News-Dispatch May 16, 2019 by Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch

Nursing profession thriving in TX

DSISD names Top 10 students

Working moms maintaining balance

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News-Dispatch Volume XXXIX No. 32

Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982

75¢ Thursday, May 16, 2019

County rejects defender’s grant for a second time BY KATIE BURRELL

Lingering issues on a grant application meant to fund a public defender’s office led Hays County Commissioners May 10 to reject a second attempt at approving the item. The move happened when no other commissioner seconded a motion

by Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra to approve the application. It was the second discussion on the Texas Indigent Defense Council (TIDC) grant in roughly a week’s time. County commissioners shot down the application in a similar fashion at the May 7 meeting. The grant application was due May

The Texas Indigent Defense Council (TIDC) grant would have provided 80% funding to participating counties and reduces funding to public defense operations over several years.

10. The TIDC grant provides 80% funding to participat-

A significant qualification of the grant application is the support of county staff, county judges and district judges. However, Becerra did not have that support secured May 7 and still did not have it May 10. The rest of the appliing counties and reduces cation was not completed the level of funding for when first presented to the counties over several years. Commissioner’s Court dais

May 7; Becerra said the application was completed by May 10. But several commissioners were worried about a continued lack of information on the application, as well as a lack of support behind it. Those same issues led commissioners to

DEFENDER’S OFFICE, 2

Wimberley okays wedding venue rezoning

Funding woes stifle TCEQ

BY EXSAR ARGUELLO

In a final vote before a new council is sworn in, the Wimberley city leaders approved a zoning change that would allow additional development at The Water’s Point Hill Country Wedding Venue. The council approved the Wimberley Planned Development District (WPPD) in a 3-1 vote. Councilmember Allison Davis was the lone dissenting vote. Councilmember Erik Wollam recused himself because his law office is located near the wedding venue site. Owner Natalie Meeks, who is also the chair of the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission, said the property was incorrectly zoned when the city was incorporated in 2000. The new zoning change would allow her family to expand its business, which is located off of RR12 in the city limits. “If our business burned to the ground tomorrow, we wouldn’t be able to rebuild because of the zoning,” Meeks said. The proposed project would include the addition of six lodging cabins, expansion of existing infrastructure, a restaurant, swimming pool and office/retail space. The impervious cover on the property

Despite dying in committee, a bill aimed at increasing the penalty imposed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for environmental violations stirred a conversation about the agency’s lack of oversight. House Bill 3035 by Rep. Erin Zwiener (D-Driftwood) would have required TCEQ to ensure the amount of any administrative penalties that could be given is at least equal to the value of the economic benefit gained by the alleged violator. “We have more facilities applying for TCEQ permits every day, particularly in the aggregate industry,” Zwiener said. “We need to be confident that TCEQ has the regulatory structure in place that encourages new permittees to be proactive.” Zwiener said larger companies with TCEQ permits can violate the contingencies of that permit because the consequences don’t outweigh the economic impact to that business. If it’s cheaper to pollute the environment, there is little incentive to change.

VENUE ADDITIONS, 2

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

FM 150 water crossings closed indefinitely

Roadway damage caused by flooding along Onion Creek forced Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) officials last week to close the RM 150 double crossings for an indeterminate period of time. Diann Hodges, TxDOT public information officer, said the crossing will be kept closed for another week or more until officials can determine the “best path forward” for the roadway. While officials understand the need for repairs, they are still figuring out “what that looks like.” The closure has created headaches for commuters who use RM 150 as a means to reach Driftwood and Dripping Springs. An alternate route can include using FM 1626 to RM 967 to RM 1826 to RM 150 or using FM 150 in Kyle to FM 3237 to RM 12 in Wimberley.

Neighbors accuse venue of pollution BY EXSAR ARGUELLO

Accusations of creek pollution caused by construction of a controversial Driftwood wedding venue is generating concerns from residents who worry the issue could negatively affect the Edwards Aquifer. The Driftwood-area Mark Black Wedding Venue, located on Crystal Hills Drive in Dripping Springs’ extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ), was cited in February 2019 for three environmental violations,

which have since been addressed by the owner. The venue is owned by Mark and Michael Black. But three months later, nearby residents are still seeing potential environmental violations near the construction site. Carlos Torres-Verdin, president of Friendship Alliance and neighboring resident, said multiple eyewitnesses are seeing a milky substance run through

PHOTO COURTESY OF CARLOS TORRES-VERDIN

Neighbors of the wedding venue construction have wit-

VENUE POLLUTION, 8 nessed a milky substance draining into the creek.

– to allow important infrastructure projects that provide significant public benefits,” according to the release. “Halting natural gas pipeline projects in the state would undercut the Texas economy and widespread community benefits.” Kinder Morgan’s move

The agency’s funding has been a topic of contention in the Texas Legislature for a decade. A lack of state funding to TCEQ means the agency must take a reactive, not proactive, approach to adequately citing offenders. Zwiener said the agency is set up to be self-funded through the permitting process. However, that money doesn’t go directly to the agency’s account. The monies are funneled to the State Treasury’s office and allocated. “We consistently have not put all of those funds back to TCEQ,” Zwiener said. “This isn’t about beating up the agency, but giving them the tools to be successful.” Alex Perkowski, Policy Fellow on Zwiener’s staff, said the agency has an interest in having facilities operate, a flaw in its funding

KINDER MORGAN, 8

ENVIRONMENTAL BILL, 8

Kinder Morgan files a motion to dismiss eminent domain lawsuit BY MOSES LEOS III Roughly a week after multiple parties filed suit against Kinder Morgan’s Permian Highway Pipeline (PHP), the Houston-based firm fought back by filing a motion to dismiss the claims, according to a press release. The filing, submitted May 7, asked the judge in charge of the case for a summary judgement based on “ample reasons” for dismissal, according to Kinder Morgan officials. It is unknown at this time if a decision on the motion has been made. According to the release, the plaintiffs,

“The lawsuit is a prime example of why eminent domain exists – to allow important infrastructure projects that provide significant public benefits. Halting natural gas pipeline projects in the state would undercut the Texas economy and widespread community benefits.” –Kinder Morgan press release

which include Hays County and the city of Kyle, assert “no wrongdoing” on the part of Kinder Morgan. “In addition, they are demanding relief under a statute that does not create a right of action against a private party like PHP,” according to the release. Kinder Morgan officials also said the law-

suit “ignores the fact” that the PHP’s eminent domain rights derive from the Texas Constitution and the Texas Legislature. Officials cited more than $14 billion in state and local taxes and state royalties were paid by the oil and natural gas industry. “The lawsuit is a prime example of why eminent domain exists

FUNDING WOES FOR TCEQ

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News-Dispatch

News -Dispatch PHONE: 512-268-7862 FAX: 512-268-0262 PUBLISHER Cyndy Slovak-Barton csb@haysfreepress.com

EDITOR Moses Leos III moses@haysfreepress.com

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News-Dispatch (USPS 011 - 401) is published weekly except for the weeks following July 4 and Christmas by Barton Publications, Inc., 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640. SUBSCRIPTION PRICE $42 local, $59 county, $62 out of state. Periodicals Postage paid at Driftwood, TX. Email paper@haysnewsdispatch. com for subscriptions and address changes. POSTMASTER: send address changes to NewsDispatch, 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.

Thursday, May 16, 2019

Nursing profession thriving in Texas, study says BY EXSAR ARGUELLO

of a nurse is to educate and facilitate care for Despite the unpredictpatients, acting as a careability that comes with giver to those in need. the profession, those Brooks said she knew who make up the staff of she wanted to be a nurse nurses at Seton Medical ever since she was in the Center Hays in Kyle dedi- 6th grade. cate their lives to improvHaving worked in ing the heath of fellow urban intercity hospitals residents. to Level I Among trauma cen“He walked these are ters, Brooks’ Kristen back to us to nearly Brooks and decade-long thank us, and tenure as a Vanessa Cuellar, nurse has I knew then nurses at given her a and there that plethora of Seton Hays. Brooks is experience this patient an Intensive throughout was a true Care Unit the field. (ICU) nurse And testament while Cuellar throughout to what we is a recovery the memonurse. Alries, there do. To see though these was always him walking two nurses one that fulfill differstuck with again…it’s ent roles at Brooks. what keeps the hospital, When both work completing me going. tirelessly for her clinical the patients internship –Kristen Brooks, they serve. or capstone, nurse at Seton Hays Cuellar, a Brooks was Kyle native, working with started off as a pediatric a patient who had both recovery nurse in San of his legs amputated in Antonio before moving to a traumatic motorcycle Austin and eventually to accident. Kyle. The patient was told he “The variety of recovery would never walk again, care that I have done has but with some grit and been amazing for me,” hard work, he overcame Cuellar said. “You’re seethose boundaries. ing the patients from all The patient returned aspects of their care when to the nurses after rehab, they are with us, so you thanking the nurses build a special relationduring his recovery. ship with them.” “He walked back to us Cuellar said the role to thank us, and I knew

HAYS FREE PRESS FILE PHOTOS

A recent study conducted by finance company WalletHub ranks Texas 13th in the nation for the best places to work as a nurse.

The Nursing Market in Texas (1=Best; 25=Avg.)

1st

Monthly Avg. Starting Salary for Nurses (Adjusted for Cost of Living)

14th Nurses per Capita 12th Average Annual Salary for Nurses (Adjusted for Cost of Living)

15th Projected Competition by 2026 23rd Avg. Number of Work Hours then and there that this patient was a true testament to what we do,” Brooks said. “To see him walking again…it’s what keeps me going.” Both Brooks and Cuellar work in a profession that’s gathering steam in Texas. A recent study conducted by finance company WalletHub ranks Texas 13th in the nation for the best places to work as a nurse. The study cites a great work environment,

Venue Additions: Wimberley okays rezoning Continued from pg. 1

would increase by two percent to roughly 8.5 percent. However, 12 letters of opposition within the 200-foot notice area were submitted to the city; only one letter was written in support. Neighbors addressed concerns about noise pollution, according to the letters in the agenda packet. Wimberley resident and former Mayor Steve Thurber advised council not to rush the WPPD process, highlighting the city’s

Owner Natalie Meeks, who is also the chair of the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission, said the property was incorrectly zoned when the city was incorporated in 2000. The new zoning change would allow her family to expand its business, which is located off of RR12 in the city limits. negotiations when H-E-B was built. “My concern is the process,” Thurber said. “A WPDD is a negotiation between the city, developers and neighbors … I’m not sure why we’re trying to hurry with this.”

authority to regulate a PPD through the state’s zoning regulations. This includes building height, size, location and population density. Mayor Pro Tem Gary Barchfeld said the plan for development was “thought out very well,” Thurber said H-E-B’s es that H-E-B adhered to. and pushed for the WPPD original concept plan inThurber said the projto be approved. cluded a larger footprint, ect was “beautiful” and Councilmember Craig lighting infrastructure that needed a WPPD to benefit Fore agreed with Meeks’ was out of compliance and the Meeks and their neigh- sentiment that the current the removal of an extra 50 bors. zoning would not allow trees. However, through However, Wimberley the family to rebuild the the PDD, the city was able City Attorney Charlie Zech business in case of a disasto negotiate critical chang- said the city only has the ter like a fire.

Defender’s Office: Application dies for lack of a second Continued from pg. 1

originally kill the application May 7. Hays County Pct. 4 Commissioner Walt Smith said he was against applying because he is concerned about getting rejected and not focusing on any solutions he felt could be more viable. “The concerns that I have is that very clearly in the application is that we must display broad support from our local judiciary,” Smith said. “I’ve spoken with most of our judges and I have yet to

find one willing to sign.” The concept for the grant was an idea Becerra and his staff had when he took office. Becerra said his staff conducted research on the application and attempted to present it to commissioners about two to three weeks before it was due, said Chief of Staff Alex Villalobos. “We’ve been working on this for some time now and I asked to place it on the agenda, but I was told I asked too late,” Villalobos said.

After an hour of discussion among citizens, commissioners and local judges, Becerra called for a motion to apply for the grant with the option to gain judicial support post-application. No second to the motion was offered. But all commissioners and county leaders expressed concerns about the efficiency of the county’s legal system. Hays County Pct. 5 Justice of the Peace Scott Cary said residents are

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compensation and demand for the job sector as part of its study. “With high starting salaries and the presence of the Nursing Licensure Compact law, the state does a good job employing nurses,” said Jill Gonzalez, an analyst for Wallethub. “There is also still a lot of competition in this profession, and the state is attractive to nursing school grads looking for a place to work.” Gonzalez said Tex-

as ranks the highest in average starting salary for nurses, as well as an abundance of high-quality nursing schools. However, the profession is faced with some challenges that range from mandatory overtimes and overstaffing. But these are issues that are not prevalent in the Lone Star State. “Despite these issues, nursing is still one of the most lucrative careers, with the lowest unemployment rate in the country,” Gonzalez said. “This is because there is a growing demand for nurses, especially in light of so many baby boomers retiring and in need of care.” Cuellar said she intends to stay in the community she has called home all her life. “I don’t see myself leaving because I love it here,” Cuellar said. “I love the fact that I’ve been here pretty much all my life. Our job is to care for the citizens and it’s evident when you meet the nurses here.”

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suffering from a lack of public defense for indigent defendants. Cary provided evidence May 10 of residents serving more than three months in jail due to a lack of representation and a slow legal system. County commissioners said they would be interested in applying for the grant in 2020. They would do so after research and work is done to gain support, as well as filling out the application in advance of the deadline. “Our county has been working on criminal justice reform for years,” Becerra said. “That is a pace I cannot appreciate. I will not let this die on my desk.” However, Villalobos and Becerra addressed their intent to bring up the TIDC grant as an item for discussion in a Feb. 27 email to the General Counsel’s office. Villalobos was told in later emails sent by General Counsel Mark Kennedy that the grant application needed to be posted on an agenda for the court to vote upon. It wasn’t until 3:30 p.m. April 26 that Villalobos requested to post the TIDC grant item to the agenda.

Villalobos’ request was denied because the agenda had already been posted. Legal Support Services Specialist Janice Jones said in an email to Villalobos that she had already posted the agenda for that week’s Commissioner’s Court meeting and could not add his requested item. Jones said she would have waited to post the agenda if Villalobos had given advance notice about possibly including the grant. Villalobos said he was informed by the General Counsel that he had until 5 p.m. on the Friday before each commissioners court meeting to send in an agenda item. In an April 29 email, Kennedy said the agenda is normally posted between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m and is completed on Jones’ timeline. A posting closer to 5 p.m. is often due to communication from an outside office that they have an agenda item coming. Kennedy said Jones “had not heard” they were working on the item. He added previous emails from Villalobos did not mention of wanting to post a supplemental agenda or that the item was an emergency.

Thursday, May 16, 2019

Opinion

www.HaysNewsDispatch.com

Lack of communication is culprit in this matter P ublic safety and the criminal justice system account for the majority of your tax dollars spent by Hays County. These responsibilities require the collaboration of multiple stakeholders, jurisdictions, county functions and elected offices, in order to be effective and efficient. There is always room for improvement and now more than ever our system needs cooperation and commitment from all of those involved. Last week the Commissioners Court discussed a grant application to the Texas Indigent Defense Commission (TIDC) for the establishment of a specialized public defender’s office. The proposed grant was first brought to the Commissioners Court by our county judge on May 7. It required court approval for a May 10 deadline. This was the first time this issue had been discussed in court and many of us were uncertain of what tangible solutions the proposal would provide. We were given less than a week to decide. Currently, Hays County tax payers provide over $1.5 million towards indigent defense. The majority of these funds compensate court appointed attorneys. I spent most of the days surrounding this discussion speaking with some of these attorneys as well as judges and citizens in an effort to better understand our challenges in Hays County. I also researched Travis County’s recent efforts to agree upon a grant request to

Guest Column

by Lon Shell, Hays Co. Pct. 3 Commissioner

the TIDC. They created a stakeholders committee and spent months, if not years, debating the best path forward. Just last week they reached agreement with a majority of their judges. During our discussions, only one elected judge out of the fourteen that currently serve Hays County stated a willingness to support the grant application. Of the judges that I have personally spoken to, all agreed improvements to our system are needed. However, they expressed concern over the lack of communication on the grant proposal and believed there are more effective strategies that would better address our challenges. From my conversations with attorneys that have in the past provided or currently provide indigent defense, I heard a broad range of opinions. Some thought a public defender’s office could work if structured properly. Others thought enhancements to our current court appointment system would work better, and most believed enhancements to pre-trial services should be the first step. In my opinion, without a commitment and a consensus from our judges and attorneys, any change has little chance

for success. Unfortunately, the issue of this grant application has been seen as partisan by some. I cannot disagree more with this perception. Improvements to our Criminal Justice system are supported by all, whether regarding indigent defense, mental health, efficient and effective courts, or expenses related to jail operation. This is not a time to make partisan claims. This is an opportunity to participate in a constructive process that will benefit all Hays County residents. Later this month the Hays County Criminal Justice Coordinating Commission will meet. This commission is made up of representatives of our courts, attorneys, law enforcement and others from our community. These representatives have been selected by their peers and colleagues. Their participation will provide the much needed opportunity to work collectively towards lasting improvements. In the fastest growing region of our country, we must work hard to maintain our quality of life. Just as our exceptional growth makes transportation planning and the protection of our natural resources more important than ever, it also requires us to collectively work together to preserve our high level of public safety and provide equal and effective justice for all. I will continue to work hard for you and what is best for all Hays County residents.

Creation of SH 45 SW was a joint effort

hank local citizens Guest for “preserving the environment we all Column share” for new SH 45 SW by Jim Camp, The Central Texas Reformer BSEACD gional Mobility Authority board president (CTRMA), an agency that funds and builds roads in central Texas, has been that the state didn’t want it advertising the building to be a designated federal of SH 45SW Toll Road and project that would require their role in “preserving a stricter Federal Envithe environment we all ronmental Impact Study share,” as part of the proj- (FES). TXDOT wanted to ect. CTRMA control the should give outcome of most of the the study CTRMA did credit for and did its the politically the focus own inadeon enviquate enviexpedient thing ronmental ronmental to get 45SW stewardreview. ship to local After Toll Road built. citizens and citizen But it was the groups like and public Save Barton interest “locals” who Creek Asbacklash, worked tirelessly BSEACD sociation, Sierra Club and TXDOT for years to get and Barton reached an officials to do Springs agreement Edwards in U.S. fedthe right thing. Aquifer eral court Conservafor a parktion District (BSEACD). way design with no frontOriginally, state transage roads, limited access, portation officials with best roadway construction the Texas Department of standards, protection of Transportation (TXDOT) creeks and caves, and planned a 3.7-mile freehigher standards for water way as part of an “outer pollution removal. Best loop.” It included frontManagement Practices for age roads with multiple water quality ponds and access points over the hazard material traps were Edwards Aquifer Recharge seen as a good start. Zone with little strategy The Consent Decree to remove and monitor agreement stipulated that roadway pollution. These if TXDOT sought federal plans had MOPAC going funding on the outer loop south across pristine Hill Segment 3 over the aquiCountry land in Hays fer, then it must do a FES. County. Segment 3 of the The project languished “outer loop” was planned over the years not only to connect ¼ mile short of from public opposition, IH-35 South. Why would it but mostly because a lack do that? of funding. When toll The obvious reason was roads gained some state-

wide support, CTRMA was created. Initially there was no guarantee that CTRMA would honor the consent decree. Many people in the Austin area spoke against this project as planned. Years had passed and we had better geoscience knowledge of the Edwars Aquifer and Barton Springs. For example, top agency and university geoscientist using dye-tracing technology, could now tell us that a hydrocarbon spill on SH 45 SW near Bear Creek could pollute local groundwater wells immediately and that contamination could reach Barton Springs in days. We now understood how, when and where the recharged water travels in the aquifer. In addition, more geological assessment identified dozens of recharge features like Flintridge Cave. CTRMA did the politically expedient thing to get 45SW Toll Road built. But it was the “locals” who worked tirelessly for years to get officials to do the right thing. The source for our drinking water and that of Barton Springs deserved nothing less. When you drive on this new segment of SH45 SW, admire a part of the sensitive, scenic Texas Hill Country and remember that even local citizens can make a big, positive impact. Even if it takes years to do so. Jim Camp is a former board member and president of the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District.

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Police Blotter The following is a tally of all calls made to law enforcement within Hays County between May 6 and May 12, 2019. Abduction/Kidnapping............................................1 Civil Matter..............................................................1 Information..............................................................3 Compliance Check................................................14 Property - lost/found/imp........................................4 Civil standby............................................................1 Sex offender registry...............................................0 Alarm - business....................................................38 Alarm - residential.................................................31 Animal call.............................................................83 Loose livestock......................................................14 Field euthanasia......................................................1 Assault.....................................................................6 Sexual assault.........................................................1 Assist EMS............................................................14 Assist Fire Department............................................8 Assist outside agency...........................................12 Burglary - building...................................................1 Burglary - habitation................................................4 Burglary - vehicle.....................................................4 Criminal mischief.....................................................4 Death investigation..................................................2 Environmental crime................................................3 Death Investigation..................................................1 Illegal dumping........................................................1 Disorderly conduct..................................................1 Disturbance - noise...............................................19 Disturbance - physical fight..................................11 Disturbance - verbal..............................................12 Violation of order.....................................................1 Drug paraphernalia..................................................1 MIP - tobacco..........................................................1 Narcotics information..............................................2 Alcohol Violation......................................................1 Fraud.....................................................................12 Harassment.............................................................7 Threat......................................................................4 Mental health follow up...........................................7 Sex Offenses...........................................................1 Mental Health Invest................................................1 Mental health transport...........................................1

Violation city ordinance...........................................2 Missing person........................................................1 Public assist............................................................7 Disabled vehicle....................................................17 Close patrol.........................................................138 Foot patrol...............................................................2 Parental discipline assist.........................................1 Flagged down..........................................................1 Welfare concern....................................................18 Suicidal person........................................................5 Investigation............................................................1 Supplement...........................................................66 Suspicious circumstances....................................24 Suspicious person.................................................11 Suspicious vehicle.................................................26 Wanted person......................................................17 Identity theft............................................................1 Theft......................................................................19 Vehicle theft.............................................................5 Recovered stolen vehicle........................................2 Accident - minor....................................................26 Accident - hit and run..............................................6 Accident - major injury..........................................18 Abandoned/stored vehicle....................................18 Directed/area enforcement......................................2 Traffic control/direction............................................4 Traffic hazard.........................................................55 Attempt to locate...................................................56 Parking enforcement...............................................1 Traffic stop...........................................................321 Solicitors..................................................................1 Trespassing/unwanted..........................................10 911 abandoned/open..........................................144 911 hang up............................................................2 911 Transer..............................................................1 911 misdial..............................................................1 Deadly conduct.......................................................1 Discharged firearm..................................................3 Private tow/repo......................................................8 Fire - other...............................................................1

The following is a list of highlighted calls made to law enforcement agencies in Hays County between May 6 and May 12, 2019. Agency Activity HCSO Assault HCSO Assault HCSO Sexual Assault BPD Burglary - Habitation HCSO Burglary - Vehicle BPD Disturbance - Phys/Fight HCSO Disturbance - Phys/Fight HCSO Disturbance - Phys/Fight HCSO Disturbance - Phys/Fight BPD Suicidal Person HCSO Suicidal Person HCSO Theft HCSO Theft HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Accident - Major/Injury BPD Assault HCSO Disturbance - Phys/Fight HCSO Sex Offenses HCSO Suicidal Person BPD Theft BPD Theft HCSO Theft HCSO Theft HCSO Theft HCSO Theft HCSO Vehicle Theft BPD Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Assault HCSO Assault HCSO Burglary - Habitation BPD Disturbance - Phys/Fight HCSO Drug Paraphernalia HCSO Missing Person HCSO Suicidal Person BPD Theft BPD Theft HCSO Theft HCSO Theft HCSO Theft HCSO Vehicle Theft HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Assault HCSO Assault BPD Burglary - Building HCSO Disturbance - Phys/Fight HCSO Disturbance - Phys/Fight HCSO Controlled Substance HCSO Missing Person BPD Theft HCSO Vehicle Theft BPD Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Abduction/Kidnapping HCSO Assault HCSO Assault HCSO Assault HCSO Assault HCSO Burglary - Habitation HCSO Burglary - Habitation HCSO Burglary - Vehicle BPD Death Investigation HCSO Disturbance - Phys/Fight HCSO Extradition BPD Theft BPD Theft BPD Theft HCSO Theft HCSO Theft HCSO Vehicle Theft HCSO Vehicle Theft BPD Accident - Major/Injury BPD Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Burglary - Building HCSO Death Investigation BPD Disturbance - Phys/Fight HCSO Disturbance - Phys/Fight BPD Theft HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Burglary - Vehicle HCSO Death Investigation HCSO Disturbance - Phys/Fight HCSO Disturbance - Phys/Fight HCSO Theft HCSO Accident - Major/Injury HCSO Accident - Major/Injury

Date 05/06/2019 05/06/2019 05/06/2019 05/06/2019 05/06/2019 05/06/2019 05/06/2019 05/06/2019 05/06/2019 05/06/2019 05/06/2019 05/06/2019 05/06/2019 05/06/2019 05/06/2019 05/07/2019 05/07/2019 05/07/2019 05/07/2019 05/07/2019 05/07/2019 05/07/2019 05/07/2019 05/07/2019 05/07/2019 05/07/2019 05/07/2019 05/07/2019 05/07/2019 05/07/2019 05/07/2019 05/08/2019 05/08/2019 05/08/2019 05/08/2019 05/08/2019 05/08/2019 05/08/2019 05/08/2019 05/09/2019 05/08/2019 05/08/2019 05/09/2019 05/08/2019 05/08/2019 05/08/2019 05/08/2019 05/08/2019 05/09/2019 05/09/2019 05/09/2019 05/09/2019 05/09/2019 05/09/2019 05/09/2019 05/09/2019 05/10/2019 05/09/2019 05/10/2019 05/10/2019 05/10/2019 05/10/2019 05/10/2019 05/10/2019 05/10/2019 05/10/2019 05/10/2019 05/11/2019 05/10/2019 05/10/2019 05/10/2019 05/10/2019 05/10/2019 05/10/2019 05/10/2019 05/10/2019 05/10/2019 05/10/2019 05/10/2019 05/11/2019 05/11/2019 05/11/2019 05/12/2019 05/11/2019 05/11/2019 05/13/2019 05/13/2019 05/12/2019 05/12/2019 05/12/2019 05/12/2019 05/12/2019 05/12/2019

Time 16:03:25 22:46:11 19:06:45 6:17:59 17:18:22 22:50:28 8:31:43 14:41:19 16:41:04 14:18:26 11:23:24 18:05:27 21:47:27 7:12:49 9:52:46 12:34:29 22:32:42 10:31:49 17:15:50 14:05:54 17:08:08 8:22:02 10:45:32 14:16:26 15:14:08 11:15:08 16:33:31 10:39:28 18:01:38 19:20:33 21:55:16 10:39:10 12:56:15 8:56:56 18:29:43 15:56:53 20:22:43 17:53:15 12:45:37 2:40:51 16:50:57 21:59:58 3:55:14 12:12:43 13:01:15 15:01:23 16:03:07 16:45:08 8:19:48 15:10:00 13:31:48 18:42:18 19:27:32 15:26:18 23:53:39 18:38:18 5:26:50 17:15:07 19:09:32 14:54:29 16:31:35 17:49:31 18:43:17 15:17:14 19:11:29 7:03:12 9:32:10 2:00:50 9:32:28 8:29:03 14:57:48 15:52:09 12:26:46 14:03:38 9:30:59 15:15:27 8:00:03 13:55:44 9:55:36 20:32:56 14:34:51 14:50:37 0:21:55 14:24:49 11:12:36 0:27:37 2:52:34 18:12:41 10:10:43 17:58:32 10:10:47 8:27:34 22:00:34

Location Seton Hays Hospital, Kyle W US 290, Dripping Springs Hill Country Care Howard Ln Buda Mandan St Buda Steamboat Xing, Dripping Springs Cullen Blvd, Buda Saddleblanket Trl, Buda Sycamore Springs Middle School Mariah Dr, Kyle E Loop St, Buda, Buda Library Dripping Springs, Springs Apartments Kyle Cemetery Arbor Bay Dr/Founders Rdg, Dripping Springs 2167 S FM 1626, Buda 1129 Harris Hill Rd, San Marcos IH 35 Fr, Buda, H&E Equipment Services San Marcos Regency MHP Carney Ln, San Marcos Sandy Point Rd, Wimberley Walmart of Buda Walmart of Buda Lehman Rd, San Marcos Wimberley Tobacco Barn Hilliard Rd/Alpine Trl San Marcos Wimberley, Brookshire Brothers Kyle, Precinct 2 Tax Office Exit 220 SB, Buda RR 1826/Darden Hill Rd, Driftwood W US 290 Dripping Springs, Patriot Erectors 440 block Harris Hill Rd, San Marcos Sawyer Ranch Rd/W Us 290 Dripping Springs Kyle, Wallace Middle School Limerick Rd, Buda Running Bull Ln, Kyle Cabelas Dr, Buda, Carrington Oaks Kyle, Lehman High School Poplar Dr, Mountain City Sprucewood Dr, Wimberley Walmart Of Buda Tractor Supply Of Buda W Third St, Kyle Stella Gold St, Buda IH 35, Tractor Supply Of Buda Gardner Rd, Kyle RR 12, Wimberley, Plaza Del Sol RR 3237/RR 12, Wimberley Regina Dr/Hillside Dr, Buda 1046 Harris Hill Rd, San Marcos Kyle, Chapa Middle School Sycamore Springs Middle School W Goforth St, Buda, Center Union Hilliard Rd, San Marcos Thousand Oaks Loop, San Marcos Buda, McCormick Middle School Cotton Gin Rd, Kyle HEB of Buda Stag Horn Pass, Kyle N FM 1626/RR 967 Buda Lilac Way, Kyle Dacy Ln, Kyle, Chapa Middle School Goforth Rd, Kyle Bridle Path, Kyle Woodcreek Dr, Woodcreek Santa Fe Run, Kyle Judy Dr, Dripping Springs Joe Harper Ct, Dripping Springs RR 967, Buda, Creekside Villas Country Ln, Kyle San Marcos, Hays County Law Enforcement Center Walmart of Buda IH 35 Fr, Buda, Dollar Tile IH 35, Buda, Twin Liquores Dragon Ridge Rd, Buda 4800 Jack C Hays Trl, Buda, All HCISD Properties Drifting Wind, Run Dripping Springs W Mccarty Ln, San Marcos 210 FM 2001 Buda S FM 1626/Oyster Crk Buda E RR 150/CR 202 Kyle San Marcos Lease & Lock Storage Wimberley, 7A Ranch Resort Heep Run, Buda Windmill Run, Wimberley Walmart of Buda 1711 W Us 290, Dripping Springs, Tractor Supply Compass Ln, Kyle Nautical Loop, Kyle Kyle, Seton Hays Hospital FM 2001 Buda San Marcos, La Vista Retirement Community S Sunset Canyon Dr, Dripping Springs W Fitzhugh Rd, Dripping Springs 2951 block FM 2001, Buda

Page 4

News-Dispatch

Thursday, May 16, 2019

Sports

Tigers power past Dragons in three STAFF REPORT

Dripping Springs opened the area round A trio of unanswered series Thursday with a runs in the final four in5-0 win over Southwest in nings Saturday catapulted Somerset. the Dripping Springs Tigers Southwest countered baseball team into the next Friday with critical offense round of the playoffs. in the waning moments of By virtue of a comeGame 2 to outlast Dripping from-behind 5-2 Game Springs in an 8-7 slugfest, 3 win over the San Antoforcing a decisive Game 3. nio Southwest Dragons, Dripping Springs trailed Dripping Springs (24-11-1) early before it exploded for clinched the best-of-3 area a five-run fifth inning of round series and punched Game 2 to take a 7-3 lead. a ticket to the regional Southwest, however, quarterfinals for the first responded with a 5-run time since the 2017 camsixth frame in Game 2 to paign. secure a come-from-beDripping Springs (24hind victory. 11-1) plays Kerrville Tivy The Dragons carried in a best-of-3 series. Game that momentum early in 1 will be 7 p.m. ThursGame 3 when they took a day at Dripping springs 1-0 lead after an inning of High School. Game 2 is play. 7 p.m. Friday at Kerrville Dripping Springs counTivy High School, with an tered with a two-run third as-necessary Game 3 set inning highlighted by an for 2 p.m. Saturday at Tivy RBI base hit from RJ CaHigh. bela, which was followed

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

While San Antonio Southwest Dragon infielders discuss strategy with their head coach at the mound, Dripping Springs Tiger head coach Chris Payne (left) chats with Brennan Frickel during a time out in Game 2 of the best-of-3 area round series.

by the Dragons tying the game at 2-2 in the bottom half of that inning.

Tigers outmuscles Tivy to regional semifinals STAFF REPORT

Five critical seventh inning runs helped the Dripping Springs Tiger softball team gather enough separation to outlast the Kerrville Tivy Antlers in a wild 15-9 regional quarterfinal slugfest. Dripping Springs (362), currently ranked 3rd in Class 5A, advances to play Corpus Christi Flour Bluff in a winner-take-all one game regional semifinal contest Friday, 6 p.m. at Jourdanton High. Supporting the Tigers Friday was an offense that scattered 16 total hits on Tivy pitching. Both teams combined for 28 total hits in the contest. Tivy led 3-2 after two frames before the Tigers exploded for a five-run third inning. The outburst gave Dripping Springs a 7-3 lead. The Antler offense, however, outscored the Tigers 6-3 over the next 3.5 innings, cutting Dripping Springs’ lead to 10-9 heading into the seventh. Dripping Springs countered with five more runs in the seventh frame, highlighted by an RBI double from Mackenzie Pierpoint that allowed the Tigers to pull away. Tiger Izzy Bermudez went 4 for 5 at the plate with an RBI and two doubles. Pierpoint and Brooke Rummel both went 2 for 4 with a combined four total RBIs on the night, while Camille Corona went 3 for 6 with an RBI and a team high three stolen bases. In the circle, Tiger pitcher Kyndall Womack gave up nine runs on 11 hits and struck out four batters over the course of seven innings.

The Tigers pulled away in the fourth inning via a solo home run by Nick

Gullo, followed by a run scored on a passed ball. Dripping Springs led 4-2

after four innings and added an insurance run in the top of the seventh frame.

Seven tigers compete at state

PHOTOS BY NICK MORRIS

Seven Dripping Springs athletes took on the best in Texas when they hit the UIL state track meet at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin Friday. Leading the Tigers was junior runner Avery Kalsu who took 4th place in the 5A girls 400-meter dash, narrowly missing out on a bronze medal by .07 seconds. On the boys side, Tiger senior Bobby Holt completed his track career by taking 6th place in the Boys 800-meter run. Also competing was Marleena Mickel who took 8th in the Girls 3200-meter run, as well as the Tiger boys 4x400 team of Tyler Herron, Andre Perry, Zyle Nance and Ty Kaatz who finished in 9th place. Above, Dripping Springs High junior Avery Kalsu (1312) speeds around the bend during the 5A girls 400-meter dash. Left, Tiger senior runner Bobby Holt (2576) sprints out of the blocks in the 5A boys 800-meter run. Tiger freshman Marleena Mickel runs in the 3200-meter run.

PHOTO BY NATHAN LATSHA

Dripping Springs infielder Jayna Reid (16) parks herself underneath a pop-up during the team’s area round contest at Texas State University. Reid went 2-for-5 with an RBI and a home run in the team’s regional quarterfinal contest against Kerrville Tivy Friday.

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Page 5

Education

DSHS student newspaper recognized nationally STAFF REPORT

the country in its student population range. Rebranded this year as "The Paw Print", the student newspaper was formerly called MyDSHSNews - which is now the umbrella name for all student media at DSHS,

DSHS's student newspaper "The Paw Print" won first place from the American Scholastic Press Association for the 2018-2019 school year, one of 13 schools across

Catherine Manning

Katherine Bender

including the website www.mydshs.com and social media accounts. The name change was spearheaded by editors-in-chief Giselle Galletti and Camryn Horst. Also working on "The Paw Print" are Features Editor

Aubrie Caldwell

Katie Haberman; News & Entertainment Editor: Jade Berry; Opinion Editor: Tessa Stigler; Creative Editor: Jade Howe; Sports Editor: Rigley Willis; and Staff Writers: Hanna Gaither, Jami Holms, Samantha Moore, Evelyn

Ethan French

Peterson, Cady Russell, Andrew Spiegel, Collin Spires, Madeline Tredway, and Mitchell Williams. Jessica Stamp is DSHS's journalism and yearbook instructor. DSHS students have been honored in the past

by the American Scholastic Press Association, receiving "First Place with Special Merit" designation in 2016 for the student newspaper and the 2017 Tiger Cry yearbook, “One & Only,” earned a First Place award.

Reid Lohman

COURTESY PHOTO

Benjamin Marsan

Ryan Nowicki

Varun Verma

Samuel White

Kyndall Womack

Dripping Springs High names Top 10 The Dripping Springs High School list of “Top 10” students by academic rank for the Class of 2019 has been announced by Principal Joe Burns. The top-ranked senior and valedictorian for the Class of 2019 is Catherine Manning. The second-ranked student and salutatorian is Benjamin Marsan. Other students

ranked among the top 10 are (in order): Ryan Nowicki, Varun Verma, Kyndall Womack, Katherine Bender, Ethan French, Aubrie Caldwell, Reid Lohman, and Samuel White. Lohman also was National Merit finalist. All 10 students carried an overall weighted grade point average of 109 or higher.

"Dripping Springs High School offers its students rigorous and authentic learning opportunities, and is a highly competitive academic environment,” said Burns. While it is evident that these students have consistently focused on their performance in the classroom, they also have been involved in many areas of campus life

... from athletics to fine arts to outstanding community service. I have no doubt these well-rounded individuals will be successful in the next step of their lives." The students will be honored during Senior Awards Night May 22 and at the Dripping Springs High School Graduation May 31.

Sycamore Springs students give back

While most students were sleeping in on Saturday morning, Sycamore Springs Middle School National Junior Honor Society members were at Central Texas Food Bank on May 11 helping to provide 3,750 meals for those in need in the community.

Ten seniors gain new medical certifications Dripping Springs High School students have received medical certifications in two different specializations this spring. In the first year of DSHS's Certified Medical Assistant course, five students who completed the course and took the national certification exam passed. These students are now qualified to begin their careers as certified medical professionals. The course is taught by Chris Treadwell. Students include Dylan Rich, Emery Dunn,

Camryn Leuschner, Mackenzie Harrington, and Alyssa Hoyer. In addition, six DSHS students passed their Certified Pharmacy Technician exam. Those students were: Dylan Rich, Katie Bender, Madi McCraw, Calista Chervenkis, Heather Lowery, and Mary Caldwell. DSHS offers certification in several areas, including pharmacology, vet tech, CAD design, and preparation for students to take the real estate licensing exam.

DSISD students compete at Special Olympics events COURTESY PHOTO

Sycamore Springs goes to Washington From April 28 to May 2, 60 eighth-graders and five staff members from Sycamore Springs Middle School traveled to Washington, D.C. to learn first-hand about the U.S. government. Students visited many key attractions including the White House and were hosted at the Capitol by U.S. Congressman Roger Williams, who represents District 25, which includes Dripping Springs.

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On April 27 and May 4, DSISD students competed in Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) competitions. On April 27, 18 DSISD athletes from RSE, WSE, DSMS, SSMS, and DSHS participated at the Central Area Track and Field Competition at Vandegrift High School in Leander. In total, DSISD won gold medals in five events including one for the "older boys unified 4x100 meter relay." It was the first time DSISD entered unified relay teams in the event (three DSISD relay teams competed). Each team consisted of two Special Olympics athletes and two Unified partners. Winning the gold medal was the team of Brant Higgerson, Carter King, Aiden Busch, and Alex Hier. Other gold medalists were: David Pringle (50 meters), Chase Steiner (softball throw), Tony Touve (mini javelin throw), and Sean Noumsi (50 meters). Silver medalists for DSISD were: Alex Hier (javelin throw), Ben Cantu (softball throw), Elizabeth Briones (softball throw), and Michael Mervin (50 meters). Bronze medal-

ists were: Alex Hier (400 meters), Ben Cantu (50 meters), Amber Briones (100 meters and softball throw), Chase Steiner (50 meters), Trinity Turner (100 meters), and Michael Mervin (softball throw). Also competing were Ethan Cooper, Jochelle Berry, Kinsey Silcox, Nathan Turner, and Jackson Silcox. On May 3-4, DSISD had six athletes compete at the Special Olympics Texas state meet. This year was the first that DSISD sent athletes to compete at the state meet. Alex Hier won a gold medal in the javelin throw and a silver in the 400 meters; Elizabeth Briones won a bronze medal for the 100 meters and finished sixth in the softball throw; Amber Briones placed fourth in both the 100 meters and the softball throw; Chase Steiner won a gold medal for the softball throw and was fourth in the 50 meters; Tony Touve won silver medals for the 100 meters and the mini javelin throw; and Trinity Turner won a gold medal for the softball throw and was fourth in the 100 meters.

Page 6

News-Dispatch

Thursday, May 16, 2019

Wonder women

Working moms balance home, lives and careers BY EXSAR ARGUELLO

over me in the workforce,” she said. “I feel indifferent regarding the statistics. I have worked hard for what I have and believe that many men do the same.” Regardless, Pepa said being a working mother can be difficult at times, but works through the adversary by prioritizing responsibilities.

The life of a working mother is often a battle to fulfill the role of a mom while balancing the challenges of a professional career. Mothers in Texas aren’t receiving a break either. Texas ranks as one of the worst states for working mothers, according to a new study by personal finance company WalMOMS IN BUSINESS – lethub. The study ranked A BALANCING ACT Texas 43rd overall. “Texas moms do seem Statistics have shown to be struggling with balancing a career with maintainbeing ing a work/ a mom life balance hinders a Texas ranks and one of woman’s the reasons as one of the ability for that is to move worst states the fact through that they the hierfor working work lonarchical ger hours,” business mothers, said Jill structure. Gonzalez, a Upward according to Wallethub mobility analyst. “A a new study for women woman’s is far less by personal workweek than men, in Texas is accordfinance about 37 ing to the hours, the WalletHub company third lonstudy. gest in the Wallethub. The Only 4.8% country.” of S&P 500 Gonzalez study ranked compasaid the nies’ chief Texas 43rd gender executives pay gap are womoverall. is evident en. in Texas; Addiwomen typically earn tionally, Texas ranks 47th 82% less than their male in the lowest female to counterparts. male executive ratio. Subsequently, this Gonzalez said there is a ranks Texas 49th in work- large gender represenlife balance in the nation. tation gap in different But it isn’t just long economic sectors such as work hours that conmanufacturing, technitributed to the study’s cal services and public findings. Texas ranks 32nd administration. and 35th in access to “It would seem that childcare and profession- women are not given al opportunities, respectoo many professional tively. opportunities, especially Some Hays County considering that the femoms, however, feel male unemployment rate indifferent about the is 4.4%, which is among statistics. Local busithe highest,” Gonzalez nesswoman Krista Pepa said. said she has owned three For Hays County resibusinesses and was able dent Erica Perez, working to excel quickly in retail whie being a single mothmanagement. er comes with a plethora “I never felt like a man of challenges that stem was promoted or picked around being the primary

caregiver for her child. Perez and her 9-yearold son live in San Marcos, where Perez works and her son attends school. If the school calls about her son, Perez is only one to take that call, which means taking off time from work. “When you’re in an office, you’re expected to work as if you don’t have a child, and when you’re home, you need to function as if you don’t work,” Perez. “Yes, there is a lot of pressure.” This pressure was also a sentiment shared by other mothers who contacted the Hays Free Press for the article. Some cite that mothers never

truly get the recognition they deserve. “If you’re struggling, you don’t want it to affect your child,” Perez said. “But you also need to be there for them with school, sports, homework or anything else they need.” To cope with the hardships of being a single parent, Perez urges others in her shoes to ask for help, even if it may seem embarrassing. “You can’t do it all by yourself,” Perez said. “It’s easy to want to be Wonder Woman, but let people in. Accept help because it doesn’t make you any less. If anything, it makes you better.”

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Public Notices NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Pursuant to Chapter 59 of the Texas Property Code, TJO 10 X 10 Management, Ltd Managing properties listed below will hold a public auction of property being sold to satisfy a landlord’s lien. The sale will begin on or about the time indicated at www.Selfstorageauction.com. Property will be sold to highest bidder for cash. Deposit for removal and cleanup may be temporarily required. Seller reserves the right to reject any bid and to withdraw property from sale. Property may be sold by the space. Property being sold includes contents in

spaces of following tenants, with brief description of contents in each space. Wednesday, June 5, 2019, 12:00 p.m. AAA Self Storage Dripping Springs at 2300 W. US Hwy 290, Dripping Springs, TX 78620. www.SelfStorageAuction.com William Burrow: misc. items.

RFP 18-19-003-1 DRIPPING SPRINGS ISD FACILITIES MAINTENANCE CONTRACTED SERVICES Dripping Springs ISD is requesting proposals for RFP 18-19-003-1 Facilities Maintenance Contracted Services. Pro-

posals will be received in the Business Office of the Dripping Springs Independent School District, 510 West Mercer Street P.O. 479, Dripping Springs, Texas 78620. Proposals shall be addressed to Michelle Lyons, Purchasing Specialist - CTSBO, 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, June 03, 2019. The RFP package may be obtained at the at the District’s website at www. dsisdtx.us. Dripping Springs Inde-

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pendent 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.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SUBDIVIDE An application has been filed with HAYS COUNTY to create a 2-acre lot along Nutty Brown Road, Austin, TX 78737. Information regarding the application may be obtained from Hays County Development Services 512-393-2150. Tracking number: SUB-1255

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS – RFP 18-19-013 FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGER-AT-RISK SERVICES DRIPPING SPRINGS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

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Proposals will be received by Dripping Springs Independent School District (the “District”), 510 West Mercer Street, Dripping Springs, Texas 78620, until 2:00 p.m. local time Thursday, June 6, 2019, to provide Construction Management at-Risk (“CMAR”) services for the Elementary School #5, New Walnut Springs Elementary, and Dripping Springs Middle School Renovations Projects as specifically set forth in the Request for Proposals package. Pursuant to the provisions of the Texas Government Code Chapter 2269, Subchapter F, it is the intent of the District to select a Construction Manager-at-Risk utilizing the One-Step Process. At the conclusion of the procurement process, the District may select one or two CMARs. The Elementary School #5, New Walnut Springs Elementary, and Dripping Springs Middle School Renovations Projects are planned to include:

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Construction is contingent upon certain activities being completed within a specific timeframe, which will permit the District to meet its contemplated schedule. If these activities are not completed when required, the District may not proceed with construction as anticipated. A non-mandatory pre-proposal conference will be held at the address above on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at the Facilities and Maintenance Department, 200 Peabody, Dripping Springs, Texas 78620. Please note that the District will be closed Monday, May 27, 2019, in observance of Memorial Day. Written questions will be received until 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28, 2019. Answers to the questions will be posted on the District’s website at https:// www.dsisdtx.us/Page/951 on Thursday, May 30, 2019. Interested parties will obtain the Request for Proposals packet with details concerning the Elementary School #5, New Walnut Springs Elementary, and Drippings Springs Middle School Renovations Projects, by contacting Ms. Michelle Lyons, Purchasing Specialist, CTSBO at the address shown above, by email at michelle.lyons@dsisdtx. us or by facsimile at 512.858.3039.

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Page 8

News-Dispatch

Thursday, May 16, 2019

Kinder Morgan: Wants lawsuit dismissed Continued from pg. 1

comes after several entities joined the Texas Real Estate Advocacy and Defense (TREAD) coalition in a lawsuit against the company and the Texas Railroad Commission. The suit, filed in late April in Travis County District Court, sought a temporary injunction to stop Kinder Morgan’s project, while also seeking more oversight from the Texas Railroad Commission on the way pipelines are routed.

Kinder Morgan’s request for summary judgement also comes as opposition continues to grow against the project. On May 7, the Johnson City City Council unanimously passed a resolution opposing the PHP, a 430-mile, 42-inch underground natural gas pipeline that would stretch from far west Texas to the Houston area. The proposed pipeline route is expected to cut through the Texas Hill Country

and could pass through Hays County. Johnson City joins Kyle, San Marcos, Buda, Wimberley, Fredericksburg, as well as Hays and Gillespie counties, in passing resolutions opposing the project. The Hays Free Press reached out to the TREAD Coalition for response to Kinder Morgan’s filing. Representatives with the coalition did not respond prior to press time.

Environmental Bill: TCEQ funding problem

TexSCAN Week of May 12, 2019 ACREAGE

Continued from pg. 1

process. There was a conversation at the committee on raising the penalty limit that TCEQ imposes on its violators. The limit of $25,000 has not been raised in more than a decade, which could be another way to address

the issue. The bill did not get voted out of the Environmental Regulation Committee, but Zwiener said getting the conversation started is equally important. “We had a great conversation at committee,”

Zwiener said. “We know TCEQ struggles to get full compliance with people who have permitting under them. A lot of folks play the game. This agency is meant to protect the environment, so let’s allow them to do so.”

Venue Pollution: Neighbors raise concerns Continued from pg. 1

a neighboring creek from the construction’s site. “I immediately noticed the change in the water last week,” Torres-Verdin said. “We monitor the creek all the time and we’ve never seen anything like this before. The creek has always been pristine until now.” The creek is a small body of water that eventually joins Bear Creek, which contributes to the Edwards Aquifer. Torres-Verdin said he fears the milky substance could make its way to people’s drinking water. Neighbors have taken water samples from the creek and are awaiting scientific analysis on the components of the water. The visual change in the water’s composition came a week after major flooding swept through western portions of Hays County, which could be the source of the contamination due to the high amount of runoff. Dripping Springs City Administrator Michelle Fischer said the city had

received a complaint regarding the wedding venue and the alleged pollution in the creek. Aaron Reed, Dripping Springs’ code enforcement and construction inspector, has made a visit to the site, Fischer said. “He directed the contractor to clean and repair the damaged erosion controls,” Fischer said. “A determination has not been made at this time regarding whether a violation occurred. City staff is in communications with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality regarding the matter.” Torres-Verdin said he predicts that the environmental protection measures did not account for high volumes of runoff, which could have caused the incident. “This is not an attack on the wedding venue or its business,” Torres-Verdin said. “We are just extremely concerned with the water and environmental quality of the land. We all share the land and it will affect us all.”

However, the Blacks disputed claims construction on the venue caused any pollutants to the creek. “We are committed to keeping a clean creek and helping clean up any natural runoff that may occur in the future,” according to a statement from Mark and Michael Black. “With the massive flash flooding that occurred over the past two weeks, we were happy with how our protective measures held up. The creek is in great condition and we look forward to keeping it that way forever.” According to the statement, the Blacks said their team has “gone through this process in the most professional way possible” and they have “cut no corners to make this property one of the most beautiful ranches in Texas.” “Through it all, we have abided by every law, ordinance, and regulation from local, state, and federal government,” according to the statement.

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JOIN IN MAY

Unique users Unique usersPage Unique Unique Average usersPage user Unique Average usersPage user Average user Average user Average user viewsusers Page views views views Page views a month a month a month a month per day a month per day per day per day per day

Print Print Print Print Print CirculationCirculation CirculationCirculationCirculation

News-Dispatch 17,652 17,65253,710 17,65253,710 17,652 580 53,710 17,652 580 53,710 580 53,710580

580

Print Print Print Print Print CirculationCirculation Circulation Circulation Circulation Mobile Mobile App Mobile App Mobile eEditionApp Mobile eEdition App percentage

percentage

percentage subscribers percentage subscribers

eEdition App eEdition subscribers subscribers

17,652 17,65253,710 17,65253,710 17,652 580 53,710 17,652 580 53,710 580 53,710580

eEdition subscribers

580

JOIN FEE SAVE $48

63% 63% 63% 63% 1240 157 63% 1240 157 Print Print Print Print 157 Print 157 CirculationCirculation Circulation Circulation Circulation Mobile Mobile App Mobile App Mobile eEditionApp Mobile eEdition App percentage

percentage

percentage subscribers percentage subscribers

1240 157 1240

1240

eEdition App eEdition subscribers subscribers

eEdition subscribers

53,710 17,65253,710 580 53,710 17,652 580 53,710 580 53,710580 5698 569817,652 569817,652 5698 569817,652 Population Population Population Unique users CountyPopulation County County 4,712 County 25,500 County 4,712 Population 4,712 4,712 25,500 4,712 25,500 25,500 63% 63% 63% 63% 1240 157 63% 1240 157 1240 157 1240 Print Print Print Print 157 Print 157 CirculationCirculation CirculationCirculationCirculation a month 17,65253,710 580 53,710 17,652 580 53,710 580 53,710580 Unique users 5698 5698 17,652 569817,652 569853,710 5698 17,652 Population Population Population Population Population

Print Readership 63% 63% 157 63%

580 Page 25,500 1240

views per month

Average user per day

newspapers

Mobile Mobile App Mobile App Mobile eEditionApp Mobile eEdition App = 200 papers = 200 papers = 200 papers = 200 paperspercentage = 200 papers percentage percentage percentage subscribers percentage subscribers

newspapers

4,712 4,712

eEdition App eEdition subscribers subscribers

eEdition subscribers

eEdition App eEdition subscribers subscribers

eEdition subscribers

580 Page views County 25,500 County 25,500 4,712 25,500 4,712 25,5004,712 25,500 a157 month 157 63% 1240 63% 1240 157 1240 157 1240 1240

Average user per day

= 200 habitants = 200 habitants = 200 habitants = 200 habitants= 200 habitants newspapers newspapers newspapers County County County

newspapers

59,775

115,768

TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL Readership Readership Readership Readership Readership Readership Readership Readership Readership Readership 5698 5698 5698 5698 5698 Circulation Population Population Population Population Population Print

Web Print

Web

1,992

You’re going to 1,925 miss us. 512.268.7862 u’re = 200 habitants = 200 habitants = 200 habitants =25,500 200 habitants =25,500 200 habitants newspapers newspapers newspapers newspapers County County County County County 25,500 4,712 4,712 4,712 4,712 4,712 25,500 25,500 13,105 13,105 13,105 17,652 13,105 17,652 13,105 17,652 17,652 17,652 30,757 30,757 30,757 30,757 63% 63% 157 63% 157 63% 1240 157 63% 1240 157 1240 157 124030,757 1240

newspapers

17,652

= 200 papers = 200 papers = 200 papers = 200 papers = 200 papers

53,710

580

5698 5698 5698 5698 5698 TOTAL TOTAL TOTALTOTAL TOTAL Print Print Print Web Print Web Print Web Web Web Readership Readership Readership Readership Readership Readership ReadershipReadership Readership Readership = 200 habitants = 200 habitants = 200 habitants = 200 habitants = 200 habitants County Population Population Population Population newspapers newspapers Population newspapers newspapers newspapers County County County County

4,712 4,712 4,712 25,500 4,712 25,500 4,712 25,500 25,500 25,500 13,105 13,105 13,105 17,652 13,105 17,652 13,105 17,652 17,652 17,652 30,757 30,757 30,757 30,757 30,757

Unique users Page views = 200 papers = 200 papersa month = 200 papers = 200 papers = 200 papers

Average user per day

Print Print Print Web Print Web Print Web Web Web Print TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL Readership Readership Readership Readership Readership Readership Readership Readership Readership Readership Circulation

Mobile

Facebook

Weekly

= 200 habitants= 200 habitants= 200 habitants = 200 habitants= 200 habitants 13,105 13,105 13,10517,652 13,10517,652 13,105 17,652 17,652 17,652 30,757 30,757 30,757 30,75730,757 17,652 53,710 580 percentage followers Mobile App

percentage

TOTAL TOTAL TOTALTOTAL TOTAL Mobile App eEdition percentage subscribers 13,105 13,105 13,10517,652 13,10517,652 13,105 17,652 17,652 17,652 30,757 30,757 30,757 30,75730,757 Print Print Print Web Print Web Print Web Web Web Readership Readership Readership Readership Readership Readership ReadershipReadership Readership Readership

63%

5698 newspapers

Population

69.5%

157

4,712

63%

County

1,413 1240

1,279 157

1240

25,500

SPEND YOUR

e-blast eEdition subscribers

SUMMER WITH US

= 200 papers

5698 readers newspapers

Average over past year, as of March 8, 2019

= 200 habitants

Print Readership

Web Readership

100 = Readers 13,105

17,652

Population

TOTAL

4,712

County

25,500

30,757

= 200 papers

Family Time

Senior Programs

Summer Camp

We’ve been together for a few weeks now, = 200 habitants sharing news, sports and neighborhood events. Springs Family YMCA Benefits

TOTAL READERSHIP 62,979 ing to 30,757 ss us. e

If you miss what we had, please subscribe. • FREE Group Exercise Programs Web Facebook Web Readership TOTAL • FREE Child Watch for Y Members It only costs pennies aFollowers week. Readership • FREE Y Active Sessions with a 59,775 13,105 17,652 1,925 1,279 Print Print Readership Readership

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