April 13, 2017 News-Dispatch by Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch

Permits, fees boost city revenue page 2

Lady Tigers take down Champion

Pie Social sees sweet turnout

page 4

page9

News-Dispatch Volume XXXVII No. 27

Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982

75¢

Thursday, April 13, 2017

Sales tax increase for North Hays Rescue? BY MOSES LEOS III The need to diversify revenue is driving the Emergency Service District (ESD) 6 to take a proposition for implementation of a sales tax to area voters this May. The proposition calls for one quarter of one percent of sales tax to be implemented within unincorporated areas in its 244-square-mile district. ESD 6, which is the North Hays County Fire Rescue, serves approximately 35,000 people in the Dripping Springs city limits and the majority of the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). If the proposition is approved, roughly a quarter of one penny

chief, said they couldn’t implement a sales tax within the city of Dripping Springs, which currently is at the maximum 8.25 percent rate set by the state. According to ESD 6, if the measure is approved, it could generate $160,000 annually that goes directly to the fire rescue. “One person said … if the fire department is successful, people can self direct where their money goes,” Collard said. “The city doesn’t get it. The county doesn’t get it. It goes straight to funding fire rescue services.” Should voters approve the proposition, ESD 6 would add a secondary source of revenue

BE SURE TO VOTE Early voting for elections in Hays County begins April 24. See a list of early voting locations at haysnewsdispatch.com.

would be taxed on all taxable goods and services in areas of the district not already at the state maximum of 8.25 cents. ESD 6’s proposed amount would fall within two percent reserved for local governments within Texas’ 8.25 percent sales tax. Hays County collects onehalf of one percent of sales taxes. However, Scott Collard, ESD 6

ESD 6, 7

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

The North Hays County Fire Rescue, also known as Emergency Service District (ESD) 6, will take to voters May 8 a proposition for a sales tax of one quarter of one percent.

Water district choice bill moving ahead BY MOSES LEOS III

Watch for houses on Trautwein

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

A large gash in the pavement was the result of an issue suffered by a trailer hauling a large home to Trautwein Road in Dripping Springs April 7. An Austin area company suffered some bad luck late last week when its trailer suffered a tire issue while hauling a large home in the early morning hours along U.S. 290. No one was injured in the incident, but it took several hours for crews to remove the home from the middle of Trautwein Road, causing homeowners to seek alternative routes.

Dollars flow in for challengers in Dripping Springs city council race BY MOSES LEOS III

As the race for three Dripping Springs City Council seats enters its final month, two challengers have vastly outspent their incumbent counterparts on their respective campaigns. Taline Manassian and Harrison Schultz, both political newcomers, spent close to a

combined $5,500 toward their city council bids, according to campaign finance reports that were submitted April 6. Schultz, who works in the information technology field, led all six candidates in political expenditures, as well as political contributions. Schultz spent just over $3,000 from March 1 to April 6, with the majority of his expenses going to advertising.

That includes a $1,400-plus dollar expenditure made with Ace Printing on March 21. He also outpaced all candidates by drawing just over $4,000 in political contributions. Roughly 60 percent of that total came from Joanne Inscore, the barn manager at Barn Thirteen, LLC, which is a horse riding and training venue in Dripping Springs. Schultz also received a $500

contribution from Richard and Sarah Beggs, while also receiving a $500 in-kind contribution from artist Kara Shaw. Schultz has roughly $500 left in his political war chest. Meanwhile, Tanassian, an attorney, received $1,900 in political contributions from March 2 to March 27.

FINANCES, 10

A house bill (HB) that could allow certain property owners to petition to go into a single groundwater district has gone to committee, despite local residents addressing concerns over the measure. HB 4122, authored by State Rep. Kyle Kacal (R-College Station), would allow property owners with more than 1,000 acres of more of land situated in two groundwater districts to petition to transfer into a single district. Kacal said during an April 6 House Committee on Natural Sciences hearing the bill was created as an effort to “establish consistent regulations for property owners for groundwater rights.” Kacal said one major concern is landowners’ rights to access water if their land falls within different authorities. He said the major concern is landowners having to deal with multiple regulatory bodies, each of which could manage an aquifer with a different approach. Kacal said similar situations have arisen in the panhandle. C.E. Williams, general manager of the Panhandle Groundwater District, said with

WATER BILL, 7

Locals show support for roundabout BY MOSES LEOS III With her business situated near the oddly shaped FM 3237 and FM 150 intersection, Hays City Store owner Tamara Tindol has seen her share of minor fender-benders take place. But with a proposal to potentially install a roundabout at the intersection, Tindol said it could not only make traffic safer, but could make the area more appealing. The idea of a possible roundabout was brought up at the March 27 Hays County Commissioners Court meeting during an update to the county’s FM 150 Character Plan. The plan aims to gather public input on how to approach the stretch of FM 150 between Arroyo Ranch Road in Kyle and Ranch Road 12 in Dripping Springs in the future.

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Lunch time traffic speeds by a sign signifying the “fork in the road” split for FM 3237 and FM 150 between Kyle and Driftwood. Hays County has proposed a possible roundabout that could go in that intersection as part of its Hays County FM 150 Character Plan.

Casey Cutler, who is the director of public outreach

with the Driftwood Historical Conservation Society (DHCS)

and a member of the FM 150 Citizens Advisory Panel ) CAP) , said the proposal of the roundabout was created out of synergy between the county and citizens. He said county officials are working as a team with the CAP to look at what is best at moving traffic through Hays County. One of the ideas was to include a potential roundabout at the FM 150 and FM 3237 intersection, which he believes could slow down traffic. Cutler, who lives in the Driftwood area, said he could hear the sound of screeching tires whenever he is near the intersection. “People fly down 3237 and they don’t understand what they’re about to face when they go on 150,” Cutler said. He

ROUNDABOUT, 10

Page 2

News-Dispatch

Thursday, April 13, 2017

News-Dispatch PHONE: 512-268-7862 FAX: 512-268-0262 PUBLISHER Cyndy Slovak-Barton csb@ haysfreepress.com EDITOR Moses Leos III moses@haysfreepress. com REPORTER Samantha Smith news@ haysfreepress.com PRODUCTION David White Christine Thorpe ADVERTISING/MARKETING Tracy Mack tracy@ haysfreepress.com Pam Patino ads@haysnewsdispatch. com Jim Darby ads@haysfreepress.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS Wayland Clark PROOFREADER Jane Kirkham CIRCULATION MANAGER/ LEGAL NOTICES David White 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: $32 local, $45 county, $56 out of state. Periodicals Postage paid at Driftwood, 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.

Texas Crossword Solution See puzzle on pg. 8

PHOTO BY LESLY DELEON

DSISD candidates field questions at forum

All six candidates running for office in Dripping Springs, including (L-R) Santos Alba, Chares Busbey, William Travis Crow, Bill Foulds, Taline Manassian and Harrison Schultz field questions during the Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce forum at Dripping Springs Ranch Park April 4. A full-length story on the forum can be found online at HaysNewsDispatch.com.

Increase in building permits, fees leads growth in Dripping’s coffers BY MOSES LEOS III Growth and development are two factors that have helped Dripping Springs city officials improve the net position by $743,000 for the year ending Sept. 30, 2016. According to an independent audit conducted by Donald Allman, the city’s assets also exceeded its liabilities at the close of the fiscal year by $20.4 million. Michelle Fischer, Dripping Springs city administrator, said the city’s expanding city limits, while also generating sales tax, has led to financial success. In addition, new building and platting fees have increased the city’s tax base. According to a Census Bureau report, the city doubled the number of building permits from 2015 to 2016. The increase went from roughly 100

Dripping Springs’ FY2016 audit by the numbers $20.4 MILLION

$5.8 MILLION

Total amount of city assets that exceeded liabilities

Amount Dripping Springs has in unrestricted capital assets

Amount Dripping Springs has invested in capital assets

Dripping Springs’ total net position increase from previous fiscal year

Amount Dripping Springs has in restricted capital assets

Change in Dripping Springs’ governmental funds from previous year

$13 MILLION

+$743,000

$1.5 MILLION

permits to 200 last year, Fischer said. “A person from the Census called the other day after filing the report and said, ‘this is unbelievable, the growth you’re experiencing,’” Fischer said. New developments,

+$370,000

such as the Headwaters, Arrowhead and Founders Ridge subdivisions, have helped the city. While some developments are not in the city limits, Fischer said they are required to go through the city for build-

ing permits. “That brings in platting fees,” Fischer said. “That’s been one of the biggest increases.” But Fischer said the city hasn’t raised fee amounts, but instead has issued more building permits. “We currently audit twentyteight governmental entities, and the city of Dripping Springs remains the most financially successful of all the cities we audit,” Allman said in a statement. Dripping Springs also had governmental funds increase by a combined $370,000. The city’s three governmental funds are the general fund, wastewater fund and debt services fund. Helping drive the increase is the city’s ability to limit spending, Fischer said. She cited Gina Gillis, Dripping Springs city

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Opinion Charms of risk-taking are nothing new

ews bulletin from the New York Times: Teenagers take risks. Who’d have guessed? The article reports that unnamed child specialists are concerned that Internet encourages risky behavior in teenagers. The brain’s decisionmaking regulator (the prefrontal cortex) is still developing in adolescence. The story neglected to note that it’s still developing up to about 25 years old, as insurance companies discovered long ago, but

Tutta’s Take

by Wynette Barton

the point is that teenage judgment is likely to be, well, less than perfect. The rise of YouTube and Facebook, these experts say, present teens with a wide, sensation-hungry virtual audience to impress. All kinds of dangerous stunts are posted online for peers to admire, like filling a bathtub with

fireworks and setting them off while filming the explosion, not a terrific idea in a small bathroom. How about flying off the roof of a two story house on a skateboard? That makes a sensational video, especially if you overshoot the net you’ve set up below. Note to teens: check to see if your family has good medical insurance before trying it. Whoever wrote the article, along with the “child specialists” quoted, must be fairly young themselves.

Audit: Permits, fees add to coffers

That’s the problem with the young; they think everything interesting was discovered between midnight and 8 a.m. Here’s another news bulletin: It didn’t take YouTube to introduce youth to the charms of risk-taking. Ask Joan of Arc, a teen who got herself burned to a crisp after leading an army into battle against orders 700 years ago. Ask William Bonner, aka Billy the Kid. Ask your grandparents or parents, or, if you’re over 25, consider your own risk-filled past.

Wynette Barton, owner of the NewsDispatch, is a Jungian analyst and has seen lots of shenanigans by her own children and grandchildren. wbarton2@austin.rr.com

State of Texas § County of Hays §

“A person from the Census called the other day after ﬁling the report and said, ‘this is unbelievable the growth you’re experiencing.” Michelle Fischer, Dripping Springs city administrator

along with other projects. Currently, the city keeps a six month reserve balance for all funds. But that wasn’t always the case, as the city, like many across the country, had to deal with the 2008 recession. Fischer said the city slowly began to increase the amount in reserves until it got to a six month

level. Because of growth and development, Fischer said the city was able to stay in the black during the recession. “We don’t see growth slowing down anytime soon,” Gillis said. “People love the Hill Country and the school system. It’s enticing for people to move to this area.”

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but you can’t outsmart an immature brain.Do everything possible to protect all kids in the community, prepare for the worst, pray for the best, and wait. Soon today’s teens will be worrying about their own children, who will think they invented risk.

ELECTION ORDER NOTICE AND RESOLUTION

Continued from pg. 2

treasurer, who is “tough” on ensuring the city stays within budget. “Every expense, we have to make sure it was authorized in the budget and comply with our purchasing policy we have in place,” Fischer said. “We’re careful and cautious to make sure people aren’t spending money that wasn’t authorized.” Gillis said excess revenue found in the city’s general fund “goes back to support the citizens.” The money is projected to go into the city’s infrastructure plan, as well as the city’s reserve fund. Fischer said funds could go toward the city’s plan for an expansion of Roger Hanks Parkway,

The thing that’s new is parents who want to sue someone if their kid does something outrageous. Think again. It’s not your neighbor’s fault. It’s not the fault of the store that sold the rubber bands your child swallowed hoping to jump higher at the next track meet. It’s not the school’s fault. And it’s not your fault. The culprit is the prefrontal cortex, which doesn’t carry liability insurance. Seat belts, safe sports equipment, well-chaperoned parties, rules? All great,

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On this the 23rd day of January, 2017 the Board of Trustees of the Dripping Springs Independent School District convened in regular session, open to the public, with the following members: Present: Barbara Stroud, Carrie Kroll, Shannon O'Connor, Mary Jane Hetrick, Jon Thompson, Ron Jones Absent: Shelly Reeves Constituting a quorum, and among other proceedings had by the Board of Trustees was the following: WHEREAS, the terms of office of BARBARA STROUD and RON JONES, members of the Board of Trusteesof this school district, will expire on May 6, 2017, and WHEREAS, it is necessary for the Board to pass an order establishing the procedures for filing and for conducting said trustee election: THEREFORE BE IT ORDERED, by the Board of Trustees of Dripping Springs Independent School District: 1)

That an ELECTION be held in said school district on MAY 6, 2017 for the purpose of electing two members to the Board of Trustees of said school district for the term of three years each.

That all requests by candidates to have their NAMES PLACED UPON THE BALLOT for the above mentioned election shall be in writing and signed by the candidate and filed with the Secretary to the Board of Trustees no earlier than (8 AM) eight o'clock a.m., January 18, 2017 and no later than (5 PM) five o'clock p.m., February 17, 2017.

That filing of applications shall be in accordance with the terms and provisions of this order and that the district shall otherwise comply with the terms and provisions of relevant sections of the election code.

EARLY VOTING by personal appearance shall be conducted on APRIL 24, 2017 and continuing through MAY 2, 2017 in the Dripping Springs ISO Administrative Building, 510 West Mercer Street. EARLY VOTING SCHEDULE Monday, April24

7:00 am to 7:00 pm

Tuesday, April 25 through Friday, April 28

8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Saturday, April 29

10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Monday, May 1

7:00 am to 7:00 pm

Tuesday, May 2

8:00 am to 4:00 pm

NOTE: Application for EARLY VOTING BY MAIL should be mailed to Early Voting Clerk, 712 S. Stagecoach Trail, Ste. 1045, San Marcos, TX 78666. Early voting by personal appearance shall be by Direct Recording Electronic machine, and by mail shall be by paper ballot, and both shall be canvassed at the polls by the presiding judge and clerks. DEADLINE for early voting clerk to receive application for a ballot by mail is APRIL 25, 2017. For application for early voting by mail please call Hays County Election Office at 512-393-7310.

Said ELECTION DAY shall be held at the following place, with polls to be open Saturday, MAY 6, 2017 from 7:00a.m. to 7:00 p.m.: Dripping Springs ISD Sunset Canyon Admin. Building Baptist Church 510 West Mercer Street 4400 Highway 290 West Dripping Springs, Texas Dripping Springs, Texas Precincts: 333, 337,440,441,449 Precincts: 236, 238, 442, 443,444

That the designated ELECTION OFFICERS are as follows: Early Voting Officers Appointed Clerks are Jennifer Anderson, Virginia Flores, and Mary Salinas Appointed Alternative Clerks are Sheila Lamb, Jennifer Godwin, and Denise Ladner Election Day for precincts 333,337,440,441 , 449 Election Judge Sybil Floyd Alternate Election Judge Richard Boltz

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Election Day for precincts 236,238,442,443, 444 Election Judge Pat Gibson Alternate Election Judge John Gibson

After closing of polls, votes shall be counted immediately, and thereafter, the election judge shall expedite delivery of returns to the office of the superintendent and as provided by the election code.

This Order and Notice shall be posted and publicized without delay according to the election code and posting provisions of this Board of Trustees. Signed on the 23rd day of January 2017.

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President, DSISD Board of Trustees

Secretary, DSISD Board of Trustees

Page 4

News-Dispatch

Thursday, April 13, 2017

Sports

Tigers rally to stun state-ranked Tivy BY QUIXEM RAMIREZ

By the fourth inning April 4, the Dripping Springs baseball team had no hits or runs to show for its effort against the district-leading Kerrville Tivy Antlers. The Antlers, which led 1-0 after an Asa Lacy RBI double in the first inning, were pitching a no-hitter at that point, until the Tigers flipped the script. A single from Brit Howeth broke the slump,

followed by a sacrifice bunt, a hit by pitch and a single from Curt Raymond which drove in the team’s first run. In all, eight Tigers reached base in the fourth inning, all part of a sixrun outburst that featured two walks, a hit by pitch and a sacrifice bunt. It was all the offense needed to secure a 6-4 win Tuesday night over Kerrville Tivy. “We needed that win,” said Dripping Springs coach Chris Payne. “Our

“Baseball is a funny game ... It’s a game of failure and for us to get a win against a great ball club, it puts our identity in the drivers seat.” – Chris Payne, Dripping Springs coach

team needed that one. Our team came off a pretty disappointing game last Friday and these boys stuck their chests out and played with all their

hearts.” All four of Dripping Springs’ hits in the game occurred in the fourth inning. Otherwise, the offensive performance

was more reminiscent of Friday’s 1-0 loss to rival Marble Falls. Kerrville Tivy gave Dripping Springs oranges and the Tigers still made lemonade. “Baseball is a funny game,” Payne said. “It’s a game of failure and for us to get a win against a great ball club, it puts our identity in the driver’s seat.” The Antlers added two runs in the fifth inning and another run in the sixth inning to shave the

deficit to two runs. In the seventh inning, Lacy reached first base on a close call at the bag, putting the game-tying runner at the plate with two outs. But Payne wasn’t fazed as Dripping Springs had pitcher Quin O’Hara on the mound. His trust was justified when Tivy’s Milan Walla dribbled a soft grounder to third base that ended the game. “I felt like we were

TIGER BASEBALL, 10

Lady Tigers’ season ends with 3-2 loss Champion during district play. The strategy paid off as Dripping Springs leapt out to a 1-0 lead via a longrange shot from Carmichael. Roughly ten

BY MOSES LEOS III As the sun started to set at Rattler Stadium April 4, so went the Dripping Springs Tigers’ regional tournament hopes. A late Boerne Champion Charger goal scored with eight minutes left in the game signaled the end of Dripping Springs’ season in a heartbreaking 3-2 loss in the Region IV, 5A quarterfinals. While the finish marks one of the best in several years for the program, the knowledge of letting a 2-0 first half lead slip away resonated with sophomore Jessica Carmichael. “Next year, we’re going to fight hard and we’re going to try and make it to state,” Carmichael said. “I don’t want this to happen again.” Dripping Springs (15-64) hit the ground running in the first half by seizing control of possession. Lindsay Able, Lady Tiger head coach, said the game plan was to work the ball to the team’s outside forwards, who would then speed past Champion defenders in order to serve the ball into the 18-yard box. Carmichael said the strategy was based on what the Tigers saw from

PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM

Boerne Champion freshman Ashlyn Fulgham (12) and Dripping Springs’ freshman Cailey England battle for control of the ball in the 5A Regional Quarterfinals playoffs on April 4 at San Marcos.

minutes later, Dripping Springs senior Hailey Hodsden rifled a shot from point-blank range to give the Tigers a 2-0 lead with 16:41 left in the first half. Able said the Tigers were able to put the pressure on Champion’s offense and had them “on their heels” early in the first half. On the defensive end, Dripping Springs’ outside backs stepped to Champion’s attackers and limited their ability to turn and run on them, Able said. Helping was Carmichael, who was a facilitator of Dripping Springs’ offense. “She’s hard to control and she does what she wants,” Able said. “We finally got it into her brain, ‘the way you make a difference is to be confident and take people on.’” But the Tigers couldn’t maintain their breakneck

SOCCER, 7

Tigers fall to top-ranked Cavaliers SUBMITTED REPORT The Dripping Springs High School lacrosse team lost 8-5 to a well-prepared and highly motivated Austin High team. The Tigers scored first with a goal by Logan Heinchon, assisted by brother Tanner Heinchon, and went up 2-0 after a goal by Cristian Reno, assisted by Ryan Thomas. Austin High scored four goals in the second quarter, sending Dripping Springs into halftime down 4-2. Connor Jamail rallied in the second half with back to back goals, tying the game 4-4. The Maroons fought back by scoring two more goals in the third quarter. Nic Austin’s goal, with an assist by Gabe Reno, wasn’t enough as the Maroons escaped with the win. On the defensive end, Connor Jamail finished with 14 saves. The junior varsity team defeated the Maroons 6-5 in a

come from behind win. On Saturday, Dripping Springs’ varsity squad fell 19-6 to the top-ranked Lake Travis Cavaliers. Lake Travis was able to lock-off the Tigers and defend its side of the field. Getting the Tigers scoring started was defenseman Cameron Howorth. Gabe Reno, Tanner Heinchon, Cristian Reno, Logan Heinchon, and Ryan Thomas, who all contributed to the score for the Tigers. Defensively, Jakob Joy had three stick checks and Cameron Howorth had four positive turnovers. The varsity Tigers are currently 10-3 on the season. The Dripping Springs jv team also lost to LT by a score of 8-7. “It’s tough to lose two straight district games,” said senior Robert Blackmon, “but we’re a strong, talented team. We’ve learned a lot from these games and will regroup.”

PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM

Lady Tigers take down Champion PHOTO BY LISA TRESSLER

Senior Robert Blackmon (5) goes on the attack while a Lake Travis Cavalier attempts to defend during Saturday’s game at Dripping Springs High.

We Support the Tigers Is your business scoring with customers? We can help with the game plan. Reach thousands of potential customers in the News-Dispatch sports section every week. Call (512) 268-7862 or email ads@haysnewsdispatch.com for more information.

Dripping Springs’ junior Paige Leschber, who pitched out of a bases loaded jam in the top of the first inning, delivers a pitch in a district game against visiting Boerne Champion on Friday, April 7. The Lady Tigers scored four runs in the bottom of the frame and won 15-8.

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Thursday, April 13, 2017

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Education

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Tigers dedicate new stadium

A grand opening celebration and dedication for the new Tiger Stadium at Dripping Springs High School will be held Wednesday, April 19, from 6-7:30 p.m. A short program will be held at 6 p.m., followed by tours, refreshments and activities. The stadium is located on the DSHS campus, at the site of the competition ﬁeld. Parking will be available in the auditorium lot.

Tiger selected for statewide award SUBMITTED REPORT

Dripping Springs High senior Grace Baxter has been selected as the 2017 AXA Achievement Award winner for the state of Texas. In addition to $10,000 in scholarship money that Baxter will receive, Dripping Springs High School will receive a $1,000 grant to use toward staff professional development activities. Criteria to win a state award, or be selected as an “AXA Achiever,” is to possess four key qualities. Those include ambition and drive, determination to set and reach goals, respect for self, family and community, and ability to succeed in college. Baxter started “Center of the Plate,” a local non-profit with the

COURTESY PHOTO

The award that Tiger senior Grace Baxter won will also bring in a $1,000 grant to the high school.

mission of providing animal protein to families in need in the Dripping Springs community. Center of the Plate works hand in hand with

the FFA organization and local 4-H to facilitate the donation of market show animals, processing, storage, and delivery of beef and pork to families

that have been identified. This year eight families will benefit, up from four families in the effort’s initial year. Currently president of the Dripping Springs FFA Chapter, Baxter was also a finalist for the 2017 National 4-H Youth in Action Award and served as a State of Texas FFA Ambassador. Locally, she has received her FFA Lonestar Farmer, FFA Star Farmer and FFA Star Greenhand degrees at the Chapter and District levels. Baxter plans to attend Blinn College this fall on a livestock judging scholarship. She will be dual majoring in Animal Science and Agricultural Business. She then plans to transfer to Texas Tech University.

Students place at state HOSA competition Five Dripping Springs High students competed at the Health Occupation Students of America state competition last weekend. The team of Elaina Erickson and Avery Herron placed amontg the top ﬁve teams in the state, placing fourth in Health Education. Lisa Deyes was sixth in Clinical Nursing and the team of Emily ArgentoBird and Liliana Reyes was eighth in Forensic Medicine. At right, Dripping Springs High students (L-R) Liliana Reyes, Elaina Erickson, Avery Herron, Emily ArgentoBird, Lisa Deya pose at the HOSA state competition last weekend.

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Public Notices CSP 16-005 DSISD ROGER HANKS PARKWAY EXTENSION PROJECT

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RFP 16-003 DSISD DEPOSITORY SERVICES

Dripping Springs Independent School District is requesting proposals for DSISD Depository Services (RFP 16-003). Proposals shall be addressed to Michelle Lyons, Purchasing Specialist, Dripping Springs Independent School District, 510 W. Mercer Street, P.O. Box 479, Dripping Springs, Texas 78620, and must be received by 2:00 P.M. (CST) on May 8, 2017. The RFP package may be obtained at the at the District’s website at www. dsisdtx.us. Dripping Springs Independent School District reserves the right to accept or reject any and all proposals, to waive any formalities and irregularities in the proposals received, and will accept the response(s) determined to be in the best interests of the District.

Dripping Springs ISD is requesting competitive sealed proposals for the Dripping Springs ISD Roger Hanks Parkway Extension Project (CSP 16-005). Proposals shall be addressed to Michelle Lyons, Purchasing Specialist, Dripping Springs Independent School District, 510 W. Mercer Street, P.O. Box 479, Dripping Springs, Texas 78620, and must be received by 2:00 P.M. (CST) on Tuesday, May 9, 2017. There will be a preproposal meeting on Tuesday, April 18, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. (CST) in the Board Room at the Dripping Springs Administration Building located at 510 W. Mercer Street, Dripping Springs, Texas 78620. Immediately following will be a site visit. Attendance is encouraged. The Request for Competitive Sealed Proposals package may be obtained at the Dripping Springs ISD administration oﬃce located at 510 W. Mercer Street, Dripping Springs, Texas 78620. Dripping Springs ISD reserves the right to accept or reject any and all proposals, to waive any formalities and irregularities in the proposals received, and will accept the response(s) determined to be in the best interests of the District.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SUBDIVIDE

Notice is hereby given that an application has been ﬁled with Hays County Development Services Department to subdivide 1.39 acres located at 12475 Trail Driver, in the Herman Benson Survey, Austin, Texas 78737, to be known as Cavallo Park. Information regarding the application may be obtained from Hays CountyDevelopment Services (512) 393-2150. Tracking number: SUB-776.

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Thursday, April 13, 2017

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Page 7

Water Bill: District choice bill moves ahead Continued from pg. 1

a few amendments, the bill could “cure a lot of problems we see around the state.” Those amendments, which could require property owners to go with the district the majority of their land is in, could limit concerns over “cherry picking.” A member of the Texas Association of Groundwater Owners and Producers (TAGOP) who supported HB 4122 said it’s not a landowners bill as much as it’s a “property rights issue.” He believed landowners should have a say in what district they’re regulated

by, and the bill would address landowner rights. “This is not a groundwater district bashing bill, we’re not saying get rid of groundwater districts,” the speaker said. “We have said we want to give property rights to owners to get consistent regulation from a single district.” But a handful of speakers, including several Hays County property owners, opposed the bill, holding concerns it could allow a landowner to pick and choose a groundwater district that could be less restrictive. Included in opposition were John Dupnik, BSEACD general

manager, and Will Conley, Hays County Pct. 3 Commissioner. Charles Flatten, water policy program manager with the Hill Country Alliance, opposed the bill, saying it could reduce appraisal rolls and reduce property taxes and fees for groundwater districts. But Flatten claimed the bill was drafted for the 5,000 acre Needmore Ranch, owned by south Texas beer distributor Greg LaMantia, which is within the jurisdiction of the Hays Trinity and Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Groundwater Conservation Districts.

Soccer

Continued from pg. 4 pace. Champion began to take advantage. The Chargers started to chip away with a goal at the 12:52 mark of the first half, which cut the Tigers’ lead to 2-1 at halftime. With fresher legs and an aggressive style of play, Champion continued to press forward and succeeded in tallying an equalizing goal midway through the second half. Able said the Tigers were unable to match the first half intensity in the second

ESD 6

Continued from pg. 1 to the district’s coffers, Collard said. That, in turn, could allow the district to maintain and expand services for area residents. According a pamphlet mailed to area voters, money could be used to help fund a planned $4.5 million fire station relocation and a $1.5 million ladder truck. In addition, Collard said the proposition would be the first step taken by the district to “shift the burden” off of area taxpayers. Currently, ESD 6 levies a tax of .795 per $100 property valuation. ESDs can levy up to ten cents per $100 valuation. However, in a pamphlet sent out to area voters, the ESD’s board of directors chose to possibly administer a sales tax, instead of hiking its property tax rate. Collard cited the ability to levy the sales taxes on services that cater to the wedding industry in Dripping Springs, which has the moniker of the Wedding Capital of Texas. With more and more travelers going in and out of the area, Collard said levying the tax could help area residents. “The transient population would offset the cost of business by buying goods in the district,” Collard said. The district’s move would also allow it to keep up with the rapid growth,

stanza. Champion attackers that Able said are difficult to defend exacerbated those issues. Carmichael said the Tigers also had to combat a physical Champion team that was competitive for loose balls. “In the second half, we kind of just took it for granted and we lost our fire,” Carmichael said. “We lost the ball too much. They fought back harder.” Eventually, Dripping Springs’ hold finally gave

way when Champion scored the go-ahead goal in the final seconds. Able was proud of her team and the finish, which was the first time Dripping Springs has reached the playoffs in two years. She hopes the success can usher a return to the success of Lady Tiger teams of the past. “We’re trying to get back to that point,” Able said. “We’re a young team and we have a lot to build on for this season.”

What is an Emergency Service District? Emergency services districts are political subdivisions of the state of Texas, like school districts or municipalities. ESDs are established by Article 48-e of the Texas Constitution with Chapter 775 of the Texas Health and Safety Code serving as the enabling statute. An emergency services district (ESD) can provide fire protection, emergency medical response, or both. There are currently over 300 ESDs in Texas in more than 90 counties.

Prop 1 by the numbers

.2500

Amount of tax ESD 6 plans to administer on taxable goods and services in the district not already at the state max of 8.25 cents. if approved by voters

Amount ESD 6 is raising its property tax rate

35,000

Number of residents served by ESD 6

$160,000

244

.0795

2,136

Sales tax revenue ESD 6 could bring in annually, if approved by voters

Cents per $100 valuation ESD 6 levies in property taxes.

which has also led to rise in call volume, Collard said. According to statistics provided by ESD 6, more than 2,100 emergency calls were made last year within the district. The average response time for ESD 6 was

Number of square miles ESD 6 covers in western Hays County

Number of emergency calls ESD 6 responded to in 2016

just over eight minutes. “Growth is here and with it, our call volume is going up and cost is going up, so revenue has to go up,” Collard said. Voters will decide ESD’s measure, which is listed as Proposition 1, on May 6.

He believes the bill could allow Needmore to pick a district with less restrictions, which could affect nearby well owners. Scott Mitchell, owner of a ranch adjacent to Needmore, opposed the bill, but also had concerns the bill is flawed as it doesn’t address the hydrology of what an aquifer is. He said

it could set a precedent on how groundwater is regulated. Hays County resident Louie Bond, who also opposed the bill, said the state needs to use “science to regulate the aquifers.” “If I put my big straw in there to suck all of the water, it doesn’t do anyone any good,” Bond said. But Bond advocated

the committee to view measures such as the 2015 “Save our Wells” bill, which she said was a bipartisan effort in the county. “In our county, we disagree on a lot of things, but this is one thing we all agree on,” Bond said. “We want to do what’s best with our aquifer and groundwater.”

HAYS COUNTY WATER CONTROL AND IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 1 HAYS COUNTY WATER CONTROL AND IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 2

NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF AMENDED RULES AND REGULATIONS Notice is hereby given that the Boards of Directors of the Hays County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 (“District 1”) at a meeting held on March 9, 2017 and the Board of Directors of the Hays County Water Control and Improvement District No. 2 (“District 2”) at a meeting held on March 16, 2017, have each adopted amended rules and regulations (as to each District, the “Rules”), District 1 and District 2 are each referred to individually as a “District” and collectively as the “Districts” herein. For each District, the purpose of the Rules are to: (1) govern the affairs of the District to perform its purposes; (2) secure and maintain safe, sanitary and adequate plumbing installations, connections and appurtenances; (3) preserve the sanitary condition of water controlled by the District; (4) prevent waste or the unauthorized use of water controlled by the District; (5) regulate privileges on land and easements of the District; (6) provide and regulate a safe and adequate freshwater distribution system; (7) provide for the supply, use, distribution and payment for water; and (8) establish reasonable civil penalties for breach of the Rules.

The Rules were adopted for the purpose of safeguarding and improving the efficiency of the District’s waterworks system, preventing overloading of wastewater treatment plants, preventing increased plumbing and wastewater treatment costs, preventing line failures and service disruptions, setting forth connection and modification parameters for the joint 210 irrigation system, minimizing future maintenance and operation costs, controlling erosion and trash removal and protecting District property.

The Rules establish standards for the water and wastewater facilities, adopt a plumbing code, set forth types of pipe and fitting materials approved for the installation of water taps, describe prohibited connections, set out plumbing material prohibitions, proper installation procedures, a customer service inspection certification process, backflow prevention assembly installation and testing requirements, swimming pool installation requirements and customer service agreements, incorporate the District’s Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan, set out requirements related to sanitary sewer line installation, sanitary service line materials allowed, size and grade of sanitary sewer service lines, connection of building sewer outlets, fittings and cleanouts, prohibited flow and waste, and connections and modifications to the reclaimed water system, establish rules applicable to District parks and recreational areas, provide for protection of District property and systems, set out platting requirements and other requirements for development and construction within the District, including regulations for erosion control and trash removal establish a process for enforcement of the Rules, and set forth a schedule of civil penalties for certain violations. Failure to adhere to said Rules may result in the disconnection of water service, disconnection and sealing of sanitary sewer connection, and imposition of civil penalties for violation of any rule or regulation of the District a penalty in an amount to be determined by the Board of the District or as set forth in a schedule of civil penalties adopted by the Board, such penalty being in addition to any other penalty provided by the laws of this State. In addition, a customer found in violation of the Rules shall be liable to the District for all expenses borne by the District including laboratory fees, legal fees, engineering fees and other costs incurred by the District in establishing the violation and resolving the cause of the violation. In addition, a customer found in violation of the Rules who causes or contributes to a violation of applicable wastewater collection system effluent parameters shall be liable to the District for all expenses borne by the District, including legal and engineering fees related to any lawsuit filed by federal, state or local authorities regarding violations by the District of effluent parameters applicable to the District’s wastewater collection system. In connection with violations of rules related to erosion and sedimentation control (Section 8.06), failure to adhere to such requirements will be subject to a fine of $500 for the first violation and $750 for the second and subsequent violations per lot per day to be paid by the developer, builder, corporation or other entity or individual who violates said Rules. In addition to any civil penalties, the District may also invoice a person or entity in violation of the Rules for the costs incurred by the District in curing or abating such violation, plus a 15% administrative fee, and all costs necessary to restore any District facilities or other property of the District damaged as a result of a violation. A full copy of the Rules for each District is on file at the Districts’ office outside the District, 401 Congress Avenue, Suite 2100, Austin, Texas 78701, and with the District’s General Manager, Severn Trent Environmental Services, 14050 Summit Drive, Suite 113, Austin, Texas 78728, and will be available on the District’s website at www.hayswcid.org. These Rules are and shall continue to be in full force and effect.

By: /s/ Douglas L. Botts, President Hays County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 By: /s/ Thomas Patrick Phillips, President Hays County Water Control and Improvement District No. 2

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Page 8

News-Dispatch

Obituaries

DICKENS Rhoda Mae Dickens, 83, returned to her heavenly home on April 1, 2017. Her devotion to family and firm belief in God was the foundation she built her life on. Rhoda was born to the late Charles (Luther) and Evie Hillman, in Merryville, LA on January 8, 1934. Rhoda began her career in Houston, TX as a Southwestern Bell, Long Distance Operator, and eventually became a significant leader of their Commercial Telephone Training Program, receiving numerous commendations for her hard work and exceptional training abilities. She also served actively for the Telephone Pioneers of America. After many successful years, she retired from what is now known as AT&T. After retirement, she moved to Dripping Springs, TX where she spent the remainder of her life close to family. Rhoda had two loves who went on before her, Lee White and Charles Dickens. Rhoda never had children of her own but her nephews, nieces, great-nephews and nieces as well as her step-children brought her

much joy in life. Rhoda loved the outdoors and felt a good day fishing was well spent. She enjoyed gardening, cooking and canning. Rhoda had a zest for life and was full of adventure. She loved people and was happy to serve those in need. Rhoda will be dearly missed by her family and friends, who celebrate the fact that she is rejoicing in heaven with her creator and at home with her loved ones that have gone on before her. Rhoda is survived by her sister, Judi Mains and husband, Hoyt of Many, LA; and a host of nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews and step-children. She is preceded in death by her first husband, Lee White; her late husband, Charles (Chuck) Dickens; her brother, Vernon Hillman; her sisters, Norma Lee Scranton and Loyal Davis; her parents; and her nephew, Shane Long. Rhoda was buried at Phillips Cemetery on April 5, 2017. Reverend RB Hall officiated the service at First Baptist Church in Dripping Springs. If you would like to make a donation, please go to www.youcaring.com and search for Help Bryce Walk to benefit the joy of her heart, Rhoda’s greatnephew, Bryce Moline. Condolences may be sent to www. harrellfuneralhomes.com.

LAGNIAPPE Town Hall

A town hall meeting on law enforcement and transportation is scheduled for Thursday, April 13, at 6 p.m. at Dripping Springs City Hall (511 Mercer Street). All Dripping Springs area residents are invited and encouraged to attend this joint town hall. Hays County Commissioner Ray Whisenant along with representatives from the city, constable’s office, Hays County Sheriff’s Department and Texas Department of Public Safety will be on hand to provide updates and answer questions.

SKYWARN classes

Hays County and the National Weather Service will hold classes about severe weather as well as living in wildfire-prone areas in Central Texas. The program will include an overview by Clint Browning, Hays County Fire Marshal, about the Firewise program, which teaches how best to adapt to and prepare homes for living in wildfire-prone areas. A free SkyWarn class will be held from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 13 at North Hays Fire Rescue Central Station, 400 Sportsplex Drive, Dripping Springs.

Tax assistance Free assistance with income tax preparation is available through the AARP Tax-Aide program at the Dripping Springs Independent School District Administration building and the Wimberley Village Library. In Dripping Springs, volunteers are available on Tuesdays through April 18 except during spring break from 2-7 p.m To make an appointment, leave a message at (512) 858-0954.

Women in Confidence

On Friday, April 14, this free program will be held at the Dripping Springs Community

Library meeting room from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. This month's program is entitled “Choosing a Legal Guardian For Your Children.” You can learn more about money and legal issues from financial advisor Amy Colton and attorneys Jennifer Cochran-Green and Leanne Layne on the second Friday of each month. Please let library staff know you are coming by emailing adultservices@dscl.org. You are welcome to bring your own lunch.

Thursday, April 13, 2017

PHOTO BY DALE ROBERSON

Rotary Club talks disaster prep

Members of the Rotary Club of Wimberley held a one-hour discussion April 4 of how to organize for another disaster like the floods that devastated the area. Leading the discussion was Rotary District 5840 Relief Coordinator Jim Overman (back row, 3rd from left) accompanied by District Governor Elect Carol Holmes (front row, left). Those involved in the discussion included Barnabas Director Vicki McQuistin (front row, right) who lead local efforts for relief after the flood.

Poor grackle can’t catch a break BY JERRY HALL

was in downtown Kyle recently, walking around in a small city park with a circular fountain spraying water high into the fresh spring air. Strutting around the base of the fountain was a male great-tailed grackle, resplendent in his black, iridescent plumage, and trying to impress a smaller, less splendid female grackle. As so often happens in the world of both birds and humans, she ignored him completely. It occurred to me that I had not seen a grackle is a long time. Not that

they are a rare species, because they are quite common in urban settings in this area, but it still had been a while since I ran across one. The great-tailed grackle is the largest of the grackles and is a resident of the southwestern states. It looks a lot like the smaller boat-tailed grackle that is found along the coast, but is a separate species. A glossy black in color, the 18-inch male displays a purple sheen in good light and its enormous tail is keelshaped. The smaller, shorter-tailed female is brown in color, with a buffy breast. Both sexes

have bright yellow eyes as adults. If all the females are

as frosty as that one in Kyle, I fear the species may soon be extinct.

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Texas Crossword

PHOTO COURTESY OF JERRY HALL

Grackles are known to practice “anting”, where the bird hunches over to let ants cover it with formic acid to rid itself of parasites.

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