June 23, 2021 News-Dispatch by Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch

JUNE 23, 2021 FM 2001 PROJECT

JANIE BALDERAS

TxDOT breaks ground on FM 2001 West realignment project

Local musician nominated for Country Female Vocalist of the Year for Josie Music Awards

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News-Dispatch

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HaysNewsDispatch.com

Vol. 41 • No. 38

Serving Hays County, TX

$75 million park projects could get Clean Air help BY SAHAR CHMAIS

The desire to improve Hays County parks is evident, after voters approved a $75 million bond in 2020 with 70% voters’ approval. But county officials might wait a bit – until 2022 – with a chance to secure $30 million from a

County chooses redistricting committee members BY SAHAR CHMAIS Hays County commissioners have selected who they want to head the Citizens Advisory Commission on Redistricting and the guidelines to ensure a fair course. The redistricting commission will meet to help redraw the electoral district boundaries in Hays County according to the latest census figures. The county continues to grow and its demographics shift. According to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau, Hays County had a population of 157,000 and increased to 230,000 in 2019 – an increase of more than 70,000 residents. Hays County continues to grow and is labeled as the second fastest growing county in the U.S. Ultimately, the commissioners court will have the final vote on redistricting, but it will not be in charge of creating the maps. Discussions regarding the redrawing of maps will be held by the citizens advisory commission and will be open to the public. Commissioners and Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra (D) each selected one member to represent their districts. Becerra said he chose Shannon Fitzpatrick because she is a former prosecutor, is level-headed

ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES, 5

clean water fund. Proposition A, which passed in November, would issue $75 million for the construction, improvement, renovation and acquisition of land, buildings and facilities for park and recreational purposes. Commissioners Court has given direction to

Hays County has the opportunity, though, to get $30 million from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) that can be used to support some of the projects the county had planned for its parks.

consultants and staff to the first round of bonds. prepare for the issuance of Funds are expected in

September. The amount requested is still unclear, as the court considers multiple avenues to receive the full $75 million, but it is clear that it will not ask for the full amount from private investors in the stock market. Hays County has the opportunity to get $30 million from the Clean

Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) that can be used to support some of the projects the county has planned for its parks. Some advantages to this grant include below-market fixed interest rates, principal forgiveness for entities that qualify and a

GREEN SPACE FUNDS, 5

25 years on the force Captain Hernandez celebrates quarter century with KPD

‘It’s American history’ Kyle leaders advocate Juneteenth

BY MEGAN WEHRING

KYLE — With the heart of a servant, Captain Pedro Hernandez knew that it was his calling to help others when he became an officer at the Kyle Police Department (KPD). “I like helping people,” Hernandez said, “as cliche and corny as that sounds. Being a police officer, we have numerous ways of helping people. Protecting those who can’t protect themselves and standing up for those who don’t know how or just can’t stand up for themselves.” Kyle City Council recognized Hernandez’s 25 years of service on Tuesday, June 15 during the regularly scheduled meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Rick Koch presented Hernandez with a baseball card showcase of his statistics over the years. “Ever since I was a member of the Kyle Citizens Police Academy,” Koch said, “I have enjoyed knowing you. Then getting on council, I have enjoyed sparring with you, seeing your energy

BY MEGAN WEHRING

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF KYLE

Capt. Pedro Hernandez shows off his “baseball trading card” given to him by Kyle Mayor Pro Tem Rick Koch.

“I like helping people as cliche and corny as that sounds. Being a police officer, we have numerous ways of helping people. Protecting those who can’t protect themselves and standing up for those who don’t know how or just can’t stand up for themselves.” –Captain Pedro Hernandez, Kyle Police Department

and the way you demand excellence for the police department and this city.

You are a shining beacon and a great example for all your fellow officers.”

As just the fifth officer to join KPD, Hernandez has worn many hats during his tenure. “He patrolled the small community of Kyle oftentimes with no backup,” said Kyle Police Chief Jeff Barnett. “He was the only officer on duty and he performed all of the functions you could imagine that were bestowed on the Kyle Police Department from police officer to investigator to animal control. He served the

25 YEARS ON THE FORCE, 4

Hays board to consider salary increase, new bond election BY MEGAN WEHRING

HAYS CISD — A salary increase and bond election could be heading to Hays CISD soon. At Monday’s school board meeting, trustees will consider a new compensation plan for the 2021-22 school year. In addition, trustees will charge

Administration is recommending a 3% salary increase for teachers, nurses, librarians and counselors; 3% of midpoint increase for professionals, auxiliary staff and paraprofessionals.

the Facilities and Bond Oversight Committee (FBOC) to develop a bond package for

SELLING SPACE

DS student places in National History Day competition

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the November 2021 General Election. Administration is recommending a

3% salary increase for teachers, nurses, librarians and counselors; 3% of midpoint increase for professionals, auxiliary staff and paraprofessionals; and an increase of $8 per month by the district to maintain a no-cost, employee-only health

HAYS CISD, 4

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

KYLE — When Juneteenth was established as a federal holiday on Thursday, Pastor Marquet Curl advocated for educating all generations about all parts of American history. Marquet CURL Curl was one of nine panelists in the city of Kyle to discuss Juneteenth and why it is still important. Kyle hosted an open dialogue on Friday to allow community members and leaders a platform to share their opinions about Juneteenth, also known as Jubilee Day or Freedom Day. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day the slaves in Texas were informed about the Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln on Jan. 1, 1863. On June 19, 1865, 250,000 enslaved African Americans in Texas were freed. This came two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation in the United States. Texas was the first state to make Juneteenth a significant holiday in the late 1970s and a state holiday in 1980. On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed legislation into law to establish June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day, officially declaring Juneteenth a U.S. federal holiday. Now that Juneteenth is recognized as a national holiday, more people could learn what it is, according to Anthony Davis of the Hays County Historical Commission. “This isn’t supposed to be a day for one set of

JUNETEENTH, 7

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The West project will realign FM 2001 along White Wing Trail from the curve east of County Road 118 to I-35.

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TxDOT breaks ground on FM 2001 West realignment project STAFF REPORT

HAYS COUNTY — State Rep. Erin Zwiener, Hays County and city of Buda officials joined the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Wednesday to kick off construction of the FM 2001 West Realignment Project. “We must always invest in the safety of our roadways and this investment will make a meaningful difference for our community,” Zwiener said. This is the first of three

“This project will not only double the number of lanes that exist now, but will also add sidewalks and bicycle lanes, while eliminating sharp curves in the road.” –Tucker Ferguson, Austin District Engineer for TxDOT

projects to improve FM 2001 between Interstate Highway 35 and State Highway 21. The West project will realign FM 2001 along White Wing Trail from the curve east of

County Road 118 to I-35. “This project will not only double the number of lanes that exist now, but will also add sidewalks and bicycle lanes, while eliminating sharp curves

in the road,” said TxDOT Austin District Engineer Tucker Ferguson. “When complete, the one-mile section of FM 2001 will be a four-lane divided highway with shoulders.” Planning and design of the project was funded by Hays County and the $6 million project is expected to be complete by fall 2022. Hays County Commissioner Mark Jones said breaking ground on the project will help address traffic congestion and safety issues for travelers.

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Opinion

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “This is an idea of liberation. This is an idea of being freed. That should be something everybody gets on board with, regardless of skin color. … This should be something that everyone knows.” –Anthony Davis of the Hays County Historical Commission. Story page 1.

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • June 23, 2021

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Fly me to Kyle – friends for life the moon Let me ask y’all a question: Can a man have too much money? It seems like there are a mess of billionaires out there who have more money than they know what to do with. Some of them buy several mansions scattered around the world, while a few go out and buy their own island. Some buy worthless paintings, some that look like my 3-year old granddaughter painted it while blindfolded. And then there is one fella with more money than sense who just bought a seat on Jeff Bezos’ New Shepherd rocket for $28 million dollars. The ride on the spacecraft sounds exciting, but my understanding is the trip into space will last only 11 minutes or so, depending on traffic. I’m no mathematician, but that’s about $42,000 per second to ride around in a tin can. Personally, I can find less expensive ways to travel. I can pay just $30 at Six Flags to get on a ride that will send me hurtling through the sky for 10 minutes, and I’m pretty sure I’ll return to terra firma in good shape. Now that passenger behind me may need to wash my partially digested chili dog off his face, but at least gravity would keep my lunch from floating around fellow rocketeers for an 11-minute flight. I don’t know if the entire space fight is 11 minutes or that’s the amount of time you’re out in orbit. The blast-off is probably pretty dang fast, and re-entry can be fast if the brakes are faulty like those on my old truck. So what do you do for 10 minutes or so up in space? Not enough time to watch a show on Netflix. And I bet the Wi-Fi is sketchy up there. I reckon you can take some selfies while floating around in a vomit-filled space capsule. I wonder if they’ll have a flight attendant serving peanuts and a beverage. For $28 million, they’d better have good beer. If they only offer Bud Light and Corona, I’ll never fly that airline again, I’ll tell you what! If I were on some expensive rocket ship, you’d better serve some good stuff like Dos XX or Lone Star

Crow’s Nest by Clint Younts

or my space boot’ll be heading to Uranus. If y’all are wondering if I’d ever go up in a rocket, that answer would be “no”. I’m not real fond of flying in an airplane. I get a bit claustrophobic on a plane, even after popping a few doggie tranquilizers and taking a few swigs on moonshine while standing in the TSA line. If there are no windows on Jeff Bezos’ starship, I’d be tearing at the heat shields trying to get out. No sir, I think I’d spend my money on some other ride, like It’s a Small World. I doubt I’d be ralphing up my lunch on that ride. Another reason you wouldn’t see me purchasing a roundtrip ticket from Bezos is pretty simple. When I heard they were going to auction off a ticket into space, I checked with some fella at my Wells Fargo who informed me that once the bid gets over $313.97, I’d best bow out of the auction. Even if some generous billionaire bought me a ticket on that rocket, I doubt I’d even open my eyes for 11 minutes. I would like to try out the toilet in space, but I’m thinking I would’ve emptied my bowels at about 20,000 feet. I once went parasailing with my daughter off the Florida Keys. While she was having fun snapping photos of the coastline, I had a death-grip on that contraption. If my eyes weren’t closed in prayer, they were looking in the water below, searching for a school of sharks waiting for me to fall from the sky. So, my answer to the question about having too much money would be: If you can afford to fly into space on a rocket that came from Amazon, then you have more money than brains. Clint Younts likes to keep his boots on the ground – on his ranch – outside of Buda. crowsnest78610 @gmail.com

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 Columnists Bartee Haile, Clint Younts

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By the time you dear friends read this, I’ll have moved. So consider these parting words as my farewell to the wonderful town of Kyle. I moved to Kyle shortly after I started teaching at Lehman High several years ago. While there was love of living in Austin, I felt there was a strong need to live where I taught. I wanted to have a stake in the community, a shared productive desire with those in my class and the families connected to them. If I was going to relate to their experience, I had to experience it myself, the best I could. So I moved to Kyle so that I could “live here, give here.” What I found in Kyle was unexpected. I thought I was moving to a new place to live, and what I found was a home. The families of my students were incredibly welcoming and as I came to know many of them well, they made sure I knew that Kyle was a town of connections. The people are

The Kyle File by David Abdel

connected to the town through a shared history, and connected to each other not only through intricate familial relationships, but also shared experience. This truly was a community. Kyle came to be something more than a residence to me. The people I met through my career helped me to understand that first and foremost, Kyle was a family town. Beyond the development, beyond the retail, beyond anything else, this town was about looking out for one another. I witnessed it. I embraced it. Over the last year and change, between COVID and the Great Texas Freeze, the togetherness of Kyle was on full display. Everyone was willing to go the extra mile to help out family, friends,

neighbors and strangers. Kyle was truly a shining example of the greatness of a community. Kyle will always hold a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyle when I met my wife, and convinced her to leave Austin and settle down with me here. We bought our first home as a couple, right here in Kyle. When our first child was born, his first home was here in Kyle. Our second, due in August …. well she won’t be born in Texas but she’ll have Kyle roots. My first job in education, what I believe to be my calling, was right here in Kyle. My first foray (losing) into running for office, was right here in Kyle. I met some of the best friends of my life, and met some of the people I will care deeply for an eternity, right here in Kyle. Kyle fundamentally altered my life for the better and I will spend the rest of my days in thankfulness for the blessings this town bestowed upon me. So, I want to take these

last few words to give you an ask. I ask that you be kind to the thousands of new Abdel’s that have moved here, are moving here and will be moving here in the years to come. I ask that you show them (and everyone else) the best of yourself. I ask that you make them realize that moving to Kyle is the best decision you can make because this town is a family town that loves their neighbors and can’t wait to help them not only put down roots but make sure their roots are strong enough to stay, to weather any storm, and to grow fruitfully. I ask that you continue to ensure that Kyle remains not just a place, but a home. I ask that you reach across the fence, across the yard, across the street, around the block, across the highway and yes, across the aisle, and come together to focus on the most important aspect of Kyle of all: community. We can do better together. I love you Kyle.

Learning summer job dignity for $1 an hour They called me “The Trail Blazer,” Good Buddy. That was my citizens band radio handle in the summer of 1977, when the hit movie “Smokey and the Bandit” created a CB craze and millions of kids like me dreamed of getting one. Much to my surprise, my father permitted me to do so — even though I needed to attach a large CB radio antenna to the roof of our house. He saw the CB radio as an opportunity for me to learn how to manage my own finances — how to open a bank account, plan ahead, get a job and save money to achieve my goal. Too young to work a retail job, I applied for and got the only work available to me: golf-ball picker at a local driving range. Until summer arrived, when I could start later in the day and work more hours, I woke at 5:30 a.m. every morning before school and rode my bike

Any erroneous reflection upon the character, standing or reputation of any person, firm or corporation which may appear in the pages of the Hays Free Press will be corrected upon being brought to the attention of the publisher.

DEADLINES

after last summer’s horrible scarcity of summer jobs, there are 1.2 million part-time jobs available — more than 2019’s pre-panby Tom demic numbers. Purcell But fewer teens are willing to take such jobs. two miles to the range. According to the U.S. I was handed an aluDepartment of Labor, in minum tool that was as 1978 about 7 in 10 teenaglong as a golf club and the ers like me took part-time shape of a tennis-ball can- jobs, but in recent years nister. It had three springs prior to the pandemic it on the bottom. By presswas down to 4 in 10. ing the tool down onto Why? a golf ball, the springs The University of would retract and the ball Pennsylvania’s Wharton would be captured. School said it’s because I was assigned a section more teens are taking of dewy grass the size of a internships or volunteer football field and had one work to strengthen their hour to complete the job college applications. In a — for which I was paid sense, that means colleges one dollar (about $4 in are punishing kids who today’s money). choose to work. Needless to say, I was That’s regrettable begoing to have to work cause summer jobs offer many unpleasant morna treasure trove of reings to save enough for al-world learning oppora CB radio, which, if I tunities: how to plan and remember correctly, was execute projects, collaboabout $130 at the time. rate with different personThis memory came alities and experience the back to me when I read in satisfaction of exchanging a Yahoo News report that, your skills and labor for

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cold hard cash. When I got my first paycheck in 1977, I quickly learned that saving up for my CB radio would be even harder than I expected. I was introduced to my three silent partners — federal, state and local taxing authorities — who didn’t have to get their sneakers covered with dew to earn a chunk of my $1 hourly wage. By the end of the summer, however, I’d finally saved enough to buy my CB radio. It was one of the most rewarding purchases I ever made — because I built up my dignity one lousy golf-ball plunk at a time. In the long run, dignity is the biggest reward of a summer job. I highly recommend taking one, Young Buddies. Tom Purcell is an author and humor columnist for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Tom@TomPurcell.com

We welcome locally written letters to the editor on timely topics of community interest. We ask that you keep them to about 350 words in length and that you not indulge in personal attacks on private individuals. Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity. All letters should be signed by the author and include a daytime phone number where the author can be contacted for verification. Letter writers are limited to one letter per month. Letters can be emailed to csb@haysfreepress.com.

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NEWS

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • June 23, 2021

New district court to open in Hays County BY SAHAR CHMAIS

Felony and misdemeanor cases have been piling up for about 1.5 years, and it could take one year to go through these cases, said Criminal District Attorney Wes Mau. A Texas House Bill could help with the backlog, but it will not take effect until Sept. 1, 2022. “Because Hays is one of the fastest growing counties in Texas and its courts face increasingly heavy caseloads, local officials requested a new district court,” said State Senator Judith Zaffirini (D). The omnibus HB 3774, passed on June 18, will add a new district court in Hays County to aid in the backlog of court cases. The increase of backlog has been an issue in the making before COVID-19, due to the county’s exponential growth; the pandemic only made the need for courts more dire. As of last week, there were 247 felony cases awaiting trial and 275 on the misdemeanor docket,

“Because Hays is one of the fastestgrowing counties in Texas and its courts face increasingly heavy caseloads, local officials requested a new district court,” – State Senator Judith Zaffirini

said Mau. This load does not include felony and misdemeanor cases on the dockets. Hays County has two district courts that are strictly for the county and three other courts that have visiting judges who oversee other counties, such as Caldwell, Guadalupe and more. “Justifying the need with comparative data collected statewide,” Zaffirini told the Hays Free Press/NewsDispatch, “Rep. Erin Zwiener, D-Driftwood, and I worked with Office of Court Administration personnel and the authors of our omnibus courts bill – namely, Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Plano, and Senator Joan Huffman, R-Houston – to create this new court.”

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District judges receive their salaries through the state, but other operating expenses, such as the court reporter and other staff members, are paid by the county. There is a potential that courts would share some staff members, Mau added. This is only the first step for the county; over the year, more details will be configured. More positions may be added and Mau said he will be requesting additional prosecutor staff. In the meantime, specialty courts are being set up so residents have extra judicial resources. “I am delighted Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 3774,” Zaffrini added, “especially because it will enhance access to justice for Hays County residents.”

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Continued from pg. 1 care. These recommendations only apply to fulltime or part-time employees who occupy a permanent position, not nonstandard hourly employees. Trustee Esperanza Orosco asked if the district could look into increasing salaries by 4% and how that would impact the budget. Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright explained that Hays CISD is projecting an approximate $5.3 million deficit budget

with the 3% salary increase; if the district were to change it to a 4% increase, a $6.6 million deficit budget is anticipated. Wright added that it’s ultimately up to the board to decide what compensation plan should move forward. “It would be a great morale booster for our employees,” Wright said. “They have worked exceptionally hard this year and we know with learning loss, they are going to have to work exceptionally hard next

25 Years on the Force Continued from pg. 1

city through lean times and he certainly continues to serve and provide leadership to the community.” When Hernandez first started at KPD, he did not expect to stay for nearly three decades. But the warm camaraderie influenced him. “Since the day I started, I felt that the community has always supported the police department,” Hernandez said. “As the community was growing and people were moving from larger cities, they would compliment us because we would give them more of a personalized service. They weren’t just a number to us.” Officers in larger cities may not be able to give

their residents a personalized service, Hernandez explained, due to increased population numbers and call volume. Hernandez also credits his family for standing by his side with continuing support over the years. He has three children: Michael, 23, Caitlyn, 17, and Ryan, 16. Hernandez does not plan to retire anytime soon — He is looking forward to seeing continued growth and development in the city of Kyle. “As long as God keeps me here and the city keeps me here,” Hernandez told the Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch, “I hope to stay at least the next seven years.”

year to try to catch our kids up.” Trustees will also vote on whether to task the FBOC with developing a recommendation for an upcoming bond election. The deadline to call a November bond election is Aug. 16. The compensation plan, possible bond initiative and other items will go before the Hays CISD Board for voting on June 28. The full agenda will be posted at https://meetings. boardbook.org/Public/ Organization/1858

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Page 5

Jackson urges Houston to take care in Texas In a letter dated June 23, 1829, Andrew Jackson warned Sam Houston to watch his step in Texas and to avoid doing anything that would embarrass his homeland or tarnish his reputation. Houston’s bizarre behavior had the rumor mill working overtime. In April 1829, he suddenly sent his teenaged bride home to mother, resigned as governor of Tennessee and disappeared into the wilderness with his boyhood friends, the Cherokees. Two months later, President Jackson’s adopted son and private secretary received a disturbing document which claimed personal problems were not behind the self-imposed exile. That was a clever cover story concocted by Houston to conceal his true intentions – taking Texas away from the Mexicans. Although Jackson stressed he did not believe his old friend and former protégé could be involved in “such a chimerical,

Texas History by Bartee Haile

visionary scheme,” he concluded the June 1829 letter with a request for his word of honor. Houston complied by return mail and promised not to attempt the giant land grab. Nevertheless, the president immediately put the territorial governor of Arkansas on alert. He was told to “put down” any “illegal prospect” that coveted neighboring Texas. But Old Hickory was being more than a little disingenuous. At the very moment he was scolding Houston, he already had his eye on Mexico’s northernmost province. Just two weeks earlier, Jackson had admitted, “I have long been aware of the importance of Texas to the United States, and

of the real necessity of extending our boundary west of the Sabine.” In fact, two months later he authorized his secretary of state to open negotiations with the Mexican government for the outright purchase of the prize. Houston’s habit of pulling people’s legs, especially after a few drinks, continued to give Jackson cause for concern. A chance encounter with a Washington physician in February 1830 renewed rumors of an armed adventure in the Southwest. Startled by the sight of Houston in full Indian costume, the mystified doctor asked why he wore the strange clothes. Two sheets to the wind at the time, the Tennessean whispered that he was working undercover in preparation for the invasion of Texas. Jumping ahead to the showdown spring of 1836, Stephen F. Austin appealed directly to congress for emergency aid

to the freedom fighters in his embattled colony. The stirring solicitation infuriated the president. “The writer does not reflect that we have a treaty with Mexico,” Jackson jotted in the margin of his copy of the Austin petition. “The Texans before they took the step to declare themselves independent, ought to have pondered well. It was a rash and premature act.” The historical evidence is clear and convincing that every step of the way Andrew Jackson opposed Lone Star liberation by extra-legal means. Yet for the better part of two centuries active imaginations have claimed that the Texas Revolution was the result of a Houston-Old Hickory conspiracy. To make an 1865 case for the preposterous plot, Horace Greeley quoted from an article that appeared in a Little Rock newspaper on the eve of the uprising. “Houston and other restless spirits are pushing into Texas

expressly to seize upon the first opportunity to foment a revolution, expel the Mexican authorities and prepare the region for speedy annexation.” A biography of General Sam published in 1891 offered this sensational but unsubstantiated allegation: “Houston went forth to Texas with a conditional authorization from Jackson, ‘Good luck to you in any case. Recognition if you succeed.’” Houston’s own preacher could not resist cashing in on the conspiracy craze. The minister claimed in his memoirs that a secret arrangement with Jackson called for the Texans to retreat east of the Sabine “where they would be joined by 4,000 deserters from the United States army.” From a Memphis paper came a story with a decidedly different if not hopelessly illogical twist. Houston’s co-conspirator was not Jackson but Santa Anna, who deliberately lost the Battle of San

Jacinto. The author had a hard time explaining how the “Napoleon of the West” benefitted from the outcome. Then in 1986 a made-for-the-Sesquicentennial movie showed Jackson giving Houston the choice of two targets: Oregon or Texas. The viewer was left with the impression that Sam simply flipped a coin. The whodunit angle of conspiracy theories, no matter how far-fetched, has always fascinated Americans. But two puppeteers pulling the strings behind the scenes orchestrated the Texas Revolution? That would have been a mighty tall order even for Andrew Jackson and Sam Houston!

different precincts so that residents are able to attend the meetings without difficulty. They also added

that each meeting should have substance to it, that way residents show up and leave informed, rather

than just checking off a box that they met. These meetings will be open for resident partic-

ipation to give ideas and feedback. More details on the redistricting commission to come.

“Texas Entertainers: Lone Stars in Profile” is full of talented Texans who deserve a curtain call. Order your copy by mailing a check for $24.00 to Bartee Haile, P.O. Box 130011, Spring, TX 77393.

Electoral Boundaries Continued from pg. 1

and is for the people. Pct. 1 Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe (D), chose Ruben Garza and said he would be a great fit as he served on a redistricting commission in 2000. Ingalsbe added that Garza may reject the appointment due to health issues, so her second choice would be Vanessa Westbrook. Pct. 4 Commissioner Walt Smith (R) selected Steve Meyer. Pct. 2 Commissioner Mark Jones (R) chose John Ambrose. Pct. 3 Commissioner Lon Shell said he will make his selection next week and awaits confirmation. Both party chairs, Bob

Parks for Hays County Republicans, and Mark Trehan for Hays County Democrats, will also have a seat at the “round table,” to oversee that each party has a fair say without tipping the scales in the process, Becerra said. To further create a fair process, the commissioners set some guidelines. The redistricting commission will have a quota on how many days they can meet, no more or no less than a certain amount; that amount is yet to be decided. Commissioners agreed to make the meetings at accessible points in

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Dripping Springs Michael and Stephanie Middle School was put Gearing and Luke Voss, on the map after rising were also national qualieighth-grader fiers. Grant Gillum All students placed third in the began the school National History year by picking a Day competition topic that relatwith his individual ed to the annual website. theme, ‘ComGillum’s munication in website, “SellHistory: The Key ing Space: The to Understanding’ Significance and were judged GILLUM of Propaganda on the quality of During the Space their research, Race” placed first in Texas interpretation of primary to earn his way to the and secondary sources national level. and the quality of the Sycamore Springs presentation of their Middle School students, findings.

Green Space Funds Continued from pg. 1

repayment period of up to 30 years. The county will know if it is eligible for the revolving fund in 2022, as funds for 2021 have already run out. At this time, the county plans to apply for only part of the $75 million through the stock market and to apply for the rest through CWSRF. If the county cannot receive the revolving fund, it will go back to the stock market to get the rest of the money. Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra (D) pushed to begin securing funds as soon as possible due to the historically low interest rates which are as low as 2%. While the county awaits CSWRF approval, it has shovel-ready projects to work on in the meantime, said Mark Kennedy, General Counsel for Hays County. The county has proposed several parks to improve through this bond. The list in order from

highest to lowest priority includes: • Coleman’s Canyon Preserve • Sentinel Peak Preserve • SMRF San Marcos Recharge Lands • Purgatory Clean Water Preserve • Violet Crown Trail • Rathgeber Natural Resources Park • Cape Road Fishing Pond • Old Fitzhugh Road Multi-Use Trail • Kyle Fajita Fields • Dripping Springs Skate Park • John Knox Ranch • Dripping Springs Town Center • Patriots Hall • Presa Grande Sink Creek Preserve • Wimberley Nature Center To find out more about the proposed bond projects, visit www. hayscountytx.com/ departments/hayscounty-parks-recreation/ hays-2020-parks-bond-2/.

Sudoku puzzle courtesy of www.4puz.com

DSMS student places in National History Day contest

See solution on page 7

ACROSS

1 in Tarrant County on highway 199 5 you spit out a watermelon ____ 6 “Battleship Texas State Historic ____” 7 _ ___-gallon hat 8 addition result 9 TXism: “critter corral” 12 TXism: “smoke ‘__ ___” (expose) 17 sleeping noisily 19 1962 western: “Young ____ __ Texas” 21 lizards found in the Rio Grande Valley 22 country where former Maverick Roy Tarpley played 23 where women get beautified (2 wds.) 28 nine Astros or eleven Cowboys 29 TXism: “____ as the bottom of a well” 30 spit 31 TX’s “Naval Station _____side” was closed in 2010 35 football headgear 36 TX Larry McMurtry wrote “In A ______ _____: Essays on Texas” (1968) 42 “P”of POW 44 TXism: “new to _____ parts” 46 TXism: “dumb as _ ____ ____” 48 UT and A&M started with land ______

49 TX George W. to late George H.W. 50 TX Dell’s 1st smartphone 51 TXism: “if it ain’t true, there ____ _ cow in Texas” 52 internat’l trade org. 53 British boys 54 TXism: “he’s __ ___, his boots burned up before he smelled the smoke” 56 floral delivery serv. 23

TEXAS CROSSWORD

5 6

by Charley & Guy Orbison

1 this happened to JFK in Texas on Nov. 22, 1963 2 “New Braunfels Herald-_______” 3 “don’t ___ ‘__ ___ of your sight” (keep them close) 4 newspaper: “____ Echo” 9 this TX-born Garrison won tennis gold in 1988 10 TXism: “she has to sneak up __ _ ______ __ ___ her hair” (homely) 11 this TX Smith won pole vault gold in 1948 (init.)

16 20

34 39

38 44

43 47

46 49

DOWN

12 19

57 agreement to pay (abbr.) 58 duffers use ____ out golf balls

51 53

See solution on page 7

12 TXism: “active as an ___ suckin’ dog” 13 Jefferson, TX puts on “The Diamond Bessie ______ _____” every May 14 Crowell’s 6-man team class (2 wds.) 15 computer operator 16 clock: tick-____ 18 TX-born actress Meredith Mac___ 20 Santa __, TX 23 TX Mary Kay ___ 24 motor oil viscosity number 25 “Texas, Our Texas! ___ hail the mighty State!”

P-1538

54 56 57 58

26 TXism: “____ __ a dish rag” 27 eat too much, e.g. 32 TXism: “__ hill for a stepper” 33 2nd gov. init. 34 this Gray played J.R.’s wife on “Dallas” (init.) 36 “neither” sidekick

37 this Paul wrote a song for TX Holly 38 regenerates 39 TXism: “lend _ ____” (assist) 40 AC openings 41 TXism: “____ bien” (good) 43 TX Buddy Holly’s “It’s __ Easy” 45 Mexican “is” 47 this fits through a stirrup (2 wds.) 48 effrontery 55 powerless firecracker (2 wds.)

Page 6

COMMUNITY

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • June 23, 2021

Local musician nominated for Josie Music Awards BY SAHAR CHMAIS

From 38,000 submissions, Janie Balderas of Kyle was one of 16 to be nominated to win Country Female Vocalist of the Year for the Josie Music Awards.

Sparkly cowboy boots, a beige mesh floppy hat and red rose kimono; this vivacious style was just the tip of the glowing iceberg that was Janie Balderas. Underneath her big laugh and bright clothes was buried some heartache this country singer

She was also nominated for the Songwriter Achievement award for her song “Whiskey and Jesus.” carried. The Kyle resident writes songs that stem from personal experience, and two of her most recent songs landed her two

different nominations at the Josie Music Awards. From 38,000 submissions, Balderas was one of 16 to be nominated to win Country Female Vocalist

of the Year. She was also nominated for the Songwriter Achievement award for her song “Whiskey and Jesus,” which she wrote after her mother’s death. She fiddled with her silver watch, which used to belong to her mother, as she spoke of her inspi-

JANIE BALDERAS, 9

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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • June 23, 2021

OBITUARIES

Page 7

OBITUARY SPEIR Nolan Lee Speir, age 65, of Wimberley, Texas, was born on August 22, 1955, and died in his home peacefully on Monday, June 14, 2021. Lee was an Austin native, having attended Webb and Lamar middle schools and McCallum High School where his love for sports flourished.

After high school, Lee coached several youth baseball and football teams, eventually leading to founding the Kyle Invaders Youth Football organization in Kyle. Beyond sports, Lee also enjoyed working with children as a school bus driver for Hays, Eanes, Dripping Springs, and Wimberley ISDs where he was always quick to play a friendly prank or joke to keep the children

entertained. He was an avid hunter whose favorite time of year was deer season. Lee is preceeded in death by his parents Buford Ray and Vivian Speir, daughter Tami Speir, and nephew Greg Speir. He is survived by his daughter Lindsay Rupert and her husband Larry, grandchildren Faith and Noah Rupert, brothers Ray and Kim Speir, and sister Cathy Kallman.

Funeral service were held June 18, 2021 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home followed by burial at Austin Memorial Park. Honoring Lee as pallbearers were Scott Summers, Brooks Ratliff, John Simpson, David Buaas, Masen Speir, Stephen Rupert, Richard Dixon, and John Bonoan. Honorary pallbearer was Brandon Speir. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that

donations be made to the Kyle Invaders to help sponsor children and grow the program. Donations can be made using Paypal: kyfapres@gmail, Venmo: @Kyle_Invaders, or checks. Please make checks payable to: Kyle

Juneteenth

Youth Football Association 5401 S FM 1626 STE 170-138 Kyle, TX 78640 Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, Austin, Texas – (512) 452-8811. Remembrances may be shared at www.wcfish.com.

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

Continued from pg. 1 people,” Davis said. “This is an idea of liberation. This is an idea of being freed. That should be something everybody gets on board with, regardless of skin color. … This should be something that everyone knows.” Another panelist had a different opinion on this year’s celebration. “This can turn into different people, other people, to make money off the back of the hard work of [our] ancestors,” said Tyler Robinson, Texas State University senior. “You can create Juneteenth to be something as you are selling items and T-shirts. But you are forgetting the main thing that happened.” Robinson explained that if people get too caught up in festivities and product marketing, it can be far too easy to forget why Juneteenth is important. Mackenzie Smith, Student Government Director of Advocacy at the University of Texas, agreed that the U.S. needed to make Juneteenth a federal holiday – but that it should not undermine the education people receive. “We need to remember that just because they signed a piece of paper, that doesn’t mean our learning is over,” Smith said. During the June 18 dialogue, audience members had the opportunity to interact with the panel by submitting answers to several questions. Moderator and Kyle Councilmember Dex Ellison asked everyone to reflect on the past year and

“We need to remember that just because they signed a piece of paper, that doesn’t mean our learning is over.”

munity to truly become unified. If we can become unified as a community, there are some great things we can accomplish and be a model for the other communities around us to have a prototype for them –Mackenzie Smith, Student Government Director of to follow.” Advocacy at the University of Texas To watch the full what they have learned police officer. Juneteenth Dialogue about themselves, their Kyle Police Officer Phillip for Peace and Progress, Call us to learn more community and society as Cleary offered his own please visit the city of a whole. perspective and said he is 512-443-1366 Kyle’s Facebook page or Morgan Curl, assistant pushing for more participa- https://www.youtube.com/ www.HarrelFuneralHomes.com director of the IMPACT tion in ride-alongs. watch?v=HR9PFuASU6g. Education Program at “We would love for you Hays CISD, pondered on to understand what we do the question and said one better,” Cleary said. “But we thing came to mind when would also love to see what thinking of the past year – you see, what our citizens awareness. see and how they view the “It’s made me more things we are doing. I think aware in my profession,” that would help make us Morgan Curl said, “since better police officers and we went back to school in better people.” a pandemic. It made me Panelists gave their final more aware of all of the thoughts on this question: kids and their safety, but Who in your family or also their mental health. I network of relationships don’t think people realize inspires you? Ben the Cat, Male, 2 year old, Shorthair Mix: Fawkes & Fang, Female and Male, 7 year old, just how much kids’ mental “This community is Ben the Cat is quite the chill dude. Nap time is bonded pair mixed breed: They are the sweetest health was affected by a positive for me,” said his favorite time, but he never fails to greet you duo you’ll ever meet! Both are potty trained, with a sweet meow. If you’d like a calm and obedience trained, great with kids and dogs, and COVID-19.” Vanessa Westbrook of the collected cat, Ben is the Cat for you! masters of snuggles. Morgan Curl also Hays County Historical explained that she has Commission, “because PAWS Shelter of Central Texas learned to be more aware we can come together, sit is a non-profit, no-kill shelter operated primarily on donations and adoptions. of what she is teaching her down and have conversa5-year-old daughter and tions, especially with us 500 FM 150 E, Kyle, TX • 512 268-1611 • pawsshelter.org what she surrounds her veterans who have done All animals are fully vaccinated, spay/neutered, microchipped and dewormed. home environment with. this before. We are all willLaw enforcement and its ing to sit at the table and be sponsored by relationship to the comable to have a discussion munity, a hot-button topic, as well as those who come was brought up as a point into the audience.” of discussion. Marquet Curl wrapped Donye Curry, Luling ISD up the dialogue with his assistant principal, said view on community. Committed to your pet’s health since 1978 that she had the conversa“There is no commuBill Selman, DVM • Kayley Goldsmith, DVM • Ben Fox, DVM tion with both her 14-year- nity without there being old and 22-year-old sons common unity,” Marquet 6300 FM 1327 (East of I35 and Creedmoor) Austin, TX 78747 about what to do in case Curl said. “It’s an important Give us a call at 512-385-0486 they are pulled over by a opportunity for the com-

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Sudoku Solution

Town & CounTry VeTerinary HospiTal

Come worship with us ASSEMBLIES OF GOD

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

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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 Sledge Chapel Missionary Baptist Church 709 Sewell, Kyle Southeast Baptist Church 5020 Turnersville Rd., Creedmoor Manchaca Baptist Church Lowden Lane & FM 1626 Immanuel Baptist Church 4000 E. FM 150, 4 miles east of Kyle

Sudoku Puzzle, from page 5

Center Union Baptist Church Goforth Rd., Buda Primera Mision Bautista Mexicana Kyle

Texas Crossword Solution

Baptist Church of Driftwood 13540 FM 150 W. CATHOLIC Santa Cruz Catholic Church 1100 Main Street, Buda St. Anthony Marie Claret Church 801 N. Burleson, Kyle

Texas Crossword, from page 5

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 Kyle United Methodist Church Sledge & Lockhart St., Kyle

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Journey United Methodist 4301 Benner Rd, Kyle, Tx

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Kingdom United Christian Church 100 Madison Way, Buda

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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

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Page 8

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • June 23, 2021

Classifieds PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE

By order of the Hays County Commissioners Court, notice is hereby given that on July 13th, 2021 at 9 a.m. in the Hays County Courthouse, 111 E. San Antonio Street, the Hays County Commissioners Court will hold a public hearing to consider: Pico Ranch 1, Replat

CITY OF BUDA LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to City of Buda Charter, Article III, Section 3.11 (D). Ordinances, that the Buda City Council, at its regular meeting on June 15, 2021 adopted ordinances regarding 1) amending a zone change from Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) to Urban Residential (R-5) ) of approximately NOTICE TO CREDITORS 16.14+/- acres located Notice is hereby given 950 FM 2001, for the that original Letters property known as Emerson Testamentary for the Apartments, being Emerson Estate of HENRY CREWS Subdivision, Block A, Lot 1 ARMBRUSTER, Deceased, (Z 21-03) and 2) granting a were issued on June Specific Use Permit (SUP) 14, 2021, in Cause No. for a Restaurant or Cafeteria, 21-0137-P, pending in with Curb or Drive-Thru the County Court at Service in the Form District Law of Hays County, 4 (F4) Zoning District for Texas, to: DEBORAH A. the property known as ARMBRUSTER. All persons having claims Resubdivision of lot 2A CVS Buda Subdivision, against this Estate which is currently being administered lots 3B, 4B, and 6B, being are required to present them +/- 3.068 acres located at the southwest corner to the undersigned within of FM 967 and FM 1626, the time and in the manner known as Garlic Creek/Buda prescribed by law. Commons (SUP 19-06); DATED the 21 day of providing for penalties for June, 2021. failure to comply with such /s/ Gene Majors ordinance(s); providing for GENE MAJORS publication; and, providing Attorney for Deborah A. for an effective date. By: Armbruster Mayor Lee Urbanovsky. State Bar No.: 12851500 Attest: Alicia Ramirez, City 410 Lamar Clerk. (full text is available in San Marcos, Texas the Office of the City Clerk, 78666-3630 City Hall, 405 E. Loop Street, Telephone: (512) 618Building 100, Buda, TX, 7227 during business hours and E-mail: gene@ N OTICE IS HEREBY G I V E N TO A L L majorslawfirm.com on www.ci.buda.tx.us.)

Public Notice

Notice of Public Hearing

INTERESTED PERSONS, THAT:

Public Notice The City of Kyle, Texas, proposes to initiate Notice of Public Hearing annexation proceedings at the request of Shelia Notice is hereby Given to all interested persons, that: Ly n n We b b a n d R e b e c c a A n n H a d s e l l , Independent Co-Executors of the Estateannexation of Janell The City of Kyle, Texas, proposes to initiate Hadsell to extend the boundary of said city to proceedings at the request of Shelia Lynn Webb and Rebeccaapproximately Ann Hadsell, Independent Co-Executors of include 24.653 acres of land located the600 Estate of Janell Hadsell to extend the boundary of at Bebee Road. said city to include approximately 24.653 acres of land

located at 600 Bebeewill Road.be held by the Kyle City A public hearing Council on Tuesday at City 7:00Council P.M. in A public hearing will beJuly held 6, by 2021 the Kyle the Kyle City Hall Council Chambers, 100 on Tuesday July 6, 2021 at 7:00 P.M. in the Kyle CityW. Center St., 78640, for 100 all persons Hall Council Chambers, W. Centerinterested St., 78640,inforthe proposed annexation. At said time and place all persons interested in the proposed annexation. At all such persons shall have the right to appear and be said time and place all such persons shall have the right heard. Of all said matters and things, all persons to appear and be heard. Of all said matters and things, interested in the inthings and herein all persons interested the things and matters matters herein mentioned, will mentioned, willtake takenotice. notice. Published on June 23, 2021

Published on June 23, 2021

NOTICE OF ABANDONED

Will the owners of a 2004 19’ “5” Tracker Marine Serial Number BUJG29TEE404. Please contact Quantum Towing at (512) 295-8697. This boat is being held at our storage facility (VSF0640024) located at 100 Rodriguez Ln, Buda, TX 78610. The boat has been in our possession since 4/21/2021 and has accrued fees of 1549.00 as of 6/18/2021. The vehicle will continue to accrue storage fees of $22.34 a day until vehicle is released. The failure of the owner or to claim the vehicle & personal property before the 30th day after the date of this notice is provided is a waiver by the person of all right, title, or interest in the vehicle & personal property and is a consent to the sale of the vehicle at the public auction.

NOTICE TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS AGAINST THE ESTATE OF JUSTIN READ PUTNAM, DECEASED, AND NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF SILVANA A. GIONO AS INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATOR

NOTICE is hereby given that on 17th day of May, 2021, Judgment determining Heirship and Granting Letters of Independent Administration were Granted upon Silvana A. Giono by the Honorable Robert Updegrove in Probate Court No.1, Hays County, Texas, in Cause No. 20-0202-P, pending upon the Probate Docket of said Court. All persons having claims against said Estate being administered are hereby requested to present the same within the time prescribed by law to: Silvana A. Giono c/o her attorney of record, Sean B. Swords 9433 Bee Caves Road, Ste. 1-200 Austin, Texas 78733 p (512) 478-2211 f (512) 478-3625

PUBLIC NOTICE

Public Notice of Legal Business Entity, Jonathan Layne Colwell, recorded online with State of Minnesota filing #1236212300021, filed 05/18/2021

NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF HAYS CAUSE: 20-0411

By virtue of an Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 22nd District Court of HAYS County, Texas, April 13, 2021, in cause numbered 200411, styled POST OAK ONE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. versus Riley, Owen Daniel on a judgment rendered against Riley, Owen Daniel; I did on May 24, 2021,at 2:30 p.m., levy upon as the property of Riley, Owen Daniel the following described real property: Lot 28, Block P, of Post Oak Subdivision, Phase 2, a subdivision in Hays County, Texas, according to the map or plat of record in Volume 12, Pages 138-139 of the Official Public Records of Hays County, Texas more commonly known as 317 Leonardo, Kyle, TX 78640 (“Property”) On July 6, 2021, being the first Tuesday of the month, between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M., beginning at 10:00 a.m., at the Hays County, at the South Door, 712 Stagecoach Trail of the Courthouse of the said County, in the City of San Marcos, Texas, I will sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the right, title and interest of Riley, Owen Daniel in and to the real property described above. Dated at Kyle, Hays County, Texas, May 24, 2021. Michael Torres Constable, Pct. 2 Hays County, Texas 5458 FM 2770 Kyle, Texas 78640 by Patrick Chasse, Deputy Notice to Bidders: You are buying whatever interest, if any, the Debtor has in the property. Purchase of the Debtor's interest in the property may not extinguish any liens or security interests held by other persons. There are no warranties, express or implied, regarding the property being sold, including but not limited to warranties of title, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Notice to Judgment Debtor: If there is any property, real or personal, you want to point out for levy in lieu of the above described property, you must contact this office immediately.

LEGAL NOTICE An application has been made for a Wine and Beer Retailer’s Off Premise Permit for 7-Eleven Beverage Company Inc./SaintSai LLC, Texas Corporations, d/b/a 7-Eleven Convenience Store #38610A, located at 2201 S. IH 35, San Marcos, Hays County, TX 78666. Said application made to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission in accordance with the provisions of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code. 7-Eleven Beverage Company Inc. officers: Arthur Rubinett - President; Rankin Gasaway – Director/ VP/Secretary; David Seltzer – VP/Treasurer; Robert Schwerin – Director/VP; Scott Hintz – Director; Karen Cram – VP; Alicia Howell – VP/ Controller; Notice Public Brian Smith – VP;of Kyle JohnsonHearing – VP; SaintSai N O T I C E I S H E R E B Y– LLC G I VManager. E N TO A L L LLC officers: Jhanvi Desai

Public Notice

INTERESTED PERSONS, THAT:

The City of Kyle, Texas, proposes to initiate PublicatNotice annexation proceedings the request of Kyle 120, Notice of Public Hearing LLC to extend the boundary of said city to include Notice is hereby Given to all interested persons, that: approximately 120.5 acres of land located at 800 The CityLane. of Kyle, Texas, proposes to initiate annexation Bunton proceedings at the request of Kyle 120, LLC to extend the boundary of said city to include approximately A public hearing will be held by the Kyle City 120.5 acres of land located at 800 Bunton Lane.

Council on Tuesday July 6, 2021 at 7:00 P.M. in A public held by the Kyle City Council the Kylehearing City will HallbeCouncil Chambers, 100 W. on Tuesday 6, 2021 P.M. in the Kyle City Center St., July 78640; for at all7:00 persons interested in the Hall Council Chambers, 100 Center 78640; proposed annexation. At W. said timeSt., and placeforall all persons interested in the proposed annexation. At such persons shall have the right to appear and be said time and place all such persons shall have the right heard. matters and matters things, and all things, persons to appearOf andall besaid heard. Of all said interested in the things and matters herein all persons interested in the things and matters herein mentioned, willtake takenotice. notice. mentioned, will Published on June 23, 2021

Published on June 23, 2021

Texas Press Statewide Advertising Network 273

Participating Texas Newspapers

Regional advertising starts at $250 per week. For more information, email tracy@haysfreepress.com or call 512-433-0926

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO ISSUE CITY OF BUDA, TEXAS COMBINATION TAX AND LIMITED REVENUE CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION, SERIES 2021 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that it is the intention of the City Council of the City of Buda, Texas, to issue interest bearing Certificates of Obligation of the City (the "Certificates") for the purpose of paying contractual obligations incurred or to be incurred by the City for: (1) constructing, improving, renovating, expanding and equipping City parks and recreation facilities, including Garison Park Phase I design; (2) constructing, improving and/or extending the City's waterworks and sewer system, including Old Black Colony water tank design and Sunfield eﬄuent force main improvements, including the acquisition of any necessary easements or land; (3) constructing, improving, extending, expanding, upgrading and developing City streets and related traffic improvements including purchasing any necessary right-of-way, including for Cabela's Connector Drive; (4) acquiring land for future park improvements and roadway expansion; and (5) professional services including fiscal, engineering, architectural and legal fees and other such costs incurred in connection therewith including the costs of issuing the Certificates. The City Council tentatively proposes to consider for first and final reading at a meeting to commence at 6:00 p.m., on the 17th day of August, 2021 at Council Chambers located at 405 Loop Street, Building 100, Buda, Texas, 78610, the passage of an ordinance authorizing the Certificates. The maximum amount of the Certificates that may be authorized for such purpose is $13,500,000. The City Council presently proposes to provide for the payment of the Certificates from the levy of ad valorem taxes and from a limited pledge of the surplus revenues derived from the operation of the City's combined waterworks and sewer system, after payment of all operation and maintenance expenses and all debt service, reserve and other requirements in connection with all of the City's revenue bonds or other obligations (now or hereafter outstanding) which are payable from all or any part of the revenues of the City's combined waterworks and sewer system, which amount shall not exceed $1,000. Due to the ongoing public health concerns regarding the COVID 19 virus, and as may be authorized by Executive Order of the Governor of Texas, such meeting regarding the Certificates to be held on August 17, 2021 may be conducted via a free public video conference or other lawful electronic means. In such event, information regarding how to access the meeting and public participation in the meeting will be available on the City's website and in the agenda posted no less than 72 hours before the meeting at the following internet address: https://ci.buda.tx.us/ The following information is required pursuant to Texas Local Government Code, Section 271.049: As of June 15, 2021, the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding debt obligations of the City secured by and payable from ad valorem taxes is $93,140,000. As of June 15, 2021, the combined principal and interest required to pay all outstanding debt obligations of the City secured by and payable from ad valorem taxes on time and in full is $128,976,857. The estimated combined principal and interest required to pay the Certificates on time and in full is $17,894,925. The estimated interest rate for the Certificates is 3.00%. Such estimates take into account a number of factors, including the issuance schedule, maturity schedule and the expected ratings of the proposed Certificates. Such estimated interest rate is provided as a matter of information, but is not a limitation on the interest rate at which the Certificates may be sold. The maximum maturity date of the Certificates is August 15, 2041. CITY OF BUDA, TEXAS

Hays Free Press • June 23, 2021

Page 9

Classifieds

“My mom passed away recently from Stage four pancreatic cancer. I miss her so much. I have seen a lot of people, with COVID, going through a lot of pain of losing somebody,” Balderas’s voice broke. “Some people turn to the bottle, but I’m like the bottle just numbs the pain; Jesus will last longer and the pain won’t last as long.”

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.

ADVERTISING 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.

TEXAS DISPOSAL SYSTEMS

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–Janie Balderas

Janie Balderas Continued from pg. 6

ration for “Whiskey and Jesus.” “My mom passed away recently from Stage four pancreatic cancer,” Balderas said. “I miss her so much. I have seen a lot of people, with COVID, going through a lot of pain of losing somebody,” Balderas’s voice broke. “Some people turn to the bottle, but I’m like the bottle just numbs the pain; Jesus will last longer and the pain won’t last as long.” This was Balderas’ inspiration for “Whiskey and Jesus,” and she shortly realized how people could connect with it on many different levels, especially during the pandemic when families suddenly lost members. “I shared it with somebody and she was like ‘that’s me! That’s exactly what I’m going through right now,’” Balderas said. “When I sing a song, it’s like there will be at least one person out of the whole crowd who maybe relates to it – maybe it touches them in some capacity. Well, then that’s good.” While that song has a somber tone, some of

Balderas’ songs have a rhythm that makes listeners tap their feet and and sway their hips. “Busted” is one of those songs. Balderas manages to make busting a cheating partner sound empowering as she sings “you may think I’m made of pearls, fragile like a little girl, but that ain’t, no that ain’t me. Got a Smith & Wesson under my bed .38 caliber and a 12-gauge shotgun taking care of me.” Not only is it an upbeat country song about busting a cheating partner, but Balderas shows off her vocal capacity as she rides the music’s quick rhythm like a surfer riding the waves. “When I was recording [Busted], everybody enjoyed it – it was fun to record with the guys,” Balderas said about her newest release. “That got released on radio and on Spotify. Even though the lyrics are a little sassy, it’s still a fun song to move to and get your toes tapped.” She has a wide range in the country music genre – from bold lyrics to songs filled with emotional memories. In

TexSCAN Week of June 20-26, 2021 ACREAGE Hunting/investment/recreational property. We have some of the best in Texas! From the Hill Country (Edwards, Menard, Coke, Val Verde County, free ranging exotics) to South Texas (Kinney, Duval, Live Oak County, whitetail, hogs). Large or small acreage. 30-year fixed rate owner financing, only 5% down. Call toll-free or email for individual prices and terms, www.ranchenterprisesltd.com, 800-876-9720.

ANTIQUES Indian Artifact Show & Old Coins, Abilene Convention Center, 1100 N. 6th St., Abilene, TX 79601. Show time: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat., July 10th. Call 979-218-3351.

AUCTION Guadalupe County/Sheriff ’s Annual Surplus Auction, Sat., June 26, 10 a.m., 2605 N. Guadalupe St., Seguin, TX. 10%-12% B.P. View: Fri., June 25, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and sale day 8-10 a.m. Bid live online or on-site. (2) Caterpillar steel wheel rollers, pickups, cars, TVs, bikes, tools and much more. See website: www.siskauction.com, TXS#7425, John Sisk Auctioneers, Inc., 361-456-7771.

EVENT

WANTED

Wylie – Bluegrass on Ballard, Sat. June 26. Music 1-9 p.m.; Arts & Crafts 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (WylieTexas.gov); Classic Car Show 4-9 p.m. (pre-register for car show at DiscoverWylie.com). Event will be held in Historic Downtown Wylie on Ballard Avenue. More information at DiscoverWylie.com.

REAL ESTATE Kerrville, TX – Grand Opening Land Sale, Sat. & Sun., June 26 & 27. 3 to 10 Acre Homesites. Live and work from home! Nicely wooded homesites, low cost of living, panoramic 30-mile Hill Country views, gated entrance w/underground electric & internet, situated on the Texas Wine Trail, within 10 min. of shopping/restaurants in Kerrville “Official Capital of Texas Hill Country.” 866-999-6616, ext. 41, LomaVistaRanchTX.com.

some songs, a listener can hear that deep honky tonk and steel guitar sounds, while in others she brings in an Americana twist. The audience loves hearing the unique sounds that she brings onto one stage in one performance, she explained. Even though Balderas has a wide musical range and has played countless times across Texas and sometimes in Tennessee, she hopes to expand her music collection to get more out to the public. “I know it’s hard, but hopefully someday I can make money from [singing],” Balderas laughed. “Everybody is like keep dreaming. I just want to share my music with everybody and hopefully I can record a lot more.” Many of Balderas’ songs are in the queue to be recorded and she continues to produce more music. But recording high quality songs takes a lot of money, which Balderas continues to save for. She will not let anything deter her from her dream, as she continues to work on a new album for release.

EMPLOYMENT HOUSE MANAGER: Private ranch near Bastrop, Texas. Strong work ethic, good organization skills & flexibility required. Work schedule includes most weekends & some holidays. Responsibilities include supervision of house/kitchen, grounds & maintenance employees, managing house & grounds operations, purchasing food & operating supplies, menu & meal preparation, table service, clean up after meals, general house cleaning & doing “what it takes” to ensure the ranch house is always ready for family & guests. F/T: salary plus housing & benefits (med, dent, life, 401k, vac). Relocation considered. HS/equivalent education, current driver’s license w/good driving record. Background check & drug testing required. Email resumes with work history including cooking & serving skills, salary requirements & references to HR@eprod. com with HOUSE MANAGER in the subject line. The City of Pharr is accepting applications for the following positions: Development Services Director, Public Safety Communications Director, Public Works Director, Public Works Assistant Director, City Clerk, EMT-Paramedic, EMT-Advanced, PT EMTParamedic, PT EMT-Advanced. Prior to employment, all selected candidates must successfully pass a thorough criminal background check, physical, and drug examination. Online application, position qualification, and job description are available on our website at www.pharr-tx.gov.

TRUCK DRIVERS We’re Hiring Truck Drivers. Need your CDL? Attend our driving school! Delivering Promises and Driving Success – CRST – The Transportation Solution. Apply now at jobs.crst.com/newspaper. Be Your Own Boss, Choose Your Own Routes! Looking for CDL drivers to deliver new trucks all over the country, starting in Laredo, TX. Experience preferred. Must have DOT physical and be willing to keep logs. No DUIs in the last 10 years, clean MVR. Quality Drive-Away. Apply online at www.qualitydriveaway.com or call 574-642-2023.

WANTED Need Extra Cash – I Buy RVs & Mobile Homes –Travel Trailers, 5th Wheels, Goosenecks, Bumper Pulls. In Any Area, Any Condition – Old/New, Dirty or Clean! I PAY CA$H. No Title – No Problem, we can apply for one. ANR Enterprises, 956-466-7001. FREON WANTED: We pay $$$ for cylinders and cans. R12 R500 R11 R113 R114. Convenient. Certified Professionals. Call 312-291-9169 or visit RefrigerantFinders.com..

Texas Press Statewide Classified Network 221 Participating Texas Newspapers • Regional Ads Start At $250 • Email ads@texaspress.com 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.

Page 10

NEWS

Hays Free Press • June 23, 2021

NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE

Heat wave prompts conservation call The Electric Reliability Council of Texas urged Texans to cut back on power usage last week when an unusually large number of power plants shut down for unexpected repairs as temperatures soared. ERCOT officials announced Friday that Texans could resume normal levels of electricity use, however. ERCOT came under fire after widespread outages during the winter storm in mid-February, resulting in the CEO being forced out and much of the board replaced. Saturday marked the official first day of summer.

BORDER WALL CONSTRUCTION PLAN UNVEILED Gov. Gregg Abbott last week announced several key facets of his plan for the state to build a wall on its border with Mexico. Abbott and other state leaders signed a letter during a press conference, allowing the transfer of $250 million to begin construction and to hire a program manager and contractors. The program manager will hire contractors and subcontractors needed to build the wall and will identify available state land, as well as private land whose owners are willing to volunteer space for the wall. Meanwhile, Land Commissioner George P. Bush announced approximately 591,595 acres of state-owned land will receive emergency authorization to be used to build part of the wall. Texas and Mexico share 1,254 miles of common border, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. The governor is also seeking donations for building a wall via www. borderwall.gov. State

Capital Highlights by Gary Borders

lawmakers allocated $1 billion for border security in the recently passed budget, but Democratic officials have pointed out most of that money goes to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

ABBOTT APPOINTS COBOS TO PUC Abbott last week appointed Lori Cobos to the PUC. She fills a term scheduled to expire on Sept. 1, although she could be reappointed. Senate confirmation is not required since the Legislature is not in session. The PUC will have a full complement of commissioners for the first time since February. “I am proud to appoint Lori Cobos to the Public Utility Commission of Texas, and I know that she will draw upon her wealth of experience and knowledge to faithfully serve the people of Texas,” Abbott said. Cobos has served in several senior-level

posts at the PUC and ERCOT, including as chief executive and public counsel for the Office of Public Utility Counsel. As a commissioner, she will draw a salary of $201,000 annually.

FOREST SERVICE FIREFIGHTERS SENT TO AID OTHER STATES Texas A&M Forest Service has sent 25 firefighters, including two engine crews, to wildfires in Colorado, Alaska, Arizona, New Mexico and Florida. “Texas state resources are supporting wildfire suppression efforts in multiple roles, including firefighters, engine support, prevention team members, aviation operations and support roles,” TFS said in a press release. The release said TFS remains dedicated to protecting the state’s natural resources from wildfire while assisting other states, a common practice. Across Texas, the potential for wildfires remains low due to the copious amounts of rain this spring. For current conditions, visit the Texas Potential Outlook

site: https://tinyurl. com/3j84srd7

VACCINE RATE CONTINUES TO SLOW The number of Texans who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 has hit 11.4 million, about 39% of the state’s population, according to Texas Department of State Health Services. Across the United States, 45% of the population is fully vaccinated. Texas ranks in the lower tier of states in percentage of population that is fully vaccinated. However, the number of new COVID-19 cases in Texas dropped considerably from the previous week, with

8,414 reported by the Coronavirus Resource Center at Johns Hopkins University, along with 186 deaths. Hospitalizations dropped slightly, with 1,564 lab confirmed COVID-19 patients in Texas hospitals, according to DSHS.

STAAR TESTS SHOW DROP IN MATH RESULTS Results from the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, which measures students’ knowledge of several subjects, shows a sharp drop in math scores, the Texas Standard reported last week. The new scores came after a school year unlike no other, with many students taking

classes online at home because of the pandemic. Only 42% of high school students who took the primary high school math test were considered to be “at grade level,” down from 66% last year. This year’s STAAR results don’t include all students, since some did not return to school in-person to take the exam. Gary Borders is a veteran award-winning Texas journalist. He published a number of community newspapers in Texas during a 30year span, including in Longview, Fort Stockton, Nacogdoches and Cedar Park. gborders@texaspress.com

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ENERGY TIP To stay comfortable and save money this summer, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78F when you are home. Setting your air conditioner to this level will allow you to stay cool and avoid an unusually high electricity bill. Turning your thermostat up seven to 10 degrees higher while you are away at work, or any time you’re out of the house for more than two hours, can help you save as much as 10 percent on cooling costs.

This summer, reduce energy use during Power Rush Hour®, a time of high energy demand on the state’s electric grid. Conserve energy and shift use outside of 2-7 p.m. By doing so, you can reduce your bills now and later by conserving from June to September. Join the Summer Savings Squad! Shift and save energy use for your chance to win one of 10 Nest Learning Thermostats. Sign up at pec.coop/pledge. Together, we can make a difference.

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