Finding her home at camp
Congrats, Wimberley grads!
Tiger softball falls at regionals
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pages 10-11
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News-Dispatch Volume XXXVI No. 33
Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982
Thursday, May 26, 2016
WIMBERLEY CITY COUNCIL
Options sought for wastewater project BY PAIGE LAMBERT
News-Dispatch Reporter
New faces filled seats on the Wimberley City Council dais May 19 as council debated taking another look at details for the Central Wimberley Wastewa-
ter Project. The city council voted 3-1 to create an ad hoc committee to look at gravity verses a vacuum system for the central wastewater plant. Councilmember Bob Dussler voted against the measure and councilmember Gary Barchfeld was not present.
The committee will have 30 days from its first meeting to research if a vacuum system would be better for Wimberley’s needs, said Wimberley mayor Mac McCullough. The committee will bring its findings to the council and terminate on July 25, McCullough said.
75¢
“I ran on the election promise of reviewing the sewer cost,” McCullough said. “We are going to run this review concurrently (to the current project) and there’s ample work that [Alan Plummer Associates, Inc.] can
WASTEWATER, 11
DRIPPING SPRINGS
Heritage PID leaves questions unanswered BY PAIGE LAMBERT
News-Dispatch Reporter
The Dripping Springs City Council gave more direction to developers for a centralized Public Improvement District (PID) at its May 17 meeting. Councilmember Charles Busbey said the council was concerned about the lack of benchmarks, financial detail and the development’s impact on Dripping Springs. “We’ve had a lot of questions answered, but we feel like there are some questions we still need to address,” Busbey said. “We do like the project.”
HERITAGE PID, 4
Doe not cross at low water points
PHOTO BY ROY HELM
A pair of doe didn’t let a stretch of road in Woodcreek swollen by floodwater May 19 keep them from crossing the obstructed path, albeit with a little trouble. Hays County Precinct No. 3 Constable Ray Helm said both deer exited the floodwater safe and sound. A line of storms that passed through the area May 19 dropped several inches of rain, which forced the closure of numerous low water crossings across the area.
BY PAIGE LAMBERT
LAGNIAPPE
News-Dispatch Reporter
sponders and residents pulling together. “I’ll never forget the outpouring of support I saw first hand as
The City of Wimberley and Hays County are taking the next steps to improve the oftentimes gridlocked Ranch Road 12 and Farm to Market 3237 intersection. The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) recently awarded $400,000 to the city for the design and rightof-way acquisition for the intersection. The city council unanimously voted during its May 19 meeting to direct CAMPO to transfer the funds to the county. The two entities will also enter an interlocal agreement so the city will have input throughout the project, Wimberley city administrator Don Ferguson said. “They are willing to pick up the financial burden and be more forward with this,” Ferguson said. “But it’s very important that we are at the table with an equal voice.” Will Conley, Hays County Pct. 3 Commissioner, said the two entities have planned for the county to begin the project since a submission was placed with CAMPO for it two years ago. He said the county has taken the responsibility to get intersections “shovel ready” throughout the county. “We have the resources to deal with it more efficiently,” Conley said. “We are basically putting ourselves in front of the line for funding.” Jerry Borcherding, Hays County transportation director, said shovel ready projects score more points than those that still need design work and right-of-way acquisition. When federal funds become available through CAMPO, the highest scoring projects are funded first, he said. “If we have a design on the shelf, we will more than likely get the funds,” Borcherding said. “We are expecting more funds to become available for construction soon.” He said construction could begin in as little as two
FLOOD, 11
CAMPO, 9
WAG Rescue Dog Adoption Day
On Saturday, May 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Whole Pets Market (911 West Hwy 290, Dripping Springs) will host an adoption day. All available adult dogs have been fully vetted, are heartworm negative, are microchipped and have been spayed or neutered. Puppies have been vetted, parvo tested, de-wormed and have had their shots current for their age and are micro chipped. WAG Rescue provides a spay/ neuter voucher through Emancipet. Can't make it? Contact WAG at info@ wimberleywagrescue.org to set up a convenient time to meet the pups at Treasures on Twelve in Wimberley.
LAGNIAPPE, 12
CAMPO approves Hays fixes
PHOTOS BY PAIGE LAMBERT
Volunteers present a plaque to the city of Wimberley from Governor Greg Abbott. Abbott designated May 23-27 Flood Awareness Week in honor of the devastating floods last year. Below, Jacobs Well Elementary students sing their part of “Wimberley Strong” at EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens.
One year later…
Wimberley neighbors reflect on catastrophic flood BY PAIGE LAMBERT
News-Dispatch Reporter
W
imberley neighbors didn’t shed tears, but instead beamed with smiles and a unified resolve for the community Saturday at the EmilyAnn Theatre & Gardens. Residents and officials alike had their chance to share stories of last year’s Memorial Day flood during Wimberley Strong – A One Year Remembrance of the Flood and Celebration of Recovery. Hays County Pct. 3 Commissioner Will Conley said he remembered getting a sinking feeling when he drove up to the Ranch Road 12 bridge, only to hear the wall of water moments later. “I’ll never forget the sound and the power of that river and the snapping of trees that had stood for hundreds of years,” Conley said. “From time to time, you could hear the distress of people screaming.” Governmental officials of all levels and corporate sponsors
spoke of the raw moments after the disaster. U.S. Representative Roger Williams said while he advocated aid from the federal platform, he was impressed by the first re-