news crew of assault, and Sheriff Gary Cutler said the Texas Rangers would be called in to investigate, since the incident involved someone in an elected official’s employ. However, it is unclear what happened. Helm handily won the Republican primary. He faces no Democratic opposition on the November General Election. Junkin, former an attorney in Wimberley will face Democrat Sherri Tibbe, a former Hays County DA.

However, children play a major role in the spread of the flu. Scientists are currently developing more than 20 COVID-19 vaccines, but there are currently no licensed vaccines or therapeutics available. In contrast, antivirals and vaccines are widely available for influenza. While the influenza vaccine is not effective against COVID-19 virus, it is highly recommended to get vaccinated each year to prevent the flu. To help Texas physicians defend Texans against COVID-19, TMA has established – and continuously updates – an online Coronavirus Resource Center. Visit texmed.org/Coronavirus. TMA is the largest state medical society in the nation, representing more than 53,000 physician and medical student members. It is located in Austin and has 110 component county medical societies around the state. TMA’s key objective since 1853 is to improve the health of all Texans.

Fire insurance rating upgrade spells savings in Dripping Springs

Dripping Springs business owners and homeowners alike could be in store for savings on their insurance costs. The Fire Insurance Classification for the city of Dripping Springs has improved, moving from a Public Protection Class 03 to Public Protection Class 02. The rating, from the Insurance Services Office (ISO), was upgraded in the wake of a survey of the city’s fire suppression efforts, including factors Senator Judith Zaffirisuch as water supply, ni, (D-Laredo), has been the location and flow of appointed by Lt. Governor hydrants, fire department Dan Patrick, (R-Houston), training and response and to serve on the Senate the location of fire deCommittees on Education partments and available and Higher Education. equipment. She will replace Senator The change was anKirk Watson, (D-Austin), nounced at the March who recently announced 10 Dripping Springs city he would be resigning council meeting. Scott April 30 from the Texas Collard, chief of North Senate. Hays County Fire/Res“I am grateful to Lt. cue, told the council that, Governor Patrick for the “Over the years, the City opportunity to serve again Building Department has as a member of these been diligent in ensuring important committees,” that fire safety is an inteZaffirini said. gral part of the building

Sen. Zaffirini appointed to Education and Higher Education committees

Texas Crossword

“Promoting excellence within — and increasing access to — Texas’ institutions of higher learning always have been my passion, and I have long understood that the path to a college degree begins with quality early childhood education “We passed significant measures during the last legislative session that increased teacher salaries and promoted safety and transparency at our public schools and universities. We must build on this success if we are to ensure Texas has the best systems of public and higher education and all students achieve their academic goals.”