Tiger boys golf finishes at state tourney
Congressional, state candidates ready for election
DSISD honors Teachers of the Year
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News-Dispatch Volume XXXVIII No. 34
Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982
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75¢ Thursday, May 31, 2018
Water district recommends phasing EP permit BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
Phasing in how much water a Houston-based firm could obtain from the Trinity Aquifer was the recommendation handed down by local water entity officials. The Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District’s (BSEACD) general manager and staff recommended a plan for
“We felt like the large amount of groundwater requested could not be granted just as a single phase due to the high probability to unreasonable impact within a two-mile radius of pumping.”
WATER PUMPING ALLOWANCE BY PHASE Phase I would allow for .5 million gallons a day Phase II would allow for 1 million gallons a day Phase III would allow for 1.5 million gallon a day Phase IV would allow for 2.5 million gallons a day
–Kirk Holland, BSEACD General Manager
Electro Purification’s (EP) pumping permit, which originally called for 2.5 million gallons per day of water to be pumped from the Trinity Aquifer.
The report, which is a mix of scientific data evaluation and proposed recommendations, calls for phased permitting, compliance monitoring
plans, impact avoidance plans and a mitigation plan. BSEACD’s report calls
EP PUMPING PERMIT, 2
Electro Purification (EP) will be allowed to pump .5 million gallons a day until the BSEACD can determine if pumping that amount has any adverse effects on the aquifer. If unreasonable adverse effects are not observed, EP can re-apply to the district to move on to the next phase.
Burns takes JP4 seat in a landslide
Missing man found dead in Dripping Springs
BY MOSES LEOS III
BY MOSES LEOS III Authorities have identified a body found in a wooded area in Dripping Springs May 14 as that of a man who went missing earlier in the month. ALCARAZ Domingo Alcaraz, 45, of Spring, was discovered in a heavily wooded area in the 3400 block of McGregor Lane in Dripping Springs. According to a Hays County Sheriff’s Office press release, authorities were dispatched at approximate 2 p.m. May 14 in reference to a badly decomposed body. A subsequent autopsy identified the deceased as Alcaraz, who was reported as a missing person May 8. According to officials, Alcaraz was visiting the area when he fell and sustained injuries to his forehead and tongue. Alcaraz was last seen May 5 in the 6800 block of Fitzhugh Road. A cause of death has not yet been determined and an investigation is ongoing. However, authorities do not suspect foul play. Anyone who may have information regarding the case is asked to contact Detective Mike Andrews or the Criminal Investigations Division at 512.393.7814 or 512-393-7787.
PHOTO BY EXSAR ARGUELLO.
Remembering the price of freedom Members of the Lehman High JROTC presented the colors and raised the flags at a Memorial Day service at the Wimeberley Veterans Memorial. Above, a veteran pays his respects for fallen service members. The ceremony was one of a handful of events held in honor of fallen Hays County servicemen and women, as well as those across the country who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.
US 290 intersection upgrade receives federal dollars BY MOSES LEOS III
Just over $1 million in federal funds is projected to help Hays County front the cost of proposed improvements at the U.S. 290 and Trautwein Road intersection in Dripping Springs. Those monies were allocated May 7 by the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (CAMPO) Transportation Policy Board, which included the intersection in a list of area projects recommended for funding. Originally, Hays County had planned to finance improvements at U.S. 290 and Trautwein Road through Proposition 2 of its $250 million bond package, which was approved by voters in November 2016. Mark Jones, Hays County Pct. 2 Commissioner and a member of the CAMPO TPB, said the county could be able to use federal dollars to pay for the majority of the $1.5 million intersection improvement project. Jones said the current intersection is “under designed” and is
Pct. 2 Commissioner Mark Jones said the current intersection (US 290 and Trautwein Road) is “under designed” and is not able to handle the amount of traffic that goes through the area.
not able to handle the amount of traffic that goes through the area. The county plans to conduct a study on the intersection, which will measure traffic counts and other factors, before recommending improvements. “Whatever they recommend when they do the study, then we’ll see what the best option is to make it more efficient and safer,” Jones said. “It could be more turn lanes, or wider shoulders.” Jones said it could also allow the county to avoid selling the bonds entirely, or utilize those bond dollars toward another county road project. However, Hays County could only utilize dollars from U.S. 290 and Trautwein Road on another project included in the 2016 bond. While the county wouldn’t have to go back to voters, Jones
said officials plan to discuss any use of cost savings from the U.S. 290 project with its bond counsel before moving forward. “They’ll be giving guidance on when we can sell and the best time to do that,” Jones said. County officials are also keeping an eye on two Travis County projects, which also were approved for federal dollars, that could have an impact on area residents. One project includes the widening of FM 1826 from the Travis County line to U.S. 290 west near Oak Hill. That project calls for widening the road to a four-lane, divided arterial with bike lane and pedestrian facilities. CAMPO approved $4.32 million in federal monies for the project, which has a proposed price tag of $49.2 million.
Officials are also looking at Travis County’s proposed improvements of FM 1626 from Brodie Lane to Manchaca Road. Those improvements, which have a projected cost of $16.8 million, would turn the current two-lane road into five lanes with a continuous turn lane. Those improvements would mirror Hays County’s improvements to FM 1626, which stretch from FM 967 to Brodie Lane. CAMPO allocated roughly $11.2 million for the FM 1626 north improvements. Jones said Travis County is also eyeing possibly improving FM 1626 from Manchaca Road to Interstate 35, which would create a loop through Hays County. Jones said Hays County residents use FM 1626 and FM 1826 “a lot more than Travis County does.”
While it took two tries, Dripping Springs area residents May 22 elected a new Pct. 4 Justice of the Peace into office for the first time in over a decade. John BURNS Burns, a Navy veteran and practicing attorney, claimed a landslide victory over attorney Robert Avera in a runoff for the JP4 seat by capturing more than 60 percent of the vote. Results from the May 22 runoff were officially canvassed at Tuesday’s Commissioners Court meeting.
NEW JP4, 2
Partisan boundaries cause of concern as election looms BY EXSAR ARGUELLO Democrats seeking office this November are looking to draw the line on how Texas shapes its electoral boundaries. Gerrymandering, the practice of drawing electoral boundaries that favor a particular audience of voters, has made its way to the United States Supreme Court. In January, the United States Supreme Court dismissed a case by Texas Democrats and other plaintiffs in their fight against gerrymandering in the state; those district lines were set in 2011. Every 10 years, when the new population census is released, the Texas Legislature redraws district lines for both state representative and for U.S. Congress, with district population depending on growth. Repubilcans currently hold a 95-to-55 seat advantage in the Texas House of Representatives. Julie Oliver, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Congressional District 25, said there is a constant battle for Democrats to win
GERRYMANDERING, 6
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Thursday, May 31, 2018
Congressional, state race candidates ready for November election BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
Roy, who served as a senior advisor to former The stage is set for Texas Governor Rick November’s midterm elec- Perry, said in an interview tion as Democratic and with the San Antonio Republican candidates Express-News that he was were chosen duringhappy with the campaign ing the May 22 primary he ran, focusing on his runoff. track record. Hays County voters Roy will face Joseph will decide on a pair of Kopser, who defeated congressional seats and a Mary Wilson in the CDstate office, along with a 21 Democratic primary handful of other county runoff. Wilson, who and local races that will be gathered the most votes up for grabs. in March, fell short in May, with Kopser securing 4,000 more votes than his opponent. Kopser, a 20-year Army veteran and technology entrepreneur, raised nearly $500,000 during the first quarter of 2018. Kopser said he wants to keep that momentum going into November, where he will KOPSER ROY focus on a message of bipartisan unity. “My opponent doesn’t know how we will win in November,” Kopser In the race for Congres- said. “We will focus on sional District 21 (CD-21), what we have in common rather than what divides Chip Roy, Ted Cruz’s forus. We will win if we go mer chief of staff and the beyond the scope of this establishment candidate gerrymandering that fuels for the Republican party, political division for the won the runoff against far right.” opponent Matt McCall in a close election. Kopser said he will
Congressional District 21
be working with Beto O’Rourke, the Democratic candidate for United States Senate. “Nothing makes me happier knowing Beto will go against Ted Cruz and I will take on his former Chief of Staff,” he said.
In the race for Texas House District 45, which represents Hays and Blanco counties, Erin
Zwiener rallied from an early deficit in the May 22 runoff to claim the Democratic nomination. Zwiener defeated opponent Rebecca BellMetereau, who initially led all candidates in the HD-45 race after the March primary. Zwiener is looking to win a seat that has been occupied by Republicans for the past seven years. Zwiener will square off against Ken Strange, the director of Wimberley EMS, in November. Both will vie for a seat that was held by Jason Isaac, who stepped down for an unsuccessful bid for CD-21. The Texas Tribune has listed House District 45 as one of the most winnable districts for Democrats. “It’s anyone’s game going into November, but we are hitting the ground running and doing the groundwork to hit all areas of this district,” Zwiener said. “There are a lot of folks new to this area and we will focus on registering those voters and getting them engaged.”
to accommodate the area’s rapid growth. “This part of the county is growing fast and the caseload will continue to increase, which reflects the growth of the Dripping Springs area,” Burns said. Working with Kyle in preparation for the JP4 transition, as well as the five other justices of the peace, will also be of importance, Burns said. He has communicated with Kyle several times and the men have a good relationship. For Kyle, who readies for retirement, getting a frontrow seat to the March primaries and May runoff was gratifying. It gave
him a chance to sit back and watch as the JP4 race developed around him. It also allowed him to watch as history developed in the JP4 race. Kyle said prior to taking office in 2006, the race for JP4 was “low key” and featured a handful of candidates. The four vying for the JP seat in March were the most Kyle had seen in many years. He attributes the influx of candidates to the rapid growth of the precinct, as well as the subsequent growth in the workload. “I was very fortunate, blessed and honored to have served 12 years
knowing the people of Hays County,” Kyle said. “And particularly of Precinct Four, which put their trust in me for years. Know there is a great deal and honor and integrity in this office.” Once the transition is complete in January 2019, Kyle said he plans to accomplish a number of things, such as taking care of his land in the Dripping Springs area. He also plans to take trips with his wife, as well as find time for more hunting and fishing. “We’re going to be busy at doing what we enjoy doing and that’s being outside,” Kyle said.
owned which plays into the problem with the district’s decision to authorize a permit. Holland said that, because the water is privately owned, not authorizing some sort of permit would create legal difficulties. “The board would ultimately be hard pressed to say, ‘you can’t produce groundwater under your property, or leased property,’” Holland said. “We need to look at what provisions could allow for pumping in a way that protects the resources of other people that have
private property rights in the area.” Because of the limited historical data available, the district is unable to evaluate long-term, regional components of the unreasonable impact, the report said. However, the district will work towards developing the tools and collecting the data necessary for long-term evaluation. These long-term studies include the compliance monitoring, impact avoidance and mitigation plan. The compliance monitoring plan calls for monitoring a well net-
work that utilizes an index and triggers to ensure that the Cow Creek and Lower Glen Rose Formations of the Trinity Aquifer will not be dewatered, the report said. The plan also includes the installation of monitoring wells to measure drawdown and water quality around the EP well field.
OLIVER
advocate for universal healthcare, said she will continue her momentum going forward for November. Oliver said she also plans to appeal to voters on both sides of the aisle. “I’ve put over 25,000 miles on my car visiting everyone I can in this district, and I will continue to make sure all voices are heard,” Oliver said. “I’ve encountered Republicans who feel like their party has left them behind and I will be here for those people as well.”
WILLIAMS
Congressional District 25
Meanwhile, Democrat Julie Oliver will face Republican incumbent Roger Williams for the CD-25 seat. Williams has represented CD-25 since 2012. Oliver defeated Chris Perri in an equally tight May runoff election. While Perri gathered more votes in March, Oliver outlasted him to claim the Democratic nomination. Oliver, an attorney and
ZWIENER
STRANGE
House of Representatives, District 45
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New JP4
Continued from pg. 1 Burns, who has practiced law for more than 20 years, will take over for JP4 incumbent Terry Kyle, who opted to forgo reelection due to health reasons. In March, four candidates vied to fill Kyle’s spot in the Republican primaries, with Burns capturing the most votes. However, the race went to a runoff as neither Burns nor Avera obtained more than 50 percent of the vote. Burns said in both the primary and runoff election, he logged in “many hours of block walking,” along with mailers and utilizing a
social media campaign through his political consultant, which he believed proved beneficial. “I’m very pleased and I worked awfully hard on my campaign,” Burns said. “I’m thrilled to have won the runoff and I’m working to take over the JP4 seat in January (2019).” One of the first things Burns said he plans to do is establish an effective outreach with local schools, as well as to work with students to address various issues. He also plans to streamline the JP4 office and make it more efficient
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.
EP Pumping Permit Continued from pg. 1
for a phased pumping plan, where Phase I calls for .5 million gallons a day in the initial authorized production. The recommendation was made because of the possibility of a negative impact to the aquifer with EP’s request to pump immediately 2.5 million gallons a day. “We felt like the large amount of groundwater requested could not be granted just as a single phase due to the high probability to unreasonable impact within a twomile radius of pumping,” said BSEACD General
Manager Kirk Holland. “Those impacts can be avoided and minimized.” According to the report, the general manager will consider authorizing additional phases of production from the well field, conditioned on the permittee requesting the next phase of production, authorized by the BSEACD. Phase II would allow for one million gallons a day, Phase III at 1.5 million gallons a day, and Phase IV at 2.5 million gallons a day. Groundwater in the state of Texas is privately
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WHAT’S NEXT Within 10 days of the report published by BSEACD, EP must submit a public notice in the local newspapers, which is then followed by a 20-day public comment period. This public comment period could lead to a party requesting a contested case hearing through the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH). At the earliest, the permit could go before the BSEACD board of directors in August. However, the timeline is dependent on EP’s public notice and the public comments associated with the permit. “We’ve certainly already seen the citizen outcry,” Holland said. “I think it’s reasonable to assume that a contested case hearing could be on the way.” The Trinity Edwards Springs Protection Association (TESPA), a nonprofit organization with a mission to protect the Trinity and Edwards Aquifer, has a team reviewing the report and did not have a comment at the publication of this article.
Thursday, May 31, 2018
www.HaysNewsDispatch.com
Page 3
Sports
Tiger boys golf cards finish at state tourney BY SHANE SCHOLWINSKI
golf team and just put in a ton of time. It was great to For the first time in see it all pay off.” three decades, a Dripping The Dripping Springs Springs High golf team got boys golf team was repthe chance to perform at resented by seniors Sam the state tournament. Nolley, Chris Cameron While the team finished and Rob Thomas, as well ninth at state, held at the as juniors Jake Sitterle White Wing Golf Course and Case Reeves. As a in Georgetown earlier team, the Tigers scored a this month, head coach combined 641 points; the Jason Wahlers said he was team carded 314 points on pleased to helm a group Day 1 and 327 points on that was able to break a Day 2. longstanding drought. “Being at the state “It was pretty incredtournament was one of ible, to be honest with the most fun and the you,” Wahlers said. “We most rewarding expegot five kids that really riences we’ve had as a wanted to be a part of the team and as individuals,”
Thomas said. “The golf wasn’t necessarily there for a lot of us, some of us struggled on the course, but that didn’t take away from the fact that we had a great time. We went into it confident and in control of our emotions. Really ultimately we enjoyed it.” Cameron tied for 21st in the individual scoring in the tournament with a two-day score of 152. Following close behind him was Nolley with a score of 155 and Thomas with a 172 score. Sitterle and Reeves both finished with a score of 167. “He (Cameron) played
really well, I think he was one of the top par-3,” Wahlers said. “He just did a great job of playing the course and sticking with his game. He’s always been a great player so it was cool to see him step up in that environment.” Wahlers credited his team’s drive and dedication to transforming and building the culture of the Dripping Springs golf program into a state contender. Without a golf course in Dripping Springs, the team had to travel more than 25 minutes to a nearby green in Wimberley or Austin for every practice.
Thomas said, when his class arrived on campus, the culture “wasn’t really set up to make it” to state. “The way that we acted on the golf course, the demeanor that people carried themselves in tournaments wasn’t necessarily at the highest level of competition,” Thomas said. “So it was changing that culture, but also still going out there and enjoying it. Where we are serious and we are trying to win and play the golf course to be as successful as we can.” For Thomas, the bond that he and his teammates
crafted over the course of their careers, especially their run to state, is what he will miss the most. “There is a level of brotherhood and just enjoying your round of golf and having fun with your friends,” Thomas said. “Playing every day and playing tournaments, I mean that’s something I will never get to do on a high level again. So probably the connection that I had with the guys and all the progress we made as a team (is what I’ll miss).”
Tigers close spring with successful scrimmage BY MOSES LEOS III
Dripping Springs High junior Tanner Prewit understands the size of cleats he’ll need to fill when he steps in at quarterback next fall. His two predecessors each helped to navigate the Tiger football program to new levels of success not seen before in its history. But for Prewit, future expectations are giving way to bolstering consistency for a Tiger program that returns only four total starters. As the Tigers concluded spring drills with a May 24 intersquad scrimmage, Prewit believes the Tigers took vast steps toward their goal. “Our big thing is being consistent and I thought the last two weeks, we’ve played together as a team,” Prewit said. “Coach Z (Head Coach Galen Zimmerman) harps on that. If you want to win, you can’t be inconsistent or take a day off.” Zimmerman said Dripping Springs made “great progress” during its spring practices, which helped to give many athletes a chance to hit the field. It also allowed the team to work on avoiding regression during the course of the month. “We have done better with that and we’ve attacked it from the standpoint that we’re not doing this all at once,” Zimmerman said. “We’re going to be 1-0 today. The kids have done a great job of that and controlling the things they can.” One area Zimmerman said showed the most progress was on the defensive side of the ball, which only returns one starter from 2017. Up front, the Tigers found depth on the defensive line and found some playmakers in the process, Zimmerman said. In the defensive backfield, Enzo Arnold will anchor a secondary that will feature athletes who have varsity experience, but have never started. Those players include Nathan Koch and Lane Dominey, who was held out of spring football due to the Tiger baseball team’s playoff run. Arnold’s leadership, along with the ability for the secondary to defend players such as wide receiver Parker Alford, could pay dividends. “Having Parker there helps those guys raise
PHOTOS BY MOSES LEOS III Dripping Springs Tiger running back Garrett Betts (11) collides with a defensive back while running a play in the team’s Spring Game at Tiger Stadium. With arms raised high, Dripping Springs Tiger head coach Galen Zimmerman reacts to a touchdown scored in the team’s May 24 spring game.
their level,” Zimmerman said. “We always need to have guys who have been through the fire and raise the level and guide those other kids.” On offense, the Tigers will look to Prewit and soon-to-be senior running back Jake Cox to shoulder the load. Alford, who snagged a couple of touchdowns in the spring game, as well as Ty Cox will lead the wide receiving corps. Zimmerman said Prewit, who played cornerback and linebacker last season, is a competitor and is an “old school kind of football player” that doesn’t mind contact. Prewit said playing defense last season was the “best thing that happened to me” as it allowed him to see how defenses work. “It’s about him going out on the field and trying to prove that he can be the better guy than the guy across from him,” Zimmerman said. “Kids on the field will feed off of him. Cox, a two-year starter at running back, shares a “contact first” mentality and is expected to be the “bell cow” for the Tigers this season, Zimmerman said. Dripping Springs’ offensive line, which was hit with injuries during spring practices, was a focal point for Zimmerman and his coaching staff. However, the injuries allowed for more players to see the field, which Zimmerman believes could be a benefit. “That’s the most important thing, because you can’t run or pass if you can’t block up front,” Zimmerman said. Dripping Springs will return to action Aug. 13 for summer practices. The Tigers open the 2018 season Aug. 31 at home against Kerrville Tivy.
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News-Dispatch
Education
Thursday, May 31, 2018
DSISD honors Teachers of the Year STAFF REPORT
IN ADDITION TO SMOLAND AND FREEMAN, OTHER CAMPUS TEACHERS OF THE YEAR WERE:
Teacher of the Year program. Dripping Springs Before joining the Independent ISD inaugural SSE staff, announced the 2018 Smoland spent four Elementary and years at Dripping Springs Secondary Teachers Elementary. Smoland of the Year at the May brought 12 years of 21 Board of Trustees teaching experience meeting. The DSISD with her to DSISD: four Elementary Teacher in Aiken County Schools of the Year is Brandis (S.C.) and eight in Hutto Smoland, third grade ISD. In her career she teacher at Sycamore has taught pre-K through Springs Elementary, and third grade. In addition to the DSISD Secondary her teaching certification, Teacher of the Year is Sara she also has her Freeman, AP Calculus/ principal certification. Pre-Cal teacher at Smoland earned her Dripping Springs High bachelor’s degree in Early School. These individuals Childhood Education now will represent from the University Dripping Springs ISD of South Carolina and in the 2018-19 Texas her master’s degree in
Educational Leadership from Stephen F. Austin University. Veteran teacher Sara Freeman is in her eighth year at Dripping Springs High School, after teaching 26 years at Plano High School. She teaches Calculus and Pre-Cal at the AP and GT levels. In addition to her math certification, Freeman also is certified to teach English at the secondary level. Freeman earned a bachelor’s degree in Education from Baylor University and a master’s degree in Teaching/Mathematical Sciences from the University of Texas at Dallas.
Two grants “Companion Pet” for $113 and “Dino-Lite Discoveries” for $1,104 submitted by Kathy Cummings, Rooster Springs Elementary
“EXCELL Exploration Experiences” grant for $5,000 submitted by Adrienne Jones, Dripping Springs HS
Laura Black (Dripping Springs Middle School), Capri Heintz (Rooster Springs Elementary), Nicole McGilvray (Sycamore Springs Middle School), Reyna Sandoval (Dripping Springs Elementary), and Kris Schmidl (Walnut Springs Elementary). Campus Teachers of the Year are selected by their school colleagues; the District Teachers of the Year are chosen following an interview with a selection committee.
The DSISD Elementary Teacher of the Year is Brandis Smoland (left), third-grade teacher at Sycamore Springs Elementary, and the DSISD Secondary Teacher of the Year is Sara Freeman, AP Calculus/Pre-Cal teacher at Dripping Springs High School.
“Learning Among the Stars” for $47,622 was submitted by Lindsey Herring of DSE but will benefit all schools (DSE, DSMS, SSMS, DSHS, RSE, WSE, SSE)
Education foundation’s Prize Patrol awards nearly $106K in grants The Dripping Spring Education Foundation “Prize Patrol” surprised teachers around the campus to present Innovative Teaching Grants for 2017-18. Nearly $106,000 funding 26 separate grants was awarded May 18 and 21, 2018. These grants fund innovative and creative educational approaches designed to enhance the classroom learning experience.
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Public Notices NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SUBDIVIDE
NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SUBDIVIDE – An application has been filed with Hays County to subdivide 10.78 acres of property located along Bear Creek Pass, Austin, Texas 78737. Information regarding the application may be obtained from Hays CountyDevelopment Services (512) 393-2150. Tracking number: SUB-1048.
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Needed in Dripping Springs area; $10-12/hour, Flex schedule for right person! Call 512-844-8730.
Place your classified ad by calling 512-268-7862 or send an email to paper@haysnewsdispatch.com.
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CONSTRUCTION OF ALTERNATE WASTEWATER IMPROVEMENTS FOR BUSH RANCH PHASE 2 SECTION 2 FOR HAYS COUNTY MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 4 SCOPE OF WORK: 290 East Bush, Inc. on behalf of Hays County M.U.D. No. 4, will accept sealed bids for the construction of Alternate Wastewater Improvements for Bush Ranch Phase 2 Section 2. The work to be performed includes furnishing all materials, equipment, tools, and labor necessary for the delivery, construction, installation, inspection, testing, and disinfection of approximately 1,400 linear feet of 8 inch PVC gravity wastewater line. The work shall also include installation, maintenance and removal of erosion and sedimentation controls in accordance with the
contract documents, and all local, state, and federal requirements. RECEIPT OF BIDS: Sealed bids in envelopes are due at the Office of the Engineer: CMA Engineering, Inc. located at 235 Ledge Stone Drive, Austin, Texas 78737, (512) 432-1000 no later than 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 7, 2018, at which time the bids for the Project Contract will be opened and read aloud. The OWNER reserves the right to waive all informalities and irregularities, and determine which Bids are most advantageous to the Project, and to award the Contract on this basis. INFORMATION AND BIDDING DOCUMENTS: Copies of Bid Documents and Plans may be inspected at and/or obtained from the Office of the Engineer, during regular business hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Fridays. Bidding Documents and Plans may be purchased at one hundred dollars ($100.00) per set made payable to CMA Engineering, Inc. by check, and are non-refundable. No partial sets of Bidding Documents and Plans will be issued nor accepted. CMA Engineering, Inc. 235 Ledge Stone Austin, Texas 78737 (512) 432-1000 (512) 432-1015 (fax)
BONDS: Performance, payment, and warranty bonds shall each be issued in an amount equal to 100% of the Contract Amounts as security for all the CONTRACTOR’s obligations under the Contract Documents. Insurance Requirements: Bidders shall maintain insurance in the types and amounts indicated the Contract Documents. Bid Guaranty: All Bids must be accompanied by a Bid security made payable to Owner in an amount of five percent (5%) of Bidder's maximum Bid price and in the form of a cashier’s check made payable to 290 East Bush, Inc., or a Bid Bond issued by a surety. Pre-Bid Conference: A non-mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at the Office of the Engineer at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 31, 2018. Representatives of the Engineer will be present to discuss the PROJECT. BIDDER REQUIREMENTS: Bidders and subcontractors shall have completed at least three (3) similar projects in nature with the construction cost not less than $500,000 within the last five (5) years. All Work shall be guaranteed against defective workmanship and materials for a period of two (2) years from the date of final acceptance by the OWNER.
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TexSCAN Week of May 27, 2018 ACREAGE
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Dangerous Birds BY JERRY HALL
Ever wonder which are the most dangerous birds in the world? Well, considering how many people own them, and how powerful their beaks are, I would think parrots would be high on the list. They certainly can do major damage if so inclined. However, the three top birds for hurting a human would probably be the ostrich, the southern cassowary and the emu. The late Johnny Cash could testify to the danger of an ostrich. He owned an exotic animal park and once swung a board at an ostrich on his property. The angry bird responded with a kick to Cash’s stomach that sent him tumbling. It could easily have killed the famous singer except for his very strong and heavy belt buckle. Ostriches in Africa have been known to kill a lion with a single kick. At nine feet tall and weighing some 330 pounds, this is a bird to be reckoned with.
26.62 acres, recreational/hunting, Duval County. End of road. Heavy south Texas brush. Deer, hogs, and quail. Acreage with electricity available. $3,500/acre with 5% down, 30 year owner financing. 866-286-0199. www. texasbrushcountry.com.
AUCTIONS AR Commercial Roofing & Contractors – 2 Day Live & Online Auction, Ft Worth, TX. Selling metalworking and fabrication equip, 13 pickups, crane trucks, pass. & cube vans, Peterbilt truck and low boy trailer, stake bed dumps, concrete finishers, rolls of sheet metal, building and roofing materials. 15% BP, M. Jones, #6756, 214-906-5265, www.bidindustrialauctions.com. Online Only Auction – Formerly Tucker Electronics. Inspection 9-5 June 11, 11448 Pagemill Rd., Dallas. Auction closes, June 12. Computer and electronic components, original vintage service and repair manuals, warehouse assets, 100 sections of gray metal shelving,/ office assets and more. 15% BP, M. Jones TX 6756. www.United-SCS.com, 214-906-5265. Farm & Cattle Sale. Thurs., June 7, starts @ 9:14 a.m. 100 Head Of Cattle, Located between Muskogee and Beggs. Vehicles, tractors, trailers & larger equipment will be sold at 12:07 p.m. followed by cattle. For full item list, more info & pictures, visit chuppsauction. com, 918-638-1157.
FINANCE Receiving payments from real estate you sold? Get cash now! Call Steve: 888-870-2243. www.SteveCashesNotes.com.
EVENTS Seguin Softball Nationals June 27-July 1. Sign up at Seguinsoftballnationals.com. 830-379-6382 Partial funding for this event is being provided by the City of Seguin, Texas.
LOG HOMES Log Homes – 3 Log Home kits selling for balance owed, free delivery. Model #305 Biloxi, bal. $15,000; Model #403 Augusta, bal. $16,500; Model #502 Santa Fe, bal. $17,500. View plans at www.loghomedream. com.
LEGAL ASSISTANCE Many industrial and constructions workers exposed to asbestos from the 1940s through the 1970s, along with their families, are among those at risk for mesothelioma, lung cancer or gastro cancer. Even if you have settled an asbestosis case in the past, a new claim may be possible, 800-460-0606, www.AsbestosLaw.com.
SAWMILLS Sawmills from only $4,397.00 – Make & Save Money with your own bandmill – Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship! Free info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com. 800-567-0404, Ext.300N.
OIL AND GAS RIGHTS We buy oil, gas & mineral rights. Both non- producing and producing including non-Participating Royalty Interest (NPRI). Provide us your desired price for an offer evaluation. 806-620-1422, LoboMineralsLLC@ gmail.com. Lobo Minerals, LLC, PO Box 1800, Lubbock, TX 79408-1800.
TRUCK DRIVERS Class-A CDL Drivers needed in Coppell, TX. Must have Doubles experience. Solo & Team positions. Call 940-726-3276 EOE M/W/V/D. $1000 Sign on Bonus! Be Your Own Boss! Get Paid to See the Country! Quality Driveaway is Looking for CDL Drivers to Deliver Trucks! www.qualitydriveaway.com, 574-642-2023.
WANTED FREON R12 WANTED: Certified buyer will PAY CA$H for R12 cylinders or cases of cans. 312-2919169; www.refrigerantfinders.com.
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And don’t think you’ll outrun an angry ostrich; they can zoom along at over 45 miles per hour. The southern cassowary is found in Australia and New Zealand and sports a long, sharp toenail. Its top speed is about 30 miles per hour. A teenage boy was killed in 1926, after teasing a
captive cassowary. Finally, the emu is another bird that sometimes attacks people. This was a very popular bird in private aviaries not long ago, but not so much in recent years. The native emu hangs out in Australia and up to 100 attacks have been reported there in a single year.
NOTICE: While most advertisers are reputable, we cannot guarantee products or services advertised. We urge readers to use caution and when in doubt, contact the Texas Attorney General at 800-621-0508 or the Federal Trade Commission at 877-FTC-HELP. The FTC web site is www.ftc.gov/bizop.
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Page 6
News-Dispatch
Thursday, May 31, 2018
Proposed FM 150 roundabout draws criticism from Hays County residents BY KATERINA BARTON
A proposed roundabout at the FM 3237 and FM 150 split near Driftwood is drawing criticism from residents who are concerned about its necessity. The furor comes after the News-Dispatch reported earlier this month that the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) added the project to its recommended list for state and federal funds. Angie Nettles-Pereira, a resident of Plum Creek in Kyle, sees drivers struggling to use roundabouts in her neighborhood daily and does not think a roundabout will work in the area, which is near the Hays City Store. “I lived in this neighborhood for a decade and you could literally pull out a lawn chair and a bucket of popcorn and watch the stupidity,” Nettles-Pereira
said. People driving through Plum Creek do not understand the concept of roundabouts and are either distracted, forget to yield, come to an unnecessary complete stop, or end up going the wrong direction, according to Nettles-Pereira. Nettles-Pereira owns a family store in Wimberley and drives out there almost every day and says she has not seen a lot of traffic issues. “It’s not as big a problem as the county is making it out to be. I think people need to obey the traffic laws. The problem is not the influx of traffic, the problem is the drivers,” Nettles-Pereira said. She says a traffic light out there would be more feasible and would cause less confusion. Putting in a roundabout in a “high traffic and high speed area is not a wise thing to do,”
Nettles-Pereira said. On social media, 16 others shared similar sentiments, namely about safety concerns and questioning the necessity. However, Terri Thomp-
where the lights would be on a timer. The county is still in the design setThompson said there are several successful phase of the project and the roundabouts that prove roundabout is not expected to they can work smoothly. Examples include one at be built until around 2020. the Shops at Arbor Trails in Austin, and one in the Main Plaza in downtown New Braunfels. The city of Kyle installed a roundabout at the intersection of Burleson Street and Marketplace Avenue in 2017. The roundabout has been discussed in public meetings for the FM 150 Character Plan and 2016 Bond Election as a traffic solution for the intersection for several years. Pct. 4 County Commissioner Ray Whisenant says NEWS-DISPATCH FILE PHOTO any comments or complaints can be directed son, who has lived in Hays experience with them. toward his office. County for 24 years, likes “I think they’re great, The county is still in the the idea of a roundabout it keeps me moving,” design phase of the project at the FM 3237 and FM 150 Thompson said. Thompand the roundabout is not intersection. Thompson son added traffic lights expected to be built until says people are afraid of waste gas and time, espearound 2020. them because they lack cially out in a rural area
WoodsCycleCountry.com
Gerrymandering
830-606-9828
1933 N Interstate 35, New Braunfels, TX 78130 IH-35 southbound frontage road, Canyon Lake Exit 191
Continued from pg. 1
in Central Texas, an area where district lines tend to favor Republican voters. Oliver’s district stretches from Wimberley to Burleson, including parts of Austin. Currently, there are five congressional districts that spread between Travis County and outward to rural areas. Other congressional districts that are equally stretched out is CD-21, currently held by incumbent Lamar Smith, which stretches from east Hays County, south to San Antonio and as far west as Kerrville. “Texas has done this since Jim Crow to keep people from voting,” Oliver said. “It’s particularly egregious how these lines are drawn. It’s clear just by looking at a map how these congressional districts are split to favor Republican voters.” Oliver said gerrymandering suppresses representation of voters because it leaves citizents not wanting to vote because they believe their vote won’t count. According to a Texas Tribune report, 72 percent of candidates who ran for state legislative office in the
“Texas has done this since Jim Crow to keep people from voting. It’s particularly egregious how these lines are drawn. It’s clear just by looking at a map how these congressional districts are split to favor Republican voters.” –Julie Oliver, Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress, Dist. 25
2016 general election faced either no opposition or won by more than 45 percent of the vote. Donna Haschke, county chair for the Hays County Democratic Party, said Texas’ lack of a competitive two-party system leaves voters not wanting to go to polls. A solution to the issue could be a two-party system that helps ensure district lines are made in good faith. Oliver said is she a proponent of a nonpartisan committee of both Democrats and Republicans to ensure lines are drawn constitutionally. Judicial oversight would be included in the nonpartisan committee system. “It’s hard to win elections in this area. Travis Coun-
ty is cut up and all those districts head to very conservative areas, “ Haschke said. “The lines are cherry-picked. It’s disappointing that these practices exist and completely shreds the constitution and the notion of one person one vote.” Other states affected by gerrymandering include West Virginia, Illinois and Maryland. As of March, the U.S. Supreme Court is still hearing arguments in the gerrymandering case. The court has heard oral arguments regarding both Republican and Democratic gerrymandered districts throughout the country. The Hays Free Press contacted the Hays County Republican Party for comment, but did not receive a response prior to press time.
LAGNIAPPE Burn ban is off, for now
Hays County officials Tuesday held off on reinstating a burn ban, but cautioned it could be put into place if dry conditions persist. Clint Browning, Hays County Fire Marshal, urges residents to take care of outdoor burning as soon as possible, and to ensure a responsible adult is on-site at all times, along with a water source.
Young anglers look to wrangle fish at Kyle tournament
Children ages six and up will have the chance to angle a fish in Kyle's Hooked on Fishing Youth clinic and derby. The free clinic put on by the Texas Parks and Wildlife certified Angler Educators and
is limited to the first 60 children who have not previously participated in the program. The event will be held at Lake Kyle starting at 7 a.m. and is rain or shine.
Fly in/Drive in at Commemorative Air Force
On June 2, the Central Texas Wing of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is holding its 6th annual “Fly in or Drive in” car and plane show at their hangar in the San Marcos Regional Airport. The event, which is free to the public, goes from 11:30 to 3 p.m. and includes and opening ceremony flyover. The Tri-City Flyers radio model airplane club from San ANtonio will bring a number of models, as well as various car clubs who will be attending.
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Warning: Polaris off-road vehicles can be hazardous to operate and are not intended for on-road use. Driver must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license to operate. Passengers, if permitted, must be at least 12 years old. All riders should always wear helmets, eye protection, and protective clothing. Always use seat belts and cab nets or doors (as equipped). Never engage in stunt driving, and avoid excessive speeds and sharp turns. Riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. All riders should take a safety training course. Call 800-342-3764 for additional information. Check local laws before riding on trails. ©2018 Polaris Industries, Inc.
HELPING OUR NEIGHBORS RETURN TO HEALTH AND INDEPENDENCE DEER CREEK OF WIMBERLEY HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR OVER
30 YEARS. OFFERING SCENIC VIEWS OF THE HILL
COUNTRY AND OF OUR SERENE ENCLOSED COURTYARD.
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Sunset Canyon Baptist Church 8:45 AM
Sunday Morning
11:00 AM
Sunday Worship
5:45 PM
Wednesday Meal
6:30 PM
Wed TouchPoint
A Family of Faith...
SCBC Preschool Children Ministries Youth Ministries Family Ministries
www.sunsetcanyonchurch.org
(512) 894-0480
4000 E. HWY 290
St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church Mass Schedule
Rev. Charlie
Spanish Mass Sunday: 1:30 p.m.
corner of RR 12 & Post Oak in Dripping Springs
Garza, pastor Saturday: 5 p.m. Located at the Sunday: 8:15 a.m., 11 a.m., 5 p.m.
512-858-5667
www.stmartindp.org