June 2, 2021 News-Dispatch by Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch

JUNE 2, 2021 HEROES PARK

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Kyle officials honor fallen veterans at grand opening of Heroes Memorial Park.

Hays CISD graduates 1,371 seniors in past weekend’s events.

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Vol. 41 • No. 35

Serving Hays County, TX

Rent assistance in works on heels of eviction moratorium BY SAHAR CHMAIS

Rent assistance for Hays County residents is in the works as the eviction moratorium ends on June 30. An eviction moratorium was established after the pandemic was declared, postponing evictions.

Hays County received Hays County received nearly nearly $7,000,000 from the U.S. Treasury Department $7,000,000 from the U.S. Treasury for the Emergency Rental Department for the Emergency Assistance Program, which was approved by commisRental Assistance Program sioners on April 13. Funds gram is established. to solicit a program adare specific to rent and/or This also authorized ministrator to assist with utility assistance for county the Purchasing Division implementing a program residents once the pro-

for renters. The county has received six proposals from firms and submissions for the administrator role are under review. It is expected that there will be a recommendation pending approval by June 8. The application process

will not be available until a program administrator is chosen, which will likely be after June 8. The application process should be shared with residents shortly after an administrator is established, said Kim Hilsenbeck, Hays County’s communication manager.

Local woman reflects on abortion law changes BY SAHAR CHMAIS

“Every one of us in this room has a different standard for what we believe constitutes a moral and ethical aborton. Instead of trusting women to know their own circumstances, their families and values, the bill makes the government the final arbiter of individual and intimate morality.”

Jane, 22 years old at the time, thought she was six weeks pregnant when she went to have her abortion; to her surprise, she was eight weeks along. Under the newly passed Heartbeat Bill, Jane would not have had a chance to even consider that option. (Jane is not her real name, as she wants to remain anonymous.) “Had I gone through with the pregnancy, the kid would be loved, but I would be so miserable,” Jane, a Buda resident, said. “I would be working endlessly and not have enough time for them and could not provide them the sort of life I want to give them. Which is not fair. So I never think back and regret the decision I made.” The Heartbeat Bill, or Senate Bill 8, severely reduces the cases in which a woman can terminate a pregnancy. The bill was –Erin Zwiener, recently signed into law by Dist. 45 State Rep. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and goes into effect Sept. 1, 2021. cy from rape and/or incest Per the bill, an abortion are no longer grounds for an cannot be performed if a heartbeat is heard, which is abortion under this law. If usually between five and a ABORTION LAW, 2 half and six weeks. Pregnan-

PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM

Tigers advance with hard-fought win

The Tigers beat Corpus Christi in three games to advance to the 5A Regional Finals. The Tigers will face Rouse next with all games at Concordia University. Thursday, June 3 at 7:00 p.m. (DS home team), Friday, June 4 at 7:00 p.m. (DS visitor) and Saturday, June 5 at 2:00 (if needed, flip coin for home / visitor). See story on page 5.

Commissioners choose new Court at Law Judge #3 – and it’s not Linda Rodriguez BY SAHAR CHMAIS Even with all the recommendations that Judge

Linda Rodriguez received to temporarily take the seat of County Court at Law (CCL) Judge #3, she did not get the position. In a 3-2 vote, the new CCL #3 judge will be Daniel O’Brien. At last week’s meeting of County Commissioners Court, commissioners decided to accept applications to temporarily fill in the CCL #3 judge position and many residents requested the consideration of Rodriguez. Rodriguez has been handling cases for CCL #3 as a visiting judge after Millie Thompson resigned the position. Rodriguez has been a judge for 24 years. “I still feel Judge Linda Rodriguez would do a wonderful job,” said Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe at this week’s meeting. “She is there currently serving in that capacity, knows the ropes and would be able to get in

Commissioner Walt Smith suggested that Daniel O’Brien, an attorney out of Dripping Springs, fill in the temporary position. there and is doing the job until someone is elected to fill that position.” Commissioner Walt Smith suggested that O’Brien, an attorney out of Dripping Springs, fill in the temporary position. Commissioners Mark Jones and Lon Shell voted for O’Brien, but Ingalsbe and Judge Ruben Becerra voted no. Becerra congratulated O’Brien on his new position. The commissioners

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spoke highly of the applicants, including Rodriguez, but they did not have an extensive discussion on the reason behind their final decision. “I just want to compliment all of the applicants, no matter the outcome of our discussion,” Smith said. “I want to say I am a big personal fan of Judge Linda Rodriguez and that I anticipate bringing back another agenda item after discussions … to possibly create an associate position there or provide additional funding relative to a visiting judgeship.” Smith said that having the extra help will be useful given the backlog that has been created due to COVID-19. Jones also said that he looks forward to the motions that will be brought forth by Smith on creating another position for Rodriguez.

Buda to host its Juneteenth event in person BY SAHAR CHMAIS Buda will host its second annual Juneteenth celebration on Sunday, June 19, so community members can commemorate the day slaves in Texas gained their freedom. Last year, the city hosted a parade to comply with COVID-19 mandates, but this year the celebration will be more interactive. Residents will meet at the Buda City Park Pavillion from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to listen to music, partake in activities and eat food in an outdoor setting. Juneteenth is known as an independence day that commemorates the

The News-Dispatch Barton Publications, Inc. The News-Dispatch (USPS 011-401) published weekly by Barton Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 339, Buda, TX 78610. Periodicals postage paid at Buda, TX 78610 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Barton Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 339, Buda, TX 78610. ISSN#1087-9323

Buda was ground to this piece of history as it is home to the Antioch Colony, a rural AfricanAmerican community built by freed slaves in 1870. announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas and other former confederate states on June 19, 1865. This

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NEWS

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • June 2, 2021

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Veterans honored at newly opened Heroes Memorial Park

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A ‘thank you’ for those that sacrificed BY SAHAR CHMAIS

on Memorial Day,” said Terry Traylor, the AmVets Kyle honored service Department Of Texas members on Memorial Commander and retired Day by breaking ground Marine Corps Master for Heroes Memorial Park Sergeant. “Just having a at Kohler’s Crossing. veterans memorial means Although the mornthey have great respect ing was off to a rainy for the men and women start, the clouds cleared that have fought to keep in time for hundreds of America free.” residents, service memMany other veterans bers, and city and county at the groundbreaking representatives to gather shared Traylor’s sentiment. at Kyle’s first memorial Ben Duncan, a veteran, park. To kick off the new said the memorial is going park, three Warbirds flew to be a great part of the overhead as the crowd community, not just for cheered and clapped. the veterans, but for famiSmiles beamed throughlies and kids to witness the out the assembly because history as well. of the momentous project Heroes Memorial Park and because many people has been a work-in-progwere reconnecting for the ress for years. The park first time in over a year, project was brought forth since the beginning of the by former Kyle council COVID-19 pandemic. member and U.S. military “[The park] means that veteran, David Wilson, the local community takes but it was not approved at great pride in the veterans that time; not until 2019 that have served, the ones did the Kyle City Council we have lost, the ones revive the idea. we are celebrating today Work began on Mon-

day, May 31, but it will take about one year to 15 months for the memorial to be complete, according to Kyle City Council Member Dex Ellison. “It’s surreal; there are a lot of emotions that come to mind,” Ellison said. “To be at this memorial, one that we have put a lot of hard work in and past council members have done a lot of hard work as well, it just goes to show how much work it takes to even get to this point. We still have a lot of work to go as well but we’re excited to be here today to do the groundbreaking on such a special occasion.” These projects do not happen overnight, but the hope and goal is when the project is finished, it will be something that makes everyone proud, Kyle Mayor Travis Mitchell said to the audience. The five-acre park will have service members’ names, a quiet area for re-

flection, a picnic area, tree buffers, a cafe, an active area and a peace garden. Not only will the park demonstrate the community values and remember the lost lives of heroes, but it will also bring an economic advantage to the city, Mitchell said. Heroes Memorial Park is located on FM 1626, Kohler’s Crossing, near an existing lake and next to the Hays CISD Performing Arts Center. It is also close to the Brick and Mortar District where there will be a lot of foot traffic. Most importantly, this will be a way to thank and show appreciation to service members, Mitchell said. “Thank you to our veterans, our fallen veterans, to our first responders for inspiring us every day for creating the freedom that allows us to build nice parks,” Mitchell said. “Without you, we don’t have anything.”

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Abortion Law Continued from pg. 1

a woman finds out there is something wrong with the fetus, as long as there is a heartbeat, a woman cannot terminate the pregnancy. Jane said SB 8 is absurd, especially considering that victims of rape and incest get no choice in the matter. Timing pregnancy is another reason this bill does not work, Jane said. Jane got her period during her pregnancy, which is what made her believe she was six weeks pregnant, not eight. With SB 8, every day counts. This bill ignores the plethora of situations in which a woman would choose not to continue her pregnancy. “Everyone’s abortion story is different,” State Rep. Erin Zwiener (D-Driftwood) said, addressing the state House of Representatives. “Every one of us in this room has a different standard for what we believe constitutes a moral and ethical aborton. Instead of trusting women to know their own circumstances, their families and values, the bill makes the government the final arbiter of individual and intimate morality.” Zwiener told her story of how she suffered from hyperemesis during her pregnancy, a case of 24 hour morning sickness. The condition was so severe, Zwiener said she threw up a dozen times a day, lost 20 pounds, and even though she wanted her baby, she began reconsidering if she could continue this way. Then Zwiener spoke of another woman who had a toddler and experienced hyperemesis during her second pregnancy. She had to make the choice between being able to get out of bed to care for her toddler or continue the pregnancy. “She made the choice to take care of her already born child and terminated her pregnancy,” Zwiener said. Jane, who chose to remain anonymous for

privacy, was also faced with a choice – she wanted children, but she was not prepared financially, mentally or familially. She got pregnant during her first relationship, and a week prior to finding out, she had ended the relationship. Jane could not even get the father’s financial support for an abortion, let alone depend on him later for child support. From the time she found out she was pregnant until the termination, Jane knew what she wanted. “I never wavered in my decision,” Jane told the Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch. “There was not a single time period, from when I thought I was pregnant to confirming it, where I thought maybe I do want this kid.” While Jane could not count on her then-partner for any support and had no experience in this area, she turned to a coworker. After speaking to multiple women at her job who were older, she found comfort in knowing she was not alone in having an abortion. Several coworkers had had abortions, and eventually went on to have children when they were ready. What was a taboo topic became digestible once it was laid out on the table. In 2019, nearly 57,000 abortions were performed in Texas, according to the Texas Health and Human Services (HHS). Almost 58% of these terminations happened with women ages 20-29. Additionally, 91% of abortions occurred at 10 weeks or less since conception. Outlawing abortions at heartbeat detection will not stop abortions, but it will only cause unsafe abortions, Zwiener said. Botched abortions cause 8% to 11% of maternal deaths in countries where abortion is illegal, according to a report by The Atlantic. Even with legal abortions,

women face many obstacles. Jane’s abortion cost her more than $800 and she had to use her rent money to pay for it. At this time in her life, Jane had no health insurance. Not everyone is able to scrape this amount together on short notice, Jane said. Prior to finding the right clinic, Jane went to Planned Parenthood, where they told her she needed to go in for multiple visits before they could preform the abortion. The first appointment was two weeks after her walk-in consultation. Walking into that clinic, Jane was faced with five protestors holding signs condemning abortions. “It didn’t phase me because I was going in with my mind set,” Jane recalled. Before her abortion, Jane felt nauseous from the simplest task, such as brushing her teeth. She was ready to move on with her decision. As soon as she finished her procedure, she felt like her old self. “I don’t know what it was, maybe knowing I no longer had to deal with it or that it was gone from my body, I was immediately fine,” Jane said. “I felt like I could have ran a marathon.” Although it has been three years and Jane feels no regrets, knowing she made the right decision given her situation, the experience still crosses her mind. If someone struggling to have children mentions it, Jane said it feels a little weird. Sometimes Jane just lets her mind wander. “I think about it often,” Jane said. “Around this time I would have a three-yearold with me in everything that I do. Any job I would have to consider my child and childcare. When I go to the grocery store I would have to make sure I get enough food and diapers for them. I would have to consider where I live – so many factors go into being a parent.”

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Opinion

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “To be an effective principal, you have to build the trust of the community and do so by being there for a long time.”

– Regina Butcher, retiring principal from Fuentes Elementary. Story on page 4.

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • June 2, 2021

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EDITORIAL

Good weather or bad ... the best and worst comes out Local downtowns and shopping centers were booming this weekend. Sidewalks were crowded and parking spots were at a premium. Sure, there were lots of sales going on. That’s always the case on federal holidays, as national chains have long known that a holiday means people off work, meaning free time on hand. Memorial Day events, including the groundbreaking of the Heroes Memorial in Kyle, were crowded as hundreds of people showed up. Friends who had not seen each other in more than a year were jubilant. The reason seems to be that lifting the mask mandate for those who have been vaccinated just opened the floodgates. Sunny weather, no masks. That was the key to the plethora of people greeting each other. One retailer in Buda said she had not seen so many people in her shop in more than a year. Were sales good? “You bet,” she said. Outdoor bars were crowded, as were restaurants. On Friday evening, arriving diners had to wait more than an hour just to get a seat. Indoors and out, the places were packed. Farmers Markets – whether in Buda or Dripping Springs – are seeing an uptick in sales and people. Shoppers wandered the areas, looking for local items; cash flowed. The scary part, of course, is not knowing for sure who has had the vaccination. While scientists say that even those who are vaccinated can get COVID-19, the likelihood is that the symptoms will be lessened. So the real challenge is for those not yet vaccinated – mask or no mask is up to them. As of the end of May 30, 2021, 44.2% of Texans have received at least one vaccine and 55.1% of all Americans have received the same. That means that more and more people will begin getting out and the economy will open up. While talking to shoppers and business owners this weekend, those who were vaccinated talked about a weight being lifted from their shoulders. Shoppers who knew each other quickly called out to friends that they had not seen in months, “I’ve been vaccinated.” And hugs ensued. It seems the lesson is that people are tired of not touching, of standing far apart. They want to socialize, to shake hands, to share experiences. They want contact with people other than in their households. So, get your vaccination now if you are so inclined. Hays County commissioners said this week that not a single dose has been wasted in the county. But that statistic cannot last long as fewer and fewer people are showing up for the walk-up clinics. In order to save money and resources, the county is considering cutting back on the number of clinics being open. It’s time to get serious and get your vaccination. Spaces are open in the clinics now, and the community at large welcomes the vaccinated back. The economy is opening up, and friendships are being renewed. Let’s hope this trend continues. ••• The weather wasn’t great all weekend, as Friday night’s storm showed its fierce face. Hays CISD ended up postponing Lehman High’s Friday night graduation until Saturday morning, and it was a good thing. Winds ended up blowing over the stage and toppling chairs. Those schools that did not postpone Friday night’s graduation ceremonies ended up evacuating the stadiums. While parents complained that there was lack of planning, it is difficult to imagine that the school districts could forecast the weather. It was Memorial Day weekend, and anyone who has been here for years knows this fact – there could be storms. We’d rather see events postponed than students struck by lightning. All in all, things turned out okay. So, please, give the districts a break. Instead, say congratulations to the students. They made it through a tough year and they are looking to their futures.

Ageless advice

Today, as I’m writing this here column, is Memorial Day, a day to remember and honor all those military men and women who gave the ultimate price for our freedom. On this particular day, my American flag is flying and I salute all those who died protecting this great nation, allowing me the chance to live 60+ years in freedom. You see, today also just happens to be my birthday. Don’t go asking how old I am, because frankly, I don’t recall. Somewhere between 60 and 65, I reckon. My brain is a bit fuzzy due to six decades of bumping my head against short door frames, low-hanging branches, late night frying pans and saloon floors. I know what year I was born, and with a calculator, I could do the math. But I need someone younger than these boots I’m wearing to show me again where that app is on my dang smart phone. I think someone over at that Apple company should make a phone that starts out smart but gets dumber and easier to use every year after we turn 60. It’s bad when I

Crow’s Nest by Clint Younts

have to ask Alexa if she knows how to answer a call on my cellphone. Speakin’ of Alexa, isn’t she great? I think every old coot needs one of these thingamajigs. For y’all less tech savvy folks, Alexa is a real smart lady who lives up high on a mountain (she once told me she lives in a cloud). If you can’t remember something, like what day is it or where you left your phone, you just talk to a box plugged into the wall. She will also tell you the weather forecast, remind you of doctor appointments and wedding anniversaries. She’s also a big help with your crossword puzzle. Back to my birthday, I want to thank all my Facebook friends, some whom I actually have met, for all the nice wishes they posted. I also want to personally thank all the people who helped me get through the

pandemic this past year. Thanks to all y’all who kept my cupboards full and mini-fridge stocked, and those who wore masks to keep me and others from catching the virus. Thanks to all those medical personnel and scientists who created a safe vaccine that has enabled me and millions of others to return to normal. Thanks to everyone who enabled me to celebrate my 63rd or 64th birthday. With so many years of collecting data, trivial knowledge and memorable occurrences, some of you young whippersnappers under the age of 50 might be wishing I share some of my vast wisdom in order for you to reach my age, whatever the heck it is. So, grab a pencil and paper, or I reckon you can use that “smart” contraption that is always an arm’s length away, and get ready for school. First of all, if you have teenaged kids, you will soon have gray hair. A little bit of gray makes men look “distinguished” but too much turns you into an old fart. Keep those gray hairs

trimmed short and you’ll look younger. And start wearing a cap. Keep your medicine cabinet well-stocked with Advil and heartburn medicine. Once you reach 60, you ache every stinkin’ day. And as soon as one body part stops hurting, another one begins to ache. As for your GI tract, something goes terribly wrong after you enter your golden years. It seems like stomach acid and noxious gases are always looking for a fast exit after a spicy meal. Have y’all ever noticed that when someone passes gas in a crowded room, everyone looks over at the old guy? One other suggestion for you younger men: Find a good doctor and take his advice if you want a live a healthier, longer life. And if he advises you to stop eating red meat and cut back on beer, find a new doctor. Slow down and enjoy the scenery. Life is too short to rush to your final destination. Enjoy the journey. And one last bit of advice on living longer. Forget your age.

Barton Publications, Inc. News tips: news@haysfreepress.com Opinions: csb@haysfreepress.com 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640 www.haysfreepress.com 512-268-7862 Publisher Cyndy Slovak-Barton Reporters Megan Wehring, Sahar Chmais

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Page 4

Pandemic Pivot

NEWS

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • June 2, 2021

Local teachers reflect on long year, how they made the best of it BY MEGAN WEHRING DRIPPING SPRINGS — In the face of strenuous challenges and a rewritten syllabus caused by the pandemic, two Dripping Springs teachers were honored for their tenacity. Kristen Northrup, second grade teacher at Rooster Springs Elementary, was named Elementary Teacher of the Year and Micki Whitacre, statistics and algebra teacher at Dripping Springs High School, was named Secondary Teacher of the Year. Both individuals will represent Dripping Springs ISD (DSISD) in the 2021 Teacher of the Year Program. Pandemic teaching came as a surprise to many. Instructors and district administrators were forced to shift in unprecedented ways – from changing from a school presence to virtual learning, adapting to new technology platforms and

PHOTO COURTESY OF DRIPPING SPRINGS ISD

Kristen Northrup, second grade teacher at Rooster Springs Elementary and Micki Whitacre, Statistics/Algebra 2 teacher at Dripping Springs High School were named DSISD Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year, respectively.

learning to pivot in new environments quickly. In her 21 years of teaching, Northrup said this has been the most challenging school year she has ever taught. “I had to figure out ways to reach every student,” Northrup said, “fill in gaps from the end

of the previous school year, teach in-person and remote students at the same time and have small group instruction, even with remote and in-person social distancing. It truly was a juggling act and a constant paradigm shift throughout the year.” Teachers have had

to develop new ways to make school special, Northrup added, while also keeping the students engaged even when teaching during quarantine. Whitacre agreed that there have been obstacles, but teachers have also learned some lessons along the way. “I think the pandemic has forced teachers to rethink education as we know it for the better,” Whitacre said. “Many of the strategies we used to make this year successful, a ‘less is more’ content approach and building in time for intervention during class, will last beyond the pandemic.” Whitacre graduated from Texas Christian University amid the Great Recession in 2009, when she discovered that job prospects were slim. She then enrolled in a teacher certification program when her local pastor’s wife encouraged her to

apply as a math teacher, a subject she has always enjoyed, at Overton Independent School District. “I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into that first year but I fell in love with teaching,” Whitacre said. “I love working with high school students. I enjoy that ‘ahha’ moment when something clicks. Now that I have been teaching for some time, I can say that my favorite part is staying connected to students and watching their lives unfold as they start their careers and their own families.” Northrup is in her 14th year at DSISD and has taught first, second and third grades at Rooster Springs Elementary. She almost always knew that she would become a teacher after watching her dad evolve into a versatile music educator. “He made it look so great and I always felt like the students he taught

were a part of the family,” Northrup told the Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch. “He would bring home used textbooks and primers for me and I would ‘teach’ and ‘play school’ downstairs in our basement.” Watching former students grow up and accomplish great successes is her favorite part of the job, Northrup explained. She likes to say that she played a small part in making that happen. Other Campus Teachers of the Year for DSISD were Laurie Burton (Dripping Springs Middle School, English Language Arts/ English as a Second Language), Raquel Flores (Dripping Springs Elementary, bilingual first grade), Jennifer Franco (Walnut Springs Elementary, pre-K), Tori Pattison (Sycamore Springs Elementary, first grade) and Rebecca Smart (Sycamore Springs Middle School, eighthgrade Social Studies).

Principal helps students affect their environments “There are so many schools with STEM education, but at the elementary level we have to engage kids and motivate them to come to school and stay in school. Part of building the whole child is recognizing what the arts bring to the child’s life.”

BY SAHAR CHMAIS

From the classroom to the community, Regina Butcher’s career created a rippling effect through the involvement of arts and nature in every class at her school. Butcher, principal at the Susie Fuentes Elementary school, boiled her career down into two of her passions – the arts and nature. The two pillars Butcher involved in teaching young developing minds were her key to success, and after 12 years she is passing the torch on for a new foundation. “There are so many schools with STEM education,” Butcher said, “but at the elementary level we have to engage kids and motivate them to come to school and stay in school. Part of building the whole child is recognizing what the arts bring to the child’s life.” Focusing on the arts does not mean creating more art classes, but means involving them in math, science, writing and making room for free after-school programs. Not all parents have the money to sign their children up for dance lessons, and some could not drive them after school, so Butcher extended the programs. That was not all Butcher offered her students. About a decade ago, she had a vision on how to teach children a standard of environmental responsibility and brought in a recycling and composting program. Fuentes Elementary became the first school in the district to do single-stream recycling and composting.

– Regina Butcher, retiring principal at Susie Fuentes Elementary

The students had influence on their parents and the community. Two years later, the City of Kyle adopted single-stream recycling. Butcher’s effects spanned beyond the local spectrum. When the green initiative in schools was not as popular, Butcher travelled around the nation about 10 years ago to speak at the National Green Conference in Education. Students also learned about saving electricity and before going on holiday, they would search the classrooms to make sure nothing would use too much electricity. They took that initiative home, Butcher said. All of these efforts were student-led so they could become part of the children’s lifestyles, Butcher explained. After Butcher laid down

the blueprints for these long-lasting habits, she decided it was time for someone new to bring in their ideas for future students. Shay Howard, the assistant principal, will be filling in as the new princi-

pal beginning next year. Butcher passed down some advice and broke it down into three L’s. The first is living the life of a principal by knowing the community, students, staff and parents. “To be an effective principal, you have to build the trust of the community and do so by being there for a long time,” Butcher said. The second piece is knowing the limitless possibilities of achievement in success. Principals have to have that belief in every

child, she explained. Lastly, a principal has to lead with confidence, learn new ways of doing things, listen, love and laugh. While these virtues are important for a principal, Butcher will carry them into her personal life after retirement. She will continue to focus on children and nature even after she leaves her 30-year-old career. “I am going to spend more time with my daughters and grandchildren,” Butcher said of the future.

“I am an avid camper and naturalist. I’m very devoted to our state and national parks.” Butcher said she will take every opportunity she can to go camping. She has scheduled trips for next year. But education is not completely out of her life either. Years ago, Butcher worked with dog trainers and brought a trained seeing eye dog as a reading buddy to the school. The program eventually dissolved, but she hopes to bring it back by training dogs and bringing them into the school. “From the day I stepped on campus, I knew it was home and wanted to stay here for the rest of my career,” Butcher told the Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch. Even when she leaves, Butcher will never truly say goodbye to the home she nested in.

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Thyroid & Parathyroid

Ultrasound & Needle Biopsy Thyroid & Parathyroid Surgery

Allergy

Comprehensive Allergy Testing Allergy Shots & Drops

KYLE

Children’s ENT

Ear Tube Placement Tonsil & Adenoid Surgery Minimally Invasive Sinus Surgery

Nose & Sinus

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery In-office Balloon Sinuplasty

Diagnostic Hearing Tests

Comprehensive Hearing Exams Immittance Testing OAE, VNG and VRA Testing Brian Schwab, M.D.

Throat, Head & Neck

Sleep Apnea Hoarseness/Vocal Cord Dysfunction

TWO LOCATIONS IN YOUR AREA

1180 Seton Parkway Suite 420 Kyle, TX 78640 (512) 268-5282

Hearing Aid Sales, Programming Fittings, Cleanings & Repairs Earmolds & Custom Ear Plugs Hearing Protection

Mark Dammert, M.D.

Michael Yium, M.D.

LOCKHART

1005 W. San Antonio #A Lockhart, TX 78644 (512) 444-7944

Amber Bass, Au.D.

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • June 2, 2021

COMMUNITY

Page 5

Unknown golfer goes on a hot streak Kyle bulk trash drop off on June 5 A 21-year-old nobody from Dallas surprised the sports world on Jun. 8, 1933 by coming within a single stroke of grabbing golf’s biggest prize – the U.S. Open Championship. Ralph Guldahl was born in Big D in 1911, a year before two legendary lions of the links – Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson – also drew their first breath in the Lone Star State. By age 11, the son of Norwegian immigrants was caddying at Lakewood Country Club, and in 1927 he captained the Woodrow Wilson High School golf team to the state title. As the wheels started coming off the national economy in 1930, Guldahl decided to earn his living playing the game he loved. The raw rookie showed a flash of precocious potential by becoming the youngest qualifier for the U.S. Open. Guldahl needed a birdie on the 72nd hole three years later to win the most important tournament in America but lost control of his putter. After missing the mark by four feet on his first attempt, he went for the par that would have tied him with Johnny Goodman and

in June 1937, the tall Texan claimed the prize Texas that slipped through his History fingers four years earlier. Calm, cool and collected, by Bartee nothing seemed to rattle Haile him. On opening day, forced a play-off. But he snap-happy shutterbugs blew that putt, too, and caused Guldahl to miss had to settle for second a short putt. A freak acplace. cident cost him a stroke Instead of finding in the second round, encouragement in his when a picture-perfect strong showing, Guldahl drive struck an official in let his mental meltdown the back and bounced get to him. His confiinto the rough. Not even dence was so completely an attack by a swarm of shattered by the embarbees could stop him from rassing experience that making a birdie putt in less than a year later he the third round. quit golf altogether. Fifty thousand dollars Guldahl returned to in prize money and comTexas and tried his hand mercial endorsements at selling cars, a poor were at stake, when choice of occupations Guldahl reached the 18th during the Depression. green on the final day. (He sold just one – to Secure in the knowledge himself!) However, a job he could three-putt the laying out a nine-hole last hole and still emerge course rekindled his victorious, he combed interest in golf, and with his curly hair – a nervous borrowed money he gave habit that helped him to the professional tour one relax – and sent the little more try. white ball scooting across The time off had done the manicured grass to Guldahl a world of good. within two feet of the In 1936 he won his first cup. major event, the Western Guldahl’s second putt Open, as well as the Radix dropped out of sight to Trophy awarded to the the deafening approval pro golfer with the lowest of 10,000 spectators. His average round. score of 281 was a new At Oakland Hills Coun- record for the U.S. Open try Club outside Detroit and two shots better than

runner-up Sam Snead. In their rematch the following week at the Western, Guldahl and Snead started the decisive 18 in a dead heat. The Texan picked up two strokes on the hillbilly sensation on the front nine and then blew him away with five pars, three birdies and an eagle on the back nine to win by 11 shots. Guldahl was in the driver’s seat at the Masters until disaster struck on the final round. He knocked his tee shot into a creek on the 12th, landed in a shallow stream on the 13th and wound up wasting 11 strokes on the two holes. Byron Nelson, almost as much of an unknown as Guldahl had been at the 1933 Open, took full advantage of the front-runner’s self-destruction. He birdied the 12th and eagled the 13th to gain six strokes on Guldahl and take a two-shot lead he never relinquished. Refusing to let that awful afternoon at Augusta knock him off stride, Guldahl played truly superb golf throughout 1938. He pulled off a rare repeat at the Open, won his third Western in a row and came in second again at

the Masters. While Snead was basking in the glow of his apparent victory in the 1939 edition of the Masters, Guldahl was vanquishing the ghosts of ’37. He carded an amazing three on the par-five 13th hole to pull the rug out from under Slammin’ Sam. But for reasons no one ever understood, Guldahl never won another major tournament. His game suddenly came apart, and he could not figure out how to put it back together. Guldahl’s wife and son had always traveled with him, but in 1945 they stayed in San Diego while he went on tour alone. He got as far as Los Angeles, caught the next train back home and never played another round of professional golf. At 34 Ralph Guldahl’s best years may have been ahead of him, but that did not matter to the devoted husband and father. Everything he wanted was right at home. “Murder Most Texan” is a must read for fans of true crime and Texas history. Order your copy for $24.00 by mailing a check to Bartee Haile, P.O. Box 130011, Spring, TX 77393.

BY SAHAR CHMAIS Kyle residents are invited to get rid of their bulky waste and junk pile up at the city-wide trash pickup on Saturday, June 5. The city-wide cleanup event will take place from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Gregg-Clarke Park. Attendees must reside within city limits, bring photo identification, bring a City of Kyle utility bill and be prepared to leave their vehicle to unload at the drop site. “Our aim with this

TRASH DROP OFF, 10

DeMasters - Daniel Insurance Agency, Inc. Serving Hays County since 1983 “Call us for all of your insurance needs”

Texas Lehigh Cement Co., LP

Angie Dahl

Wimberley: 512-847-5549 or 512-847-9325 Dripping Springs: 512-858-4608

Sudoku puzzle courtesy of www.4puz.com

PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM After fielding a ground ball, Dripping Springs’ shortstop Nico Ruedas makes an off balance perfect throw to first base for an out. Ruedas pitched nine innings in the Tigers 3-2 win Thursday and drove in the winning run in Saturday’s 5-4 win over Corpus Christi advancing the Tigers to the 5A Regional Finals.

Tigers defeat Eagles, now in Regional finals BY WAYLAND D. CLARK Scoring a run in five of the seven innings – with the most important in the top of the seventh – was the key to Dripping Springs’ victory. The Tigers beat the Corpus Christi Veterans Memorial Eagles in a best of three game Regional Semifinal at North East Stadium in San Antonio Saturday afternoon. Pitcher Mitchell Bockelman homered in the top of the fifth for a 3-2 lead and the Tigers added another run in the sixth, but the 4-2 lead didn’t last long. Cody Evans came in to pitch in relief of Bockelman who pitched 4.1 innings. The Tigers’ outstanding defense ended an Eagles threat in the bottom of the fifth with a double play. But the Eagles hit a two run homer off of Evans in the bottom of the sixth inning tying the game 4-4. “It doesn’t matter,” Evans said after the 5-4 win and shutting down the Eagles in the bottom of the seventh inning, “the next pitch is all that matters.” Brandon Arvidson reached base on a walk and Nico Ruedas singled, scoring the winning run for the Tigers. In the series, Dripping Springs was 4 for 6 in steals on the base pads but the two

Coming Up

The Tigers will face Rouse in the 5A Regional Finals with all games at Concordia University. Thursday, June 3 at 7:00 p.m. (DS home team), Friday, June 4 at 7:00 p.m. (DS visitor) and Saturday, June 5 at 2:00 (if needed, flip coin for home / visitor)

put outs were critical. “It’s athletic amnesia,” head coach Chris Payne said about the mistakes, “you forget about it, turn the page and go.” Ruedas pitched a complete game with two extra innings in a 3-2 win for Dripping Springs in the opening game of the best of three series with the Eagles on Thursday. Ruedas faced 34 batters in the nine innings, giving up four hits and striking out five. Max Miles led the Tigers offense with a pair of RBIs on three hits. A two run home run in the top of the first inning on Saturday afternoon and a brilliant pitching performance by Brandon Arvidson was not enough to keep the Eagles from forcing the third and final game. The Eagles scored three in the bottom of the second inning and added a run in the fifth for the 4-2 win. Veterans Memorial pitcher Jose Acuna gave up three hits, walked two and had 14 strikeouts in the win.

See solution on page 6

Page 6

COMMUNITY

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • June 2, 2021

OBITUARY FOSSUM Gloria Jean Fossum, age 94, passed away on Sunday, May 23, 2021, in Kyle, Texas. Born on April 24, 1927, in Great Falls, Montana to Hazel and Charles Rombough, she was preceded in death by her parents; husband,

Orlando R. Fossum; son, Richard L. Fossum Sr., and brother, Charles Rombough. Gloria is survived by her grandson, Richard Fossum; great-granddaughter, Natalie Fossum; and brother, Robert Rombough. Interment will take

Solidified remains are a clean alternative to ashes that allow you to live comfortably with your departed.

place in Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery, where Gloria will join her husband, Orlando. You are invited to sign the guestbook at www. porterloring.com. Arrangements with Porter Loring Mortuary in San Antonio, Texas.

DSHS student athletes sign National Letters of Intent BY MEGAN WEHRING

DRIPPING SPRINGS — Nearing the end of their senior year, six Dripping Springs High School (DSHS) student athletes signed National Letters of Intent Wednesday, May 19 to further their athletic career at their chosen colleges.

AIDAN BAILEY, BASKETBALL, LUTHER COLLEGE (IOWA) Aidan Bailey was a two-year varsity letterman for the Dripping Springs Tigers, earning first-team all-district honors after leading the team in five different statistical categories as a senior. He was named to the Texas High School Coaches Association All-State Team and was nominated to play in the Hill Country Classic All-Star Game. He is the son of Sarah and Aaron Bale. Coach: Craig Swannack.

BLAKE BRYANT, BASEBALL, BLINN COLLEGE Blake Bryant has been a two-year starter for the Tiger baseball team. He is a utility player and will be playing third base at Blinn College in Brenham. Bryant is a two-time academ-

ic all-district recipient and plays summer ball for the Lonestar Baseball Club in Dripping Springs. He is the son of Deborah and Troy Bryant. Coach: Chris Payne.

Call us to learn more 512-443-1366

all four years at DSHS. He is the son of Lori and Troy Prehar. Coach: Joe Kirksey.

www.HarrelFuneralHomes.com

TYLER PULS, BASEBALL, HILL COLLEGE Tyler Puls has been

JJ GUERRERO, WRESTLING, a two-year starter for LYON COLLEGE the Tiger baseball team playing first base, third (ARKANSAS) JJ Guerrero was a threetime state qualifier and two-time district champion for the Tigers, helping the team to the district and regional championships the last two seasons. He ranks in the top 10 in school history for career wins, pins and team points. He also has competed in football and cross country at DSHS. He is the son of Jeff and Tonya Guerrero. Coach: Joe Kirksey.

base and outfield. He will be playing third base at Hill College in Hillsboro. Puls has played summer ball with the Prospects National Team. He is the son of Nicole and Eric Puls. Coach: Chris Payne. Lil Bunny Fufu (DJ name: Lil’ BFF) is a 2-yearold, female medium mixed breed. She would be happy to be your lazy Netflix buddy, but she can keep up with playful dog buddies and long walks with her forever human.

AUDREY WILLIAMSON, TRACK, BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Audrey Williamson was a four-year varsity letterman for the Lady Tigers track and field team. She qualified for CHRISTIAN PREHAR, the area meet twice in the WRESTLING, SCHREINER 300-meter hurdles and UNIVERSITY the 4×400-meter relay. As Christian Prehar was a a senior, Williamson was a two-time state qualifier regional finalist and state for the Tigers, helping the alternate in the hurdles. team to back-to-back disShe is the daughter of trict and regional titles in Donna and John William2020 and 2021. As a senior, son. Coach: Marisa Tuzzi. he placed fifth at the state tournament and led the As of May 19, a total of team in pins, team points 28 DSHS seniors in the and win percentage. He Class of 2021 became also competed in football college athletes.

Buda, Texas • 15300 S. IH-35 • 312-1615

Debbie Thames, Agent 251 N. FM 1626, Bldg. 2, Ste. C, Buda, Texas 78610 312-1917

Sudoku Solution

sponsored by

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Bill Selman, DVM • Kayley Goldsmith, DVM • Ben Fox, DVM 6300 FM 1327 (East of I35 and Creedmoor) Austin, TX 78747 Give us a call at 512-385-0486

CHURCH OF CHRIST

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

Faith Assembly of God 1030 Main St., Buda

Buda-Kyle Church of Christ 3.5 miles south of Buda on FM 2770

Monte del Olivar Christian Center 2400 FM 150 E., Kyle

BAPTIST

Southern Hills Church of Christ 3740 FM 967, Buda

The Connection Church 1235 S. Loop 4, Buda

EPISCOPAL

Antioch Community Church Old Black Colony Rd., Buda

First Baptist Church-Buda 104 San Marcos St., Buda First Baptist Church-Kyle 300 W. Center St., Kyle Hays Hills Baptist Church 1401 FM 1626, Buda

Manchaca Baptist Church Lowden Lane & FM 1626 Immanuel Baptist Church 4000 E. FM 150, 4 miles east of Kyle Center Union Baptist Church Goforth Rd., Buda Primera Mision Bautista Mexicana Kyle Baptist Church of Driftwood 13540 FM 150 W. CATHOLIC Santa Cruz Catholic Church 1100 Main Street, Buda

Texas Crossword, from page 5

500 FM 150 E, Kyle, TX • 512 268-1611 • pawsshelter.org

All animals are fully vaccinated, spay/neutered, microchipped and dewormed.

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD

Southeast Baptist Church 5020 Turnersville Rd., Creedmoor

Texas Crossword Solution

PAWS Shelter of Central Texas

is a non-profit, no-kill shelter operated primarily on donations and adoptions.

Come worship with us

Sledge Chapel Missionary Baptist Church 709 Sewell, Kyle

Sudoku Puzzle, from page 5

Bam-Bam is a 4-year-old, domestic shorthair mix. Bam-Bam’s urge to run around and play makes for a fun playmate to have! The staff members here talked, and while it’s not always allowed, they said Bam-Bam can be an indoor and outdoor kitty.

St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church 725 RR 967, Buda St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church RR 3237 (Wimberley Rd.), Kyle St. Alban’s Episcopal Church 11819 IH-35 South JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses FM 2770, Kyle Jehovah’s Witnesses South 10802 Manchaca Rd., Manchaca LUTHERAN Living Word Lutheran ELCA 2315 FM 967, Buda Redeeming Grace Lutheran LCMS FM 1626 & Manchaca Rd., Manchaca Resurrection Church, CLBA 401 FM 967, Buda St. John Lutheran Church 9865 Camino Real, Uhland The Well Buda Buda United Methodist Church San Marcos & Elm St., Buda

Mission Fellowship Church 200 San Marcos Street, Buda

Spring Water! Privately owned From local springs FREE DELIVERY 1ST 20 GAL. FREE

Vertical Chapel 400 Old Post Road, Kyle A Fountain of Life Church 302 Millenium Dr. Kyle

Friendly, Courteous Service

Fellowship Church at Plum Creek 160 Grace Street at 2770, Kyle

Call 1-866-691-2369

Word of Life Christian Faith Center 118 Trademark Drive, Buda

BUDA

Por Tu Gracia Fellowship 701 Roland Lane, Kyle

DRUG STORE

203 Railroad Street Downtown Buda Pharmacy 312-2111 Fountain 312-2172

PENTECOSTAL Mision de Casa de Oracion S. Hwy. 81, Kyle

Journey United Methodist 4301 Benner Rd, Kyle, Tx

CHRISTIAN

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church 7206 Creedmoor Rd., Creedmoor

New Life Christian Church 2315 FM 967, Buda

Manchaca United Methodist Church FM 1626 & Manchaca Rd., Manchaca

St. John’s Presbyterian Church 12420 Hewitt Ln., Manchaca

Iglesia Israelita Casa de Dios 816 Green Pastures Dr., Kyle

Driftwood United Methodist Church RR 150 at County Road 170

First Presbyterian Church 410 W. Hutchison, San Marcos, TX 78666

New Life Sanctuary Kyle Science Hall Elementary 1510 Bebee Rd. PRESBYTERIAN

First Baptist Church

A loving & caring Southern Baptist Church 104 S. San Marcos Street, Buda Buddy Johnson, Pastor • 295-2161 Sunday School...........................................9:30 a.m. Morning Worship....................................10:45 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study/Youth Activities...6:00 p.m. AWANA’s (Wednesday)..........................6:00 p.m.

www.hayshills.org 1401 N. FM 1626

Pure Texas

New Covenant Community Church 1019 Main Street, Buda (in Dance Unlimited)

St. Michael’s Catholic Church S. Old Spanish Trail, Uhland

Adult (including an 8:30 a.m. early bird class), teen, children’s classes * Children’s worship Professionally-staffed nursery & pre-school

Providing you with your most important local news for Kyle, Buda and surrounding communities

Kingdom United Christian Church 100 Madison Way, Buda

Kyle United Methodist Church Sledge & Lockhart St., Kyle

9:30 a.m. Classic Service 10:45 a.m. Contemporary service

Hays Free Press

Completed & Perfected Faith Church Tobias Elementary Cafeteria, FM 150, Kyle

St. Anthony Marie Claret Church 801 N. Burleson, Kyle

Baptist Church

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Trinity United Chuch of Niederwald 13700 Camino Real, Hwy. 21, Niederwald

METHODIST

Hays Hills

TEXAS LEHIGH CEMENT CO. LP

Nursery Provided

www.firstbaptistbuda.com • fbcbuda@austin.rr.com

Your Hometown McDonald’s

McDonald’s of Buda 15359 IH-35, Ste. B • P.O. Box 1364, Buda, TX 78610

512-312-2383

Locally owned and operated by Jimmy and Cindi Ferguson

Sunset Canyon Baptist Church 8:45 AM

Sunday Morning

11:00 AM

Sunday Worship

5:45 PM

Wednesday Meal

6:30 PM

Wed TouchPoint SCBC Preschool Children Ministries Youth Ministries Family Ministries

A Family of Faith... www.sunsetcanyonchurch.org

(512) 894-0480

4000 E. HWY 290

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • June 2, 2021

COMMUNITY

Page 7

1,371 Hays CISD students turn the tassel during weekend graduation ceremonies

This past weekend, 695 seniors graduated from Hays High School, 510 seniors graduated from Lehman High School and 166 seniors graduated from Live Oak Academy.

PHOTO BY HARVEST COATS

Hays CISD Honor Graduates

Live Oak Academy Honor Graduate Sidney Jane McKinney

Hays High School Valedictorian Jesus Jimenez Lopez

Hays High School Salutatorian Jackie Gibson

Lehman High Valedictorian Abby Power

Lehman High Salutatorian Omar Rodriguez

Service Directory Air Conditioning

Nemec HeatiNg & air cHris Nemec

“Proudly Serving Central Texas”

Residential • Commercial • After Hours Available Email: Chris@nemecheatingandair.com O. 512-312-9081 • C. 512-789-5132 Buda, Texas 78610 • TACLA 34861C

Financial Planning Financial Planning

Zachary Barton 512-686-7589 512-686-7589 107 S. Main St., Ste. A • Kyle, TX

107 S. Main St., Ste. A • Kyle, TX

Financial Planning• Insurance Planning Investment Planning Financial Planning• Insurance Planning Investment Planning

Dirt Cheap

130 Hall Professional Center, Kyle, TX 78640

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Loam • Topsoil • Sand • Gravel • Roadbase Asphalt Millings • Granite • Compost Mix Tractor Work Available Specializing in Country Driveways

Professional Office Home and RV Service in north Hays Co. Consulting Setup Training Backups Upgrades

Computer Systems Software Development Networking Technical Systems Maintenance

Component Selection Digital Photos System & Process Docs Website Maintenance CD/DVD Duplication

Want help selecting the best value? Office systems not maintained? Did your kids or employees leave your computer useless?

Rick-Rob Trucking

Rick-Rob.com robinnds@aol.com

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mike@haystech.com

Legal Services Attorneys and Counselors At Law

Zachary Barton

Computer Help

Plumbing

BUSINESS LAW/ WILLS/TRUSTS/ PROBATE/FAMILY LAW/DIVORCE/ CUSTODY/ CONSUMER LAW/ DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES ACT/ PROPERTY LAW/ LANDLORD-TENANT LAW/PERSONAL INJURY/DWI/ CRIMINAL DEFENSE/ DEBT/DEFENSE/ GENERAL CIVIL LITIGATION

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To subscribe call 512-268-7862 or email paper@haysfreepress.com

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Over 10 years of experience Keith Miller, owner

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Septic Services

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locations in in 10 locations Central Texas Texas, including: 1010Locations in Central Texas including: including: 1911 Manchaca • 512-440-8788 3932Ben RR White 620 S.and in Bee Caves Rd • 512-263-4630 316 Round Rock Ave. Round Rock 512-244-9124 12119 and Nutty • 512-827-3398 1911 W W. Hwy Ben 290 White Blvd. in Brown Austin Rd • 512-440-8788 306WSouth Park 6781 HwyBell 290 in Hill- •512-219-8387 512-288-6386 3300 Bee Caves Rd.Cedar in Oak Westlake • 512-329-8104

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Free Assessments & Estimates • Insured MARCUS LEES (512) 858-4018 leestreestexas@gmail.com

Page 8

NEWS

Classifieds

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • June 2, 2021

SEE HELP WANTED AND WANTED CATEGORIES ON PAGE 10

PUBLIC NOTICES REQUESTING PROPOSALS

“Hays CISD is Requesting Proposals for Bid #18052105VL Elementary School Shade Structures Ð Various Campuses. Proposals will be accepted until 06-102021 at 2:00 p.m. local time. Specifications are available in the HCISD Purchasing Office (512-268-2141 ext. 45092) between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Proposal responses must be returned to the HCISD Purchasing Office 21003 IH 35, Kyle, TX 78640, by the date and time indicated above. Late Bids will be returned unopened. The HCISD Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and/or all bids and waive all formalities in the bid process.”

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The Buda City Council will hold a public hearing in person for the following item at its regular meeting to be held Tuesday, June 15th at 5:30 PM at the Council Chambers at Buda City Hall, 405 West Loop Street, Building 100, Buda, TX 78610: Conduct a Public Hearing, deliberate and possible action to approve on first reading, an Ordinance of the City of Buda, Texas granting Specific Use Permit (SUP) for a Restaurant or Cafeteria, with Curb or Drive-Thru Service in the Form District 4 (F4) Zoning District for the property known as Resubdivision of lot 2A CVS Buda Subdivision, lots 3B, 4B, and 6B, being +/3.068 acres located at the southwest corner of FM 967 and FM 1626 (SUP 19-06)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Of property to satisfy a landlord’s lien. Sale to be held Online at Storagetreasures.com by competitive bid. Anytime Storage, LLC 880 Windy Hill Rd. Kyle, TX 78640 Will be ending on or after June 29, 2021 at 11 AM. Cleanup deposit is required. Seller reserves the right to withdraw the property at any time before the sale. The property contents of all storage unit(s) sold at this sale are purchased “as is” “where is” for CASH/CREDIT. Unit items sold for cash to the highest bidder. All Units have some miscellaneous household items, boxes, furniture. Property includes the contents of spaces of the following tenant (s). ISABEL SALAZAR: Christmas, roaster, bins SERGIO GARCIA: shop tools, supplies, electronics, automotive MARTIN WIERS: bedding vacuum MARTIN WIERS: beds, lamps DAVID BOLLINGER: bed, appliances DEMETRIUS LINCOLN automotive, appliances JESUS VETENCOURT baby items, electronics

NOTICE TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS AGAINST THE ESTATE OF MARY LOUISE MAHER, DECEASED

Notice is hereby given that in Cause No. 21-0163-P, styled Estate of Mary Louise Maher, Deceased, pending in the County Court at Law Number 2 of Hays County, Texas, original Letters Testamentary were issued on May 12, 2021, to Colleen Maher Lewis. Claims may be presented and addressed to the personal representative of the estate in care of her attorney at the following address: Key Law Office PC Attn: Alicia Key 1760 FM 967, Suite A Buda, Texas 78610 All persons having claims against this estate are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law.

DATED this the 18th day of May, 2021. Key Law Office PC 1760 FM 967, Suite A Buda, Texas 78610 Alicia Key Attorney for Colleen Maher Lewis State Bar No. 08314300 Phone: (512) 400-2350 Fax: (512) 236-5148 Email: service@ keylawoffice.com

within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. DATED this the 18th day of May, 2021. Key Law Office PC 1760 FM 967, Suite A Buda, Texas 78610 Alicia Key Attorney for Roy Charles Dahlstrom State Bar No. 08314300

Phone: (512) 400-2350 Fax: (512) 236-5148 Email: service@ keylawoffice.com

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of SUSAN VAUGHAN RAULIE, were issued on May 24, 2021,

under Docket No. 21-0194-P pending in the County Court of Hays County, Texas, to ERIN KATHLEEN LENTZ Claims may be presented in care of the attorney for the Estate addressed as follows: All persons having claims against this Estate, which is currently being administered, are required to present them

within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. Dated this 27th day of May, 2021. Blazier, Christensen, Browder & Virr, P.C./Thomas F. Virr/ Attorney for the Estate

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE OF PROPERTY TO SATISFY A LANDLORD’S LIEN

Sale to be held Online at Storagetreasures.com by competitive bid. Anytime Storage, LLC 2401 Windy Hill Rd. Kyle, TX 78640 Will be ending on or after June 29, 2021at 11 AM Cleanup deposit is required. Seller reserves the right to withdraw the property at any time before the sale. The property contents of all storage unit(s) sold at this sale are purchased “as is” “where is” for CASH/CREDIT. Unit items sold for cash to the highest bidder. All Units have some miscellaneous household items, boxes, furniture. Property includes the contents of spaces of the following tenant(s): Tyler Gelzaines: rugs, keyboard, shelves, bedding, clothes, art

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES “K20-21.10”

Five (5) complete bound copies and one (1) electronic copy (flash drive) of the qualifications are required. Qualifications are to be delivered by 5:00 p.m., June 23, 2021 to: Leon Barba, P.E. City Engineer City of Kyle City Hall 100 W. Center Street Kyle, TX 78640 The complete submittals shall be enclosed in an envelope and plainly marked on the outside of the envelope or on any carrier’s envelope: PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES Kyle, Texas “K20-21.10” A virtual pre-submission conference will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 9, 2021. You can access the meeting by clicking on this link: https:// meetings.ringcentral. com/j/1481220687 Qualification specifications may be secured from the City of Kyle (City) website at the following link: https:// www.cityofkyle.com/rfps The City reserves the right to negotiate with any and all persons or firms. The City also reserves the right to reject any or all submittals, or to accept any submittal deemed most advantageous, or to waive any irregularities or informalities in the submittal received, and to revise the process schedule as circumstances arise. Leon Barba, P.E. City Engineer

NOTICE TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS AGAINST THE ESTATE OF TOM PHILLIP DAHLSTROM, DECEASED

Notice is hereby given that in Cause No. 21-0149-P, styled Estate of Tom Phillip Dahlstrom, Deceased, pending in the County Court at Law Number 3 of Hays County, Texas, original Letters Testamentary were issued on May 7, 2021, to Roy Charles Dahlstrom. Claims may be presented and addressed to the personal representative of the estate in care of his attorney at the following address: Key Law Office PC Attn: Alicia Key 1760 FM 967, Suite A Buda, Texas 78610 All persons having claims against this estate are required to present them

LEGAL NOTICE Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a BG Wine and Beer Permit by Crazy Fruits 4 LLC dba Crazy Fruits, to be located at 1290 Beebe Rd, Ste 400 Kyle, Hays County, Texas. Officers of said corporation are Elizabeth Arroyo/ Manager and José Luis Fernandez/ Manager.

NOTICE OF EXCLUSION HEARING

TO THE OWNERS OF PROPERTY WITHIN LASALLE MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 3:

TO THE OWNERS OF PROPERTY WITHIN LASALLE MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 2:

Notice is hereby given that a public hearing shall be held on Friday, June 18, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. solely by telephone/video conference. Any member of the public may participate in this hearing remotely via the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85835600525?pwd=RTB uaWJUYmVqOVh4c0drbFB3dVJ1Zz09, or by dialing 1-346-248-7799 or 1-669-900-9128 (Meeting ID: 858 3560 0525; Passcode: 589924), at which hearing the Board of Directors of LaSalle Municipal Utility District No. 3 (the “District”) will announce its conclusions relating to land or other property to be excluded from the District and will receive and consider petitions for the exclusion of land and other property from the District. However, should the Texas Governor’s March 13, 2020, Proclamation regarding COVID-19 expire prior to the date of this meeting, the meeting will be held in person at Doucet & Associates, 7401 B. Hwy. 71 West, Suite 160, Austin, Texas 78735.

Notice is hereby given that a public hearing shall be held on Friday, June 18, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. solely by telephone/video conference. Any member of the public may participate in this hearing remotely via the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89062430030?pwd=TX psVEhYTzM3VEF5Mm8zMjlIT2tKQT09, or by dialing 1-346-248-7799 or 1-253-215-8782 (Meeting ID: 890 6243 0030; Passcode: 403629), at which hearing the Board of Directors of LaSalle Municipal Utility District No. 2 (the "District") will announce its conclusions relating to land or other property to be excluded from the District and will receive and consider petitions for the exclusion of land and other property from the District. However, should the Texas Governor’s March 13, 2020, Proclamation regarding COVID-19 expire prior to the date of this meeting, the meeting will be held in person at Doucet & Associates, 7401 B. Hwy. 71 West, Suite 160, Austin, Texas 78735.

All persons who own property within the District have the right to present petitions for exclusions and to offer evidence in support of the petitions and have the right to contest any proposed exclusion based on either a petition or the conclusions of the Board of Directors and to offer evidence in support of the contest. The legal descriptions of the property to be excluded are on file and open for public inspection in the administrative office of the District at Winstead PC, 401 Congress Avenue, Suite 2100, Austin, Texas 78701 or by email addressed to kstuddard@winstead.com.

A petition for exclusion conforming to all requirements of Chapter 49, Texas Water Code, must be filed with the District at least seven (7) days before the hearing in order to be considered.

LASALLE MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 3 ATTEST:

LASALLE MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 2 ATTEST:

/s/ Ross N. Allen Assistant Secretary, Board of Directors

/s/ Mark S. Baldwin Assistant Secretary, Board of Directors

/s/ Edward Wilhelm President Board of Directors

/s/ Kevin L. Bales President Board of Directors

Hays Free Press • June 2, 2021

Page 9

Classifieds PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Letters of Independent Administration in the Estate of Mark Nickolaos Ransick were granted May 19, 2021 to Cynthia Ransick Radle as Independent Administrator in Cause No. 21-0100-P, County Court, Hays County, Texas. Persons with claims against the estate must present them within the time prescribed by law to Steven Hake, 8705 Shoal Creek Blvd #103, Austin TX 78757, attorney for the Independent Administrator.

Texas Press Statewide Advertising Network Regional advertising starts at $250 per week.

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For more information, email tracy@haysfreepress.com or call 512-433-0926

NOTICE FOR PROPOSALS Sealed Proposals will be received by the Finance Department of the City of Buda until 2:00 p.m. June 7, 2021, for “RFP 21-006 City Firework Shows”. Request for Proposals may be obtained from the Purchasing Manager at the Buda Municipal Building, 405 E. Loop St., Buda, Texas 78610 or go to www.texasbidsystem.com. The City desires to enter a contract with a single vendor to provide a turn-key annual firework display to include the following: 1. Provide approximately 25-minute show choreographed to patriotic music. Successful vendor will provide music to City. 2. Provide a 5 minute show for annual Budafest event, first weekend in December. 3. Provide all necessary labor, equipment, and supervision to set-up and dismantle display. 4. Shell size must not be greater than 8” for the 2021 fireworks display. However, the City reserves the right to adjust shell size on an annual basis to accommodate the firing site (no ground effects). 5. Locate all unexploded shells at the conclusion of display. 6. Perform thorough cleanup of the display site. 7. The successful vendor will meet with Parks & Recreation, Police, and Fire Department personnel prior to the contract renewal period to discuss site selection and fireworks display for the upcoming year. The successful vendor will be required to submit a firework display package to the City for consideration and approval ninety (90) days prior to the contract expiration date. ADDRESS AND MARK ENVELOPE: “RFP 21-006 City Firework Shows” TO: Purchasing Manager, City of Buda, 405 E. Loop St., Buda, Texas 78610. TO BE OPENED: 2:00 p.m. June 7, 2021.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is given that a Public Hearing by the Plum Creek Conservation District will be held at the District offices(1101 San Antonio St., Lockhart, TX 78644) on Wednesday, June 30th , 2021, at 1 p.m. for the following purpose: Groundwater Management Area 10 Proposed Desired Future Conditions and Relevant Aquifer Designations At an open meeting of the Groundwater Management Area 10 Joint Planning Committee (GMA-10) held on April 20, 2021 via zoom, and attended by representatives from the following groundwater conservation districts located wholly or partially within Groundwater Management Area 10: Edwards Aquifer Authority, Medina County Groundwater Conservation District, Uvalde County Underground Water Conservation District, Plum Creek Conservation District, Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District, Comal Trinity Groundwater Conservation District, and Kinney County Groundwater Conservation District; GMA-10 considered and adopted the following Proposed Desired Future Conditions (DFCs) for GMA-10 regional groundwater planning purposes: Groundwater Management Area 10 Proposed Desired Future Conditions and Relevant Aquifer Designations Austin Chalk (Uvalde County) No drawdown (including exempt and non-exempt use). Buda Limestone (Uvalde County) No drawdown (including exempt and non-exempt use) through 2080. Edwards (BFZ) Northern Subdivision Springflow at Barton Springs during average recharge conditions shall be no less than 49.7 cubic feet per second averaged over an 84 month (7-year) period; and during extreme drought conditions, including those as severe as a recurrence of the 1950s drought of record, springflow of Barton Springs shall be no less than 6.5 cubic feet per second averaged on a monthly basis through 2080. Edwards (BFZ) Northern Subdivision Saline Zone No more than 75 feet of regional average potentiometric surface drawdown due to pumping when compared to pre-development conditions through 2080. Edwards (BFZ) San Antonio Segment within Edwards Aquifer Authority Desired future conditions and modeled available groundwater for the Edwards Aquifer within jurisdiction of the Edwards Aquifer Authority are set by the Texas Legislature (Act of May 28, 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., ch. 1351, § § 2.02 and 2.06, 2007 Tex. Gen. Laws, 4612, 4627, and 4627; Act of May 28, 2007, 80th Leg., R.S. ch. 1430, § § 12.02 and 12.06, 2007 Tex. Gen. Laws 5848, 5901, and 5903). The DFCs are specified in Sections 1.14(a), (f), (h), and 1.26 of the Edwards Aquifer Authority Act. The DFCs are specified in Sections 1.14(a), (f), (h), and 1.26 of the Edwards Aquifer Authority Act, and relate to levels in index wells (J-17 in the San Antonio pool and J-27 in the Uvalde pool) or flows in the Comal Springs and San Marcos Springs. Refer to the Edwards Aquifer Authority Groundwater Management Plan for details. Edwards (Kinney County) Water level in well number 70-38-902 shall not fall below 1184 feet mean sea level through 2080. Leona Gravel (Uvalde County) No drawdown (including exempt and non-exempt use) through 2080. Trinity Average regional well drawdown not exceeding 25 feet during average recharge conditions (including exempt and non-exempt use); within Uvalde County: 20 feet through 2080. Trinity (Plum Creek GCD only) Declared Non-relevant

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND INTENTION TO ISSUE COMBINATION TAX AND REVENUE CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Kyle, Texas, will convene at its regular meeting place of said City Council located at City Hall at 100 W. Center Street, Kyle, Texas, at 7:00 p.m. July 20, 2021, or by videoconference if necessary, and, during such meeting, the City Council will conduct a hearing on whether to issue combination tax and revenue certificates of obligation, and, upon conclusion of the public hearing, will consider passage of an ordinance and take such other actions as may be deemed necessary to authorize the issuance of combination tax and revenue certificates of obligation for the purpose of paying contractual obligations of the City to be incurred for the design and construction of roads and recreational and cultural trails within, around, and related to Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 2 and the Uptown Plum Creek Development, and the payment of professional services and costs of issuance related thereto. The combination tax and revenue certificates of obligation will be payable from the levy of an annual ad valorem tax, within the limitations prescribed by law, upon all taxable property within the City, and a pledge of the surplus revenues of the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 2. The combination tax and revenue certificates of obligation are to be issued, and this notice is given, under and pursuant to the provisions of the Certificate of Obligation Act of 1971, as amended, Local Government Code Section 271.041, et seq. As further required by Local Government Code Section 271.049(b), the following additional information is provided: (A) The current principal of all outstanding debt obligations of the City is $96,290,000. (B) The current combined principal and interest required to pay all outstanding debt obligations of the City on time and in full is $134,010,065.72. (C) The maximum principal amount of the certificates to be authorized is $5,000,000. (D) The estimated combined principal and interest required to pay the certificates to be authorized on time and in full is approximately $6,719,504.17. (E) The maximum interest rate for the certificates to be authorized is 5.000%. (F) The maximum maturity date of the certificates to be authorized is 2041. Pursuant to Texas Local Government Code Section 271.049, an election on the question of the issuance of the certificates will be called if before the time tentatively set for the authorization and issuance or if before the authorization of the certificates, the City Secretary receives a petition signed by at least five percent of the qualified voters of the City protesting the issuance of the certificates, the City may not issue the certificates unless the issuance is approved at an election ordered, held and conducted in the manner provided for bond elections. Mayor, City of Kyle, Texas

PUBLIC HEARING Groundwater Management Area 13 Proposed Desired Future Conditions and Relevant Aquifer Designations Date: Wednesday, June 30th, 2021 Time: 11:00 AM Location: 1101 W. San Antonio St., Lockhart, TX 78644

At an open meeting of the Groundwater Management Area 13 Joint Planning Committee (GMA-13) held virtually on April 23, 2021 and attended by representatives from the following groundwater conservation districts located wholly or partially within Groundwater Management Area 13: Evergreen Underground Water Conservation District, Gonzales County Underground Water Conservation District, Guadalupe County Groundwater Conservation District, McMullen Groundwater Conservation District, Medina County Groundwater Conservation District, Plum Creek Conservation District, Uvalde County Underground Water Conservation District, Wintergarden Groundwater Conservation District; GMA-13 considered and adopted the following Proposed Desired Future Conditions (DFCs) for GMA-13 regional groundwater planning purposes: 1. Due to limitations of the Groundwater Availability Model for the Southern Portion of the Carrizo-Wilcox, Queen City, and Sparta aquifers identified and discussed during 2016 and 2021 Joint Planning, Groundwater Management Area 13 proposes two desired future conditions for the Carrizo-Wilcox, Queen City, and Sparta aquifers:

• The first proposed desired future condition for the Carrizo-Wilcox, Queen City and Sparta aquifers in Groundwater Management Area 13 is that 75 percent of the saturated thickness in the outcrop at the end of 2012 remains at the end of 2080. Due to limitations of the current Groundwater Availability Model, this desired future condition cannot be simulated as documented during 2016 Joint Planning in GMA 13 Technical Memorandum 16-08. • A secondary proposed desired future condition for the Carrizo-Wilcox, Queen City, and Sparta aquifers in Groundwater Management Area 13 is an average drawdown of 49 feet (+/- 5 feet) for all of Groundwater Management Area 13. The drawdown is calculated from the end of 2012 conditions through the year 2080. This desired future condition is consistent with simulation “GMA13_2019_001” summarized during a meeting of Groundwater Management Area 13 members on March 19, 2021.

2. The desired future conditions for the Yegua-Jackson Aquifer in Groundwater Management Area 13:

• For Gonzales County, the average drawdown from end of 2010 through 2080 is 3 feet (+/- 1 foot). • For Karnes County, the average drawdown from end of 2010 through 2080 is 1 foot (+/- 1 foot). • For all other counties in Groundwater Management Area 13, the Yegua-Jackson is classified as not relevant for purposes of joint planning.

3. Declaration of non-relevant aquifers in Groundwater Management Area 13:

• Groundwater Management Area 13 does hereby document, record, and confirm that the Edwards (Balcones Fault Zone), Gulf Coast, and Trinity aquifers are not relevant for purposes of joint planning within Groundwater Management Area 13 and therefore do not require the establishment of desired future conditions by Groundwater Management Area 13, nor the determination by the Texas Water Development Board of Modeled Available Groundwater for those aquifers in Groundwater Management Area 13.

Groundwater conservation districts located wholly or partially within Groundwater Management Area 13 include: Evergreen Underground Water Conservation District, Gonzales County Underground Water Conservation District, Guadalupe County Groundwater Conservation District, McMullen Groundwater Conservation District, Medina County Groundwater Conservation District, Plum Creek Conservation District, Uvalde County Underground Water Conservation District, and Wintergarden Groundwater Conservation District.

If unable to attend the Public Hearing, members of the public are invited to submit written comments, testimony, and/or other documentation and information relevant to the Proposed DFCs and Relevant Aquifer Designations via the U.S. Postal Service, hand delivery or via email to the Board of Directors at the District Office located at the physical mailing address or email address described below:

Members of the public are invited to attend and provide oral comment, testimony, and/ or submit other documentation and information relevant to the Proposed DFCs and Relevant Aquifer Designations to the Board of Directors at this Public Hearing. If unable to attend the Public Hearing, members of the public are invited to submit written comments, testimony, and/or other documentation and information relevant to the Proposed DFCs and Relevant Aquifer Designations to the Board of Directors at the District Office located at: Plum Creek Conservation District P.O. Box 328 1101 W. San Antonio St. Lockhart, TX 78640

GMA-10 has prepared standardized Public Comment Forms to help you organize and substantiate your submission. This form is available at the address above or on our website at www.pccd.org

GMA-13 has prepared standardized Public Comment Forms to help you organize and substantiate your submission. This form is available at the address above. http://pccd. org/forms

The Public Comment period runs from April 23, 2021 through July 22, 2021. The District will prepare a report of any relevant comments received at the Public Hearing and attach any written comments, testimony, and/or other documentation and information relevant to the Proposed DFCs and Relevant Aquifer Designations received through July 22, 2021. This report and attachments will be provided to the GMA-10 Committee for their review, consideration, and incorporation into the DFC decision-making process. Questions or requests for additional information may be submitted to: Daniel Meyer telephone (512) 398-2383, email daniel.meyer@pccd.org or at the District Office: Plum Creek Conservation District, 1101 W. San Antonio St., Lockhart, TX 78644 The District will make available in the District Office at the address above a copy of the documentation of factors considered under Texas Water Code section 36.108(d) and groundwater availability model results.

The Public Comment period runs from April 30th, 2021 through July30th, 2021. The District will prepare a report of any relevant comments received at the Public Hearing and attach any written comments, testimony, and/or other documentation and information relevant to the Proposed DFCs and Relevant Aquifer Designations received through July 30th, 2021. This report and attachments will be provided to the GMA13 Committee for their review, consideration, and incorporation into the DFC decision-making process. Questions or requests for additional information may be submitted to: Daniel Meyer Plum Creek Conservation District P.O. Box 328 1101 W. San Antonio St. Lockhart, TX 78640 Tel. (512) 398 – 2383 daniel.meyer@pccd.org

Page 10

SPORTS/CLASSIFIEDS

Trash Drop Off

NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE

Continued from pg. 5

event is to provide the community with an opportunity to dispose of any trash and unwanted items at no cost to them,” Kyle Code Enforcement Officer Duarte Pamplona said. “But this event also helps us get the word out about all the available resources we have for our residents to help keep their properties in compliance — like two bulk pick ups per year and one free monthly drop off to the landfill — as well as build the relationship between Code Enforcement and the community so that we can all work together to keep the city of Kyle a safe and beautiful place to live, which is the ultimate goal of Code Enforcement.” Recyclables will be recycled and household hazardous waste items will be collected by the

Household Hazardous Waste Collection & Reuse Facility in San Marcos for proper disposal or reuse, depending on the condition.

ACCEPTED ITEMS:

• Mattresses • Appliances, except for fridges or freezers • Household debris • Furniture • Scrap metal • Above ground pools • Computers and televisions • Tires, limited to four passenger/light tires per vehicle

ACCEPTED HAZARDOUS WASTE ITEMS: • • • • • • • •

Batteries Cell phones Degreasers Drain cleaners Fluorescent lights Paints Sharps Weed killers

ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED:

• Compressed gas • Cylinders • Medical waste, other than sharps • Pharmaceuticals • Waste generated by businesses • Construction waste • Hot tubs • Fridges and freezers • Yards and brush waste

Visitors who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are encouraged to wear face coverings over their nose and mouth when inside city buildings and facilities, or when at city-owned outdoor public spaces where it is not feasible to maintain six-feet distance from those outside of their household. For more information about the City Wide Cleanup Event, visit CityofKyle.com/Cleanup.

TRAVEL TRAILER WANTED WANT TO BUY

Travel trailer or fifth wheel, even if repairs are needed. Trailer must have title. Call 346-244-8907.

EMPLOYMENT

DIRECT CARE COUNSELORS Provide positive role modeling, structure, and supervision to adolescent boys. No exp. required, We train comprehensively. Pay starting at $12 per hour for flexible 8 & 16 hr shift schedules. Health/life/dental insurance after 60 days. Min. requirements: Must be 21 yrs old, HS/GED, clean TDL, clean criminal history, pre-employment TB skin test, and drug screen. Growing (20+ year old) non-profit organization. www.pegasusschool.net. Call (512)432-1678 for further information.

AD SALESPERSON WANTED

Barton Publications is looking for a part-time or full-time ad salesperson. Established base already in place. Training part of employment. Base plus commission. The more you sell, the more money flows your way. Email Tracy Mack, advertising manager, tracy@haysfreepress.com.

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Budget headed to governor’s desk The Texas Legislature sent a $248 billion two-year state budget to Gov. Greg Abbott after the House approved the measure last Thursday. The 140-day legislative session ended at midnight May 31. Senate Bill 1 is $13.5 billion less than the previous biennial budget, with the difference to be made up from COVID-19 relief funds from the federal government. As previously reported, Abbott plans to allow legislators to decide how to allocate those funds during a special session this fall. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has suggested a special session for this summer to address some of his pet bills, such as limiting the participation of transgender athletes in school sports, banning lobbyists paid with public funds and putting limits on social media’s power to restrict users. The Austin American-Statesman reported that Abbott called Patrick’s proposal “pretty goofy,” however. Only the governor can call a special session and dictate the topics to be addressed.

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Capital Highlights by Gary Borders

Texans — more than 10.2 million — are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. That is 35% of the state’s population. Abbott and the Texas Department of Emergency Management announced last week the expansion of the State Mobile Vaccine Program to include groups of five or more eligible Texans who voluntarily choose to be vaccinated against COVID-19. In addition, homebound residents can request a unit come to their home. Previously, a minimum of 10 people were required before requesting a mobile vaccination unit. Anyone interested can call 844-90-TEXAS and select Option 13 to schedule a mobile vaccine clinic for groups of friends, families, employees and others. The call center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Saturday.

meaning 4.6% went missing at some point. Of the 1,972 children recovered during that time frame, 136 of them — 7% — reported being victimized while missing. Sixty-eight children — 3.4% — reported being a victim of sex trafficking

TEXAS FILM COMMISSION CELEBRATES 50 YEARS The Texas Film Commission, created in 1971 to expand the film industry in Texas, turned a half-century old this year. The commission has attracted $1.66 billion in local spending and created more than 157,000 production jobs in Texas from 2007 to 2020. More than 150 Texas communities are now officially designated as “Texas Film Friendly.” “Texas has developed into such a vibrant destination for production across all media that the promise and potential recognized 50 years ago has been more than realized,” Abbott said.

HURRICANE SEASON BEGINS ON JUNE 1

The 2021 hurricane season kicks off June 1, and it’s expected to be another busy one. COVID-19 REPORT Last year’s Atlantic The Texas Legislature The number of hurricane season includon Friday approved a bill COVID-19 cases in the ed a record-breaking 30 that provides mothers receiving Medicaid assis- past week dropped slight- storms, including a dozen ly, according to the Coro- that made landfall in the tance at least six months navirus Resource Center United States. of health coverage after at Johns Hopkins UniverThree storms — Hurbirth. The measure expands postpartum cover- sity. As of last Friday, 282 ricanes Hanna and Laura deaths were reported. The and Tropical Storm Marco age from the current two number of lab-confirmed — resulted in disaster months provided under COVID-19 patients conMedicaid. declarations for several tinues to drop, with 1,828 Texas counties, according The bill, sponsored hospitalized as of Sunday, to the Texas Association of by state Rep. Toni Rose, according to DSHS. D-Dallas, is intended to Counties. reduce the maternal morHurricane researchers tality rate in Texas and NUMBER OF MISSING at Colorado State Uniprovide added assistance CHILDREN REPORTED versity warn that warmer to mothers dealing with The Texas Department Atlantic surface temperapostpartum depression. tures and the absence of Family and Protective Medicaid covers almost Services has issued its of El Niño conditions in half of the births in the annual report on children the Pacific could result United States, accordin a busy 2021 hurricane and youth missing from ing to the Kaiser Family that agency’s conservator- season. Foundation. A provision ship or who are considin the American Rescue Gary Borders is a veterered victims of human Plan of 2021 gave states an award-winning Texas trafficking. the option of expanding During fiscal year 2020, journalist. He published Medicaid postpartum a number of communiwhich ended Aug. 31 of coverage. ty newspapers in Texas last year, a total of 2,229 during a 30-year span, children and youth were MORE THAN A THIRD OF including in Longview, missing at some point. TEXANS VACCINATED Fort Stockton, NacogdoOn Aug. 31, 255 were still missing. During last year, ches and Cedar Park. With shots opened up a total of 47,913 were in to anyone 12 and older, more than a third of all DFPS conservatorship, gborders@texaspress.com

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1 IN 10 AMERICANS HAVE GIVEN UP ALCOHOL SINCE THE PANDEMIC