Watch out for snakes!
Project Grad gets ready to rumble
Tiger baseball, softball keep on winning
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page 7
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News-Dispatch Volume XXXVI No. 31
Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982
75¢
Thursday, May 12, 2016
FM 150, US 290 accidents take seven lives BY PAIGE LAMBERT
News-Dispatch Reporter
PHOTO COURTESY OF SCOTT COLLARD
Five people died and two were in critical condition Sunday afternoon after a two-car wreck on US 290. A 2000 tan Lincoln lost control, spun into oncoming traffic and was hit by a 2016 white Buick. Another wreck on Monday evening on FM 150 left one injured and two dead.
Let the banks grow wild BY PAIGE LAMBERT
News-Dispatch Reporter
A monumental flood of epic proportions last year ravished the Blanco River and the trees that supported its banks. With tender love and care, the river is healing and its banks are turning green with growth. Quickly after the Memorial Day flood, personnel from the Texas Forest Service, the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife (TDPW) and Wimberley residents held workshops to show people how to help the river recover. Last week, the TDPW and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center published a riparian design plan for residents to follow while repairing their section of the river. The plan serves as a comprehensive educational source on riparian ecosystems and gives a flexible outline on how to manage a riverside area, TDPW conservation
BLANCO RIVER, 5
A total of seven people were killed this week in two separate, but major, accidents on thoroughfares leading into Dripping Springs. The first accident, which took place Sunday afternoon on U.S. Highway 290 near Crow Ranch Road, claimed the lives of five people and left two others injured. Sunday’s accident involved a tan 2000 Lincoln passenger car, which had four occupants, and a white 2016 Buick passenger car, which had three occupants. According to an email from Texas Department of Public Safety state trooper Robbie Barrera, three people in the Lincoln died at the scene.
ELECTION RESULTS
Voters nix ESD 1 tax cap increase BY PAIGE LAMBERT
May 2016 election results
News-Dispatch Reporter
DRIPPING SPRINGS Dripping Springs voters overwhelmingly shot down the Emergency Service District No. 1’s aim to increase its tax cap May 7. ESD No. 1’s Proposition 1 fell farther from approval on Election Day with 1,093 voters, or 63.36 percent, casting their ballots against the tax cap increase. A total of 632 voters were for the proposition. If the proposition had passed, it would have allowed the ESD to raise its tax cap from 3 to 7 cents per $100 valuation. Of the 20,806 registered voters, only 8.36 percent cast their ballots. Meanwhile, in the race for two Dripping Springs ISD school board seats, incumbent Shelley Reeves and Jon Thompson claimed victory in their bids for reelection. Reeves snagged the top percent of voters from early voting all the way through Election Day Saturday. Reeves garnered 884, or 42.22 percent, of the total votes. Incumbent Jon Thompson gained 512 total votes, which amounted to 24.45 percent of the vote. Candidate Cassondra Taylor finished third by claiming 390, or 18.62 percent, of the total votes while candidate Kelsey Kling tailed Taylor with 308, or 14.71 percent, total votes. Of the 19,742 registered voters, 8.55 percent cast their ballots.
WIMBERLEY The Wimberley City Council will take on a new look after a trio of incumbents were defeated by challengers Saturday. In the race for Wimberley Mayor, candidate Mac McCullough ousted incumbent Steve Thurber Saturday by a narrow margin, according to the final, unofficial results. McCullough, who trailed Thurber after early voting results were released, surged ahead by gaining 85 votes on Election Day to Thurber’s 54. McCullough won the seat by 31 votes. Meanwhile, candidates in the Place 2 and Place 4
DRIPPING SPRINGS ISD SCHOOL BOARD
WIMBERLEY MAYOR
aShelley Reeves – 42.22%
884 total votes 347 early voting
512 total votes 200 early voting
aJon Thompson – 24.45% r Cassondra Taylor –18.62% 390 total votes 129 early voting r Kelsey Kling – 14.71% 308 total votes 112 early voting
EMERGENCY SERVICE DISTRICT NO. 1 PROPOSITION 1
MAC MCCULLOUGH
a50.33% (462 votes)
STEVE THURBER
r 49.67% (456 votes)
WIMBERLEY COUNCIL PLACE 1
aAgainst – 63.36%
1,093 total votes 366 early voting
r For – 36.64% 632 total votes 254 early voting
WIMBERLEY ISD PROPOSITION 1
aFor – 73.83%
1,188 total votes 842 early voting
CRAIG FORE
a51.31% (469 votes)
CINDY ANDERSON
r 48.69% (455 votes)
WIMBERLEY COUNCIL PLACE 4
r Against – 26.17% 421 total votes 272 early voting
WIMBERLEY ISD PROPOSITION 2
aFor – 63.57%
1,014 total votes 731 early voting
r Against – 36.43% 581 total votes 380 early voting
council seats ousted a pair of incumbents. Wimberley council Place 2 candidate Craig Fore broke through to defeat incumbent Cindy Anderson for the council seat. Craig, who matched Anderson with 50 percent of the vote after early voting results were released, pushed ahead by gathering 80 votes, or 51.31 percent, on Election Day to win. Anderson trailed close behind with 56 Election Day votes, or 48.69 percent. Wimberley Place 4
GARY BARCHFELD
a54.91% (498 votes)
PAM SHOWALTER r 45.09% (409 votes)
candidate Gary Barchfeld marched on to carry the lead from early voting to Election Day to defeat incumbent Pam Showalter. Barchfeld maintained the lead by gathering 84 votes Saturday while Showalter garnered 53. “I’m happy Mac and Craig won and I’m pleased for our team,” Barchfeld said. “This is a positive for the city of Wimberley and it shows our community is ready for change.”
ELECTION RESULTS, 4
Authorities identified the deceased as Caitlin Rene Smyth, 23, of Austin, Ricky Dale Williams, 57, of Austin and Kyle Lee Alba, 25, of Dripping Springs. The fourth person, Erik Johnson, 29, of Dripping Springs, was transported to South Austin Medical Center. Barrera said his condition is unknown at this time. One of the passengers in the Buick, identified as Kathy Lee Leverett, 62, died at the scene. A second passenger, identified as Nancy Ann Clark, 82, died at Seton Southwest Hospital. The driver of the Buick, Randall Dene Osban, 58, was transported to St. David’s Austin Medical Center. His condition is unknown at this time.
FATAL WRECKS, 7
Flood report trickles in a year later BY PAIGE LAMBERT
News-Dispatch Reporter
Months after two floods left a path of destruction in parts of Hays County, officials on May 2 officially released an after action report chronicling the events. Hays County’s report documents what happened during the Memorial Day and Halloween floods, how the county reacted to them and how it plans to improve after the historic disasters.
FLOOD REPORT, 4
Wastewater plant team moves ahead on design BY PAIGE LAMBERT
News-Dispatch Reporter
Wimberley’s wastewater services team got a boost to help move the project forward. The Wimberley City Council unanimously approved changing its professional services agreement with Alan Plummer Associates, Inc. for the Central Wimberley Wastewater Project designs. The amendment will mean 420 additional hours of design that will not exceed $68,415, Wimberley city administrator Don Ferguson said. “Several changes have been made to that project since the city initially entered into a contract with API for project engineering,” Ferguson said. “We want to reflect those changes and the cost associated with those.” Ferguson said the changes include moving the plant to the northeast corner of Blue Hole Regional Park, doubling effluent storage and other changes resulting from a 2015 Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
WASTEWATER PROJECT, 5
Page 2
News-Dispatch
Opinion
NewsDispatch PHONE: (512)-268-7862 FAX: 512-268-0262 PUBLISHER Cyndy Slovak-Barton csb@haysfreepress.com EDITOR Moses Leos III moses@haysfreepress.com PRODUCTION David White Christine Thorpe ADVERTISING/ MARKETING DIRECTOR Tracy Mack tracy@haysfreepress.com Pam Patino ads@haysnewsdispatch.com Jim Darby ads@haysfreepress.com WIMBERLEY MARKETING/ REPORTER Paula Pulley dallaspaula@yahoo.com REPORTERS Paige Lambert
paige@bartonpublicationsinc. com
PHOTOGRAPHERS Wayland Clark Paula Pulley
CIRCULATION MANAGER/ LEGAL NOTICES Suzanne Hallam 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.
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Name that school
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reckon most of y’all have heard about the conundrum the folks up in the Land of the Weird have in renaming Robert E. Lee Elementary School. Due to the continual eradication of southern heritage by dogmatic malcontents and elected invertebrates, a Texas school named after a war hero and educator must select a new name for the sake of political correctness. I won’t dwell on the subject of northern aggression any longer today, because stirring the chamber pot only draws more flies. Down here in Hays County, we have a similar challenge. With all the mi-
From the Crow’s Nest by Clint Younts
gration of people from foreign lands like California and Up-North, the population of our county has swolled up like the belly of a colicky brood mare. Scores of new homes are being built, cluttering our landscape and tapping into our dwindling water supply. With the rapid influx of new home-buyers comes a large flock of children needing proper education. Local schools are
already crammed full like a beer fridge on the 3rd of July, so the school administrators have decided to build another high school over yonder in Buda to handle this population explosion. They have already picked a spot for the new campus, but now they need help in selecting a name for the new school. So, since I’m always willing to help out the needy, I have some suggestions for naming the new high school and renaming those old schools that seem to offend folks with ill-fitting panties. First of all, with all this malarkey about always
YOUNTS, 9
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
PROOFREADERS Jane Kirkham
E
Thursday, May 12, 2016
R A L T O
Risks to women and girls: Getting the facts straight
M
uch has been said adult sexual assault victims lately about the and 397 child abuse victims safety of women (the vast majority identiand girls in public refied as child sexual abuse). strooms. We would like to Less than 1% of the alleged set the record straight about perpetrators were strangers the risk to meaning that women and close to 99% girls. We Women and had some type know that of known relagirls are not tionship to their when women and girls victims. the only are sexually Women and assaulted, girls are not the ones who it’s most only ones who likely to be need our proneed our perpetrated tection in pubprotection by someone lic restrooms or they already otherwise. Men in public know and boys are and not a also at risk for restrooms or random sexual assault stranger. victimization. otherwise. According 1 in 6 boys will Men and to national be sexually and state assaulted in boys are statistics, their lifetime 90% of according to also at risk sexual research. They assaults are also deserve for sexual committed our attention assault by a known and protection. perpetrator You see, this victimization. most such as violent husbands, and traumatic dates, fathers, coaches, crime occurs under the youth leaders, religious guise of secrecy and it’s leaders, doctors and the accompanied by a society list goes on. Locally, that full of victim blaming. It statistic is even higher. Last isn’t uncommon for victims year, HCWC served 468 to face judgement and
www.stanberry.com 512.894.3488 400 HWY 290 W • BLDG B • SUITE 101 • DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX 78620
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AUSTIN COMMERCIAL FOR LEASE 12620 Pauls Valley: 2000 SF Warehouse w/office, Bldg #3, available Feb 2016, Unit A with dock
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HAYS COUNTY COMMERCIAL FOR LEASE 10107 Signal Hill Road Unit B: light commercial only, warehouse space/shop for small operation
LEASED
accusations regarding their behavior, their attire, their activities, etc. And sexual predators thrive on that victim blaming. They count on it. They rely on the fact that as a society, we perpetuate the wrong idea of a sexual perpetrator. We make it about strangers hidden behind bushes, in bathrooms, in dark alleys so when this crime doesn’t fit this idea we feel most comfortable
HCWC, 9
Sheriff ’s Report
DRIFTWOOD
Accident/Major 10:15 p.m. - 10XX Elder Hill Rd - May 6 Theft 10:52 a.m. - 8XX Todo Ln - May 6
Accident/Major 9:07 p.m. - Fm 967 1 Mi S Of Fm 1826 - May 9
DRIPPING SPRINGS
Accident/Major 5:58 a.m. - Hwy 290 At Polo Club - May 5 Theft 8:09 a.m. - 10XX Springlake Dr - May 5 Theft 8:13 a.m. - 3XX Brentwood Dr - May 5
Theft 11:59 p.m. - Heb Of Dripping Springs - May 5
Accident/Major 8:36 p.m. - Rr 12 S Of Storm Ranch Rd - May 7 Assault 11:13 p.m. - 7XX Hwy 290 - May 7
Theft 7:52 p.m. - 2XX Canterbury Dr - May 7
Accident/Major 2:06 p.m. - Hwy 290 At Crow Ranch Rd - May 8 Theft 4:33 p.m. - 3XX Secretariat - May 9
WIMBERLEY
Accident/Major 9:45 a.m. - Fm 3237 At Meyers Construction - May 5 Assault 2:07 p.m. - Katherine Anne Porter School - May 6 Burglary/Building 12:29 p.m. - 30XX Pump Station Rd - May 6 Burglary/Habitation 7:17 p.m. - 30XX Ledgerock Rd - May 6
Theft 8:14 a.m. - Old Glory Ranch Gate House - May 6 Accident/Major 10:41 Amn - 127XX Rr 12 - May 7
Accident/Major 9:12 p.m. - Woodcreek Dr At Winters Mill Pkwy - May 7 Burglary/Building 1:34 a.m. - HH Tile And Plaster - May 7 Burglary/Habitation 8:10 p.m. - 25XX River Rd - May 7
Accident/Major 7:18 a.m. - Area Of 21270 Rr 12 - May 8 Assault/Family Violence 9:42 p.m. - 1XX Blue Oak Ln - May 9
Thursday, May 12, 2016
www.HaysNewsDispatch.com
Page 3
LAGNIAPPE Free chair exercise class at D.S. Library
Promptly at 9 a.m. every Monday morning at the Dripping Springs Community Library, adults are invited to exercise in their chairs at Dripping Springs Community Library. The class ends at 10 a.m.
with an invitation to go about your week with renewed vigor. Carla Dawes is the group instructor. Group size is limited to the first twenty registrants. Contact Library Assistant SuzAnne Beard by emailing suzanne@dscl. org or by telephoning 512-858-7825 after 12 p.m. on any weekday and asking for SuzAnne Beard.
Wimberley Garden Tour
Discover beautiful gardens at several homes at this annual event put on by the Wimberley Garden Club May 14. The tour will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. There are seven private gardens and one public garden in the Wimberley Valley being
showcased. Tickets are available at the Visitors Center. Visit www. wimberleygardenclub. org for more information.
May Fest
Come out to the Driftwood United Methodist Church (15090 FM 150 in Driftwood) from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 14 for this family-friendly spring celebration. Free
Watch your step
admission. Live music, BBQ, vendors, live & silent auctions and more. Call 512-757-5519 or visit driftwoodumc.net for more information.
Diabetic Education Classes
Free Diabetic Education Classes
ple don’t feel comfortable identifying snakes or how News-Dispatch Reporter to be cautious around snakes,” Hendon said. s Texas experiences “Most don’t end up being consistently warm venomous.” weather, humans There are about two and animals alike begin to dozen snake species in venture out to enjoy the Hays County and only a great outdoors. handful are venomous, Sometimes, however, Gluesenkamp said. interactions between With the amount of human and animals can growth in Central Texas, happen in the oddest of more snakes are finding places. nesting areas around “This is the active seahuman structures or small son of the year, whether nooks and crannies, such it is a turtle in the lake or as under the hood of a car. birds in the trees,” said “They want less to do Andy Gluesenkamp, Texas with us than we do with Parks and Wildlife state them,” he said. “Just give herpetologist. “There are it a minute, let it leave and just more cars parked it will get out as soon as it near snake habitats.” doesn’t feel safe.” Blake Hendon, Texas Snakes will look for a Parks and Wildlife wildlife sheltered, cool place when biologist, said rattlesnakes they feel the weather are more common on the changing, said Richard urban side of the Edwards Young, owner of Reliable Aquifer. Rattlesnake Removal. However, he gets During one inspection, many calls from people Young found a snake misidentifying snakes as along a shower curtain dangerous, Hendon said. SNAKE WATCH, 9 “The first issue is peo-
A
LAGNIAPPE, 4
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Richard Young removing a 6 1/2 foot rattlesnake found at a private residence in 2009. Young, owner of Reliable Rattlesnake Removal, says that the key to snake safety is to recognize that snakes don’t generally mean harm. (courtesy photo)
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Seton and other Ascension hospitals, clinics and doctors nationwide accept Veterans Choice. If you’re a veteran waiting more than 30 days for an appointment at the VA, or have to travel more than 40 miles from your home, you can receive the compassionate, personalized care you deserve from your local Ascension doctor. Find out if you qualify at ascension.org/veterans.
Page 4
News-Dispatch
Flood Report
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Election Results
Continued from pg. 1
Continued from pg. 1
Kharley Smith, Hays mendations. Numerous County Emergency Manrainfall and river gauges agement coordinator, said have been installed along the report wasn’t released the Blanco River, which earlier as more informaprovides real time data. tion kept coming in as it Smith said the counwas being created. The ty will also complete Halloween flood, which improvements to radio happened five months infrastructure over the after the Memorial Day next couple of months. Flood, also delayed the When the Memorial report, she said. Day flood occurred, the “You never want to county was in the middle have two of applying monufor grants to mental construct a “It was the disas700-megabiggest ters to hertz (MHz) compare, radio overdisaster the but it was lay. a huge “The county has benefit system is to see the a higher ever seen, so at improvepitch, so it ment is harder to by no means between get into the did we have a Wimberley the two,” Smith and plan to handle Valley said. “We other low also crelying areas,” something of ated one Smith said. report be“Now it’s just this magnitude cause the a matter of recovery setting the ... At first, it was all in equipment was me calling frequencies one.” The and installaindividuals report tion.” was also Those I knew that delayed improvebecause ments will could handle Smith aid local and had to certain roles.” county first routinely responders – Kharley Smith, Hays revise in communiCounty Emergency the draft cating to their Management coordinator when the teams and county county bases, completSmith said. ed proposed recommenAn additional recomdations. mendation was the need One of those was for a designated Emeridentifying roles and gency Operations Center personnel to operate an (EOC). Smith said the Emergency Operations county has experienced Center (EOC). benefits of co-location for Smith said emergenthe EOC. cy personnel discussed During the Memorial needed improvements Day flood, the county and as early as a month after the city of San Marcos Memorial Day. co-located at the San Mar“We were focused on cos Police Department for improving, and not just a communications center. documenting that we imSmith said the improvised proved,” Smith said. “This center allowed coordinawas really an internal tors to double the evacuathing.” tion area. The 40-page report “They have said they breaks down the timeline wouldn’t have been able of each flood, including to evacuate some areas weather pattern figures, without hearing about rain totals and river gauge what happened in Wimlevels. berley,” Smith said. “It The report evaluatsaved lives.” ed the county’s actions A designated EOC is regarding notification now part of the county’s and response, direction November bond election. and control, incident The current jail facility assessment and resource would be completely management categories redesigned to fit emerwith 58 points of review. gency responder and law Many of the responses enforcement needs during stated a need to clarify a disaster, Smith said. personnel roles, notiThe report also showed fication systems and ways to improve how the communication between county sets an agenda management and first for continuing improveresponder teams. ments, such as continuous “It was the biggest ditraining in multiple areas. saster the county has ever Even with all the recseen, so by no means did ommendations, Smith we have a plan to handle said the county performed something of this magat such a high level that nitude,” Smith. “At first, it other emergency managewas me calling individuals ment departments have I knew that could handle called for advice. certain roles.” “Many times our manOver the past few agement team has been months, the county has asked to speak at conimplemented measures to ferences and that speaks meet the report’s warnhighly of our emergency ing notification recomdepartments,” Smith said.
Of the 2,156 registered voters in the two precincts, 43 percent cast their ballot. The canvass of the votes is tentatively set for Thursday May 12, according to the city of Wimberley’s website. Wimberley ISD’s Proposition 1, which held a high level of approval after early voting results were release, kept its wide margin on Election Day with 1,188 votes, or 73.83 percent, for the bond. A total of 421 voters cast their ballot against the proposition. The district will now fund new and updated technology, facilities
and transportation. Proposition 1 totaled $6 million with no tax increase. WISD superintendent Dwaine York said the district will immediately move forward with the bond’s technology items and the Jacob’s Well Elementary science labs. He said the district will be creating a timeline for the career and technology center as well. “The key is the cabling and fiber need to be addressed this summer,” York said. “With a May election, it is hard to get the bigger projects going before the next school year.” He said the district
will also have a few new buses within six to eight months. WISD’s Proposition 2 mirrored its big brother and passed with 1,014 votes, or 63.57 percent, Saturday. Only 581, or 36.42 percent, of voters were against the proposition. The second proposition will allow the district to replace the old athletic turf at Texan Stadium. The bond will cost a total of $500,00 with no tax increase. Out of the 11,098 registered voters, 14.87 percent cast their ballot for the district’s propositions.
Who voted? ESD 1 8.36% of the 20,806 registered voters
DSISD BOARD 8.55% of the 19,742 registered voters
WIMBERLEY COUNCIL 43% of the 2,156 registered voters
WISD PROPOSITIONS 14.87% of the 11,098 registered voters
Snake Watch: Safety first this summer Continued from pg. 3
pole in an outside bathroom. “They get into the craziest places,” Young said. “Stacked rocks are havens for snakes because it represents safety.” Young said residents can do simple things like clearing brush piles and keeping lawns short to discourage snakes from staying near a house. Hendon said many people express concern of coming across a snake while hiking or walking nature trails. He said usually a snake would be in a direct path or line of sight. “Snakes are there, but people need to be conscious of where they put their hands and feet,” Hendon said. “People can pass by snakes or animals in close proximity and never know it.” Gluesenkamp said having situational awareness is key to avoiding serious injury or death from any animal. He said only one to two people die of a snake bite per year, while 6 to 7 die from a dog bite. About 12 people die per year from insect stings. “If you are going to be afraid of things outside, it’s bees and dogs I’d be
more worried about,” he said. “It’s only when they (snakes) are cornered that makes it more difficult.” When a snakebite occurs, the victim is taken to a hospital with anti-venom or the anti-venom is shipped from a centralized storage facility, Gluesenkamp said. “The issue has nothing with availability, but its shelf life, and it is very expensive,” he said. Anti-venom was recently sent to Dell Children’s Hospital in Austin after a Western Diamondback rattlesnake bit a six-year-old in Spicewood on March 28, according to the family’s fundraiser page. According to the page, the child needed over 30 vials of anti-venom and is now on the long road to recovery. Gluesenkamp said a new anti-venom is currently under review by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). The new product is a result of a partnership with Mexico and will provide another way to combat bites from rattlesnake species and copperheads. An alarm is raised whenever a bite occurs,
Sudoku!
but encounters in the United States occur less frequently than in places like Mexico, Hendon said. He said the next big step in snake safety is helping people understand that snakes are needed for the balance of the ecosystem, along with teaching people how to be safe around them. “If we didn’t have checks and balances
Readers can aid the family’s medical expenses by going to their Youcaring page. https://www. youcaring.com/koleblack-549699
Chief Juvenile Probation Officer for DeWitt County
The County of DeWitt is accepting applications for one fulltime position as Chief Juvenile Probation Officer for DeWitt County. Degree in Criminal Justice preferred. Applicant(s) for this position should have a minimum of five years experience and proven leadership skills. Applicant(s) must be able to deal with the public in a friendly, helpful and energetic manner and work well with others. DeWitt County is an EEOC. Applications are available on this site www.co.dewitt.tx.us. Applications may be emailed to treasurer@co.dewitt.tx.us or mailed to County Treasurer/Human Resource Department, 307 N. Gonzales St., Cuero, TX 77954. Applications will be taken until position is filled.
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on species like rodents it would not be a good thing,” Hendon said. “We need to help people understand the importance of them staying where they are.”
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St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church Mass Schedule Saturday: 5 p.m. Sunday: 8:15 a.m., 11 a.m., 5 p.m. Spanish Mass Sunday: 1:30 p.m.
512-858-5667
Rev. Charlie Garza, pastor Located at the corner of RR 12 & Post Oak in Dripping Springs
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Sunset Canyon Baptist Church 8:45 AM
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Thursday, May 12, 2016
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Page 5
Blanco River: Recovery plan specific to flood affected areas Continued from pg. 1
ecologist Ryan McGillicuddy said. “This is the first plan specific to flood effected areas,” McGillicuddy said. “We tried to give people information on how to jump start recovery in a highly disturbed area.” The design plan covers everything from government permits to site installation and maintenance. The educational portion explains that a highdensity area of vegetation holds a riverbank together, McGillicuddy said. The high-density vegetation protects a bank from washing away during a flood, and catches soil deposits that make it stronger, he said. “We can say with 100 percent security that landscapes that are managed how we are advocating will recover quicker and bounce back,” McGillicuddy said. Rachael Ranft, of The Nature Conservancy, said the river has already benefited from properties with high-density vegetation. While the Halloween flood did cause more devastation, the few debris piles still left along the
PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III
A member of the Texas Conservation Corps helps plant a tree seedling as part of Treefolk’s reforestation project along teh Blanco River at Five Mile Dam in Kyle.
river helped catch plants and other natural debris, Ranft said. “It really helped and acts as rebar for the banks,” she said. “Hopefully we can spread the information about riparian
ecosystems and not fight against the river.” Ranft said many properties along the river had overly maintained landscapes down to the water’s edge. Some landowners have been weary of
maintaining high-density areas of vegetation, which can be seen as a place for snakes, she said. She said conservationists suggest picking a 20foot by 20-foot area to keep mowed for river access, but
to let the rest of the area percent of the seedlings to grow without interference. survive the summer heat. “It’s about “They’re dokeeping your ing good, you bank where just have to “(Debris it needs to dig in the grass be and leta little to see piles and ting the trees them,” Mears grow up,” vegetation) said. “The Ranft said. expectation is really helped that the trees “We’ll find seedlings as will be healthiand acts tall as grass er if you let the but they aras rebar for neighboring en’t growing plants grow.” because they McGillicudthe banks... get moved dy said he over.” expects most Hopefully Some riverfront we can seedlings, residents will which agree with the spread the haven’t been high-density moved, vegetation information are already plan once popping out more informaabout of the grass, tion is shared TreeFolks and neighbors riparian reforestation begin talking ecosystems up the model. manager Matt Mears “When we and not said. show people TreeFolks, ideas fight against these a nonprofit I’ve seen light that reforests bulbs come the river.” areas of Cenon,” McGiltral Texas, licuddy said. – Rachael Ranft of The planted 500 “But it’ll take Nature Conservancy test seeda long time to lings at Five change what Mile Dam in Kyle. Mears our culture thinks of what said he expects 20-40 a beautiful river is.”
Wastewater Project: Professional services team gets boost to move ahead Continued from pg. 1
contested case. The company will also look at reducing the number of lift stations to just one, Ferguson said. Steve Coonan, API chief financial officer, said the effluent collection plans are 70 percent complete. He said a lot of the collection system plans include working with landowners to settle easement issues. “Since the loan was approved, we are just beginning designs on the treatment plant for the new location,” Coonan said. Coonan said the new designs with less lift stations would save $100,000 to $150,000 in construction. “We are having to put in more gravity collection lines, which is more expensive, but there is
Council members will appoint seven individuals to the energy infrastructure committee during the May 20 meeting, councilmember Bob Dussler said. The advisory committee would work to solve issues between Pedernales Electric Cooperative and Wimberley residents. overall a reduction that we see,” Coonan said. “There would be an ongoing maintenance and operation reduction with less stations.” Ferguson said the city is also looking at a $1 million
grant from the Texas Water Development Board that could be applied to the project. Additionally, the city will soon have a taskforce committee to look at Wimberley’s future energy
infrastructure and current transmission line issues. Council members will appoint seven individuals to the committee during the May 20 meeting, councilmember Bob Dussler said. The advisory committee would work to solve issues between Pedernales Electric Cooperative and Wimberley residents, he said. “The objective is to get ahead of the curve on transmission issues and create a long term strategic plan,” Dussler said. Resident Janette Barlow said a committee began after years of miscommunication between PEC and residents. Barlow said very little has been explained during meetings between PEC and
residents. Only two documents of planning have been presented during the meetings. “For eight years, we’ve been asking you (city) to find out what they are doing, to talk with them,” Barlow said. “Because we would have to initiate it as a city, and until we do that, I don’t think anything is going to happen.” Barlow said some of her biggest concerns have focused on when and where PEC will lay more transmission lines. Councilmember Cindy Anderson said she was concerned the lack of planning left out the public input process and wasn’t beneficial to Wimberley’s future energy needs. “It’s not fair and (it)
seems there are consequences being dealt to certain citizens,” Anderson said. “And I feel if we can get more information forthcoming we can say, that’s not good we don’t like where you are putting it.” The city council will also vote on language that will set the committee’s structure and objectives. Ferguson said creating a committee might spur PEC to improve community relations on its own. “Hopefully what this will do is seek public input, that’s one thing Janette will talk about all day long,” Don Ferguson said. “That they didn’t seek public input, and when they did it was well after that freight train headed out of the station.”
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Page 6
News-Dispatch
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Sports Lady Tigers stay alive in playoffs STAFF REPORT
PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM
When they’re not out on the field, Kiele Miller (center) and catcher Dani Northrup (left) lead the dugout in cheering for the Lady Tigers.
Despite needing all three games in their area round playoff series against the Seguin Matadors, the Dripping Springs Lady Tigers continue their path through the playoffs. Back-to-back 7-4 wins on Saturday afternoon lifted Dripping Springs over the Seguin Matadors to reach the regional quarterfinals. Dripping Springs was forced to rally after dropping the first game of the three game set 10-5 at Seguin High. Dripping Springs surged ahead in game two as they defeated Seguin 7-4, which was claimed after the Lady Tigers scored three runs in the sixth frame. The Tigers were led by Kiele Miller, who went 3 for 4 at the plate with a pair of
Next up
The Lady Tigers take on the San Marcos Rattlers for the regional quarterfinals 7 p.m. Thursday, May 12 in San Marcos and 5 p.m. Friday, May 13 at Dripping Springs.
RBIs in the game. In the pitching circle, Miller rebounded and only gave up four runs and two walks to Seguin in the second game. Miller tossed six strikeouts over the course of seven innings. With the game two win, Dripping Springs set itself up for a winnertake-all game three. But Seguin got the upper hand early, taking a 4-1 lead after an inning of play. Lady Tiger pitcher
Paige Leschber, who pitched in relief of Miller, put the stopper on the Matador bats the rest of the way. Leschber gave up no runs and one hit, while striking out two batters over the course of her 5 and 2/3 inning outing. Leschber’s ability to hold Seguin’s offense allowed Lady Tiger bats to rally. Dripping Springs tallied six runs from the fourth inning through the seventh frame. Dripping Springs advances to play San Marcos in the regional quarterfinals for a three game series. Game one is scheduled for Thursday in San Marcos at 7 p.m. Game two is scheduled for Friday in Dripping Springs at 5 p.m. Game three, if necessary, will be played 30 minutes after game two.
Tigers pummel LBJ 10-0 in six innings BY MOSES LEOS III
News-Dispatch Editor
Borrowing a mantra of late coaching icon Keith Tuck, Dripping Springs Tiger baseball coach Chris Payne hoped his team could adhere to the “believe and survive” mentality. The Tigers were able to do just that and more Friday as they pummeled the LBJ Jaguars 10-0 in six innings to advance to the second round of the postseason. Payne said his team’s ability to believe in each other helped them continue their pursuit of a state title. “It’s ‘believe and survive.’ We believe in each other and believe in the coaches,” Payne said. “We believe in the hard work and the process.” Tiger pitcher Shep Shepard, who earned the win by going four innings Friday, said the lopsided win provided a “big boost” for the team. He said the team “believes in ourselves now.” Focusing on the task at hand, primarily improving after their regular season ending loss to Leander, led to what he said was the “best week of practice all season.” “We were just really mad (after the Leander game). We were frustrated. We went into that game really high on ourselves,” Shepard said. “It knocked us back and we had to rise to the challenge.” Dripping Springs’ offense hit the ground running by taking a 1-0 lead after the first inning. The Tigers added a pair of runs in the second frame before opening the
PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM
Dripping Springs senior Shep Shepard delivers a pitch to an LBJ batter in the top of the first inning. Shepard (3-2) and Johnny Hoyle (4-3), who came in to pitch in the fifth inning, combined for a 10-0 shutout of the Jaguars in the bi-district playoff game. Neither pitcher gave up a walk. Shepard allowed 4 hits in 4 innings and struck out four. Hoyle kept the Jaguars hitless while striking out two in 2 innings.
Next up
The Tigers play San Marcos Rattlers at 7 p.m. Thursday at SMHS and 5 p.m. Friday at Tiger Stadium.
flood gates in the third inning. Four runs crossed the plate for the Tigers, highlighted by an RBI double from Shepard on a hit-and-run situation.
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Payne said the Tigers’ ability to get on base and score a run in the first inning, which he said was the team’s “Achilles the last three or four games,” helped spur momentum. Generating offense with two outs also played a major role. Dripping Springs scored three of its ten runs on two-out hits. Also helping was an aggressive mindset, ranging from the batters
box to the basepaths. Dripping Springs outfielder Grant Gaspard said the focus of “hitting the ball solid, lobbing it up there” was the focus at the plate. Shepard said the Tiger offense gained confidence at the plate. “It gains confidence for some of the guys who were struggling at the plate before,” he said. On the mound, Shepard, along with
pitcher Johnny Hoyle, combined for a four-hit shutout of LBJ’s offense. Shepard said his arm “felt good” during the week leading up to the playoff game. The ability to get a full week’s rest was “nice on my arm.” Shepard also lauded his defense for backing him up. “I came into the game knowing the guys behind me do a good job and they don’t make any
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errors,” Shepard said. “We have some great fielding behind me.” As the playoffs roll on, Payne said focusing on production from the team, including many of the younger players, will help them continue their season. “We’re in a war zone and only one team was going to come out victorious,” Payne said. “The boys were able to pick each other up.”
Go Tigers!! 100 Creek Road Dripping Springs 512-829-2243
Thursday, May 12, 2016
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Page 7
Education
DSHS Project Graduation KAP school welcomes new gets ready for showtime
superintendent
BY PAIGE LAMBERT
News-Dispatch Reporter
STAFF REPORT
D
ripping Springs High senior J.D. Huff won a handful of raffle tickets at the school’s annual powder-puff football game. As he dropped more tickets into his stash, he thought of all the prizes he could win at Project Graduation. The Dripping Spring ISD senior class will visit EVO Entertainment in Kyle for its Project Graduation event. Project Graduation is a nonprofit that gives seniors a safe, fun alternative to partying after graduation. Sandra Dodd, Project Graduation president, said she expects almost 50 percent of seniors to attend the event. Some students decide to see family, or stay with friends, instead of attending the event, she said. “It’s not that the other 50 percent is going out and partying necessarily,” Dodd said. “We want to reach those parents who may not know how to get them out of that situation.” Dripping Springs’ Project Graduation board uses a chunk of its $40,000 budget for prizes such as laptops, mini-fridges and gift cards, she said. Dodd said some seniors attend just for the prizes.
PHOTOS BY MOSES LEOS III
The Dripping Springs Project Graduation team set up booths and dressed as Star Wars characters at local events such as Christmas on Mercer in order to raise money.
Huff said his brother, who also graduated from Dripping Springs, earned so many raffle tickets to go to Project Graduation that he won a $1,000 scholarship. “I’ve got some big shoes to fill,” Huff said. “I don’t have a laptop, so that would be cool to win.” Even with the attractive prizes, it is hard for volunteers to attract students to the event, Dodd said. She said the nonprofit tries to get information out through social media,
The Katherine Ann Porter School will function under the new leadership Coni Wilson this coming school year. Former superintendent Jordan Elliot-Pierce tendered her resignation after serving in the role for eight years. ElliotPierce will remain at KAPS until July 31 to aid Wilson. Wilson has 20 plus years of experience in education and leadership, according to a press release. Wilson was the founding administrator of Vista Charter School in Montrose, CO and served as superintendent and principal for seven years. She has also served as a secondary teacher. During her time at
the Vista Charter School she secured more than $900,000 in charter school grants. She also won $4 million building grant and WILSON accumulated $1.5 million in reserve for the school building. She holds comprehensive elementary and generic special education certifications, according to the release. “It’s kind of a return the community,” Wilson said. “As I visited Wimberley every summer and Thanksgiving with my family throughout my youth and young adult life.”
PROJECT GRAD, 9
Fatal Wrecks Continued from pg. 1
According to Barrera’s email, the Lincoln was traveling eastbound U.S. 290 when the driver lost control, entered into a right side skid and crossed over into the westbound inside lane with its rear end. The Buick, which was traveling westbound on U.S. 290, crashed into the back left of the Lincoln. The vehicles then spun and came to a rest in the westbound lanes of US 290. Barrerra said the crash is still under investigation and it is not yet known why the Lincoln lost control. But hours after the accident occurred, a petition was created on change.org calling for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to decrease the speed limit on U.S. 290 in the Dripping Springs area. The petition called for TxDOT to decrease the speed limit to 45 miles per hour through Dripping Springs, 55 mph between Dripping Springs and Austin, as well as installing additional traffic signals. It also encouraged law enforcement to enforce speed limits more strictly. A similar petition was created for the Holder Lane intersection on U.S. 290 after a five-vehicle collision in January. The petition led to a public meeting with TxDOT and a lane improvement project. The project created a center turn lane and shoulders on U.S. 290 from McGregor Lane to FM 165. Nearly 24 hours later, a major accident on FM 150 near Bill Kuykendall Road and the Hays City Store killed two people and left at least one person seriously injured. Barrera said the accident happened at 6:30 p.m. Monday when a 2004 Pontiac passenger
BE INFORMED
See the US 290 petition online at http://chn. ge/1Tzomt2
vehicle was traveling eastbound when the driver lost control and crossed into oncoming traffic. A 2016 Ford pickup then struck the Pontiac, Barrera said. The driver and passenger in the Pontiac died at the scene. At least the driver of the Ford pickup truck
was in critical condition and transported via Starflight to an area hospital. Barrera said there are currently conflicting reports of if there was one or two individuals in the Ford. Barrera said she did not know which hospital the individual was transported to or their current condition. The names of the deceased have not been released. This story is still developing. Be sure to check HaysNewsDispatch.com for updates.
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Classifieds
News-Dispatch
Page 8 Public Notices BRFP 15-017 LEASE OF EXCESS 2.5 MHZ EDUCATIONAL BROADBAND CAPACITY
Garage Sale
Notice of Application to Subdivide
Dripping Springs Independent School District is requesting proposals for RFP 15-017 Lease of Excess 2.5 MHz Educational Broadband Capacity. Copies of the proposal will be available on and after May 12, 2016 from the School District’s website www. dsisdtx.us. Proposals will be received in the Business Office of the Dripping Springs Independent School District, 510 West Mercer Street P.O. Box 479, Dripping Springs, Texas 78620. Proposals will be submitted and received until June 13, 2016 2:00 PM. Questions should be directed to Michelle Lyons, Purchasing Specialist, Michelle. lyons@dsisdtx.us.
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Notice is hereby given that an application has been filed with Hays County Development Services Department to subdivide 16.00 acres located at 2707 Gatlin Creek Road, Dripping Springs, Texas 78620, to be known as Gatlin Creek Ranch. Information regarding the application may be obtained from Hays CountyDevelopment Services (512) 393-2150. Tracking number: SUB-584.
NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SUBDIVIDE An application has been filed with HAYS COUNTY to subdivide 41.4 acres of property located at along HWY 290, Dripping Springs, TX 78620. Information regarding the application may be obtained from Hays County Development Services (512) 393-2150. Tracking number: SUB-564
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Project Grad
Page 9
HCWC
Continued from pg. 7
Continued from pg. 2
COURTESY PHOTO
Senior Jacob Thomas in the Project Graduation 2016 Dunking Booth at Founders Day.
emails and tabling during athletic events. “They aren’t thinking about, ‘what am I going to do after graduation,’” Dodd said. “They can’t see (beyond) that night, they see being done (with high school) and beyond that point.” She said it’s also hard to get parents involved, whether it’s donating or volunteering. Parents are asked to donate $200 per child. The venue alone costs $50-$60 per student, she said. Beyond parents and fundraisers, businesses have stepped up to the plate to fund the successful night, she said. “The businesses want to support the kids and keep them safe, and not only them, but everyone else safe too, because then they aren’t drinking and driving,” Dodd said. Brandon Hopkins, who is the owner/manager at the TCBY yogurt shop, said he wanted to use some of his shop’s opening day proceeds to support the event. Hopkins said he remembers how much fun he had at his Project Graduation event at Marble Falls High and wanted to allow other students to experience it. “It’s a good cause and great alternative,” Hop-
Want to Help
Visit www.dshs projectgraduation. com to learn more, donate or volunteer. kins said. “This makes sure they make it to college.” Dodd said the event would occur every year, as long as they can fill the board with parents. She said the nonprofit’s board is filled with senior parents, who phase out after the event. Previous boards set up a policy to leave seed money for the next year’s event, Dodd said. She said she hopes to leave more for the next board or even get parents onboard earlier. “There’s some schools where the junior class puts on Project Graduation for the seniors, so there were junior parents,” Dodd said. “That way those parents are still around to give advice.” Huff said he wanted to go the event, not just for the prizes, but to see everyone he grew up with one last time. “Most of us have been here since first grade so everyone knows everyone,” Huff said. “We probably aren’t even going to be all together again.”
with, we make assumpother services. Our 24 tions that victims must hour HELPline is 512-396be lying. Or worse yet, HELP(4357). All services that somehow they asked are free and confidential. for it and deserved what We would like to invite happened to them. your readers to find out The good more about news is that HCWC services if you truly and learn ways BE INVOLVED seek to protect to get involved Visit www. victims, you by visiting hcwc.org or call can make a our website at (512) 396-3404 difference www.hcwc.org to see how you by learning or by calling can volunteer. more about (512) 396-3404. this issue and Sources of becoming an advocate research referenced in for change. HCWC offers this letter can be viewed education, 24-hour shelon our website. ter, counseling, legal and Thank you for your personal advocacy, 24attention, hour hospital response, a Melissa G. Rodriguez children’s advocacy center HCWC Director of (Roxanne’s House) and Community Partnerships
Younts: Let’s play ‘name that school’... Continued from pg. 2
being politically correct, we must be careful in our name selection. So, let’s rule out any anyone linked to the Confederacy, and to be fair, anyone with ties to the Union army. While we’re at it, since we may have some kids who moved here from England, perhaps we should rule out anyone who fought the British in the American Revolution, too. Let’s not pick anybody who might’ve offended any large group of people, like Muslims, Mexicans or women, so we can scratch Donald J. Trump High School off our list. I suppose we could name the schools after others who participated in the current Republican presidential race, but I’m afraid we’d have a large number of students dropping out early. We already have a number of schools named after heroes of the Alamo, so let’s scratch off Bowie, Crockett and Travis. There were around 200 other fellas who fought there, but I can’t recall anybody else’s name. Guess we could name the school after John Wayne since I do recall seeing him at the Alamo. Why not name a school
Why not name a school after a local icon like Willie Nelson? I’m sure Willie would approve as long as the school has a good music program and teaches horticulture. after a local icon like Willie Nelson? I’m sure Willie would approve as long as the school has a good music program and teaches horticulture. The school fight song could be “Whiskey River” and the school mascot can be a roach. How ‘bout naming it after local celebrity, Matthew McConaughey? We can have the kids stand up and say the pledge of allegiance every morning, followed by reciting “Aw right, aw right, aw right!” We could name a school after the Texas grocer, H.E. Butt. And the school mascot could be the Scratchers. Or maybe the Wipers? No school ‘round these parts is named after either George Bush. Then the school mascot could be the Bush Whackers. With all these transplanted Californians living
is the word “Cowboys” politically correct? crowsnest78610@yahoo.com
in Hays County, perhaps we should name the new high school after some icon from their home state, like Ronald Reagan, Arnold Schwarzenegger or OJ Simpson. Okay, here is my official nomination for naming our new school: Tom Landry High School. What a fine example of integrity, honesty and dedication to excellence. And naturally, the school mascot will be the Cowboys. If any transplanted folks from New York, Washington D.C. or Philadelphia have a problem naming our school after Tom Landry, there will be a class on Southern butt-kickin’ out behind the bleachers. Clint Younts might not be politically correct, but he always knows who the Cowboys are playing. Now,
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Page 10
News-Dispatch
What’s on your birding bucket list? BY JERRY HALL
News-Dispatch Contributor
I
have a book titled “100 Birds To See Before You Die.” There is no way anyone can see all 100 because one of them is the ivory-billed woodpecker, a bird long extinct. However, of the remaining 99, I am happy that I have seen 34, so I have only 65 to go. Among the must-see birds that I have spotted are hoatzin, oilbird, blue-and-yellow macaw, I’iwi, northern carmine bee-eater, bee hummingbird, Andean cock-of-the rock, magnificent frigatebird and resplendent quetzal. Among the birds I have yet to see are Indian vulture, azure tit, spoonbilled sandpiper, snowy sheathbill and superb fairywren. And while many of the birds in this book are found in far-away lands, you’ll be glad to know
Unfortunately, the bird I would most like to see is not so handy. I would dearly love to see the blue bird-of-paradise – it’s found in New Guinea. Maybe one day.
Continued from pg. 3
‘Wimberley Strong’ Celebration
Celebrate Wimberley at Blue Hole Regional Park on Saturday, May 21 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. This is a free
JOIN THROUGH D N A 1 3 Y A M SAVE $48!
The colorful hoatzin is one bird to see before you die.
Lagniappe
classes. Space is limited. To reserve your seat call Barbara, Community Relations Liaison, Wimberley Home Health at 512-738-7048.
COME HOME TO THE Y THIS SUMMER
COURTESY PHOTO
several live right here in Texas. For example, you can see the greater roadrunner, vermillion flycatcher and bohemian waxwing without leaving home.
event featuring sandwiches by Chef Jay Events, live music by Robyn Ludwick, Andrew Hardin, Jill Jones & Three Hands High and a remembrance ceremony.
Duck Race
Don’t be a lame duck! Join Wimberley EMS at 220 Twilight Trail in Wimberley for this annual fundraiser, beginning at 10 a.m. May 21. Ducks will run sometime after 11 a.m. Every year
hundreds of rubber ducks race to the finish line. The top three ducks and one “lame duck” are awarded cash prizes. Proceeds go towards buying lifesaving equipment for Wimberley EMS. Call 512847-2526 or visit www. wimberleyems.com for more information. To submit your event for inclusion in Lagniappe, send an email to christine@ haysfreepress.com.
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