July 21, 2021 News-Dispatch by Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch

JULY 21, 2021 CARPENTER HOUSE

PRESERVING PAST

Local musician preserves historic home of early Buda pioneer.

Buda business awarded for preserving character of historic bank building.

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News-Dispatch

75¢

HaysNewsDispatch.com

Vol. 41 • No. 43

Serving Hays County, TX

Mexico governor-elect visits Hays County Buda man “There is much more to talk about than tourism. There is a lot of potential in energy, minerals and manufacturing.”

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

PHOTO BY BRITTANY ANDERSON Governor-elect Samuel Alejandro García Sepúlveda of Nuevo Leon, Mexico visited with local officials, including Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra, left, to talk about how much Nuevo Leon and Hays County have in common and how their respective economies will bounce back from the pandemic.

DSISD enrollment starts July 28 Dripping Springs ISD’s annual enrollment verification process for all students begins Wednesday, July 28, 2021. According to state law, this process must be completed each year for all students. The enrollment process includes those who have been enrolled in DSISD previously and those who are new to the district and previously completed registration. As of June 2021, the school district is expecting 8,031 projected students. Dripping Springs ISD reported 7,173 students in the 2019-2020 school year. Several schools were at capacity during the last school year, so having parents register is important to the district. Last year, Rooster Springs Elementary and Sycamore Springs Middle School were at capacity, at 105% and 108% respectively. Schools max out at 120%, so knowing how many students will be in what grades allows the district to plan ahead. The school district will be opening Cypress Springs Elementary on Darden Hill Road in August 2021. In order to deal with

DSISD ENROLLMENT, 2

The governor-elect of Nuevo León, Mexico, visited the Hays County Historic Courthouse on July 13 for a press conference to discuss ways to strengthen the relationship between the Mexican state and Hays County. Alongside a select group of community members, Samuel Alejandro García Sepúlveda met with Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra to look at how Nuevo León and Hays County can build commerce and economic opportunities

–Samuel Alejandro García Sepúlveda, governor-elect of Nuevo León, Mexico

together. “Such an important partner to the south is upon us here, reaching out,” Becerra said. “Hays County is a huge opportunity zone for us and we would love to do anything we can for the state of Nuevo León.” García noted that Nuevo León, including

Happy green trails for Kyle

his home city of Monterrey, has a similar business and industrial community to Hays County. He explained that this is why a partnership between the two is so important, especially after the effects of COVID-19.

VISITOR FROM MEXICO, 4

The groundbreaking of La Verde Park and Cultural Trail is part of The Brick and Mortar District in the Plum Creek area. The Brick and Mortar District, formerly named Uptown Kyle, is a 138-acre mixeduse development at the intersection of Kohlers Crossing and FM 1626.

convicted of murder STAFF REPORT

Mark James Stevens, 41, of Buda, this week was convicted for the murder of Brandon Fontenette and sentenced to life in prison. During the jury STEVENS trial before 428th District Judge Bill Henry, which began on July 6, the prosecution presented evidence that on the evening of July 25, 2018, Mark and Jeanette Stevens went to the Railhouse Bar in Kyle, where they were introduced to Brandon Fontenette. After drinking and socializing with Fontenette for about an hour, they invited him back to their residence in Buda. They continued drinking and this led to a consensual sexual encounter between the Stevens and Fontenette. Mark Stevens then killed Fontenette, strangling him, shooting him with a BB gun 13 times and fatally stabbing him in the back.

MURDER CONVICTION, 2

La Verde Park

PHOTO BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Residents gather for trail groundbreaking BY BRITTANY ANDERSON Cultural Trail is part of

More than 300 excited residents of Kyle gathered for the groundbreaking of a new park and trail last Thursday. The groundbreaking of La Verde Park and

The Brick and Mortar District in the Plum Creek area. The Brick and Mortar District, formerly named Uptown Kyle, is a 138-acre mixed-use development at the intersection of Kohlers Crossing and

Coming Up DSISD SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

Dripping Springs ISD’s regular school board meeting will start at 6 p.m. Monday. School board meetings are held in the high school auditorium. Comments from citizens and employees of the district are welcomed.

TWEEN SCENE IN DRIPPING SPRINGS Tween Scene is an

ongoing event every Thursday this summer from 7 to 9 p.m. at 1042 Event Center Drive. Drop in fee is $5 and participants are encouraged to bring their roller blades or roller skates. This program is strictly for youth between the ages of 9 and 14 and is sponsored by the Dripping Springs Parks and Community Services. Parks staff will be present to chaperone.

DEMOCRATS IN D.C. Emotions high as local state rep leaves state over voting bill.

– PAGE 4

FM 1626. Part of the celebration was to allow community members the opportunity to preview how community gatherings can be held in the future. The groundbreaking featured remarks by

Mayor Pro Tem Rick Koch, Mayor Travis Mitchell, Council Member Dex Ellison and Momark Development Project Principal Steven Spears, outlining features of the

SUMMER BASKETBALL CAMP

12 in Dripping Springs.

Got a child wanting to learn about basketball? The indoor Basketball Camp (coed Pre1-5th) will be held Monday through Wednesday, July 26 - July 28, at Sycamore Springs Middle School. Due to COVID restructions and capacity, sign up is encouraged. Several camp times are available.

FARMERS MARKET

Don’t forget that the Farmers Market is open every Wednesday from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Walgreens on Ranch Rd.

LA VERDE PARK TRAIL, 2

PET ADOPTION

There will be Pet Adoption Event at the Cigar Vault in Buda. Pets from the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter will be available for adoption. If possible, make sure to bring a donation for the shelter and receive a free spin on their “Wheel of Fortune” where you’ll be able to spin for prizes. You can also enjoy games for kids and adults, and even a pet photo booth. The event is noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 25.

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

Hays Co. housing supply falls behind demand BY MEGAN WEHRING HAYS COUNTY — Interested buyers are seeing that once a house is on the market, they have to act quickly because it may not stay there forever. Central Texas is a popular place to call home. Hays County has learned this lesson as it’s still trying to keep up with the housing supply for its growing population and demand — especially with the increase in telework brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Employers realized that their employees could work from home,” said Susan Horton, president of Austin Board of Realtors (ABoR). “They realized that they could live anywhere and still report to work via Zoom. A lot of folks were actually doing some of that, staying with family and being able to report to do their job. They

HOUSING SUPPLY LOW, 4

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NEWS

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • July 21, 2021

Kyle updates transportation plan BY MEGAN WEHRING

KYLE — With a growing population of more than 50,000 residents, Kyle is looking at future roadway changes. The Kyle City Council approved the updated Transportation Master Plan at its regular meeting July 6. Two freeway crossings, several arterial roads with six, four or two to three lanes, sidewalks and trails are proposed in the plan with the focus on connecting the city east and west of Interstate 35. John Dean of CP&Y Inc., an engineering and architectural consulting firm,

Two freeway crossings, several arterial roads with six, four or two to three lanes, sidewalks and trails are proposed in the plan with the focus on connecting the city east and west of Interstate 35.

said the city is suffering from constrained right-ofways and lack of connectivity across Kyle. The last plan was developed in 2015 and no longer meets the needs of the city. “You are getting to a point where businesses and development are encumbering the rightof-way to a point where

it’s going to be difficult to expand in the future as growth continues,” Dean said. While the transportation plan is flexible and subject to change, city engineer Leon Barba said it’s important the city updates it every five years to keep up with growth. “What this does is lock

in the future roadway rights of way we need as we try to handle the future growth that is coming into Kyle,” Barba told the Hays Free Press/ News-Dispatch. “We work with [property owners] to figure out what’s the best route. We don’t want to hurt them but we want to make sure we get the right-of-way to build roads there.” There is no current timeline for the proposals listed in the Transportation Master Plan. To view the city of Kyle’s project overview, please visit https://www.cityofkyle. com/projects.

HAYS COUNTY — Now that the summer travel surge is in full swing, the search for pilots is vital for the airline industry. “There was already an expected pilot shortage over the next decade or so,” said Robert Greene, flight instructor at Black Hound Aviation, “due to the number of airline pilots that are hitting retirement age.” The COVID-19 pandemic slowed travel down and many employees took leaves of absence or early retirement packages. U.S. airlines are seeing at least

watching his father work as an airline pilot, so it was natural for him to want to follow in his footsteps. But he had to look beyond the high school classroom to earn his pilot license before graduating. “Flying spoke to me,” Craig said. “If anyone has an interest in something, they should follow it.” Craig finished flight school at Black Hound Aviation based at the San Marcos Regional Airport, which is one of few airports located in Hays County. “We have not planned to offer any type of flight school,” said Tim Savoy,

chief communications officer for Hays CISD. “That is traditionally something that is a third-party endeavor. I couldn’t say for sure because we have not looked into it, but I would imagine it would be pretty cost prohibitive considering the cost of plane rental or ownership, jet fuel and flight instructors.” Hays CISD is working to establish an Air Force JROTC at Johnson High School, according to Savoy. If the program goes through, there may be a curriculum regarding the history of planes but it would not include a flight school.

Hays Consolidated ISD nominated Outstanding School Board of Year BY MEGAN WEHRING

or more students. Superintendent Dr. Eric HAYS CISD — Hays Wright made the nominaCISD is one of 15 school tion of his board. districts in Texas nominatHays CISD was the only ed for Outstanding School board selected to advance Board of the Year. from Region 13. Committees of Texas “There is no question Association of School Ad- among educators that this ministrators (TASA) mem- school year was the most bers review the nominaunprecedented ever betions and select up to two cause of the coronavirus school boards per region pandemic,” said Wright. for consideration for the “Navigating that challenge state-level awards – one alone would be enough with fewer than 1,000 stu- to merit honors for any dents and one with 1,000 school board. And, while

it was the most significant potential barrier to success, it was not the only aspect of the year that required extraordinary leadership from the Hays CISD Board of Trustees.” Boards were judged on criteria including board policy, support for educational performance and improvements, commitment to a code of ethics, good financial stewardship, communication and community involvement and placing the welfare of

children first. TASA’s School Board Awards Committee will meet virtually in early August to select up to five of the nominated boards to be recognized as Honor Boards. Those finalists will be interviewed in the fall and one will be selected as the 2021 Outstanding School Board. Nominees are selected by educational regions; Hays CISD wins for Region 13, which includes Central Texas.

on for the murder charge and ten years for the tampering. The sentences will be served concurrently. The Hays County Criminal District Attorney, Wes Mau, complimented his prosecutors, the Hays County Sheriff’s Department and the

Department of Public Safety Crime laboratory personnel for their efforts in piecing together the events that led to Fontenette’s murder. Mau declined further comment on the case because Jeanette Stevens’ case is still pending.

Murder Conviction Continued from pg. 1

Mark Stevens then called his brother to discuss how to dismember and dispose of the body. His brother told their father about their conversation and the father called 911. Police discovered Fontenette’s body in the Stevens’ master bathroom and some of his

belongings removed from his body and placed in plastic bags. On July 13, the jury returned verdicts of guilty on murder and tampering with evidence. Following a punishment hearing on July 14, the jury sentenced Mr. Stevens to life in pris-

park andtrail as well as future plans for the District as a whole. La Verde Park will span 1.6 acres and feature an event lawn for gatherings of up to 2,200 people, market spaces, interactive water features and a world-class playground. The Cultural Trail, which will eventually connect Heroes Memorial Park and La Verde Park, will feature a shaded 1,200-linear-foot pedestrian and bike trail lined with artwork by local artists and information about Kyle’s history. In addition to the

park and trail, the District will feature residential, commercial and retail space. The District is partially funded through the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) #2 that was established in 2018. Kyle approved a Strategic Framework Plan to guide funding decisions within the district in 2020, identifying a central park and trail as a priority. The park and trail is set to open in March 2022, while the rest of The Brick and Mortar District is slated to be completed within the next eight years.

Continued from pg. 1

Local pilot advocates for high school flight classes 2 million travelers a day, compared to more than 700,000 travelers at the same time last year. While he has seen an influx of older students eager to start flight training, Greene was perplexed to hear that school districts rarely mention the aviation profession. “Most of them are over the age of 18 or college age,” Greene explained. “But very few young people are even aware of aviation as a profession. It’s just something that’s not talked about in the public school system at all.” Hays High School alum Michael Craig grew up

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DSISD Enrollment

Pilot Shortage BY MEGAN WEHRING

La Verde Park Trail

the influx of traffic in that area, Hays County commissioners last week approved a 4-way stop at the intersection of Darden Hill Road, Sawyer Ranch Road and the entrance of the new elementary school. To help with the enrollment process, parents will receive a reminder e-mail with log-in information a few days before the enrollment verification window opens. Family Access logins are used to begin this process; those who don’t have a login or cannot remember their password should follow directions in the reminder e-mail. Family information will carry over among siblings, but some acknowledgements must be made separately for each child. For secondary students, annual enrollment verification is not the same as course selection, which students should have completed in the spring. Parents are asked to complete enrollment verification for each child in the family as soon as possible; this process should be completed before the first day of school (Aug. 17) to allow the campus to confirm classroom assignments in a timely manner. Parents who have problems with the on-line process should contact their child’s campus and ask for the Family Access contact/ Student Records Specialist. Computers are available at campuses for those who do not have one available at home. Enrollment verification forms include: confirmation of student data and contact information, parental consent form, health record information, acknowledgement of Student Code of Conduct/Student Handbook, student transportation information, and more. Some campuses require additional forms, such as the parking permit re-

As of June 2021, the school district is expecting 8,031 projected students. Dripping Springs ISD reported 7,173 students in the 20192020 school year. Several schools were at capacity during the last school year, so having parents register is important to the district. quest at the high school. One step in the process allows parents the opportunity to customize how they will receive notifications from the district (Step 3). This step will include a link directing parents to the Blackboard website, where they may indicate how they would like to receive district time-sensitive notifications; as a default, messages are sent using all available methods. Blackboard uses the same login as Family Access. Schools and the district office typically email routine messages and news. Dripping Springs ISD reported 7,173 students in the 2019-2020 school year. The school district will be opening Cypress Springs Elementary on Darden Hill Road. In order to deal with the influx of traffic in the area, Hays County commissioners last week approved a 4-way stop in the area at the intersection of Darden Hill Road, Sawyer Ranch Road and the entrance of the new elementary school.

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Opinion

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Texas and Nuevo León have the opportunity to show the world we’re a microsection that can compete with China, Asia and any other country in the world...” –Samuel Alejandro García Sepúlveda, governor-elect of Nuevo León, Mexico. Story on page 1.

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • July 21, 2021

Page 3

Have vaccine, will travel If y’all’ve been wondering where I’ve been lately, you’re not alone. Ever since I got my two COVID vaccines, I’ve been traveling all over the place. My first trip was all the way down to Big Bend. I’ve been walking upon this earth for 60-something years, most of that time here in Texas. I had no idea Texas has all those mountains. Simply breath-taking. We spent several days doing day trips to small towns. There’s not much to any of these towns except they’ve got some really nice folks living there, and there was hardly any traffic. Kinda like Buda and Kyle back in the ‘60s. One clear night, my wife and I decided to go see the mysterious Marfa Lights. With a cheap bottle of wine, we sat and waited along with a dozen or so other curious folks. For a while, I thought it was a hoax until these lights started popping up a far distance away, in the middle of nowhere. I have no idea what made those lights appear, but I reckon the truth is out there. Our next trip was back to Port Aransas. Before hurricane Harvey and COVID, we used to return to the island a couple of times a year. Now, with some resorts rebuilt and COVID restrictions lifted, we were able to gather up the family and have a grand ol’ time frolicking in the surf and sand. I’m so thankful for all those folks responsible for developing a vaccine that enabled us to get back to the beach and not worry about anything except jellyfish and sunburn. Our big family vacation was in Branson, Missouri. It wasn’t exactly on my bucket list, but it looked to be a fun place for all of us. Yeah, I know half of y’all are saying, “I thought Branson is just for old folks,” but there were numerous attractions for kids of all ages: Amusement parks, wax museums, arcades, and much more. And those folks up in the Ozarks know how to cook, I’ll tell you what! Scores of restaurants offering good home cooking, and lots of it. Now, I pride myself on being very observant. I tend to notice things that ordinary folks may not see. Such as the abundance of tourists

Crow’s Nest by Clint Younts

who are quite, um, lardaceous. I’m not real sure that word is in any dictionary, but I think y’all might understand its meaning. Oh, I don’t mean a little pudgy, but large enough that when they push their chairs away from the dinner table, you hear “beep, beep, beep” throughout the restaurant. I don’t know if these behemoths visit Branson for any attraction other than delicious fried food and savory desserts. I seriously doubt they go spelunking in the caverns or ride the roller coasters, but I do know if you don’t get to the diners by 5 o’clock, there won’t be any apple pie left. Okay, to be fair, there was this restaurant that had good southern cooking, and the servers toss hot rolls to you, even across the dining room. Then another server comes by with sorghum or apple butter for your rolls. Rumor has it that yours truly might’ve eaten half a dozen rolls along with a roast beef, fried okra and a mess of turnip greens. Besides all the attractions and tasty vittles, Branson is worth a visit. Even if you don’t like fried chicken or calf fries (they were on several menus, I kid you not), and you aren’t into amusement parks, you’ll absolutely love the cool temperature and low humidity. I spent every morning sipping hot coffee out on the patio, and I didn’t even break a sweat. I’ve gotta recommend the Ozarks for y’all who are tired of this weather here in Texas. Again, I want to thank all those scientists and medical personnel who provided my family a chance to get back to normal. If any of y’all readers who haven’t gotten vaccinated are missing family vacations or traveling across America, I suppose you can live vicariously through my travel journals. Next up, a trip to North Carolina to see my in-laws, and then to Myrtle Beach this fall for another vacation. All possible because I rolled up my sleeve. 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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If you think it’s news, we probably do too! • Newsroom phone: 512-268-7862 • E-mail: news@haysfreepress.com • Mail: 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640

Production Manager David White

Very nice, Uncle Joe, but you only told us what we already know President Biden’s delivered a very nice speech this week about the MAGA Republican plot to destroy democracy. But there was one big problem. “The 2020 election – it’s not hyperbole to suggest – (was) the most examined and the fullest expression of the will of the people in the history of this nation. This should be celebrated – the example of America at its best. But instead, we continue to see an example of human nature at its worst – something darker and more sinister.” This we know. “The denial of full and free and fair elections is the most un-American thing that any of us can imagine, the most undemocratic, the most unpatriotic…” This we know. “This broad assault against voting rights…is taking on new and literally pernicious forms.” This we know. “This is election subversion. It’s the most dangerous threat to voting and the integrity of free and fair elections in our history.” This we know. “There is an unfolding assault taking place in America today – an attempt to suppress and subvert the right to vote in fair and free elections, an assault on democracy, an assault on liberty, an assault on who we are as Americans. For, make no mistake, bullies and merchants of fear and peddlers of lies are threatening the very foundation of our country.” This we know. “We’re are facing the most significant test of our democracy since the Civil War. That’s not hyperbole. Since the Civil War.” This we know. All this, we already know. But what are you gonna do about it? “Time and again, we’ve

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CORRECTIONS

problem with Democrats. They seize the moral high ground, often with great eloquence. But unlike their craven opponents, all too by Dick often they bring squirt Polman guns to a shooting war. By nature Democrats weathered threats to the prefer to play nice, someright to vote in free and fair how believing that honelections. And each time, we eyed words will dissipate found a way to overcome. evil. They prefer to follow And that’s what we must do the rules rather then bend today.” them to best advantage. OK, how? They shrink from using “We must pass the For muscle. That’s laudable on the People Act. It’s a nation- many levels, but the probal imperative.” lem right now is they’re OK, how? confronted with a cult that “As soon as Congress worships nothing but brute passes the For the People power. Act and the John Lewis Nowhere in his speech Voting Rights Advancedid Biden even suggest that ment Act, I will sign it and perhaps the Senate Demlet the whole world see it. ocrats should explore the That will be an important possibility of carving out moment.” an exception to the filibusOK, how? ter – which, by dint of reac“We’re going to face tionary tradition, prevents another test in 2002, a new the chamber from passing wave of unprecedented crucial voting rights bills voter suppression, raw and with a simple majority. The sustained election subverfilibuster appears nowhere sion. We have to prepare in the Constitution, yet now.” Biden continues to revere OK, how? it despite the fact that we’re See, this is the enduring in the midst of a constitu-

Guest Column

tional emergency. The Republicans basically stole two Supreme Court seats by eliminating the filibuster rule for high court nominations (just 51 votes are needed to confirm, no more 60-vote threshold). But somehow, when democracy itself is imperiled, the filibuster rule is still deemed sacrosanct by the president who’s sounding the alarm. So instead of muscle, we’re still getting mush: “We will be asking my Republican friends – in Congress, in states, in cities, in counties – to stand up, for God’s sake, and help prevent this concerted effort to undermine our elections and the sacred right to vote. Have you no shame?” Um, no. This we already know. Dick Polman, a veteran national political columnist based in Philadelphia and a Writer in Residence at the University of Pennsylvania, writes at DickPolman. net. dickpolman7@gmail.com

LETTER TO THE EDITOR DON’T BLAME DEMS Governor Abbott and the Republican-controlled Texas legislature had five months in the regular session to pass a bill giving Texas’ retired

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

teachers a “13th” check or a permanent Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), five months during which the Republicans refused to even move the bill from committee. But now that the Democrats have been

• The deadline for display advertising and any contributed news copy is 5 p.m. Friday the week prior to publication. • The deadline for Letters to the Editor and classified word advertising is noon Monday the week of publication, though we encourage readers and advertisers to observe the Friday deadline.

absent from the special session for three days the Republicans want to blame not passing the retired teacher bill on the Democrats! Give me a break! Such hypocrisy is an affront to every Texas

LETTERS GUIDELINES

voter, not just the retired teachers the Republicans are targeting with their empty rhetoric. Kathy Carriker Texas Public School Retiree Dripping Springs

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.

Page 4

NEWS

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • July 21, 2021

Private citizen takes on preservation BY CYNDY SLOVAK-BARTON

The log house sat on the side of FM 967 west of Buda for years. The roof had blown off, the side walls were unstable. But the old Carpenter Log House, which was moved several years ago from near the top of Carpenter Hill is being preserved by a private citizen. Musician Kevin Fowler, who has done 13 other restoration projects in his spare time while not making music and touring, moved the log house to his property in western Hays County. Fowler said he is removing the extra room that was added on, is keeping the chinking that was good and fixing it as best as he can to get it back to the original. The move from west of Buda, down FM 1626, onto FM 2770 and down FM 150 was years in the making. The log house had passed back and forth between several people trying to preserve it. Then Fowler got involved, was ready to go ... and the Texas Department of Transportation started the FM 1626 improvements between FM 967 and FM 2770. Two years later and several movers later, Fowler moved the log house last week. (See video of the move on www.HaysFreePress. com.) Fowler will be posting the improvements he is making to the log house on his Facebook page, so local residents interested in history can follow the tale.

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Musician Kevin Fowler, who has a ranch locally, puts on a final stabilizing brace fore the historic log house is moved. Cyrus Carpenter, builder and occupant of the old Carpenter house, operated the Buda Star, the local newspaper, from 1909 until 1917.

For all the latest Hays County news, visit cal Marker was placed on Cyrus Carpenter and the property in 1977 his wife, Charlotte Clayton www. .com The current white house raised their nine children Cyrus Milton Carpensitting on top of the hill on the property. ter came to Texas as a was also owned by the Cyrus Carpenter operatwww.HaysNewsDispatch.com 13-year-old, having been Carpenter Family, and the ed the Buda Star, the local born in Kentucky. His fam- log house was close by on newspaper, from 1909 ily came to Hays County in that property. until 1917. 1854. A Methodist circuit riding preacher at the age of 20, he traveled the state, replacing a minister who City of Kyle, Texas had been killed in raids. Notice of City Council Budget Meetings and Public Hearings for Cyrus purchased 70 Proposed Operating and Capital Budget Fiscal Year 2021-2022 acres from his dad, William Carpenter, on the family place west of Buda The Kyle City Council is scheduled to conduct budget meetings and public hearings on the City Manager's proposed budget for fiscal year 2021-2022 to review revenues, expenditures, and fund balances for all City Funds. This review and discussion will and built the one and a cover property tax rates, water and wastewater service rates, storm drainage fee, other fees and charges for various City programs half story house out of and services, capital improvement projects, requests for additional personnel, requests for new equipment and vehicles, and other cedar logs. budgetary items. The house had two rooms downstairs and one The City Manager will present the City’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2021-2022 to the City Council at Budget Worksession upstairs and was completNo. 3 on Saturday, July 31, 2021, at 8:00 a.m. It is important to note that the City Manager’s proposed budget as presented to City ed in 1866. A Texas HistoriA BIT OF HISTORY ON CARPENTER:

HaysFreePress

Council on July 31, 2021, is subject to changes and amendments by the City Council during the budget deliberation process.

Continued from pg. 1

because they can buy the same size of house at a lower price, Horton told the Hays Free Press/ News-Dispatch. In June 2021, home sales in Hays County decreased nearly 5% year after year, down to 509 sales, according to an ABoR report, while the median price rose by 37.6% to $395,000. New listings increased 44% to 609 listings; active listings fell 63.8% to 243 listings; and pending sales slightly increased 0.4% to 557 pending sales. The time for inventory to remain on the market has dropped from 1.3 months to 0.6 months. “Get in the market sooner rather than later,” Horton encourages interested buyers to start early, “work with a professional, good realtor that can help work through all of your financials and goals so when you are ready to jump into this market, you are prepared.”

Visitor from Mexico Continued from pg. 1

“Texas and Nuevo León have the opportunity to show the world we’re a microsection that can compete with China, Asia and any other country in the world,” García said. “There is much more to talk about than tourism. There is a lot of potential in energy, minerals and manufacturing.” The discussion was open to questions from the community members, which included business owners and entrepreneurs from the area. Topics ranged from sharing resources and ideas between universities to enhancing small business commerce. García says that while Nuevo León is exceptionally busy, important and successful, it has often been left behind because there are other states that need more presidential and federal support. He says that this is why his administration is taking

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Housing Supply Low found it was successful.” People were hesitant to move during the pandemic as it forced them indoors for way too long, but now they are wanting a larger space, Horton added. “We were shut in for a year and folks didn’t go to their place of employment,” Horton said. “They couldn’t go shopping or to the grocery stores. It was tough. Families were pent up and they had so much anxiety that they all lived under one small roof at times. They had no backyard for their children and they couldn’t get out to walk or play.” Buyers’ needs are changing. Horton has sold more homes in Kyle, Buda and the overall Hays County area than ever before. More buyers are wanting to escape the hustle and bustle that comes with living in a larger city. Texas has also attracted out-of-state buyers from California and New York

HAVING VISION PROBLEMS? IT COULD BE CATARACTS

it upon itself to take this initiative and seek out funds that will promote jobs and help small businesses between both countries. Becerra praised García’s efforts, saying that he came from a small business background and that the government should help business owners, not hinder them. “My philosophy has always been, ‘What are you working on? How can I help?’” Becerra said. “That’s what governments are best equipped to do: facilitate access and roadmaps to help the businesses come to life instead of overburdening them needlessly. Small business is the backbone of our country.” At the press conference, Judge Becerra also declared July 13 as “Governor Samuel García Day,” awarding him with a proclamation and Texas flag.

The proposed budget for fiscal year 2021-2022 is a complete financial plan for all City funds, programs, services, operations, and capital improvement program (CIP) activities for the period covering October 1, 2021, through September 30, 2022. The proposed budget for fiscal year 2021-2022 for all City expenditures, as proposed by the City Manager totals approximately $171.0 million and includes 300.0 full-time equivalent positions. Of the total $171.0 million proposed budget, the City’s General Fund budget for fiscal year 2021-2022 totals approximately $34.0 million for operations and maintenance and approximately $7.2 million in onetime transfers from the fund balance to pay for major capital improvement projects instead of issuing bond debt. A general summary of the City’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2021-2022 for all City funds including debt service is provided below: FOR ALL CITY FUNDS Estimated Beginning Fund Balance $ 114,389,006 Estimated Revenue $ 128,860,000 Estimated Available Funds $ 243,249,006 Estimated Expenditures $ 170,997,864* Estimated Ending Fund Balance $ 72,251,142 *Includes expenditure of accumulated funds from prior fiscal years such as bond proceeds, water and wastewater impact fees, park development fees, re-prioritization of capital funds, and the one-time use of fund balances.

The Kyle City Council is scheduled to hold budget meetings and public hearings on the proposed budget, property tax rates, water and wastewater service rates storm drainage fee, and other fees and charges for various City services for fiscal year 2021-2022 on the following dates:

City Council Budget Worksession No. 1:

Saturday, May 1, 2021, at 8:00 a.m. (Completed)

City Council Budget Worksession No. 2:

Saturday, June 26, 2021, at 8:00 a.m. (Completed)

City Council Budget Worksession No. 3:

Saturday, July 31, 2021, at 8:00 a.m.

City Council Budget Worksession No. 4: (includes public hearing and 1st Reading of Budget & Property Tax Rate Ordinances)

Tuesday, August 17, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.

City Council Budget Worksession No. 5: (includes public hearing & 2nd Reading of Budget & Property Tax Rate Ordinances)

Wednesday, August 25, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.

All Kyle residents, taxpayers, business owners, and interested persons are invited to attend the City Council’s budget meetings and public hearings to provide their comments to the City Council. An electronic copy of the City Manager’s proposed operating and capital budget for fiscal year 2021-2022 will be available on the City's website beginning August 2, 2021. A printed copy of the complete proposed budget document will also be available for public inspection during business hours at Kyle City Hall located at 100 West Center Street, Kyle, Texas, and at the Kyle Public Library located at 550 Scott Street, Kyle, Texas. This Notice of City Council Budget Meetings and Public Hearings is hereby provided in accordance with Article VIII, Section 8.05 of the Kyle City Charter. Date Issued:

July 21, 2021

Issued By:

Perwez A. Moheet, CPA Director of Finance City of Kyle, Texas

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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • July 21, 2021

HISTORY/NEWS

Page 5

Provisional Texas governor caught in the middle Andrew Jackson Hamilton returned to Texas on July 21, 1865 to take the job no one else wanted – presidentially appointed provisional governor. A scalawag stooge in the eyes of most Texans, Jack Hamilton was caught in the political middle. Hated on principle by former Confederates, fellow Republicans bent on punishing the secessionists were just as hostile to his moderate plans. Even his own flesh and blood stood against him. Six years the elder, Morgan Hamilton was the first of the Alabama-born brothers to emigrate to Texas. Starting out as a clerk in the Republic’s war department, he eventually rose to the important post of secretary. The arrival of his little brother in 1846 coincided with an extended slump in Morgan’s career. Much to his embarrassment, “Colossal Jack” – so named for his abundance of talent – quickly became the better known Hamilton. In less than three years, Jack advanced to attorney-general before winning election to the state legislature from Travis County. Then in 1859, running as an independent opposed to a southern withdrawal from the Union, he moved onto

Texas History by Bartee Haile

the U.S. House of Representatives. When his Dixie colleagues walked out, Jack defiantly stayed put. After he finally went home, the pro-Union voters of Travis, Hays and Bastrop counties sent him to the state senate. But his refusal to swear allegiance to the Stars and Bars cost him the seat. As the Civil War heated up, so did the political climate for critics of the Confederacy. In 1862 Jack went north for his health, and loyal Rebs celebrated the departure of the Yankee sympathizer by burning down his house. Assuming the presidency after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson sought to expedite the homecoming of the former southern states. Recognition of the abolition of slavery, rejection of secession and repudiation of Confederate debts were his only conditions for readmittance to the Union. The stumbling block at the 1866 constitutional convention in Austin was the issue of black voting

Gen. J.J. Reynolds got even by rigging the November 1869 elections. The army surrounded the polls, and soldiers tabulated the vote. Armed intimidation was widespread, and in Hamilton strongholds many precincts were simply shut down.

surrounded the polls, and Radical regime had at last soldiers tabulated the reunited the Hamilton vote. Armed intimidation boys. was widespread, and in Jack lived to see Davis Hamilton strongholds driven from office but many precincts were sim- not much else. He died ply shut down. in 1875, a year after the Reynolds stalled for two Radical Republicans went months before revealing down to defeat before a the result and to no one’s rejuvenated Democratic surprise declared EdParty. mund J. Davis the winner. Finishing his senate rights. As provisional former Rebs were stripped According to the general’s term in 1877, Morgan governor, Jack Hamilton of basic democratic rights unverified total, the Radmoved to Brooklyn rather warned of certain wrath and most public officials, ical candidate beat Jack than endure the Radifrom Washington if the including Texas goverHamilton by 807 highly cal stigma in post-Reemancipated slaves were nor Throckmorton, were questionable votes. construction Texas. A not given the franchise at summarily removed as For brother Morgan, it bachelor of independent least on paper. “impediments.” was an entirely different means, he traveled the The delegates counPresident Johnson story. His nose-to-theworld until his death at 84 tered that not even the resisted the vindictive grindstone diligence as only seven years short of most pious northern fingroundswell but was state comptroller was the new century. ger-pointer was that hyp- impeached by the House rewarded by the Radicals ocritical. After all, a mere of Representatives in with a seat in the U.S. Read all about the early five states had grudgingly February 1868. Although Senate. years of the oil frenzy in granted black suffrage, conviction was avoided by But in the end Morgan “Texas Boomtowns: A and legislatures across the a single vote in the senate could not stomach Davis’ History of Blood and Oil” country were looking for trial, he was reduced to a tyrannical abuse of power Order your copy for $24.00 ways to restrict the ballot powerless figurehead for and ultimately broke by mailing a check to Barto whites. the rest of his term. ranks with the governor. tee Haile, P.O. Box 130011, “Colossal Jack” sat Gen. J.J. Reynolds, mil- Mutual opposition to the Spring, TX 77393. out the gubernatorial itary commander of ocrace in August 1866 won cupied Texas, approached by another conservaJack Hamilton with a tive Republican, James tempting proposition in Throckmorton. But the 1869. He could count on Radical wing of the GOP being the next governor, continued to clamor for a if the general had his supcrackdown on Confederport for the U.S. Senate. ate traitors. Telling Reynolds to his Debbie Thames Insurance Agency In the spring of 1867, face that he was unqualAUTO • HOME • LIFE • BOAT • HEALTH Radicals gained the ified for high office, Jack Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm upper hand in congress turned down the corrupt 251 N. FM 1626 #2C, Buda, TX 78610 and rammed through a bargain. Oﬃce: (512) 312-1917 • Fax: 312-0688 get-tough Reconstruction Reynolds got even by dvthames@austin.rr.com program. The South was rigging the November Your Business & Referrals Are Appreciated put under military rule, 1869 elections. The army

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Rep. Erin Zwiener with her daughter, Lark, en route to D.C. after legislators broke quorum.

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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

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Antioch Community Church Old Black Colony Rd., Buda

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

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

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She was great-greatgrandmother to precious little 2-year-old Luke. Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church of Dripping Springs on Saturday, July 31, at 10 a.m., with interment immediately following at Phillips Cemetery. A luncheon will be provided at the church after the burial. A video feed of the service will be available at: https://www.fbcds.com In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the American Foundation for the Blind (https:// www.afb.org/takeaction/other-waysgive), the American Diabetes Association (https://www.diabetes. org/donate), or the First Baptist Church of Dripping Springs (https://www.fbcds. com/ – please designate donations as a love offering). Condolences may be sent to: www. harrellfuneralhomes. com.

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

Mission Fellowship Church 200 San Marcos Street, Buda

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

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

New Life Christian Church 2315 FM 967, Buda

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

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

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

Driftwood United Methodist Church RR 150 at County Road 170

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

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

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

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

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Page 8

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • July 21, 2021

Classifieds PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE TO CREDITORS

public regarding a comState Bar No.: NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE prehensive plan amend05857170 Morningstar Storage Notice is hereby given ment to add Warehouse The Young Building wishes to avail themthat original Letters Tes‘W’ and Construction 323 W. Hopkins Street selves of the Texas Provitamentary for the Estate Manufacturing ‘CM’ San Marcos, Texas sion of chapter 59 of the of Linda Sue Holloway, Texas Property Code by Zoning Districts to the 78666 Deceased, were issued on conducting a Public Sale ‘Regional Node’ Land Use Telephone: (512) 878July 19, 2021, in Cause to the highest bidder for District in the Compre0999 No. 21-0276-P, pending in cash on their premises. hensive Plan, in the City Facsimile: (512) 757the County Court at Law, This sale is listed below. of Kyle, Texas. (Caraway 8696 The company reserves the Hays County, Texas, to: Cattle Co. Family PartnerE-mail: ellv@delpradodi- right to reject any bid and Van Watson. ship – Z-21-0087) etz.com withdraw any from the All persons having This is planned as a sale at any time. claims against this Estate hybrid meeting taking Date : 07/28/2021 NOTICE OF which is currently being Time: 10:00 AM place at 100 W. Center administered are required PUBLIC SALE Location: Storage AucStreet, Kyle, Texas 78640; to present them to the tions.com Of property to satisfy Spectrum10; https://www. undersigned within the Unit: A120 a landlord’s lien. Sale cityofkyle.com/kyletv/ time and in the manner Jennifer Cantu - Baby to be held Online @ kyle-10-live. Bed, Dining Room Table prescribed by law. Storagetreasures.com By The public hearing , Corner Etagere , Boxes, c/o: M. Elizabeth Raxter competitive bid. Anytime schedule is as follows: Totes, Dryer, Glider, TV/ Attorney at Law Two public hearings will Storage, LLC 880 Windy HVS Player Combo, Bags P.O. Box 281 Hill rd. Kyle, TX 78640 Clothes be held by the Planning Lockhart, Texas 78644 Will be ending on or and Zoning CommisDATED the 19th day of NOTICE OF after July 29, 2021 @ 11 sion on Tuesday, August July, 2021. APPLICATION AM Cleanup deposit is 10, 2021, and Tuesday, By: /s/ M. Elizabeth TO SUBDIVIDE required. Seller reserves August 24, 2021, at 6:30 Raxter An application has been the right to withdraw P.M. M. Elizabeth Raxter filed with HAYS COUNTY the property at any time A public hearing will Attorney for Van Watson to subdivide 37.982 AC before the sale. The be held by the Kyle City of property into 3 lots State Bar No.: Council on Tuesday, Sep- property contents of all located at and along SH24050084 storage unit(s) sold at this 45 and FM 1626 in Austin, tember 7, 2021, at 7:00 P.O. Box 281 sale are purchased “as P.M. TX 78652. Information Lockhart, Texas 78644 is” “where is” for CASH/ regarding the application Telephone: (512) 398CREDIT. Unit items sold may be obtained from NOTICE TO CREDITORS for cash to the highest 6996 Hays County DevelopFacsimile: (512) 668Notice is hereby given ment Services (512) 393bidder. All Units have 4501 that original Letters Tes2150. Tracking Number some miscellaneous PLN-1726-NP. E-mail: eraxter@tx-eltamentary for the Estate household items, boxes, derlaw.com of Eloy A. Rodriguez, furniture. Property INVITATION TO BID Deceased, were issued on includes the contents of SUBCONTRACTING June 16, 2021, in Cause NOTICE OF spaces of the following OPPORTUNITIES No. 21-0150-P, pending in tenant (s): PUBLIC SALE - WHARTON-SMITH, INC the County Court at Law MARTIN WIERS: Pursuant to Chapter Wharton-Smith is a No. One, Hays County, bedding vacuum general contractor who 59 of the Texas Property Texas, to: Sarah M. RodriMARTIN WIERS: beds, is soliciting proposals Code, TJO 10 X 10 Manguez. lamps from Texas HUB Certified agement, Ltd Managing All persons having MWBE subcontractors properties listed below claims against this Estate & suppliers for: MWBE NOTICE OF will hold a public auction which is currently being Phase 1B Booster Pump of property being sold to APPLICATION administered are required Station & Delivery Pts.. satisfy a landlord’s lien. This project is scheduled to present them to the TO SUBDIVIDE The sale will begin on or to bid on Friday, July 30, undersigned within the An application has been about the time indicated 2021 2:00 PM CT. Please time and in the manner submitted with HAYS submit your proposed at www.Selfstorageaucprescribed by law. COUNTY to subdivide scope of work to us at tion.com. Property will c/o: Del Prado Dietz, 137.282 acres of property least 24 hours prior to the be sold to highest bidPLLC located at FM 2001, bid date and your firm der for cash. Deposit for The Young Building pricing for that scope of Niderwald, Texas 78640. removal and cleanup may 323 W. Hopkins Street work to us by 10:30 am Information regarding be temporarily required. San Marcos, Texas on bid day. Proposals may the application may be Seller reserves the right to be emailed to envestimat78666 obtained from Hays reject any bid and to withing@whartonsmith.com, Dated the 13th day of County Development faxed to 407.330.1092 draw property from sale. July 2021 Services (512) 393-2150. and/or phoned in to 407Property may be sold by Elly Del Prado Dietz Tracking number: PLN321-8410. the space. Property being Attorney for Sarah M. 1733-NP. Bidding documents are sold includes contents in Rodriguez spaces of following tenants, with brief description of contents in each space. ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Wednesday, August 18, Separate sealed Bids for the County Line Special Utility District – UNION PACIFIC 2021 RAILROAD WATER LINE RELOCATIONS PROJECT, SWE Project No. 0017-073-21 12:00 pm AAA Self will be received by and at the office of the General Manager, County Line SUD office, 8870 Camino Real, Uhland, Texas 78640 until 10:00 AM, Wednesday, August 11, 2021 Storage Dripping where they will be publicly opened and read aloud. Bids must be clearly marked on the Springs at 2300 W. outside of the envelope or package with the words “County Line SUD – Union Pacific US Hwy 290, Dripping Railroad Water Line Relocations Project”. Bids received after this time will be rejectSprings, TX 78620 ed and returned unopened. “In accordance with DSHS guidance, the County Line Special Utility District is practicing good hygiene, environmental cleanliness and sanitation, www.SelfStorageAucand implementing social distancing by minimizing social gatherings; therefore, no more tion.com than ten (10) people can attend the bid opening and each person in attendance should Jean Roe: misc. items.

PUBLIC NOTICE By order of the Hays County Commissioners Court, notice is hereby given that on Tuesday, July 27, 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: ESTABLISHING A “NO PARKING” ZONE ALONG BOTH SIDES OF BLISS SPILLAR ROAD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER SONG DRIVE & THE TRAVIS COUNTY LINE.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS, THAT: The City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Kyle, Texas, will hold public hearings for the purpose of receiving testimony, comments, and written evidence from the

also be practicing good hygiene and will be required to implement social distancing to minimize in-person contact.

Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/7321568424?pwd=YzRUNEtpZDdJTGZ3aG5tbVBMMVlWZz09 Meeting ID: 732 156 8424, Passcode: 3GV8y1 Dial by your location +13462487799 US (Houston) Meeting ID: 732 156 8424, Passcode: 474267 Project consists of, but is not limited to the following: Furnish and install 130 linear feet of 20” bored steel casing beneath the Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way. The project will also include the installation of a 12” PVC water line through the proposed casing and tie-ins to the existing water line on each end. Each Bidder shall also include the time when he could begin work and the number of days needed to complete the project as part of his bid. This may factor into the award of the project. The Information for Bidders, Bid, Bid Bond, Contract, Plans, Specifications, Performance and Payment Bonds and the Contract Documents may be examined at the following locations: SOUTHWEST ENGINEERS, INC., 307 ST. LAWRENCE STREET, GONZALES, TEXAS 78629 (830) 672-7546. Plans and Specifications are available at the office of Southwest Engineers, Inc. in two different formats: Hard Copy - $80.00 (Non-Refundable) and Download - $25.00 (Non-Refundable). A Bid Bond in the amount of 5% of the bid issued by an acceptable surety registered with the U.S. Treasury shall be submitted with each bid. A certified check payable to the County Line Special Utility District may be submitted in lieu of the Bid Bond. Attention is called to the fact that not less than the federally determined prevailing (Davis-Bacon and Related Acts) Wage Rate, as issued by the U.S. Department of Labor and contained in the Contract Documents, must be paid on this project. In addition, the successful bidder must ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual identity, gender identity or national origin. The County Line Special Utility District reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any informalities in the bidding. Bids may be held by the County Line Special Utility District for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days from the date of the bid opening for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the bidder's qualifications prior to the contract award. July 12, 2021 County Line Special Utility District Chris Betz, President

available for free download via www.isqft.com. If you would like to receive a copy of the Plans, Specs, and Addenda, please email us (envestimating@ whartonsmith.com) your request including your Company’s contact information. Please be sure to provide the project name in the subject line. Upon receiving your email, we will send you an Invitation to Bid containing link to the project via www.isqft. com. The iSqFt website will provide instructions on how to login and view or download the bidding documents. Please do not hesitate to contact Dawn Crary with any questions you might have regarding the use of the “iSqFt” website. Please also feel free to contact us should you need assistance reviewing the Contract plans and specs. Please advise us should your company require special accommodations with payment terms, bonding, insurance, or other financial items in order to provide pricing for this project. Depending on

the type of subcontract work, we may also be able to waive subcontractor bonding requirements to make it easier for your company to quote the work. Anticipated areas of work that will be subcontracted for this project are: Preconstruction Video, Surveying, Site Work (Demolition, Clearing & Grubbing, Excavation, Erosion and Sedimentation Control, Paving, Fencing, Seeding & Sodding), Concrete, Metals, Painting, HVAC, Plumbing, Pre-engineered Metal Building, Pipe, Valves and Fittings, Electrical. If your company requires our help to establish a specific scope of work, which is economically feasible and realistic for your company, and/or if you feel a scope of work is too large for your firm to handle individually, please do not hesitate to contact us. Any questions regarding this project may be directed to Dawn Crary, Admin Manager Preconstruction Services, at 407-321-8410 or envestimating@whartonsmith.com.

TABC NOTICE

Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Mixed Beverage Permit (MB) by Mama Merlot’s LLC, located at 1540 Satterwhite Road, Buda, Hays County, TX 78610. Owners: Chris Denny and Sarah Denny.

City of Kyle, Texas Invitation for Bid for the Schlemmer and Porter Street Wastewater Line Improvements, Phase I Sealed bids addressed to the City of Kyle will be received for the Schlemmer and Porter Street Wastewater Line Improvements, Phase I Project until 2:00 p.m. on August 19, 2021, at City of Kyle Public Works Department, 520 E. RR 150, Kyle, TX. The bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at 2:00 p.m. on August 19, 2021, at City of Kyle Public Works Department Training Room. A non-mandatory pre-bid conference will be held on August 4, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at the City of Kyle Public Works Department Training Room, 520 E. RR 150, Kyle, TX. Bids are invited for several items and quantities of work as follows: 1. Construction of approximately 2,400 linear feet of new 12- and 8-inch wastewater improvements, 2. Re-routing 6-inch sewer services, 3. 1 – 60-inch and 10 – 48-inch sanitary manholes, 4. Abandonment/removal of existing wastewater lines/ manholes. 5. Surface repairs Bids must be submitted on the Bid Form provided and must be accompanied by a bid security in a penal sum approximately equal to and not less than five percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid. The security shall be in the form of a certified check or cashier’s check, or bid bond furnished by a reliable surety company having authority under the laws of Texas to write surety bond in the amount required, with such security made payable without recourse to the City of Kyle. The envelope containing the bid shall be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly marked: Schlemmer and Porter Street Wastewater Line Improvements, Phase I Project Bid/Contract Documents, including Drawings and Technical Specifications will be on file online by July 20, 2021 at: www.civcast.com Copies of the Bid/Contract Documents will also be available at: Builders Exchange, 4047 Naco Perrin, San Antonio, Texas 78217 CITY OF KYLE, TEXAS Leon Barba, P.E. City Engineer

Hays Free Press • July 21, 2021

Page 9

Classifieds HOME FOR RENT

GARAGE SALES

LARGE HOME IN COUNTRY SETTING

ONION CREEK COMMUNITY-WIDE GARAGE SALE

Four BR, 2.5 bath, two living rooms, fire place, large office. Sits on 3/4 acre. Will be available in August 2021. Easy access to Hays High School. $2,300/month. Includes water & trash, Small dogs (under 20 pounds) allowed with non-refundable deposit. Call for information. Cyndy, 512-753-2700.

Saturday, July 24, 7 am – 2 pm, rain or shine!

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.

TIM KINGSLEY PLUMBING LLC

MASTER LICENSES # 15759 Looking for a Repair Plumber and New Construction Plumber. Benefits offered and salary negotiable. Call Matt Kingsey 512 487-1787

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

TEXAS DISPOSAL SYSTEMS

PHOTO BY BRITTANY ANDERSON Richard Alexander (left) and J.D. Sanford of the Buda Historic Preservation Committee (HPC) presented The Cigar Vault owner Jeff Beal, far right, and general manager Brian Foley with a framed poster detailing the building’s history and Beal and Foley’s preservation efforts.

Buda Main Street business keeping history alive The building began as Farmers State Bank in 1928 and was one of the last commercial buildings constructed in Buda’s historic district.

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON What started as a bank in the 1920s on Buda’s Main Street is now home to The Cigar Vault, a local business being recognized for its commitment to preserving the building’s history. J.D. Sanford and Richard Alexander of the Buda Historic Preservation Committee (HPC) presented The Cigar Vault owner Jeff Beal and general manager Brian Foley with a framed poster on July 19. The poster details the building’s history and Beal and Foley’s preservation efforts. This new program by the HPC quarterly will recognize businesses and the historical building in which they operate. The Cigar Vault building began as Farmers

State Bank in 1928 and was one of the last commercial buildings constructed in Buda’s historic district. It closed just a few years later in 1931, likely due to the onset of the Great Depression. After later serving as a cafe, grocer and brokerage, among other things, the building was not open to the public and was used as artwork storage for the former owner of the 1898 store before Beal and Foley took over in 2017. The building was in a state of neglect and required extensive renovations. Despite this, Beal and Foley were able

to preserve the original flooring, signage, roof, stucco façade and stepped parapet wall. Additionally, antique furniture and decor line the inside so patrons feel like they are stepping back in time. Beal says that people travel far and wide to see the building’s crown jewel: the original bank vault. Here, a large selection of cigars are kept inside the temperature-controlled vault which acts as a humidor. The Cigar Vault also offers local craft beer and wine on tap, handcrafted tobacco pipes and live music in their courtyard.

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113 W. Center St. • Kyle, TX 78640 • 512-268-7862

We have several positions open that might be great for retirees, budding photographers, sports junkees or sales person. • Advertising Sales position available for our newspapers, websites and various

magazines. We are looking for an assertive and creative sales person to fill an immediate opening in the marketing sales department. The successful candidate will pick up a base account list, but will be focused on new business development. The ideal candidate has prior sales experience, preferably with a newspaper or other media. Other related sales experience with a proven track record of closing sales and growing customer base will be considered. Candidate will be aggressive in achieving personal and company goals and excellent at building professional relationships with customers. This full-time position is a Monday-Friday normal business hours kind of job, but some evening events might be necessary. Remember, you eat what you kill! A good driving record, dependable transportation and willingness to travel within and around Hays County and the suburban Austin area are a must for this position. The successful candidate will receiving training and a compensation guarantee during initial training period. A base pay/commission and benefits package is also included. Submit resume and cover letter to: Tracy Mack Tracy@haysfreepress.com • Are you a sports aficionado? Does the thought of keeping stats invigorate your senses? Do you also enjoy putting pen to paper and writing? If that sounds like you or someone you know, you could be the person we’re looking for. Barton Publications is looking for a few individuals who can help cover our local high school sports scene for the 2021-2022 season. Those interested should send a resume and at least three writing samples to csb@ haysfreepress.com with the subject line, “Sports Coverage.” For more information, email csb@haysfreepress.com. • Are you a budding photographer that just wants to get your name out? We are looking for gig photographer to shoot sports or local events. Those interested should send a resume and photo samples to csb@haysfreepress.com with the subject line, “Photographer.” For more information, email csb@haysfreepress.com.

Mail payment to 113 W. Center St, Kyle TX 78640 or email paper@ haysfreepress.com

Page 10

NEWS

Hays Free Press • July 21, 2021

NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE

Absent lawmakers stymie special session Nearly 60 Texas House Democrats left the state last Monday for Washington, D.C. in an effort to stop passage of a Republican-led elections bill. This in effect blocks all legislation since the House doesn’t have a quorum present. As the Austin American Statesman and other media outlets reported, Gov. Greg Abbott has threatened to arrest the absent lawmakers upon their return. While in Washington, the legislators have met with Vice President Kamala Harris and several Democratic senators to push passage of a federal elections bill that is currently stalemated. The House Democrats have vowed to stay in Washington until the special session ends on Aug. 7. They are using private funds as well as campaign accounts to finance their decampment to the nation’s capital and are mounting fundraising campaigns. San Antonio lawmaker Trey Martinez Fischer, one of the leaders of breaking the quorum, said Democrats are spending $10,000 a day for hotel rooms and meals. Abbott has blasted the Democrats’ absences as a “taxpayer-funded junket.”

move comes after numerous complaints that children in state lockups are subject to widespread sexual assault and other violations. In late 2020, Texas Appleseed and Disability Rights Texas filed a complaint with the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, claiming “grievous violations of children’s constitutional rights.” TJJD has been under criticism for more than a decade for what critics term chronic understaffing, abuse and scandal, according to previous published reports.

INVASIVE SILVER CARP FOUND IN TEXAS WATERS

Invasive silver carp has been found in Texas waters, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The invasive species was found last month in Choctaw Creek, a tributary of the Red River, about 15 miles downstream from Lake Texoma. “These are the first reports of silver carp from Texas waters, although they have previously been found in other areas of the Red River including just downstream from Lake Texoma in Oklahoma waters in 2019,” said Dan Bennett, TPWD fisheries management ABBOTT ORDERS biologist. “Invasive carp INVESTIGATION OF pose a significant risk to JUVENILE JUSTICE Lake Texoma’s ecosystem DEPARTMENT and boaters and there is adequate flow and upAbbott last week distream river area for them rected the Texas Rangers to become established to investigate “multiple allegations” of potentially and reproduce in the lake if introduced.” illegal behavior among The carp are not native certain staff members of to the United States but the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. The depart- have become prolific priment operates five secure marily in the Mississippi River Basin. They comfacilities and six halfway houses across the state for pete with other species, such as shad and buffalo, youthful offenders. The and can even pose a risk

Capital Highlights

by Gary Borders

ioral support on the road to recovery.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that drug overdose deaths set a record in 2020, driven primarily by opioids. HHSC is using the emergency funding to create and implement a number of initiatives, including expanded access to treatment and recovery programs and diversion services that keep folks with mental health or substance abuse issues out of jails and emergency rooms.

to humans. They can jump up to 10 feet out of water when startled by boat engines, sometimes injuring boaters. Some can reach more than 4 feet in length and weigh nearly 90 pounds. Anyone who catches either silver or bighead carp in Texas waters is asked to report the sighting with location NEW COVID-19 CASES information and photos RISING SHARPLY to AquaticInvasives@ tpwd.texas.gov. Silver and bighead carp are prohibited exotic species in Texas and must be killed upon possession by beheading, gutting, gill-cutting or other means or placed on ice. Neither species can be possessed live.

Largely because of the delta variant of COVID-19 and a large percentage of unvaccinated Texans, the number of new COVID-19 cases in Texas rose sharply in the past week, with 22,773 new cases reported by the Coronavirus Resource Center at Johns Hopkins University. That’s close to double the number of cases the week before, and deaths reported also increased to 192. The Centers for Disease Control reports that 99% of deaths attributed to the virus are people who have not been vaccinated. Hospitalizations of lab-confirmed COVID-19

FEDERAL FUNDING FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES

gborders@texaspress.com

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is receiving more than $210 million in federal emergency funding for mental health and substance abuse prevention services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. “The pandemic has created much higher demand for mental health and substance use disorder services across Texas,” said Sonja Gaines, HHS deputy executive commissioner for Intellectual and Developmental Disability and Behavioral Health Services. “The federal emergency funding will allow us to address challenges associated with the impact of COVID-19 and help get Texans who need behav-

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patients also rose sharply, to 2,834 currently in Texas hospitals as of Sunday. That’s up nearly 50% from the previous week. The number of Texans who are fully vaccinated rose slightly to 12.353 million – 42.3% of all the total state population.

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If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911.