DSISD teacher named Teacher of the Year
Local kids help out at care facility
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Dripping says goodbye to VFW building
page 3
News-Dispatch Volume XXXVII No. 41 • Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982
page 5
75¢ Thursday, July 20, 2017
Speed limit cut to 45 mph on U.S. 290 SUBMITTED REPORT In an effort to promote safety along U.S. 290 through the Dripping Springs area, the Texas Department of Transportation in
cooperation with the city of Dripping Springs, has extended the 45-mph zone through town. This includes the stretch of highway from Crow Ranch Road (near the water tower) to just west
on U.S. 290 have been reduced overall by 5 mph from the Blanco County line to the Travis County line. On the west side of town, the speed limit is 50 mph from Spring Lane to just west of
McGregor Lane, where the speed limit then becomes 60 mph. The stretch of highway west of McGregor to 281 is now 65 mph. Headed into Austin, the speed limit is 60 mph
1826
Four potential roundabout/ traffic signals Potential roundabout/ traffic signal
of Roger Hanks Parkway (near Tractor Supply). When school resumes, the speed limit is 30 mph in school zones along this stretch of highway. On the outer edges of the city, speed limits
967
Curb smoothing
POTENTIAL BYPASS STUDY AREA
Curve smoothing Shoulder widening
150
Two potential roundabout/ traffic signals
DRIPPING SPRINGS
Curb smoothing 170
Burn ban extended 30 days BY SAMANTHA SMITH
DRIFTWOOD Curve smoothing
from Crow Ranch Road to Nutty Brown Road. A map depicting the speed limit changes can be found on the city’s website, www. cityofdrippingsprings. com.
150 150
Shoulder widening Upgrade grading
Potential roundabout/ traffic signal
The FM 150 Character Plan covers FM 150 from Arroyo Ranch Road outside Kyle to RM 12 in Dripping Springs and focuses on changes and upgrades to the area regarding widening shoulders on roads and creating bypasses and cross sections.
Hays County moves closer to finishing FM 150 character plan BY TIMOTHY STUCKEY
Residents of Hays County met with K Friese employees during an open meeting at last week at Dripping Springs High School to voice their opinions and concerns as the FM 150 Character Plan nears completion. Residents spoke with various employees of K Friese on potential development in their area. K Friese representatives were assigned to various maps that marked key sections of the corridor for residents to review. The FM 150 Character Plan covers FM 150 from Arroyo Ranch Road outside Kyle to RM 12 in Dripping Springs and focuses on changes and upgrades to the area regarding widening shoulders on roads and creating bypasses and cross sections. This is a separate effort from the FM 150 alignment study by the county that was being conducted to study and develop a possible
PHOTO BY TIMOTHY STUCKEY
FM 150, 4
Residents of Hays County met with K Friese employees to discuss the future of FM 150 during an open meeting last week at Dripping Springs High School.
It’s official. Hays County’s temporary burn ban has been extended to 90 days. The ban went into effect last week, but has some residents wondering why the county itself is engaging in prescribed burns. If private citizens are caught burning during the burn ban, the consequences are serious. According to the Texas Water Code, if a person intentionally or knowing-
BURN BAN, 5
Property tax cap in Lege draws concern BY MOSES LEOS III Controversy surrounding a bill that could limit governmental entities’ ability to raise property tax rates will continue as the Texas legislative special session begins this month. Much of the consternation stems from Senate Bill (SB) 2, authored by State Sen. Paul Betancourt (R-Houston). The bill, which died before the end of the regular session in May, would require entities such as city, county governments and emergency service districts (ESDs) to hold an election if they plan to raise property tax rates by five percent.
PROPERTY TAX, 6
Whether rain, fire or tornadoes, LAGNIAPPE cities prepare for hazard plans Blanco River/ BY TIMOTHY STUCKEY Whether it’s flooding or fires or tornadoes – any kind of natural disasters – Hays County cities are coming together to put forth their updates on the 2017 Hazard Mitigation plan. The 2017 Hazard Mitigation Plan, or HMP, has been approved for public comments through July 26. Eleven incorporated cities in Hays County, and the county, have their own plans that provide overviews of natural hazards and
how best to respond in order to minimize the loss of life and property. The plans for each incorporated city and the county can be found on the county website. “Each jurisdiction has the opportunity to adopt the plan; this is done by an affirmative vote of the city council,” said Kay Allen, Dripping Springs Emergency Planning Coordinator. “Having done that, the obligation is to make a good faith effort to complete the action items specific to that jurisdiction; since the action items are tailored
to the jurisdiction’s specific situation and needs, there is a strong motivation to follow through on completing them.” The 2017 HMP update is the most recent to the county’s HMP since 2011. The HMP for Hays County was first initiated in 2003 in response to the Disaster Mitigation Act passed by Congress in 2000, which established a requirement that jurisdictions nationwide must develop hazard plans in the event of natural or man-made disasters. Approved in 2006,
the Hays HMP was designed to help the incorporated cities within the county prepare for the hazards the areas are most susceptible to. “Past hazards greatly influence these plans,” said Kathy Roecker, Kyle’s Stormwater Management Plan organizer. “Looking at past hazards assists in planning and preparing for future hazards.” For instance, flooding has been a consistent and troublesome issue in Hays County. Between
HAZARD PLAN, 4
Onion Creek Water Forum
Meet your neighbors at this forum discussing the Blanco River and Onion Creek at the Wimberley Community Center, 14068 Ranch Road 12 in Wimberley on Thursday, July 20. Exhibits and a meet and greet will begin at 9 a.m., and presentsations by local water experts will begin at 10 a.m. For more information contact David Glenn, VAGabond Chief, Hays Trinity Aquifer Volunteer Advisory Group at david.glenn@vownet.net or (512) 557-3595.
LAGNIAPPE, 3
Page 2
News-Dispatch
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Sports Still playing for the love of the game BY MOSES LEOS III
P
ORTSMOUTH, OH – Nestled in the rolling hills and lush scenery of southeastern Ohio is a place where dreams once thought dead still live. For many who flocked to a small stadium that once housed a high school football team, the goal of resurrecting their glory days on the gridiron was the goal. On this night, athletes of the semi-professional West Portsmouth Tanks took on the Portsmouth Stealth (who may or may not have been name the Warriors at one time) in a heated Blue Collar Football League contest. The action on the field, however, paled in comparison to the social significance the game had on each sideline. Many of these athletes were once local high
school standouts who may (or may not) have gotten a shot at the next level, but couldn’t make it work. Others are victims of some of the social issues that persist in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains. They use the game as a second chance to maybe right their lives. A few of the players looked as if they had just stepped off the stage as recent high school graduates. One player, who claimed he was 42, played with both of his knees encased in heavy metal braces. Another athlete played with a heavy pink cast encasing his arm. No matter the back story or the rhyme, or reason, football is used on this field as a means to escape. As a way to get back to glory, to normalcy, to the American way. And perhaps that’s why watching this semi-pro-
There was no team bus, nor was there a large spread of food before kickoff. No cheerleaders, no fireworks. This was football at its most basic level.
fessional game was so enthralling. Those guys don’t get paid large sums of money to play. They understand there probably isn’t a college or professional scout watching them. There was no team bus, nor was there a large spread of food before kickoff. No cheerleaders, no fireworks. This was football at its most basic level. Even with all of the obstacles, some of the players still hit the field with the kind of vigor seen at the high school level. They were simply playing for the love of the
game. The game itself, however, wasn’t as exciting as the lead-up to kickoff. West Portsmouth dominated Portsmouth 53-18, anchored by a 28-point third quarter outburst. Tanks quarterback Martin Snook, of Huntington, WV, threw for 107 yard and a pair of touchdowns, while also rushing for 94 yards in the game. Running back Antwan Williams, of Lexington, KY, rushed for 104 yards and a trio of touchdowns. Stats and scores were only part of the story, though. The banter and drama on the field and
the sideline, especially on the Portsmouth side, was perhaps a little more entertaining. More than once there was bickering among teammates as a result of disorganization on the field. Not every play was executed with military-like precision. Miscues happened regularly, with players forgetting an assignment, or making a not-so-good read. There were a handful of fumbles and several turnovers. Those, at times, led to arguments on the sideline, with players and coaches trying to figure out a way to solve them. One Portsmouth player, who was fed up with the way the coaches were yelling at him, opted to quit at the start of the second half. It was agonizing to watch that player wait for someone to unlock the
locker room in order for him to grab his items and leave. Another Portsmouth player was forced to leave the game and head to an emergency room after suffering an injury. But that’s the risk these players take when they sign up for this game. And the fans, all of about 150 or so, lauded them with glee, no matter if they succeeded in scoring or not. They took pleasure in watching these gladiators of the gridiron continue to seek the glory they once had. All of it proves that in America’s heartland, football is alive and here to stay. (Publisher’s Note: News-Dispatch Editor Moses Leos III is on vacation and enjoying his continued reporting of sports.)
Education DSISD educator named PTA Teacher of the Year SUBMITTED REPORT Rooster Springs Elementary third-grade teacher Natalie Mahany has been named as the 2017 Texas Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Elementary Teach of the year, according to a district statement. Texas PTA honors five outstanding educators each year, according to the release. In addition to Mahany, Dr. Art Cavazos, of Harlingen ISD, was chosen as the Superintendent of the Year, while Todd Rogers, of Northwest ISD, was the Secondary Principal of the Year. Michelle Wooten of Lewisville ISD was named the Elementary Principal of the Year, and Steve Davidson from North East ISD was the Secondary Teacher of the Year. According to the announcement, “Each Outstanding Educator ex-
emplifies Texas PTA’s mission to make every child’s potential a reality through their support of PTA programs, parent education, family engageMAHANY ment and advocacy efforts.” Mahany, who is starting her 19th year teaching and 18th in Dripping Springs, has taught at Rooster Springs since the campus opened. Mahany taught both second and third grades. She also was at Dripping Springs Elementary (Primary) School. Mahany has served as a grade-level team leader, the campus UIL coordinator and PTA liaison. She’s trained and certified in English as a Second Language (ESL) and Gift-
ed and Talented (GT). Mahany has applied for and received several leadership and teaching grants through the Dripping Springs Education Foundation, according to the release. She also volunteers with Relay for Life and runs a district-wide fundraiser every year for the cause. This past year, she also sponsored a Juvenile Diabetes Research Foudnation (JDRF) fundraiser this year in order to support a student in her class. In 2012, Mahany was selected as the Region XIII Elementary Teacher of the Year, and was a finalist for the state honor. She also was the Dripping Springs ISD Elementary Teacher of the Year. Mahany earned her bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University in 1983. All of her three children are Dripping Springs High School graduates.
DSISD Briefs DSISD registration
Dripping Springs ISD will hold the second and final summer registration day for students who will be new to the district in the fall of 2017 on Wednesday, Aug. 2. Registration will be conducted on individual campuses from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. High school students must schedule an appointment with the Counseling Department by calling 512-858-3109. Incoming ninth-graders
from non-accredited home schools or private schools must pass ninthgrade placement tests prior to enrollment. Tests will take place at Dripping Springs Middle School by appointment on Aug. 3 and 4. Parents should bring proof of residency, child’s birth certificate and immunization record, child’s Social Security card, parent’s photo ID, as well as withdrawal confirmation and last report card from previous school. They also should fill out the registration packet.
DSISD offers after-school care at all four campuses; information is available through the DSISD Community Services Department.
Meet the Teacher
Dripping Springs High School will holds its “Meet the Teacher Night” Sept. 11, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the school. Parents should expect an email from the school regarding particulars on the event.
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Page 3
Tweens serve at senior center The Tween Group at the Dripping Springs Presbyterian Church visited the Hill Country Care nursing home in Dripping Springs last week. The 29-member group of fifth and sixth graders spent most of Friday morning working in the garden, while one group of girls helped some of the residents with manicures, and another group made home-made dog snacks for the canine companions that sometimes visit the pet-friendly establishment. The group has worked on several other service projects for the community as well. They previously helped clean a barn and horse stalls for an elderly couple, Herk and Judy Johnson, who are also founding members of the church. Vacation bible school student Ashton Harmon shared her Instagram comment: “Had such a fun day at VBX (VBS) since we are the oldest group they made us work hard! Today we mucked out and painted 2 barns and after had an EXTREME water balloon fight. I loved getting this experience to help + a little fun after. I love my church and the people in it! We were supposed to have a God sighting and I think helping the community is one of the best ever! I’m so thankful for this experience. I will cherish forever even if I’m covered in paint, muck and water.”
News-Dispatch PHONE: 512-268-7862 FAX: 512-268-0262 PUBLISHER Cyndy Slovak-Barton
csb@haysfreepress.com
EDITOR Moses Leos III
moses@haysfreepress.com
REPORTERS Samantha Smith
news@haysfreepress.com
Timothy Stuckey
stuckey@ bartonpublicationsinc.com
PRODUCTION David White Christine Thorpe ADVERTISING/MARKETING Tracy Mack tracy@haysfreepress.com
Leon Vigil
ads@haysnewsdispatch.com
PHOTO BY DAVID WHITE
Jim Darby
ads@haysfreepress.com
Obituary SOUTHWELL Grady Lee Southwell was born November 17, 1946 to Annie Jewel and Elmer Lee Southwell. He was a lifetime resident of Dripping Springs. He joined the
United States Army in 1967. After serving the country he came back home and served the community as a volunteer fireman and law enforcement officer. Grady also ran a successful construction and road work business. Grady was a compassionate, loving and giving man. He was very kind and humble. His favorite things were his classic cars, westerns and
Lagniappe
Continued from pg. 1
Dripping Springs Fair and Rodeo
The 6th Annual Dripping Springs Fair and Rodeo will return to Dripping Springs Ranch Park and Event Center (DSRP) July 20-23 with thrilling rodeo action, live entertainment, a steer show, a Mutton Bustin’ Shootout, good food and drinks, kids’ activities, and family fun. Hosted by Dripping Springs Ag Boosters Association and the City of Dripping Springs, this annual tradition has transformed into a top notch Cowboys Professional Rodeo Association (“CPRA”) Rodeo and fundraiser to support area 4-H Club and Future Farmers of America (FFA) youth.
Community Collection Day
Don’t dump those tires, bring them July 22 and dispose of properly. Details on what can be dropped off, where & when on HaysNewsDispatch.com and the county’s website.
Draft Hazard Mitigation Plan Draft Hazard Mitigation Plan available for public comments through July 26 – all cities/villages and the unincorporated area have an annex. Read them here under Public Comments on HMP webpage: update. aspx.www.co.hays.tx.us/ hazard-mitigation-planupdate.aspx
Texas Crossword Solution See puzzle, page 3
Hays County Vaccination Celebration
The Hays County Local Health Department and Live Oak Health Partners Community Clinic are holding a week-long vaccination fair August 7-11 for all children 18 years and younger who need vaccinations. The vaccines will be free for children who qualify. On Monday, Aug. 7, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. there will be free games, prizes and free food as well as a fire truck and SWAT vehicle at Anita Reye Park next to the clinic at 401 E. Broadway St., San Marcos. Vaccinations will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. August 7-11 at the clinic.
Flood Map Meetings
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has released preliminary flood insurance rate maps for public review and comment and will hold open house meetings on proposed changes. Meetings will be held from 2-7 p.m. on Aug. 22 at the Wimberley Community Center, 14068 RR 12, and from 2-7 p.m. on Aug. 24 at the San Marcos Activity Center, 501 E. Hopkins Street. There will be no formal presentation. Property owners are encouraged to view the maps at maps.riskmap6. com to see the specific areas being remapped and how they may be affected. Do you know a free event to be included in Lagniappe? Send an email to christine@haysfreepress. com.
PHOTOGRAPHER Wayland Clark
his bulldozer. He is survived by his wife Betty, Dripping Springs; son Darrell and wife Kimberlie Southwell, Marble Falls; Daughter Carrie and husband Lance McIntyre, Dripping Springs; step-daughter Brandi Stringer, Seguin; grandchildren Kenzie McIntyre, Cole Mouser and Karci Mouser; and many loving friends and relatives.
PROOFREADER Jane Kirkham
He is preceded in death by his father Elmer Southwell, mother Annie Darter and step-father Frank Darter. A funeral service was held Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at Fitzhugh Baptist Church. Interment followed at Puryear Cemetery, Dripping Springs, Texas. Condolences may be sent to: www. harrellfuneralhomes.com.
CIRCULATION MANAGER/ LEGAL NOTICES David White paper@ haysnewsdispatch.com
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ACROSS
1 San Antonio picante sauce 5 TXism: “brains in _ ___” (computer) 6 TXism: “Is the ____ Catholic? (yes) 7 TXism: “sharp as a ____ tooth” 8 TXism: “___ some gravel” (fell) 9 in 1835, the Austin community was known as Water___ 12 TX Phyllis Davis was Beatrice in this TV crime drama series 17 muscle pulls 19 Mama Cass 21 TX Guy Clark LP “_____ __ Build” 22 ready to drive the golf ball (2 wds.) 23 this Hedy was in “Boom Town” with TX Chill Wills 28 troops of ____ Thornton were ambushed in TX to start Mexican War 29 TX Lefty Frizzell tune: “The Long Black ____” 30 TX B.J. Thomas’ 1st gospel record: “Home _____ _ Belong” 31 TXism: “wipe the slate clean” 35 red vegetables 36 TXism: “happy __ _ ___ __ ___” 42 TXism: “_____ __ _ jaybird”
44 TXism: “hot as road ___ __ July” 46 TX or IA town 47 TXism: “____boose” (jail) 49 one-name actor in TX-filmed “Necessary Roughness” 50 TXism: “bath day” (abbr.) 51 once a Wichita Falls AM 52 TXism: “___ __ a fish in water” 53 dir. to Tyler from Dallas 23
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LETTERS GUIDELINES We welcome locally written letters to the editor on timely topics of community interest. We ask that you keep them to about 350 words in length and that you not indulge in personal attacks on private individuals. Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity. All letters should be signed by the author and include a daytime phone number where the author can be contacted for verification. Letter writers are limited to one letter per month. Letters can be emailed to csb@haysfreepress.com.
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Texas Crossword
News-Dispatch (USPS 011 - 401) is published weekly except for the weeks following July 4 and Christmas by Barton Publications, Inc., 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640. Subscription price: $32 local, $45 county, $56 out of state. Periodicals Postage paid at Driftwood, TX. Email paper@haysnewsdispatch. com for subscriptions and address changes. POSTMASTER: send address changes to News-Dispatch, PO Box 339, Buda, TX 78610
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Providing you with news for Dripping Springs, Wimberley and surrounding communities
TEXAS CROSSWORD
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by Charley & Guy Orbison
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54 brandin’ 43 42 or shootin’ 55 TXism: “_____ 47 46 the unvarnished 50 51 truth” 57 “those” south of the border 58 novelist Deighton 12 horse doc. 59 TX Lynda of 13 Dallas’ 150th birthTV’s “Mission day party had Impossible” (init.) ______-____ cake 14 “Eyes of TX” song DOWN began as prank by 1 Houston eatery was UT ____ Club first called: “______ 15 TX Willie’s 1985 _______ House” concert in Illinois: 2 Travis Tritt’s “It’s All Farm ___ _ _____ __ Change” 3 ________ Cove, TX 16 TXism: “nary a ____” (no one) 4 TX Strait’s “All My ____ Live in Texas” 18 TXism: “table grazed” 9 enumerate 20 singer Petty (init.) 10 TXism: “opossum 23 TX resident pro __ ___ ____ golfer Lanny (init.) _____” (armadillo) 24 founder of TX 11 “bear” south of Belo company (init.) the border
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25 say Lamesa: “luh-___-suh” 26 bldgs. for Mavs, Rockets & Spurs 27 horse park near San Antonio 32 TX Orbison (init.) 33 Paxton’s TX title 34 “yes” south of the border
36 newspaper income 37 TXism: “hit the ____” (go to bed) 38 TXism: “mad __ _ ___ hen” 39 TXism: “a ___ __ ride the river with” 40 “_____ Cowboy” 41 “buenas ____” 43 TXism: “me casa __ su casa” 45 “Fightin’ Irish” 48 TXism: “mad as _ ______ snake” 49 Alpine, TX is named for the ____ Alps 56 snake catcher
See solution, page 3
Worship in a church of your choice
Call 512-268-7862 to join the church directory today.
Sunset Canyon Baptist Church 8:45 AM
Sunday Morning
11:00 AM
Sunday Worship
5:45 PM
Wednesday Meal
6:30 PM
Wed TouchPoint
A Family of Faith...
SCBC Preschool Children Ministries Youth Ministries Family Ministries
www.sunsetcanyonchurch.org
(512) 894-0480
4000 E. HWY 290
St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church Mass Schedule
Rev. Charlie
Spanish Mass Sunday: 1:30 p.m.
corner of RR 12 & Post Oak in Dripping Springs
Garza, pastor Saturday: 5 p.m. Located at the Sunday: 8:15 a.m., 11 a.m., 5 p.m.
512-858-5667
www.stmartindp.org
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Page 4
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Statewide Classifieds
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EVENTS
DRIVERS/CDL TRAINING
Blues on the Green August 2nd 2017. Zilker Park Austin, TX Pack a blanket and the family and make your way to Zilker Park for this summertime tradition. Held monthly from May to August, Austin’s largest free concert. Local up-and-comers and Austin legends. For more information www.kgsr.com.
DRIVER - CDL A TRAINING $500- $1000 Incentive Bonus. No Out Of Pocket Tuition Cost!. Get your CDL in 22 days. 6 day refresher courses available. Minimum 21 years. 1-855-755-5545.EOE. www. kllmdrivingacademy.com.E
Got Land? Our Hunters will pay top dollar to hunt your land. Call for a Free Base Camp Leasing info packet & Quote. 1-866-309-1507. www.BaseCampLeasing.com.
Airline Mechanic Training - Get FAA certification. Approved for military benefits. Financial Aid if qualified. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 1-800-475-4102.
EMPLOYMENT
Stotz Equipment in Casa Grande AZ, a leading John Deere Dealer is looking for a Certified and Experienced John Deere 7760/CP690 Cotton Picker and Large Ag Tractor Field Mechanic. Competitive wages and benefits, applicants can apply online @ www.stotzequipment.com under careers tab. General inquiries at 520-836-7481 or email wdefreese@ stotzeq.com. John Dotson Trucking. Seeking experienced belly dump driver. Class A CDL minimum 2 years. Experience. Steady work! Call now 1-512-376-4878. Earn $500 A Day: Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance wants insurance agents. Leads, no cold calling. Commission paid daily. Agency training. Life Licenserequired. Call 1-888-713-6020. Schneider jobs available in your area! Earn up to $68,000! Flexible Schedules. Performance bonuses.
Peaceful Hill Country Living. Lots priced at $30,000 +. Easy drive to Austin, San Antonio and Marble Falls. Contact Mike S. for home packages 512-705-3824. Contact Mike H. for lots 512781-6377
HUNTING LEASE
MISCELLANEOUS Sawmills from only $4,397.00-Make & Save Money with your own band mill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship! Free info/DVD: www. norwoodsawmills.com, 1-800-578-1363, Ext.300N. We buy oil, gas & mineral rights. Both non- producing and producing including non- Participating Royalty Interest (NPRI). Provide us your desired price for an offer evaluation. Call Today 1-806-620-1422. www. lobomineralsLLC.com.
REAL ESTATE Receiving payments from real estate you sold? Get cash now! Call Steve: 1-888-870-2243. www. stevecashesnotes.com 3/2 House for Rent-McAllen 7413 N 33rd St;$1500/ mo Deposit: $750. Pet OK; No Smoking; Please call 1-956-686-8374.
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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 1-800-6210508 or the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-FTC-HELP. The FTC web site is www.ftc.gov/bizop
Thursday, July 20, 2017
FM 150: Keeping the character of road Continued from pg. 1
alignment for FM 150 from Arroyo Ranch Road heading southeast to near I-35 and Yarrington Rd before being passed on to TxDOT for further development. The document was designed by K Friese and Associates, a civil engineering consulting service that was hired by Hays County. The plan was designed to allow citizens to work with K Friese in anticipation of the growth and transportation needs in the corridor. Typically development plans for such a project are quickly established for immediate impending construction. However, Hays County is attempting a more proactive approach in order to try to upgrade the corridor while keeping the character of the area intact. “We’re doing this so that if the growth does come, we have an efficient and safe plan in place,” said Joe Cantalupo, Project Lead and Senior Vice President of K Friese. Cantalupo spent
“The route hasn’t been fully established, it could come right through my property or it could not ... I’m a fourth generation (resident) on this place and I don’t want to lose it.” – David Allen, Kyle resident
much of his time during the open house speaking with residents who shared their concerns about how the project would affect their property. For Kyle resident, David Allen, the importance of keeping up to date with such a project was clear. “The route hasn’t been fully established, it could come right through my property or it could not,” Allen said. “I’m a fourth generation (resident) on this place and I don’t want to lose it.” Participation from residents has been an essential and constant part of the plan’s agenda for the past two and half
Hazard Plan
WHO’S SPEAKING UP?
Continued from pg. 1 1965 and 2010, Hays County received seven major Presidential disaster declarations, of which five were floods. “The October 2015 floods brought some issues to the forefront that had not been obvious before,” Allen said. “There is much more impervious cover in our area than in 2011 and that contributed to flooding in places that had never flooded before, such as the intersection of RR12 and HWY 290.” Residents are also strongly urged by their cities’ leaders to participate in order to
provide an effective plan. Comments about the plan can be submitted to HMPComments@ co.hays.tx.us or through regular mail to: Grants Administration Department, Hays County Government Center, 712 S. Stagecoach Trail, Suite 1204, San Marcos, Texas, 78666 “These plans are ‘living plans’,” said Roecker. “Therefore comments, input and recommendations are vital to the implementation and success of the plan.”
Service Directory Dirt
Automotive
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years as hundreds of residents have attended various open meetings and left their comments to be reviewed. “I think we’ve had unprecedented feedback,” said Cantalupo. “In terms of participation, this is one of the best projects I’ve worked on.” Split into two phases, the FM 150 Character plan is nearing the end of its second phase. After the comments from residents are reviewed and the plan is finalized it will be presented to the Hays County Commissioners Court, where it is expected to take another three to five years for development and construction to begin.
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As of March 10, 2017 the number of responses from residents in each particular area regarding the HMP is as follows: Bear Creek: 28 Buda: 242 Dripping Springs: 36 Hays: 19 Kyle: 23 Mountain City: 25 Niederwald: 0 San Marcos: 160 Uhland: 13 Wimberley: 10 Woodcreek: 63 To view the plans, see: www.co.hays. tx.us/hazard-mitigation-plan-update. aspx.
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Thursday, July 20, 2017
www.HaysNewsDispatch.com
Page 5
Dripping Springs says goodbye to VFW building The last remnants of Dripping Springs’ VFW building, located at the Triangle on 26550 Ranch Rd 12, were set to be demolished Monday. The building, previously used as a meeting place for VFW Post 2933 and American Legion Post 290, was determined to be structural unsound in 2016. There are no plans for future construction on the site at this time. PHOTO BY TIMOTHY STUCKEY
Burn Ban: Set for another 90 days Continued from pg. 1
ly violates the ban, the offender could be hit with a fine of $1,000 to $50,000, confinement in the county jail not to exceed 180 days, or both. But a controlled burn is completely different, because of the depth of knowledge and preparation involved. According to the National Park Service website a “prescribed fire is a planned fire; it is also sometimes called a ‘controlled burn’ or a ‘prescribed burn.’ Prescribed fire is one of the most important tools used to manage fire today.” The website continues to describe the management/fire mitigation tool, saying, “a scientific prescription for each fire, prepared in advance, describes its objectives, fuels, size, the precise environmental conditions under which it will burn, and conditions under which it may be suppressed.” Browning said the prescribed burns operate outside the burn bans due to the level of planning involved versus a private citizen burning on his or her own volition without necessary mitigation and management tools. “Please keep in mind this is not ‘Farmer Brown’ burning a field, which is controlled by the burn ban. There is far more involved in a prescribed burn such as extensive oversight and statutes in place dictating how, when and why these burns can take place,” Browning said. Browning said each prescribed burn is orchestrated by a licensed Burn Manager who is trained through “stringent requirements of the Texas Department of Agriculture,” where a burn plan is submitted to the regulating agency with explanations of what will be burned and what assets will be utilized to protect the area being burned. Browning also cited the Texas Department of Agriculture’s website during his interview that said, “The Prescribed Burning
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Board (PBB) regulates certified and insured prescribed burn managers who work to control vegetative fuels that can contribute to wildfires.” The TDA website explained that the ultimate purpose of a burn manager is “to help manage, maintain and restore valuable ecosystems in Texas.” According to the USDA Forest Service website, prescribed burns reduce hazardous fuels, minimize the spread of pest insects
and disease, provide forage for game, recycle nutrients back to the soil and promote the growth of trees, wildflowers and other plants. “The Forest Service manages prescribed fires and even some wildfires to benefit natural resources and reduce the risk of unwanted wildfires in the future,” the website says, “Burn plans identify the best conditions under which trees and other plants will burn to get the best results safely.”
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DRIPPING SPRINGS RESIDENTIAL/FARM & RANCH FOR SALE PENDING 4011 McGregor Lane, 3/2 ±1800 SF log cabin on ±10 acres, fabulous sunset views, private $440,000 969 Drifting Wind, 4/5/5, ±5,009 SF, hilltop estate nestled on 2+ acres, 5 star resort style backyard oasis
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PENDING 13502 Settlers Trail, 4 /5, ±4,353 SF, ±10.05 acres, custom gated estate, barn with 3 stalls
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TRAVIS COUNTY COMMERCIAL FOR SALE ACTIVE CONTINGENT 8312 S Congress Ave, central, ±2,789 SF, high traffic count, 277’ frontage $564,888
Page 6
News-Dispatch
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Keep your eyes peeled for fox pups in the area I
BY JERRY HALL
recently saw a gray fox standing in the pedestal birdbath in my back yard, lapping away at the cool water. With its long snout and bushy tail, it was quite a sight, but when I opened the door to get a better look,
it casually hopped down and trotted away. We have both red and gray foxes in this area and none are native since they are all descended from 40 foxes released near Waco between 1890 and 1895. The idea was to have foxes to hunt with hounds. Other releases
were made over the years and both species are now found statewide, with the highest concentration in north central Texas. Although a member of the dog family, the fox has some behavior that is cat-like. Young foxes will hiss and spit much like kittens, and adults
can make short mewing cries and high-pitched screams. Foxes are fast animals and can run at 45 miles per hour and scamper all night if pursued by hounds. They are also acrobatic and can jump 15 feet from a standing start.
A hungry fox prefers small mammals, berries and birds, but will also gobble down insects, including grasshoppers. Pups are born in March and April and litters range from four to fifteen, but usually five or six. Like kittens, fox pups are born with their
eyes closed, to be opened in about nine days. They remain in the den for at least a month. A gray fox can climb trees, so it’s no surprise one wound up standing in my birdbath. Maybe some little pups will show up around here soon.
frastructure responsibility, primarily roads and highways, to the tax payers led cities to increase property tax rates to accommodate. If the bill passes, Webster said growing cities such as Kyle may look to other methods of funding, including Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZ).
“If you want good stuff and nice infrastructure, particularly things like good state roads that require local participation, you’ve got to couple that with a higher tax rate,” Webster said. “Now you’ve got high property tax rates that municipalities and counties are being blamed for it.”
Property Tax: Cap bill in Lege concerns local entitities Continued from pg. 1
However, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in June resurrected SB2 as one of 20 “sunset” items to be taken up during a special session, which is slated to begin Tuesday. According to a March Texas Tribune report, Betancourt argued the bill is meant to curb rising property tax bills seen by homeowners over the last few years. Betancourt claimed commercial property owners have seen 15 to 20 percent property tax increases, according to the Tribune’s report. But the bill is a cause for concern for various city and county leaders who fear the measure could hamper how Hays County grows in the future. Kyle Taylor, Kyle Fire Department Chief, said the bill could hamper growth within ESDs, which by law cannot raise taxes beyond ten cents per $100 valuation. Over the last few years, Taylor said KFD has raised its property tax rate by 12 percent annually since 2013. The increases have gone toward improving staffing for the department. Increasing the staff size is meant to offset the rapid rise in calls for service. Kyle’s fire department has seen a 65 percent rise in calls for service between 2013 and 2016. The department is on pace to
What are the property tax rates in our local municipalities? Tax rates are for every $100 valuation.
FISCAL YEAR 2017
Kyle .5748 Buda .3704 ESD 5 (Kyle Fire Department) .1000 ESD 8 (Buda Fire Department) .1000 Dripping Springs .1700 ESD 6 (North Hays County Fire Rescue) .0795
He said the plan was to possibly eye a tax rate reduction this next fiscal year. However, due to SB2, he said the city might focus on keeping the rate stable. Webster believes the state has contributed to the rising tax rate issue in Texas. He said state leaders’ focus to shift in-
FISCAL YEAR 2013
Kyle .5244 Buda .2713 ESD 5 .1000 ESD 8 .1000 Dripping Springs .1300 ESD 6 .0795
respond to over 4,500 calls for service. Should SB2 pass, Taylor said it could hamper the department’s chances of opening two new fire stations over the next few years to meet the city’s growth. “For us to go down to five percent (increases) and meet the growth, it’s going to be tough for us,” Taylor said. Buda Mayor Todd Ruge said there could be some “unwanted consequences” that arise from the bill. SB2 could stunt a municipality from providing
basic services, such as providing infrastructure, Ruge said. While the economy is healthy now, Ruge fears another recession with the proposed bill in place could leave people “in a world of hurt.” “We take an oath to provide basic services to citizens and this could cripple our ability to do so,” Ruge said. “Not only us, but any city in the state.” Kyle Mayor Todd Webster said the bill has created instability for the city, which is in the midst of the fiscal year 2018 budget discussions.
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