Davis vies for District 21
School registration deadline near
DSISD head up for award
page 2
page 2
News-Dispatch Volume XXXIX No. 41
Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982
page 2
75¢ Thursday, July 25, 2019
New location could mean compromise with Aqua Texas BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
But after a long meeting, the company is reWastewater provider considering working with Aqua Texas was calling it the city as the third-party quits in Wimberley, which wastewater provider, would have been a major which would potentially blow for Wimberley Mayor save the sewer project Susan Jaggers. altogether.
Aqua Texas’ attorneys contacted the city with the news, prompting a meeting with Mayor Pro Team Rebecca Minnick, Councilmember Gary
AQUA TEXAS, 6
Wimberley rental committee on the clock
To comprise with Aqua Texas, Mayor Pro Tem Rebecca Minnick said the city will look at moving the boring under Cypress Creek on city-owned property rather than the location originally promoted by Mayor Susan Jaggers.
Searching for home
BY EXSAR ARGUELLO Time is running out for the short-term rental (STR) committee in Wimberley as city leaders dispute the future of the controversial body. At the July 18 city council meeting, Mayor Susan Jaggers and Councilmember Gary Barchfeld adamantly defended the committee, citing that the council should host a workshop or extend the work of the committee, which will end Aug. 1. The call for action is in light of a decision in June where the council voted in a split 3-2 vote to reject hosting a workshop with the committee. “It’s my understanding that they would like some direction one way or the other; either terminate them or extend them,” Barchfeld said. “But the knowledge they have garnered over the past year is extensive and I think it’s important that they share it with not only the council but the entire community.” But the work of the STR Committee has been heavily contested by residents and elected officials alike. The committee was formed in July 2018 to revise the city’s STR ordinance to bring noncompliant operations into compliance. In March, the committee estimated some 200 STRs in the city were out of compliance with the city’s ordinance. However, in late April, it was reported that the
SHORT TERM RENTALS, 2
Lawsuit against Kinder Morgan in the works BY MOSES LEOS III
formative time for these young children, they’re growing up in a violent home,” Johnson said. “We’re hoping to give them another alternative.” Johnson said the project meets a desperate need and focuses on families with young children. The HCWC has partnered with Community Action, Home Aid, a branch of the Austin Home
A second round of litigation against a proposed 42-inch, 430-mile underground natural gas pipeline could be forthcoming. On July 23, Hays County Commissioners voted 4-0 to file a notice of intent to sue Kinder Morgan, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service relating to the controversial Permian Highway Pipeline (PHP), according to a press release. Hays County joins the Travis Audubon Society and three private plaintiffs that have filed a similar notice. Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra was absent Tuesday and did not vote. Plaintiffs seek a full environmental study of the PHP. Filing of the notice stemmed from the possible environmental impact the PHP could have on the area, if constructed. PHP, a $2 billion project, is slated to go from far west Texas to the Houston area, cutting through the Texas Hill Country. According to a Texas Real Estate Advocacy and Defense Coalition (TREAD) release, the PHP’s current route crosses “some of the most sensitive environmental features” in the state. That includes both the Edwards and Edwards-Trinity Aquifer Recharge Zones and habitat for the endangered golden-cheeked warbler. Hays County Pct. 3 Commissioner Lon Shell said officials opted to take action Tuesday due to a lack of information from Kinder Morgan on mitigating any environmental impacts. Plaintiffs who filed the notice seek a full environmental impact study under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). TREAD officials said the Army Corps of Engineers confirmed Kinder Morgan intends to use the Nationwide Permitting verification process. Through NEPA, entities are required to consider alternative routes. TREAD officials alleged Kinder Morgan could bypass a “crucial step” in order to speed its timeline and avoid public transparency. Kinder Morgan estimates the PHP to be constructed and operational by the fourth quarter 2020. “In requesting that an environmental review process be followed
WOMEN’S CENTER, 5
KINDER MORGAN LAWSUIT, 6
PHOTO BY KATE MCCARTY A line of migrants prepare to board buses in McAllen for what, for many, will be the first leg of a long journey. Inset, Angry Tia member Susan Law provides information to migrants at the terminal before they begin their trip.
Angry Tias at the border Editor’s note: Below is the second part of a two-part series written by Kate McCarty, a longtime Hays County resident who recently traveled to the border to give supplies to migrants donated by Hays County Democrats. The second part focuses on advocacy groups assisting migrants at the border.
BY KATE MCCARTY Angry Tias and Abuelas started on June 3, 2018 when a few friends in Harlingen spotted 40 or more people camped out on the bridge over the Rio Grande River in Reynosa. The people were
“We were appalled by what we saw and just shocked that our country would treat people this way. We were angry at the sense of injustice.” –Joyce Hamilton, one of eight founders of Angry Tias and Abuelas.
from Mexico and the “triangle” countries of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, along with a few from Cuba and even Eritrea. The women took snacks and water and umbrellas to the group. “We drove to the bridge in McAllen and pulled our carts and
coolers,” said Joyce Hamilton, one of eight founders of Angry Tias and Abuelas. “It was just this large group of people, and we pulled everything across. Some were sleeping on pieces of cardboard. Most said they had been there five days. One was carrying a 9-month-old baby.”
Before the Tias arrived, people from Mexico had been providing food and water, though not enough. “We were appalled by what we saw and just shocked that our country would treat people this way,” Hamilton said. “We were angry at the sense of injustice.” The scene at the border pushed the Tias and Abuelas group to start raising money to provide the snacks and water for those on the bridges. The group consisted of eight people ranging in age from early 30s to mid-70s Then they saw people being dropped off at the
MIGRANT STORY, 6
County OKs $600K donation to Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center BY EXSAR ARGUELLO A $600,000 donation approved by Hays County Commissioners July 16 provides funding for the Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center (HCWC) over the next two fiscal years. The donation, approved by a 4-0 County Commissioner vote, will increase the HCWC’s operations budget to more than $3 million. County Judge Ruben Becerra was not present at the meeting
and did not vote. The city of San Marcos is expected to fund $400,000 to the HCWC in the near future. Formed in 1978, the HCWC has served and supported victims of domestic violence, child abuse and sexual assault. A 15% increase in cases in 2019 compared to the previous year led the organization to seek crucial funding agreements to facilitate the growing need of its services.
The funding will help build additional housing units and classrooms for victims and their families which will help provide a safe place for those individuals. HCWC Executive Director Marla Johnson said single mothers have a harder time finding affordable housing in the county. Subsequently, these victims often return to the violent environments they fled. “So, during this
Page 2
News-Dispatch
News -Dispatch PHONE: 512-268-7862 FAX: 512-268-0262
Former state senator puts hat in ring for Dist. 21 Democratic nomination
PUBLISHER
BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
Cyndy Slovak-Barton
Former Democratic State Senator and Gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis announced she is running for congress. Davis, who gained notoriety during her 2014 run against Governor Greg Abbott, announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination for District-21 on Monday morning. She will face freshman U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, who represents a large portion of Hays County. "I'm running for Congress because people's voices are still being silenced," Davis said in a video announcement. "I'm running for our
csb@haysfreepress.com
EDITOR Moses Leos III moses@haysfreepress.com
REPORTERS Exsar Arguello Katie Burrell news@haysfreepress.com
PRODUCTION David White david@haysfreepress.com Elizabeth Garcia
Thursday, July 25, 2019
children and grandchildren so they can live and love and fight for change themselves." DAVIS The former state Senator also made national headlines during her 2013 filibuster on an anti-abortion bill. The 21st House District was 2.5% away from turning blue in the 2018 midterm election. Democratic Army veteran, author and business owner Joseph Kopser received 47.6% of the vote compared to Roy's 50.2%. In Hays and Travis
counties, the pendulum did swing blue in Kopser's favor. But for Davis to succeed against Roy, she will have to win more than just Hays and Travis to secure her spot in Congress. District 21 spans from Northern San Antonio to South Austin, and extends west to Fredericksburg and Kerrville. In 2018, Roy overwhelmingly secured Gillespie, Blanco Kerr, Kendall, Comal and Bandera counties, all located in the western portion of the district away from the two major cities. Kopser lost northern Bexar County and San Antonio by less than 2,000 votes, which could prove to be a pivotal area
in the 2020 election. In Hays County, Democrats won by 8% where the margin of victory in Austin was above 50%. Davis will look to capitalize on the bigger cities in the district while remembering not to neglect the western portions which secured the election for Roy in 2018. Davis served on the Fort Worth city council before tackling the State Senate. She also founded Deeds Not Words, an organization focused on reproductive rights, freedom from sexual harassment, economic opportunity, pay equality and affordable healthcare. As for Roy, the freshman lawmaker has
previous experience in state-wide and national politics. Before his victory in 2018, Roy was the Chief of Staff for Sen. Ted Cruz (R) and Staff Director for Sen. John Cornyn (R), both of whom still hold office. Additionally, Roy was the First Assistant Attorney General under Ken Paxton and served as senior advisor to former Governor Rick Perry. Davis' video revolved around shaping the future in what she believes is a broken political system. "Every Texan needs to know that the future belongs to all of us and we all can play a role in shaping it," Davis said.
design@haysfreepress.com ADVERTISING/MARKETING Tracy Mack ads@bartonpublicationsinc.com
Jim Darby ads@haysfreepress.com
PHOTOGRAPHER Wayland Clark PROOFREADER Jane Kirkham CIRCULATION MANAGER/ LEGAL NOTICES Verna Wommack paper@ haysnewsdispatch.com
News-Dispatch (USPS
Short Term Rentals: Wimberley committee awaits fate Continued from pg. 1
city only had 15 STRs out of compliance, a stark contrast to the original estimate. Critics of the committee pointed out that the committee spent more than $6,000 to rework the ordinance and solve an issue that does not exist. At the July 18 meeting, Jaggers said she would bring an item to the table relating to the STR Committee Aug. 1, which is the same day the committee’s time runs out. The STR Committee declined appearing before council for a presentation, where the members would be limited to a 10-minute presenta-
011 - 401) is published
and Christmas by Barton Publications, Inc., 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640. SUBSCRIPTION PRICE $62 out of state. Periodicals Postage paid at Driftwood, TX. Email paper@haysnewsdispatch. com for subscriptions and address changes. POSTMASTER: send address changes to NewsDispatch, PO Box 339, Buda, TX 78610 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
–Gary Barchfeld, Wimberley City Council Member
tion, according to a letter to the city council. “And after a year’s worth of work, they felt they needed a bit more time and a comprehensive visit with both Planning & Zoning and this council so they respectfully declined,” Barchfeld said.
Mayor Pro Tem Rebecca Minnick, Councilmember Christine Byrne and Councilmember Bo Bowman previously voted to deny a workshop with the STR Committee. At previous workshops and meetings, Minnick has scrutinized the work of the committee, sharing
the sentiment of residents on the committee. At a June meeting, Minnick said the committee already completed the ordinance and the job was complete, so a workshop was not necessary. Additionally, the 15 STRs found out of
compliance compared to 200 that was originally predicted caused some heartburn for local leaders. “We have budget workshops, parliamentary workshops and a sewer we need to get online – a lot is stacking up,” Minnick said in June. “I agree with Councilmember Byrne. It makes more sense (for the committee) to give us a presentation. I don’t understand the value of a joint workshop.” Time is ticking for the STR Committee, as its members sit in limbo for an Aug. 1 decision on the fate of the committee.
Education
weekly except for the weeks following July 4
$42 local, $59 county,
“It’s my understanding that they would like some direction one way or the other; either terminate them or extend them. But the knowledge they have garnered over the past year is extensive and I think it’s important that they share it with not only the council but the entire community.”
DSISD’s Gearing named regional nominee for TASB Superintendent of the Year Award SUBMITTED REPORT Dripping Springs ISD Superintendent Dr. Bruce Gearing has been named the Region 13 Superintendent of the Year in the 2019 Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Superintendent of the Year (SOTY) program. The SOTY program has recognized exemplary superintendents for excellence and achievement in edu-
cational leadership since 1984. Regional SOTY awardees are chosen for their strong GEARING leadership skills, dedication to improving educational quality, ability to build effective employee relations, student performance and commitment
to public involvement in education. The regional awardees will interview with a state selection committee on August 23-24; five state finalists then will be selected. The Texas Superintendent of the Year will be announced Sept. 21 at the 2019 Texas Association of School Administrators (TASB) Convention in Dallas. Gearing was hired to lead Dripping Springs ISD in February 2012.
During his tenure, the district has grown in enrollment by approximately 50 percent, has built and opened two new schools, and has passed two bond programs as well as a tax-ratification election. Gearing has shared his vision not only internally within Dripping Springs ISD, but has presented at many state and national conferences and workshops. Before moving to
Dripping Springs, Gearing served as superintendent of Marshall ISD from 2009-2012, three years as an assistant superintendent at Mount Pleasant ISD, one year as a junior high principal, and four years as an elementary principal. A native of South Africa, Gearing started his career teaching science and later math at the high school level, including three years at international schools.
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.
Deadline near for DSISD new student registration SUBMITTED REPORT
July 26 is the deadline for parents new to Dripping Springs ISD to complete the online portion of the registration process for their children, according to a press release.
Registration for children coming into the district is done by using DSISD’s online system to fill out registration information, which is followed by visiting the student’s new campus on a specified registration date
to complete additional documents. On Aug. 1, DSISD will hold a document submission event at all elementary and middle school campuses. The event runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A list of required documents is
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. Justin
Spanish Mass Sunday: 1:30 p.m.
corner of RR 12 & Post Oak in Dripping Springs
Nguyen, 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
available on the DSISD website. All documents related to new student registration are due Aug. 1. For new high school students, an appointment must be made with an academic counselor; appointments are available the week of August 5-9, 2019, and can be made by calling 512.858.3109. All students, including those who are new, must complete the annual enrollment verification
process, which runs from July 27 to August 11. However, new students must register before doing enrollment verification. The enrollment verification process includes: 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.
Thursday, July 25, 2019
www.HaysNewsDispatch.com
Page 3
Rising valuations Hays County Appraisal District sees record number of protests BY EXSAR ARGUELLO Rising property values and a record number of protests are causing heartburn for residents, highlighting a statewide discussion on the property appraisal system. For Buda resident Charlie Thompson, his property valuation skyrocketed 65% and a protest before the Hays Central Appraisal District means his slightly reduced valuation will only save him some $40 this year over what was proposed. “I understand that the taxing districts are obligated to get the appraisal at market value because that’s what the state requires,” Thompson said. “But a 65% increase just doesn’t seem reasonable which to me shows some flaws in the system.” Thompson said if his property value increased by some 30% he would understand based on the market value of the neighboring homes in his subdivision. Living on a fixed income as a retired resident, rising appraisals could have a negative economic impact on people, he said. “This isn’t downtown Austin, it’s Hays County,”
This year, the Hays County Appraisal District received 21,620 protests compared to 18,199 in 2018. In 2014, the number of protests hit 9,635, less than half of the protests this year. Thompson said. “To me, it’s a reflection of inconsistent appraisals year after year.” The work of the appraisal district is a strenuous task, especially when a limited staff is responsible for evaluating the properties of the entire county. HCAD Chief Appraiser Laura Raven said her staff is working hard to assess a record number of properties in the county during the highest growth periods in its history. “The number of protests has gotten high, so
we ask people to specifically outline their concerns and highlight the issues we can’t see that would affect market value,” Raven said. “We did have a record number of protests, but we have record properties and people living here.” This year, the district received 21,620 protests compared to 18,199 in 2018. In 2014, the number of protests hit 9,635, less than half of the protests this year. Although the district did have a record number of protests, the percent increase was less than the previous two years. The district also has tight deadlines to make, as issued by the state, which says 95% of a county’s appraisals must be completed and not under protest by July 20. This gives the neighboring taxing jurisdictions time to set the tax rate during budget season. Every other year, the Texas Comptroller’s Office will audit the district’s processes. Appraisal districts assign value to large properties at a time, meaning a neighborhood could be evaluated together. Raven said this is why it is im-
portant for protestors to outline their specific contingencies to the district. Some real estate and financial experts have criticized the appraisal districts, calling it an under-staffed and under-resourced system. One of these is Rahul Patel, managing partner of Patel Gaines, a Texas-based law firm that specializes in property taxes. Texans pay some of the highest property taxes in the country and, with no state income tax, cities, counties and school districts do not have an incentive to reduce tax rates because they need revenues. Patel argues it’s a flawed system that pushes the cost of living and doing business in the state higher, leaving few alternatives for property owners. In 2018, more than 100,000 property owners in Bexar County protested their evaluations after the district raised values an
average of 9%. In Harris County, each appraiser had to place a value on about 5,500 parcels of land each year. In a Houston Chronicle opinion piece, Patel said the districts are severely understaffed. “That is an impossible volume of work,” he said. “Establishing a realistic ratio of properties per appraiser would be a useful step towards increased appraisal accuracy.” Subsequently, Patel said an inaccurate appraisal is a direct result of the workload of an appraiser. If protested, a property owner could reduce the appraised value, pay the taxes or sue the district. “Essentially, you fund the appraisal district’s budget through your taxes and pay it again to prove it when they overvalue your property,” he said. “Seems like a stacked deck, doesn’t it?” But those changes would need to be man-
aged by the state, not the individual district. Until then, districts across the state must work with the resources they have. Raven said each year the district is trying to find the best ways for property owners and staff to get as much information processed to help property owners through the protest process. “I welcome all comments, critiques and suggestions from property owners regarding their experiences with the district,” Raven said. “That input is important to me and can drive change.” For Thompson, his protest did not swing in his favor, making him sympathetic to other people in his situation. “Show me my evaluation from last year and tell me it went up 65% because I still don’t have an answer for that,” he said. “I’m disappointed and I think this sheds light on some inconsistencies with accuracy.”
Opinion
Thanks Trump for Hollywood says hooray for Mayor Pete shining the light C one these women I
know what many want at this moment: to denounce him, to impeach him, to send him back to where he came from – a career of eluding debtors. Sorry, but this time I’m going to thank Donald Trump. Were it not for his unconscionable racist screed, I would not know U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley. Because of what Trump recently said about her and three other congresswomen of color, I got to meet her on the other side of our TV screen as they held a joint press conference. Pressley said Trump’s comments are but a “disruption and a distraction from the callous, chaotic and corrupt culture of this administration.” Tell it. I wouldn’t know about Pressley at all were it not for this distraction. I’m glad I do. The Massachusetts Democrat couldn’t be more eloquent and couldn’t be more devoted to her job, which is to focus on matters that matter to her constituents. Health care. Gun Violence. College debt. Income inequality. The environment. Infrastructure: You know, issues which largely have been spit upon by the Party of Trump. Again, though, we should thank Donald Trump at this very moment and for that particular rant. Because of him, U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar was greeted at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport last week like she has the Vince Lombardi Trophy in her hands for Vikings fans. Thanks to our presi-
Youngat-Large by John Young
dent, I now know more about Rep. Rashida Tlaib, the firecracker whose utter devotion is to Michigan’s 13th Congressional District and not to religious-right charlatans and foreign dictators. I didn’t need an introduction to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. We’ve all been hearing about her. (If you want to get woozy quickly, turn to Fox News, haul out the schnapps, and take a belt every time AOC is brought up.) Yes, she’s a communist out to destroy America. You’d think she had the entire 1,000-plus-person Russian Internet Research Agency backing her election effort. Oh, wait, that was Donald Trump. Ocasio-Cortez is a force of nature – human nature. She is as genuine as Donald Trump is phony. She works for the victims of unfettered greed in her borough in the Bronx and across America. You may disagree with her policies, but you can’t call her a shape-shifter or wonder what she stands for. Trump says he’s the most transparent president ever. Well, he’s right on that. Every gesture he makes is a transparent bid to retain the love of the angry white voters. Coal? Beautiful coal? Talk about a see-through play for misbegotten loyalties in the Rust Belt. Sir, that train has left
the station. Didn’t they discuss market forces at Wharton? With its polluting properties, coal is as in-demand today as K-cars. A friend of American manufacturers? Trump talks that way while his family exploits overseas labor. A friend of the middle class? His tariffs (taxes) have wiped out the pittance that sector got from his tax cuts. (We know which sector benefited, by the way.) A foe of illegal immigration? He wasn’t so fierce while undocumented workers staffed his New Jersey properties. Judeo-Christian values? He mouths a serviceable code for the benefit of Bible Belt voters. But my goodness: With his lying, his philandering, his coarseness, his gesticulating to voices of hate – in his hands the stone tablets of Moses are rendered to pea gravel. Then you have a true American like Rep. Omar, who gained citizenship at the tender age of 17 – amazing for someone three years removed from a refugee camp. Then she had the resolve to run for Congress – and the eloquence and vision to win. It was heartening to see Minnesotans shouting to her, “We got your back.” So again, thanks to Trump for helping shine a light on four courageous women who serve in the public sector, an excellent reminder of why we must return him to the private sector. Longtime Texas newspaperman John Young now lives in Colorado. jyoungcolumn@gmail.com
EDAR RAPIDS, Iowa Mayor Pete Buttigieg, the Democrats’ wunderkind from South Bend, Indiana, has made only a modest mark in national polls, yet he’s a boffo attraction in Iowa as well as in California, where he’s the favorite among Hollywood’s glitterati. Watching him in action at the annual Corn Feed, as they’ve named a day of political speeches here in Cedar Rapids, it’s easy to understand Buttigieg’s appeal. He’s closer to the center than many of his opponents and arguably the most articulate among the candidates, yet he rarely raises his voice and he’s not preachy. Ten candidates spoke to this gathering of just over 1,000 people and only Mayor Pete received a standing ovation. Reflecting Mr. Buttigieg’s ascent is the fact that his campaign raised nearly $25 million in the second quarter of 2019 - more than any other Democrat, including front-runner Joe Biden, who took in $21.5 million. Among California donors giving at least $200, Mr. Buttigieg collected more than the state’s junior Senator Kamala Harris. In West Hollywood Buttigieg totals are close to the sum collected by all other Democrats combined. Recent donors include Kevin Bacon, Ted Danson, Barbara Streisand, Michael J. Fox, Sharon Stone and Larry David, among others. And the latest to announce a fundraiser for Mayor Pete is Netflix Chairman and CEO Reed Hastings. Maybe Mr. Hastings envisions a screenplay that seems to write itself: Son of an immigrant father from Malta, Harvard grad, Rhodes scholar, staffer at McKinsey & Company, accomplished pianist, fluent in several languages including Arabic, Mayor of South Bend for eight years and veteran of the war in Afghanistan. Plus he’s gay. Hollywood is home to
Guest Column by Peter Funt
a lot of wealthy people with an eye for young talent. They were quick to embrace the nation’s first black president and they’re excited about the prospects of putting the first openly gay man in the White House. If they cared to look at the Buttigieg campaign as they would a showbiz project, they’d be impressed by what’s going on here in Iowa. The 37-year-old mayor plunges into the crowd as the frenzy around him grows. He’s dressed in skinny jeans with a crisp white shirt, sleeves rolled a few turns in his trademark style. On his wrist is an oversized expensive-looking watch. His traveling press secretary, Nina Smith, surveys the scene with me, explaining, “This all happened so fast. The campaign wasn’t prepared for it.” Hollywood would love the fact that the mayor’s admirers are spending heavily on branded merchandise - hats, tee-shirts and other “Pete” gear. This is an important indicator: Those willing to wear it tend to swear by it. Of course, the Republican in the White House is
also a star who knows how to excite a crowd, manage media and market his brand. Perhaps Democrats outside of Hollywood and the Northeast will ultimately prefer a candidate with less star power but more political experience. Then there’s the inconvenient truth that no sitting mayor has ever been elected president. Yet, there is magic in the way Mayor Pete works a crowd. When supporters bring color eight-by-tens, carefully preserved in plastic sleeves, to be autographed, they’re saying something that pollsters find difficult to measure: This guy has a future. Whether that future arrives in time for the 2020 election depends largely on how fast the crowded field of Democrats is thinned, and whether the early leaders - Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders and Kamala Harris - can withstand another year of scrutiny. In Hollywood, meanwhile, the Buttigieg campaign will eventually face the same question asked of all projects: Will it play in Peoria? A list of Peter Funt’s upcoming live appearances is available at www.CandidCamera.com. Peter Funt columns distributed exclusively by Cagle Cartoons, Inc., newspaper syndicate.
Page 4
News-Dispatch
OBITUARIES RAGSDALE
a nurturing soul who accepted everyone as is Helen Adele Foradory and who believed she Ragsdale was born held the family together. September As long as she was here, 2, 1931, you could count on her to John thinking or worrying D. and about you. She was Maxine famously known for her Foradory, beautiful flowers, her the fifth enormous home-cooked of eleven breakfasts, and her love children. of angels. We know she She is one of them now. married She is survived by the love of her life, Willis husband, Willis, and C. Ragsdale, Jr. on July children, Celeste 22, 1950, in Austin. She will be Grisham and husband remembered as an Will, Dorothy McGinnis, outstanding and loving Trey Ragsdale and wife mother, a devoted Jenny; grandchildren, wife, and the truest of Aaron Adams, Anthony friends. She cherished McGinnis, Kerbye time spent with her Ragsdale, Ashley grandchildren and Grisham, Trevor great-grandchildren as Ragsdale, and three much as they loved time great-grandchildren; with her. She was proud and her brothers, and supportive of all Max Foradori, Arnold their endeavors. She had Foradory, Drue many fond memories of Foradory, and Henry living on the farm with Foradory. her brothers and sisters Funeral services were and she loved them all July 6 with interment unreservedly. Ragsdale services following could light up the room at Haynie Chapel with her infectious Cemetery in Garfield, laugh and had many TX. great laughs with her Please visit www. bunco and bowling Harrellfuneralhomes. friends. com to share a fond Ragsdale gave memory, photograph. everything of herself In lieu of flowers, and was always donations to American there to listen to Cancer Society or everyone’s problems, Hospice Austin would be supportive, and give her advice. She was be appreciated.
Thursday, July 25, 2019
Women IN BUSINESS Angie Dahl
DeMasters-Daniel insurance agency
make the move.™
REAL ESTATE
Melanie Fenelon
DeMasters Daniel Insurance has been serving the Hill Country since 1983 as an independent insurance agency providing personal and commercial insurance products. Let our office help you shop your insurance coverage. Our staff is committed to deliver personalized service to each and every client. Look for upcoming agent introductions.
®
REALTOR , GRI, CLHMS
Specializing in residential, acreage and farm/ranch properties
Dripping Springs • Wimberley Driftwood • Lakeway • Spicewood South, Southwest and Central Austin
melanie.fenelon@compass.com
Texas Crossword
dd-ins.net • 512-847-5549
107 E. Summit Dr, Wimberley, TX
(512) 658-0773
•
sponsored by...
At the corner of RR 12 and E. Summit Drive in Wimberley
DeMasters - Daniel Insurance Agency, Inc. Serving Hays County since 1983 “Call us for all of your insurance needs” Angiel Dahl
Wimberley: 512-847-5549 or 512-847-9325 Dripping Springs: 512-858-4608
On behalf of our entire staff, please accept our condolences on the passing of your loved one. When you are ready, I would be honored to assist you in creating a monument that will express your love for years to come.
Sincerely, Brenda Keller Independent Representative
512-644-1769
brendakeller7@gmail.com Email or call to schedule your appointment.
Cheaper than dinner for two...
News-Dispatch Get the News-Dispatch delivered to your home every week for only $42 a year. 10% discount for seniors. Call 512-268-7862 Providing you with news for Dripping Springs, Wimberley and surrounding communities See Texas Crossword solution on page 5
Like us on Facebook
Service Directory Automotive
Air Conditioning
APC
Service Pros, LLC
Air Conditioning • Heating • Electrical
Central Garage, LLC Complete Auto Repair
(512) 894-4114 or (512) 858-4252 1 120 Hwy 290 W Mon-Fri, 8-5:30 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 Danny Hubbard
Glass Service
Service • Repair • Installation
512-410-7739 www.APCServicePros.com TACLB015741E
Licensed and Insured
TECL 24139
Handyman
Reliable Handy Man Commercial & Residential
• Contract Glazing • Storefronts • Insulated Glass
• Furniture Tops • Tempered Glass • Mirrors
Framed & Frameless Tub & Shower Enclosures
512 312 2767
5360 Industrial Way Dr., Buda, TX Stefnie at shallmark@dynamicglass.com
Painting, Remodel & Home Repair, Flooring & Tile, Carpentry, Decks & Fences, Pressure Washing, Gutters, Cleaning & Repair, RV Repair
Get your honey-do list done right.
ReliableHandymanTX.com 20+ Years of Experience • Insured
512-618-0482 • DHALL45@Yahoo.com
Dirt
Dirt Cheap Loam • Topsoil • Sand • Gravel • Roadbase • Asphalt Millings • Granite • Compost Mix
Tractor Work Available
Specializing in Country Driveways
Rick-Rob Trucking 512- 858-7952 www.rick-rob.com
robinnds@aol.com
Financial Planning Financial Planning
Zachary Barton Zachary Barton
512-686-7589 512-686-7589 107 S. Main St., Ste. A • Kyle, TX
107 S. Main St., Ste. A • Kyle, TX
Financial Planning• Insurance Planning Planning Planning Financial Investment Planning• Insurance
Investment Planning
Lawn Care
WHO DOES YOUR LANDSCAPING/LAWN? Offering competitive pricing and superior service in the Manchaca, Buda, and Kyle area since 2010
Taking care of your yard so you can play!
LANDSCAPING AND LAWN SERVICE
• Flower Beds • Fencing • Sprinkler Systems • Patios • Mowing, Edging and Cleanup • Tree Trimming and Removal • Rock Gardens • Garden Boxes • Build Sheds
Call Jesse Reyna at 512-788-2180 or email apa6207@sbcglobal.net
Classifieds
Thursday, July 25, 2019
www.HaysNewsDispatch.com
20 words for $8!
Place your classified ad by calling 512-268-7862 or send an email to paper@haysnewsdispatch.com. We accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover
DEADLINE: NOON MONDAY FOR THURSDAY’S PAPER
Employment
Be Your Own Boss Choose Your Own Routes! Looking for CDL drivers to deliver new trucks all over the country, starting in Laredo, TX. Experience preferred. Must have DOT physical and be willing to keep logs. No DUIs in last 10 years, clean MVR.
Texas Statewide Advertising Network HELP WANTED
$18 to $35 Part-Time Friday night & Sunday night. Work location- from Hwy 290 and 71 to Dripping Springs. Must have truck or small trailer. ACH direct deposit every Friday. Looking for Long Term independent contractor. Call David 1-210-410-0219
Apply Online at www.qualitydriveaway.com or call 574-642-2023
Garage Sale
HUGE SALE
EMPLOYMENT NOTICE
Friday & Saturday, July 26 & 27, 8am5pm.16 Deer Ridge Road, Wood Creek North. Contractor/ Shop/Power tools, jackhammer, texture rig, fishing gear, antiques, HO electric trains.
The City of Dripping Springs is currently accepting applications for the full-time positions of Maintenance Worker and Communications Coordinator. The application and full job descriptions are available on the Employment page at www.cityofdrippingsprings.com or at 511 Mercer Street. Call City Hall at (512) 858-4725 or email Michelle Fischer at mfischer@cityofdrippingsprings. com for more information.
School District, 510 West Mercer Street P.O. Box 479, Dripping Springs, Texas 78620. Proposals shall be addressed to Michelle Lyons, Purchasing Specialist. Any questions pertaining to the proposal specifications should be directed to Michelle Lyons, Purchasing Specialist – CTSBO, michelle.lyons@ dsisdtx.us. All proposals
Dripping Springs Independent School District is requesting proposals for Charter Bus Services under RFP # 15-019-3 Charter Bus Services - Multiple Award. Proposals will be received in the Business Office of the Dripping Springs Independent
TexSCAN Week of July 21, 2019 ACREAGE Looking for hunting/recreational/retirement property. We have some of the best in Texas, from the Hill Country to South Texas. Large acreage or small, 30 year fixed rate owner financing, only 5% down. www.ranchenterprisesltd.com. 800-876-9720.
ARROWHEADS Indian Arrowheads Wanted, Point types: Clovis, Firstview, Eden, Midland, Yuma, Cody, all nice Alibates Points. Must be authentic, unbroken. Top $$ paid. Call 979-218-3351 or text photos.
CHARITY Donate a boat or car today to Boat Angel. 2-Night Free Vacation. Sponsored by Boat Angel Outreach Centers to stop crimes against children. 800-700-BOAT, www.boatangel.com.
HUNTING GOT LAND? Our Hunters will Pay Top $$$ to hunt your land. Call for a FREE info packet & Quote. 1-866309-1507. www.BaseCampLeasing.com.
Public Notices REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
must be received by 2:00 P.M. (CST) on August 8, 2019. Dripping Springs Independent School District reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids, to waive any formalities and irregularities in the bids received, and to accept the offer(s) most advantageous to the District.
Both non-producing and producing
including Non-Participating Royalty Interest (NPRI) Provide us your desired price for an offer evaluation.
CALL TODAY: 806.620.1422
LOBO MINERALS, LLC PO Box 1800 • Lubbock, TX 79408-1800
Donate A Boat
The Law Offices of Foster & Houston PLLC
(2628) (2628)
www.boatangel.com
sponsored by boat angel outreach centers
Principal Office: Austin, TX; Co-counsel may be associated.
STOP CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN
Be Your Own Boss! Get Paid to See the Country! Quality Drive-Away is looking for CDL Drivers to Deliver Trucks! www.qualitydriveaway.com, 574-642-2023.
Women’s Center
Call Us Toll Free: 800-801-2870
800 - 700 - BOAT
TRUCK DRIVERS
NOTICE: While most advertisers are reputable, we cannot guarantee products or services advertised. We urge readers to use caution and when in doubt, contact the Texas Attorney General at 800-621-0508 or the Federal Trade Commission at 877-FTC-HELP. The FTC web site is www.ftc.gov/bizop.
you may be entitled to compensation.
“2-Night Free Vacation!”
Need help with your retirement plan? If you have questions about your pension, 401(k) or profit sharing plan, call the South Central Pension Rights Project at 800-443-2528 to get free legal advice. Funded by the U.S. Administration on Aging, SCPRP staff provides free legal assistance to anyone with a question about their retirement plan. 800-443-2528.
Texas Press Statewide Classified Network 273 Participating Texas Newspapers • Regional Ads Start At $250 • Email ads@texaspress.com
Roundup herbicide,
or Car Today!
18-Wheeler Wrecks – It’s easy to blame the driver when a big rig is involved in a wreck, but the truth is usually much more complex. When trucking company management cuts corners in training, equipment and maintenance, the rest of us pay the price. If you or someone you love has been killed or injured in a truck wreck, call 800-460-0606 for professional insight or visit www.YourCarWreck.com.
KILL SCORPIONS! Harris Scorpion Spray/ Non-Staining. Effective results begin after spray dries. Available: Hardware Stores, The Home Depot, homedepot.com.
If you have been diagnosed with the serious medical condition, Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, after exposure to
LoboMineralsLLC@gmail.com
LEGAL ASSISTANCE
WANTED
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?
MINERAL RIGHTS
We buy oil, gas & mineral rights. Both non- producing and producing including non-Participating Royalty Interest (NPRI). Provide us your desired price for an offer evaluation. 806-620-1422, LoboMineralsLLC@ gmail.com. Lobo Minerals, LLC, PO Box 1800, Lubbock, TX 79408-1800.
I Buy RVs & Mobile Homes – Travel Trailers, 5th Wheels, Goosenecks, Bumper Pulls. In Any Area, Any Condition – Old/New, Dirty or Clean! I PAY CA$H. No Title – No Problem, we can apply for one. ANR Enterprises, 956-466-7001.
Have you been diagnosed with
OIL, GAS, &
OIL AND GAS RIGHTS
MISC. FOR SALE
Texas Statewide Advertising Network
WE BUY
Page 5
Continued from pg. 1
Owners Association to reduce costs of the project and other local agencies. The HCWC plans to construct one four bedroom, 12 threebedroom and two onebedroom apartments for the project, Johnson said. With these additional housing units, it can reduce the chances of women and children returning to violent homes. All members of the court praised the efforts of the HCWC. Hays County Pct. 1 Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe commended the HCWC staff for the work they do to keep families safe. “It’s unfortunate we have to have these services, but it’s a reality, so we really appreciate all you guys do,” Ingalsbe
said. Commissioners are hopeful that the funding agreement motivates other local government entities to follow suit. Lon Shell, Hays County Pct. 3 Commissioner, said it was the county’s duty to help fund the efforts of the organization to keep the communities of Hays and Caldwell counties safe. Shell said the funding agreement will span through 2021, guaranteeing funding for two fiscal year cycles. “I think it’s a very exciting project for Hays County, Caldwell County and the city of San Marcos,” Shell said. “I’ve been out there to see some of the services they provide and it’s truly something special to have…”
Service Directory Roofing
Pool Service
Shoe Repair
• Boot Experts • Purse Repair • Belt Repair • Luggage Repair • Shoe Care Products
Over 10 years of experience Keith Miller, owner One Time & Weekly Cleanings Drain & Cleans Pressure Washing Full Service Repairs HIGH TIDE Pool Replastering POOL SERVICE FREE ESTIMATES HIGHTIDEPOOLSERVICE@YAHOO.COM HIGHTIDEPOOLSERVICE.COM
512-965-3465
Roofing & Repair Veteran Insulated Siding Energy Efficient Upgrades owned and Gutters & Protection operated Austin, TX 512.488.1810 brian@discountroofusa.com
AustinShoeHospital.com locations in in Central Central Texas 1010Locations Texasincluding: including: Highway 290 & Nutty Brown Road • 512-827-3398 316 Round 290 RockWest Ave. inRound Rock• 512-288-6386 - 512-244-9124 Highway Oak Hill Bee CaveBell in Lakeway • 512-263-4630 306 South Cedar Park - 512-219-8387
8211 Burnet Rd. Austin - 512-453-1961
Tree Service
Lees Trees
38 years experience in the hill country Firewood • Pruning • Removal • Chipping Planting • Cedar Posts • Bulk Mulch
Free Assessments & Estimates • Insured MARCUS LEES (512) 858-4018 leestreestexas@gmail.com
Window Treatments
Texas Crossword Solution
Beautiful Blinds, Shades, Draperies & Shutters Custom window treatments at affordable prices!
Graber, Hunter Douglas, Norman & more. Low prices with lifetime guarantees and fast professional installation.
Call 512-847-8970
for free consultation & price quote.
www.MadeinTheShadeofwimberley.com
See puzzle, page 4
Like us on Facebook
NewsDispatch Providing you with your most important local news for Dripping Springs, Wimberley and surrounding communities
Page 6
News-Dispatch
Thursday, July 25, 2019
Aqua Texas: Last minute meeting could save Wimberley project Continued from pg. 1
Barchfeld, City Administrator Shawn Cox and Aqua Texas President Robert Laughman. “I want to be clear and transparent about when we have these kinds of meetings,” Minnick said. “…I think what we accomplished in that meeting was that there is common ground.” To comprise with Aqua Texas, Minnick said the city will look at moving the boring under Cypress Creek on city-owned property rather than the location originally promoted by Jaggers. The boring will transport raw sewage to Aqua Texas for treatment, causing anguish for local environmentalists. However, a bigger problem emerged with the boring’s location.
On March 21, the previous city council approved the de-annexation of Sabino Ranch, a 96-acre tract of land which is adjacent to the original boring site. Subsequently, the de-annexation led to a lawsuit by former Mayor Steve Thurber, alleging a quid pro quo between the city and property owner Scott Johnson. The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) approved the change of scope for the wastewater project only if the city council fulfills four contingencies. One of these was an easement for the pipe. Laughman, Barchfeld and Cox confirmed no easement across the creek from the Johnson property exists.
A NEW BORING ON CYPRESS CREEK
pipe to the lift station by Mill Race. If the city pays for the pipe, Aqua Texas The meeting between will eliminate a $300,000 Minnick, Barchfeld, Cox payment it previously reand Laughman may have quired for a hook-up fee. done more than just save The “new” location was the wastewater project first proposed by the city altogether. Minnick said engineer over a year ago, the new location for the but was rejected by the boring on city-owned mayor. property is at a narrower Councilmember Chrisportion of the creek at the tine Byrne questioned end of Blue Hole Lane. why the new proposed “If you bore under there, location, which could be you end on city propmore affordable, wasn’t erty on the other side,” discussed initially. Minnick said. “What this Cox said the city engidoes is enables the city to neer was given direction to negotiate the easement on look at a different location. the other side. What’s hap“He did say that, madpening now, is we have no am Mayor, you did know easement between Aqua about this crossing and Texas and the property it was said we were going owners from the original bore…” The city would front the bill for the cost of the
The following is a tally of all calls made to law enforcement within Hays County between July 15 and July 21, 2019.
Continued from pg. 1
comply with federal law, which could obviate the need for a lawsuit to be filed,” said David P. Smith, an attorney representing plaintiffs in the suit. Meanwhile, Hays County Commissioners July 23 supported an appeal of a ruling that dismissed litigation aimed at increasing oversight of the pipeline routing and eminent domain process. Hays County joins Kyle in objecting to a decision made by Travis County District Judge Lara Livingtston, who in June tossed out the suit filed against Kinder Morgan
and the Texas Railroad Commission. Andrew Sansom, owner of the Hershey Ranch and plaintiff in the eminent domain lawsuit, said plaintiffs are confident that “at some level, the courts will look favorably on our argument.” Kyle Mayor Travis Mitchell said in a statement the city seeks greater transparency in the pipeline process. Allen Fore, Kinder Morgan vice president of public affairs, said the company will continue to work with all stakeholders, including state and federal regulators.
Migrant Story: Angry Tias at the border Continued from pg. 1
bus stations upon release from the detention center, so the second operation began. In early June 2019, the group received the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award, and donations have increased to the point that they often can send travelers on with a little spare cash. “But with 1,000 people coming through sometimes in a day, the money doesn’t go too far,” Hamilton said. While the crisis is hours away from Hays County, those along the Rio Grande Valley, who have shouldered the load without much outside help, need all the support they can get to assist migrants along the border. They can use more donations, more volunteers who speak fluent Spanish and more attorneys willing to take on pro bono cases. While the Tias and volunteers are hard at work at the bus stations in Harlingen, Brownsville and McAllen, three other groups are assisting as well. Loaves and Fishes of the Rio Grande Valley is an organization that has been helping the homeless and abused women with shelter and food for many years, according to Administrator Bill Reagan. Last month, for example, the facility served 16,000 meals, 4,000 more than usual, just one sign of the stepping up of services due to the influx of migrants in need just now. Inside the group’s spacious facility in Harlingen, the cots are stacked up and waiting for the next
was asking for a 40-year contract with a penalty of $275,000 if the contract was broken within the first five years. Minnick said this past year working on the project “damaged relationships” with the TWDB, business community, citizens, vendors, contractors and councilmembers alike. “I think this approach, while it’s not ideal, it’s not perfect, but does present a path forward that allows the council, business and the community the breathing room to come together for some kind of a solution that gets us where we want to be,” she said.
Police Blotter
Kinder Morgan Lawsuit and a study performed by Kinder Morgan, we are asking for nothing more than what Hays County has to do when planning and building county infrastructure,” Shell said in a statement. “The county conducts extensive environmental studies when developing roadways to protect endangered species habitat and water quality.” Plaintiffs who have filed the notice must wait 60 days before filing for litigation, per the Endangered Species Act. “It’s our hope that Kinder Morgan will do the sensible thing and
through Sabino Ranch, and I’m wondering why,” Byrne said. Jaggers did not respond. But with the new boring some inevitable challenges arise. It is not known at this time if the new location will require approval from the TWDB, which could prove to be challenging for a board that is growing impatient with the city. Additionally, the city would need to negotiate agreements with property owners to acquire the easement at the new location. Aqua Texas agreed to a 30-day notice to terminate the current agreement. Previously, the company
Those wishing to know more about these groups or who wish to volunteer or donate may visit:
Civil Matter................................................... 9 Deliver Message........................................... 1 Information................................................... 8 Compliance Check..................................... 11 Property Lost/Found/Negl............................ 5 Alarm Business........................................... 43 Alarm Residential....................................... 39 Alarm – Panic .............................................. 1 Animal Calls................................................ 77 Loose Livestock......................................... 14 Assault.......................................................... 5 Sexual Assault.............................................. 3 Sexual Assault Child..................................... 2 Assist EMS................................................... 9 Assist Fire Dept............................................ 5 Assist Outside Agency............................... 12 Burglary Building.......................................... 1 Burglary Habitation....................................... 2 Burglary Vehicle.......................................... 19 Criminal Mischief.......................................... 5 Death Investigation....................................... 2 Illegal Dumping............................................. 1 Fireworks...................................................... 3 Disturbance Noise........................................ 9 Disturbance Physical Fight........................... 7 Disturbance Verbal..................................... 14 Child Custody............................................... 5 Violation of Order ......................................... 2 Narcotics Information................................... 2 Fraud............................................................ 6 Counterfeiting............................................... 1 Credit/Debit Abuse....................................... 1 Harassment................................................ 10
Threat........................................................... 3 Mental Health Follow Up.............................. 9 Mental Health Invest..................................... 4 Mental Health Transport............................... 2 Canine Search.............................................. 4 Drone Deployment....................................... 1 Runaway ...................................................... 1 Missing Person............................................. 4 Public Assist............................................... 22 Community Contact..................................... 5 Disabled Vehicle......................................... 16 Close Patrol.............................................. 130 Foot Patrol ................................................... 2 Parent Discipline Assist................................ 2 Flagged Down.............................................. 2 Welfare Concern......................................... 31 Suicidal Person............................................ 7 Investigation................................................. 6 Supplement................................................ 73 Suspicious Circumstances......................... 31 Suspicious Person...................................... 15 Suspicious Vehicle..................................... 27 Wanted Person........................................... 13 Identity Theft................................................ 2 Theft........................................................... 20 Recovered Stolen Vehicle............................. 2 Accident Minor........................................... 13 Accident Hit and Run................................... 6 Accident Major/Injury................................. 13 Accident Unknown....................................... 3 Abandoned/Stored Vehicle........................... 4 Traffic Control............................................... 2 Traffic Hazard............................................. 23
• Angry Tias and Abuelos at Angrytiasandabuelos.com • Loaves and Fishes at https://lfrgv.org • Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley at https://www.catholiccharitiesrgv.org/ • La Posada Providencia at https://lppshelter.org Anyone interested in helping or donating items can contact Kate McCarty at katemc63@gmail.com.
influx that was expected in mid-July. Supplies are ready to house and feed them as needed, and donations have made it possible to prepare for the next group. Loaves and Fishes insists that no one needing a bed will be turned away, Reagan said. In just two months alone, Customs and Border Protection released some 1,500 migrants into the Harlingen community, he noted. Loaves and Fishes also had been sending pan dulces (sweet bread), milk and Spanish coloring books along to the bus station to help with the migrants as they awaited their buses, Reagan said. Hamilton and I also visited La Posada Providencia in San Benito, sponsored by Sisters of the Divine Providence, an emergency shelter for men, women and families. Most clients arrive destitute and seek legal asylum or other legal recourse to begin new lives in this country. Since 1989, La Posada has provided resettlement assistance to thousands of people from almost 100 countries. On the day we visited, we were greeted
by a young woman and her baby who had immigrated from Cameroon via Mexico. She now has a work permit to help at the facility. Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley have been providing assistance to the needy and to migrants for many years from cramped quarters near the McAllen bus station. When the more recent influx began, they were overwhelmed. They moved to an abandoned nursing home in a neighborhood but lost that space after neighbors complained. Just recently the group was able to move into a spacious location diagonally across from the McAllen bus depot. The morning I was there, a volunteer named Claudia and other staff met busloads of detainees being dropped off from detention with cheers and “bienvenidos.” The most striking thing about this was the smiles on the family members’ faces as they were made to feel welcome and as they stepped forward to receive a sack lunch, other supplies and assistance on their roads to asylum.
We Support the Tigers Texas hometown friendly bank
512-858-5159
401 E. Hwy 290W. P.O. Box 1243 Dripping Springs, TX 78620
100+ programs for keeping resumes fresh. Iris G. || Accounting
ACC is for EVERYONE
REGISTER NOW. austincc.edu/fall
Do Business Locally Is your business being seen?
We can help. Reach thousands of potential customers in the News-Dispatch sports section every week. Call (512) 268-7862 or email ads@bartonpublicationsinc.com for more information.