News-Dispatch 072618 by Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch

Teamwork makes the dream work

D.S. Tigers immersed in German culture

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Local family fights ICE

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News-Dispatch Volume XXXVIII No. 41

Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982

75¢ Thursday, July 26, 2018

Cause unknown in deadly San Marcos apartment fire BY CARLIE PORTERFIELD

With the recovery of a fifth body from the scene of a deadly fire at an off-campus student apartment complex in San Marcos, investigators remain unsure about where or how the blaze began. During a July 23 morning press conference, Fire Marshal Kelly Kistner said a fourth victim had been recovered in building 500 of Iconic Village Apart-

Five residents of the apartment complex have been reported missing, but the investigators cannot confirm the bodies found are those of the people on that list until the victims are identified.

ments, the structure that was most affected by the fire. The finding of a fifth was announced the same evening. Five residents of the apartment complex have been reported missing,

but the investigators cannot confirm the bodies found are those of the people on that list until the victims are identified, Kistner said.

APARTMENT FIRE, 2

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS

Fire rages through the roof of the Iconic Village Apartments located near Texas State University in the early morning hours of July 20. Five bodies have been recovered by emergency officials from the scene of the blaze.

DSISD bond halted by lawsuit BY MOSES LEOS III

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

In Hays County, the average market value for homes rose by 7.1 percent from 2017 to 2018, while commercial and industrial value rose by nearly 13 percent, according to the Hays County Central Appraisal District.

Lumber tariffs could hurt local construction projects BY MOSES LEOS III

Rising costs of lumber imported into the country could have an effect on home prices, especially in fast growing Hays County. While such an impact wouldn’t be felt in Central Texas for several months or more, Buda real estate broker J.D. Sanford believes consistent increases over time could lead to instability in the housing market. According to a June

2018 New York Times article, tariffs imposed on lumber imported from Canada to the United States, along with supply and demand, as well as ecological factors, have played a partial role in the rise of home costs in the country. Sanford said a rise in wood cost would be an “unnatural or inorganic” way to increase the price of home values. In the Central Texas area, for example, increasing population pres-

sures have led to a rapid rise in home values over the past decade. In Hays County, the average market value for homes rose by 7.1 percent from 2017 to 2018, while commercial and industrial value rose by nearly 13 percent, according to the Hays County Central Appraisal District. The cause of that increase in the overall value was due to the 2,600-plus new homes and 83 new commercial units built in the area.

However, an increase in material could, in turn, lead to a rise in the cost of building homes. That could lead to instability in the housing market, Sanford said. Sanford said it could put people at risk if they buy a house at a higher value. If home values were to drop, it could take homeowners several years to build up enough equity before they can consider the ability to

LUMBER TARIFF, 2

Movement on Dripping Springs ISD’s $132 million bond has ground to a halt as a local group is contesting the outcome of the May referendum. On June 18, the Citizens for Excellent Education in Dripping Springs (CEEDS) filed a lawsuit contesting the outcome of the May 5 election and a May 19 recount. One week after the litigation was filed, Dripping Springs ISD’s Board of Trustees on June 25 unanimously approved to retain counsel for a lawsuit to validate the outcome of the election. CEEDS, a specific purpose Political Action Committee (PAC) against the district’s bond, filed the election contest after a recount of the May 5 bond election, which was initially approved by a narrow 31 vote margin. The recount, which was canvassed by Hays County Commissioners in late May, showed the bond passing by a margin of 37 votes. However, members of CEEDS believe the final canvass “is not the true outcome of the election,” and allege an election officer or other person involved in the administration of

History of abuse alleged in death of 21-month-old in Kyle BY MOSES LEOS III

A documented history of abuse is coming to light in a case involving a Kyle couple accused of killing their 21-monthold son in early July. On Monday, Kyle Police arrested and charged Stevie Dwayne Williams, Jr., 24, and Dazrine Ruth Chagoya-Williams, 21, with capital murder of a person under 10 years of age. Authorities also charged the couple with injury of a child due to the condition of their 8-month-old daughter, who has since been place in Child Protective Services (CPS) custody. Both charges are capital felonies, according to a

According to the affidavit, officers said the victim was lying on the floor in a hallway, near the front entrance of the residence. They observed visible injuries to the child, including bruising on his left and right rib area and on his back and forehead.

city of Kyle press release. The case stems from a July 4 call to Kyle Police, who were dispatched for a child who was not breathing to a home in the 300 block of Marquitos Drive in Kyle. When police arrived, emergency officials were working to revive the victim, who was “cold, stiff, pulseless” and not

breathing, according to a probable cause affidavit magistrated by Hays County Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace Beth Smith. According to the affidavit, officers said the victim was lying on the floor in a hallway near the front entrance of the residence. They observed visible injuries to the child, including

Citizens for Excellent Education in Dripping Springs (CEEDS), a specific purpose Political Action Committee (PAC) against the district’s bond, filed the election contest after a recount of the May 5 bond election, which was initially approved by a narrow 31 vote margin. the election prevented eligible voters from participating, according to litigation documents. CEEDS also alleges not all eligible voters were notified of the election or had the opportunity to participate. They cite 51 voters who reside in DSISD boundaries, but live in Travis County, who received no notice of the election, according to the lawsuit. The suit also alleges officials mistakenly

DSISD BOND LAWSUIT, 5

Rodeo moseys back into Dripping Springs STAFF REPORT

CHAGOYAWILLIAMS

WILLIAMS

bruising on his left and right rib area and on his back and forehead. The child ultimately was pronounced deceased at the scene by Smith. According to the affidavit, Chagoya-Williams told authorities when Williams entered the

DEATH OF A CHILD, 6

Cowboys and cowgirls from across the area will descend on Dripping Springs for the 7th annual Dripping Springs Fair and Rodeo at Dripping Springs Ranch Park. The event, which runs July 27-29, is hosted by the Dripping Springs Ag Boosters and the city of Dripping Springs. Patrons can take in Friday and Saturday’s Cowboy’s Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) event, which features bull and bronco riding, barrel racing and mutton busting. Ticket information can be found at dsfairandrodeo.com.

Page 2

News-Dispatch

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BY CARLIE PORTERFIELD

“That works for us in a number of ways. For example, if (Health Department employees) lose their personal device, they would not typically stored protected health information on it. That’s good for me, because if they lost it, it’s not a HIPA violation.”

mean less liability for the county. Hays County hopes to “That works for us in cut costs by increasing the a number of ways. For county-wide cell phone example, if (Health Deallowance by $10 a month, partment employees) lose a move to encourage emtheir personal device, they ployees to use their own would not typically have cell phones. stored protected health On July 17, the Hays information on it. That’s County Commissioners good for me, because if Court voted to increase they lost it, it’s not a HIPA –Clint Garza, Executive Director of Countywide Operations violation,” Garza said. the amount of money provided to employees Garza said it is too early who use their personal to guess how much money and off of county-issued out of the county-issued cell phones for work from phones. Paying $45 is still phones. That cost does not the county will save as a $35 to $45 a month. It had savings to the county,” include the time and effort result of its new cell phone been at least 15 years since Garza said. employees spend keeping policy; it depends on how the county had adjusted many employees decide to Turning in their countrack of the phones and the cell phone allowance, turn in their county-issued ty phone is not required managing inventory. said Clint Garza, the exec- for employees, but could phones in favor of the “I can’t quantify (that utive director of Countysave a significant amount time), but it’s not an effec- allowance, and it may take wide Operations. of money; Garza said tive use of tax dollars. That a while to see a difference. “We’re trying to en“We’re definitely playing the county is looking at alone is probably worth courage employees to the long game, that way,” paying $9,838 a year if the change,” Garza said. move over to an allowance employees do not opt he said. The switch would also

Despite record-breaking heat wave, PEC service remains undisrupted BY CARLIE PORTERFIELD Despite a record-breaking heat wave in Central Texas last week, Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) officials said service remained undisrupted. A peak high energy forecast lasted from July 19 to 23, leading PEC to push out information via social media about conservation methods customers could use to do their part to prevent service blackouts, spokesman Mike Viesca said. “We encouraged members and industrial and commercial customers to voluntarily conserve energy if they could,” Viesca said. PEC did not experience any service interruptions as part of the peak forecast last week. While another peak is possible this summer, officials say current temperatures are not causing concern. But increasing usage is catching the eye of state officials, who have seen

Rotating outages would be ordered as a last resort to help preserve the reliability of the system as a whole, if it came down to it; however, rotating outages are extremely rare and have only been implemented three times in the history of Energy Reliability Council of Texas.

three times in the history of ERCOT. In April, ERCOT expected to have sufficient generation to meet summer demand, despite a forecast of record-breaking peak usage this summer, which ERCOT officials believe is driven by the “strong Texas economy.” “So far, our system has been performing as expected, and we have had sufdemand greatly rise as the est amount of electricity ficient generation to meet summer has gone on. use on the system for each the demand on the system. According to a report operating day, or when We have not issued any from the Texas Tribune, the customers are consuming appeals for conservation, Energy Reliability Council the most electricity. but we will let the media of Texas (ERCOT) reached Under extreme condiknow if system conditions an all-time high peak tions, it is possible ERchange,” said spokesperdemand of just over 73,000 COT would need to take son Leslie Sopko. megawatts between 4 p.m. some extra measures to Meanwhile, PEC asksand 5 p.m. July 19 and July help maintain sufficient customers to try to curtail 20. Until last week, the operating reserves, said or at least reduce usage highest demand ERCOT spokesperson Leslie Sopko of heavy appliances such had was roughly 71,000 in an email. as washers, dryers, dishmegawatts in 2016, accordRotating outages would washers and pool pumps ing to the Texas Tribune’s be ordered as a last resort between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. report. to help preserve the reliOfficials also suggested According to ERCOT, ability of the system as a that shades be lowered and which manages the flow of whole, if it came down to it; thermostats be increased electric power to more than however, rotating outages by 2 degrees. PEC followed 25 million Texans, peak are extremely rare and have those precautions in their demand refers to the high- only been implemented own offices, Viesca said.

Lumber Tariff: Could cause home price increases Continued from pg. 1

resell. Conversely, Sanford said rising prices could lead to increased popularity in resale homes, as they could become more affordable. “If new construction is happening, it would make resale homes not as attractive,” Sanford said. “But as home prices were to increase, resale homes could be bumped up because they are comparatively more affordable.” Currently, Sanford said the commercial and home

markets are “strong now,” but said it was “best not to tinker with it and let it be strong on its own.” For Austin Habitat for Humanity, which helps to build homes for residents in the Central Texas area, keeping an eye on material prices is a critical task, said Billy Whipple, Austin Habitat vice president of construction. Whipple said Habitat has seen growth in material costs since 2016, but it is “fortunate” to leverage partnerships with vendors

and suppliers to ensure the non-profit organization doesn’t “take the full hit.” Austin Habitat plans to construct 14 new homes by the end of 2018, with 20 to 25 new homes to be built in 2019, Whipple said. “We’ve seen cost increase, but nothing too dramatically, but we’re keeping our eyes on it,” Whipple said. “I’m on the phone with suppliers to make sure that whatever happens, we are prepared

Investigators still have not determined what started the fire or where it began. Authorities plan to be on the scene until at least July 27, but the investiga-

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Aquifer district declares Stage II alarm drought STAFF REPORT Limited rainfall over the last few weeks is leading officials to declare a Stage II alarm drought for the Edward’s Aquifer, according to a Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District press release. The decision, made by the BSEACD board of directors July 12, was handed down after the 10-day average for discharge at Barton Springs and several monitor wells fell below Stage II Drought thresholds. August will be the first month BSEACD will enforce its Stage II drought restrictions. Under Stage II drought conditions, all district permittees are required to implement mandatory measures to meet monthly pumpage reduction. Cities such as Buda and Kyle both obtain Edwards Aquifer groundwater from the BSEACD via historical use permits. All permitted must achieve at least a 20 percent reduction in monthly pumpage, according to the release. Permittees with conditional epermits will have to reduce use even further. Reducing outdoor water use, such as limiting landscaper irrigation, pool filling, and water fountains is “sufficient to reach monthly pumpage targets for Stage II Alarm Drought,” according to officials. The last groundwater drought declaration ended Jan. 30, 2015, as recharge associated with years of above average rainfall helped to maintain water levels in area aquifers. “Since May of this year, both flow at Barton Springs and the water level at the Lovelady monitor well have been declining,” according to a BSEACD release. “Recent rainfall has not gerrated the runoff needed to sustain creek flow in the creeks and rivers that recharge the aquifers.”

Continued from pg. 1

Sunset Canyon Baptist Church 5:45 PM

for it.” Locally, business and vendors haven’t been impacted by rising wood prices just yet. Curtis Dorsett, owner of Wild West Remodeling, said he hasn’t noticed a big difference in pricing, but has seen a slight increase in recent months. Dorsett said he believes rising prices could affect larger construction and building companies. “Prices go up and prices go down,” Dorsett said. “It’s the same ol’, same ol’.”

DROUGHT

Apartment Fire: Authorities still looking into cause tion could last weeks or even months after they leave. Kistner confirmed that the apartment complex was not outfitted with

fire sprinklers, as it was built in 1970, which was before a San Marcos city ordinance requiring them took effect. Residents who escaped the blaze report-

Call 512-268-7862 to join the church directory today.

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County okays more money for STAGE use of personal cell phones on job

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ed that the complex’s fire alarms did not go off, but authorities said they could not yet determine if the alarms were operational or not. Texas State University Provost Eugene Bourgeois could not confirm if the four victims recovered were Texas State students until the remains are identified. The university is offering resources, such as emergency funds, housing referrals, counseling and help with sending absence notifications to university instructors, for students, faculty and staff affected. “The entire Texas State family is deeply saddened,” Bourgeois said. “To the hundreds displaced by the fire, we are here to assist you in getting back to some sense of normalcy.” On July 24, San Marcos

began providing resources at the San Marcos Activity Center for all residents of the Iconic Village apartments, as well as residents of Buildings L and M at nearby Vintage Pads apartments. The temporary resource center, which will remain open until July 25, will be operational from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. with organizations on site to answer questions and provide information on assistance programs. Donations from citizens are flooding in, officials said. “(An event like this), it tests us, but, at the same time, shows us who we really are,” said San Marcos City Manager Bert Lumbreras. “Our community has always stepped up, and this is not an exception. This is something that is always heartwarming to see.”

Thursday, July 26, 2018

www.HaysNewsDispatch.com

Page 3

Sports

Teamwork makes the dream work for Hays County volleyballer BY MOSES LEOS III

here was a time in Dripping Springs Tiger senior Madi Certain’s life when volleyball didn’t encompass her entire being. During her grade school years, Certain tried her hand at a variety of sports, including basketball, which she was fairly successful in. None of those sports, however, had the staying power and intrigue volleyball could offer Certain. Six years and a plethora of kills later, Certain, who plays at outside hitter, aims to become a key figure in Dripping Springs’ quest for the postseason, and possibly state, in 2018. The life lessons learned on the volleyball court, however, go far beyond wins and losses for Certain. Certain’s path in volleyball was forged during her 7th grade year at Dahlstrom Middle School. At the time, Certain was vying for a spot on the middle

school team, and eventually grew to love the competitiveness of the sport. One of Certain’s motivators was her mother, Kimberly, who herself was a volleyball player at Hays High. During her first few years in the sport, Certain said her mother would work with her in the back yard, offering tips and advice. “In the summer, we would just go outside and mom would teach the basics and the skills of it,” Certain said. It wasn’t until she became a freshman at Dripping Springs High that volleyball began to take root in Certain’s mind. At the same time, Certain was starting to branch out into the club volleyball scene, which offered a more competitive atmosphere to play in. Playing at the club level also meant squaring-off against friends, and at times teammates, who played on opposing teams. While it was a “weird” feeling, Certain

“In the summer, we would just go outside and mom would teach the basics and the skills of it.” –Madi Certain, Dripping Springs High volleyball player

said the experiences helped to improve overall competitiveness on both sides. “It helps you be a team,” Certain said. “It was fun going up against someone you know, but who’s on a different team.” The team dynamic, which involves constant communication at all times, ultimately was the factor that keeps Certain between the lines. Certain said volleyball is much different than many other sports, which often revolve around contact of some kind. The chance to make friends and building cameraderie is an equally important factor. Certain said playing volleyball has helped her forge skills such as mental toughness and leadership, which extend off of the court.

Providing assistance toward that goal is Dripping Springs head coach Michael Kane, who Certain said is “awesome.” “He just does a lot of team commitment stuff. He focuses on skills, but also the team as well,” Certain said. As the season draws near, Certain said she and her fellow seniors are working to keep everyone accountable and at the same level once the first ball is served. Encouraging fellow athletes to participate in off-season summer workouts, in order to ensure commitment, has been one of Certain’s tasks. “That is what helps the team and program stay together,” Certain said.

HAYS FREE PRESS FILE PHOTO

Dripping Springs High outside hitter Madison Certain reaches to push the ball past a Victoria West player during a 2017 playoff match in Gonzales.

OPINION: Spurs prepare for life without Leonard O ur long regional nightmare is now over. And no, I’m not talking about iHop’s shameless marketing “iHob” gimmick. We all knew it was a trick and sure enough it was. Instead, basketball fans were finally given closure to the drama surrounding former San Antonio Spurs Kawhi Leonard and the “will he or won’t he leave” saga. According to reports, the Spurs traded Leonard to the Toronto Raptors for Demar DeRozan, ending an uncharacteristically tumultuous season for a San Antonio franchise that had kept out of the limelight. By no means, however, is the closure gratifying for Spurs fans. Losing Leonard will make an impact on the

From the Sidelines by Moses Leos III

Spurs for some time to come. The franchise had hedged its bets on Leonard, who in his first season looked the heir apparent to Tim Duncan or David Robison, ushering talk of possible future championships. All of that ground to a halt when Leonard essentially sat out the entire season in 2018. Reasons are still unclear why that was the case, whether it be struggles to return from a quadriceps injury, or disagreements with coaching staff and personnel. Spurs fans were the ultimate victims in this

behind-the-scenes ballet of ineptitude. It brought with it a level of disappointment Spurs fans haven’t felt in nearly 20 years. However, losing Leonard may not be without its upside. Over the course of his nine seasons in Toronto, DeRozan averaged more than 34 minutes per game and played in 60 games or more during that timeframe. Offensively, DeRozan offers an impressive field goal percentage, averaging just under 20 points per game. But can he fit in with a Spurs lineup that seems to be going through some changes this offseason? It remains to be seen if Manu Ginobili will return for another season, making him an almost

ageless wonder. Having guards Patty Mills and the recently drafted Lonnie Walker IV could give a boost to the franchise. LaMarcus Aldridge and Pau Gasol will be called

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as they move on with life without Leonard. But one has to wonder with all of the uncertainty in 2018, perhaps 2019 will be a more fruitful season.

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News-Dispatch

Education

Thursday, July 26, 2018

Dripping Springs ISD begins enrollment process STAFF REPORT

COURTESY PHOTO DSHS students with students and teachers from the Phoenix Gymnasium who will be visiting Dripping Springs this fall.

Tigers immersed in German culture STAFF REPORT Dripping Springs High German teacher Jillian Bessemer accompanied eight of her students to Dortmund, Germany, for three weeks in June and July to kick off the school’s first GAPP (German American Partnership Program) exchange. DSHS will host 13 students from the Phoenix Gymnasium School, which is located in Hörde neighborhood of Dortmund for three weeks this fall.

GAPP is a short-term exchange program, which means that instead of just traveling to tourist sites, students stay with German host families and attend classes at the partner school. Dripping Springs High students were able to experience what the education system is like in Germany and took classes in art, Italian, religion and physics. Students also visited Heidelberg, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Münster and the Haus der Geschichte Museum

in Bonn. Bessemer said students’ comprehension of German improved after they were immersed in the language. “They were exposed to roughly the same amount of immersion that they receive in one year in the classroom,” Bessemer said. “By living in Germany, meeting students their age and participating in their regular life, my students wil be better able to adapt and thrive in new situations and cultures.”

Dripping Springs ISD’s annual enrollment verification process for all students begins July 28. Parents will receive a reminder email 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. According to state law, this process must be completed each year for all students. That includes those who were enrolled in DSISD previously and those who are new to the district and have completed registration. Family information will carry over between siblings, but some acknowledgements must be made separately for each child. For secondary students, annual enroll-

Parents will receive a reminder e-mail with log-in information a few days before the enrollment verification window opens.

ment verification is not the same as course selection, which students should have completed in the spring. Parents are asked to complete this process for each child by Aug. 13. Completion will allow the campus to confirm classroom assignments in a timely manner. Parents who have problems with the online 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 request at the high school. One step in the process allows parents the opportunity to customize how they will receive notifications from the district. This step will include a link directing parents to the Blackboard website, where they may indicate how they would like to receive district notifications; as a default, messages are sent using all available methods. Blackboard uses the same login as Family Access.

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Texas Press Statewide Classified Network 283 Participating Texas Newspapers • Regional Ads Start At $250 • Email ads@texaspress.com NOTICE: While most advertisers are reputable, we cannot guarantee products or services advertised. We urge readers to use caution and when in doubt, contact the Texas Attorney General at 800-621-0508 or the Federal Trade Commission at 877-FTC-HELP. The FTC web site is www.ftc.gov/bizop.

Page 5

Dozens of groups ask Trump administration for more time to comment on border wall BY JULIAN AGUILAR TEXAS TRIBUNE More than three dozen environmental, faithbased and immigrant rights groups are urging the federal government to extend the public-comment period for construction of the border wall, arguing that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security isn’t acting in good faith. The allegations come as the Trump administration is moving ahead with plans to build at least 33 miles of wall or other barriers in the Rio Grande Valley. “[Custom and Border Patrol’s] 30-day comment period, without even a single public meeting, strongly suggests a lack of sincere interest in obtaining thoughtful comments and broad engagement with the diverse constituencies affected by border barrier construction,” the coalition of organizations wrote in a letter dated Monday to Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Kevin McAleenan and other federal officials. “Additionally, because many community members in the project area speak primarily Spanish, we ask that CBP send out invitations to comment on this project in Spanish.” The government is also side-stepping regulations mandated by the National Environmental Policy Act and only reaching out to certain stakeholders, according to Laiken Jordahl, the Center for Biological Diversity’s border campaign leader. “Not all the groups that signed on to our letter received that invitation to comment and that’s something we’re really concerned about. They specifically chose who they wanted to send it to,” he said. Jordahl added that it’s unclear when the comment period began or ends. He said his center received a letter from federal officials on July 10 that stated it had 30 days to respond. But the letter wasn’t dated. “There is some confusion as to when the deadline actually is. And I know different people received letters on different dates,” he said. Other groups that signed onto the letter

The allegations come as the Trump administration is moving ahead with plans to build at least 33 miles of wall or other barriers in the Rio Grande Valley. include the ACLU Border Rights Center, La Unión del Pueblo Entero, the Sierra Club and the Hidalgo County Wildlands Network. The groups are asking that the comment period extend to 90 days and that more stakeholders be notified of what the government is proposing. They also argue that federal officials aren’t following current guidelines for constructing in environmentally sensitive or protected areas. “Finally, we are deeply concerned that this solicitation for public comment does not meet the standards for public consultation that the National Environmental Policy Act sets forth,” the letter states. “The NEPA process is a clear and well-established method of soliciting public comment, for which there is no substitute.” A CBP spokesperson said in an email the agency would review the groups’ letter and the Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol sector “will continue to communicate the local communities and other organizations in the Rio Grande Valley on this important Border Security project.” Jordahl noted that the DHS hasn’t yet waived environmental reviews and other laws for the Texas portion of the wall’s construction, as it has already done in California and New Mexico. But he said maybe that’s what’s coming later if federal officials stay on their current course. “That they are not engaging in meaningful NEPA [policies] suggests they might be planning to issue a waiver in the future,” he said. “They know that the public opposes these border walls.”

DSISD Lawsuit Continued from pg. 1

categorized an unknown number of voters in the county, including those who were not eligible to vote in the election, but did participate. The group also cited discrepancies in election numbers, primarily with early voting results. According to a press release, CEEDS filed the lawsuit after the recount, which they believe had multiple procedural violations that “made it impossible to ensure that every ballot was present and that every vote was properly counted.” Jerad Najvar, a Houston-based attorney, said in a statement that CEEDS is seeking a new election so the “dozens of voters who were apparently disenfranchised can have the opportuni-

ty to vote” on the bond measure. “This election proves again that every vote matters – every qualified voter deserves the opportunity to cast a free and fair ballot,” Najvar said. Bruce Gearing, Dripping Springs ISD superintendent, said the district could not comment on the litigation, but that all work on bond projects has stopped. In a statement, DSISD officials hope to “quickly and decisively resolve” the disputed allegations. “Certainly we are cognizant of the fact that if we delay too long, that will impact students because of how soon we can get projects complete and facilities that are necessary to student growth,” Gearing said.

Page 6

News-Dispatch

Thursday, July 26, 2018

Family advocates for undocumented Buda woman’s release BY MOSES LEOS III Concerns about the welfare of an undocumented Buda woman in Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody is leading her family to advocate for her release. Buda resident Enrique Rodriguez worries that Janelie Rodriguez, his stepsister, isn’t receiving the proper medical treatment for mental issues she is experiencing, which he believes would be better administered at home. Enrique, along with Janet Rodriguez, Janelie’s mother, and Ashley Vaca, Janelie’s niece, said she was “pale” and was going through psychological episodes when they visited Janelie at the South Texas Detention Center in Pearsall. Janelie Rodriguez, 25, was placed into custody in January on a felony warrant stemming from an October 2017 incident, where she bit a law enforcement officer. While the felony charges were dropped in early July, Hays County authorities turned Janelie, who has lived in Buda since her family immigrated to the area when she was three years old, over to ICE custody. Enrique Rodriguez said Janelie can “hear voices” and that she should “be with us because of her mental health issues.” Enrique also worries about Janelie’s overall welfare, citing a video he saw of other people detained in ICE facilities who had gotten into fights. Janet Rodriguez, Janelie’s mother, said her daughter has not slept well during her

“She’s not supposed to be there. They’re taking a risk on her life, I think if they think about it, with her medical condition, she is supposed to be treated more safely.” –Enrique Rodriguez, Buda resident

stay. Janet, Enrique and Vaca don’t believe she has been receiving medications, except for her inhaler. “She’s not supposed to be there. They’re taking a risk on her life,” Enrique said. “I think if they think about it, with her medical condition, she is supposed to be treated more safely.” Karen Muñoz, a representative with Mana Amiga, said Janelie is sleeping in a dorm with other detainees, “even though they (ICE) have been told that is not what’s best for her.” Muñoz added the facility was “uncomfortable,” with bright lights and was constantly cold. ICE officials told Muñoz there wasn’t enough room at the Pearsall center and there were not enough beds to keep Janelie separated. “That’s not a significant answer and that’s not good enough for us,” she said. On July 19, U.S. Congressman Lloyd Doggett said in a statement he doesn’t “believe that ICE is equipped to provide” Janelie the mental health treatment she requires. Doggett requested

Death of a Child Continued from pg. 1

victim’s room, he “wasn’t alive anymore.” Chagoya-Wililiams allegedly told authorities her son did not have any bruises on him when he went to sleep, but was unable to provide an explanation for the injuries or his death. Williams said his son did not have visible injuries 24 hours before the incident. However, ChagoyaWilliams’ only explanation was “something (not someone) attacked him or something,” according to the affidavit. When asked what happened to their children, Williams allegedly told authorities it was something not worldly – “demons, evil.” According to the affidavit, the victim’s body was transported to Dell Children’s Medical Center for examination. A skeletal survey showed approximately 20 separate fractures, including to the skull and ribs, as well as a lacerated spleen. During the examination, a medical official said it was her opinion that the victim’s injuries indicated “substantial evidence of physical abuse on more than one occasion.” The injuries suffered by the child rep-

PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III

Janet Rodriguez (left) consoles Ashley Vaca during a press conference where they advocated for Buda resident Janelie Rodriguez’s release from Immigrations and Customs Enforcement custody.

resented life-threatening physical abuse, according to the affidavit. On July 6, an autopsy was performed on the victim, who was found to have injuries not consistent with any accident. Authorities also learned there were prior CPS reports involving Williams and Chagoya-Williams. Those reports showed the victim sustained multiple rib fractures, a wrist or forearm fracture, as well as burns to the lower half of his body from hot water. The date of the incident or incidences is unknown at this time. CPS removed the victim from Williams and Chagoya-Williams’ care for an 11-month period, and was returned to their care after they both completed parenting classes. CPS monitored the victim for the next three months, which CPS ultimately stopped. The child was found dead three months later, according to the affidavit. Both Williams and Chagoya-Williams are being held in the Hays County Jail on $250,000 bond for the injury to a child charge. No bond was set for the capital murder charge, according to Hays County Jail records.

Janelie’s release in order to seek better treatment. “And deporting her will certainly not help her get any treatment. She doesn’t need detention; she needs treatment to get well, “Doggett said. Muñoz said members of Mano Amiga and Janelie’s family don’t trust ICE in keeping Janelie safe. “We’ve seen ICE not treat people properly and neglect giving people medical care and we have seen people die in ICE custody,” Muñoz said. Muñoz believes Janelie’s case could continue to expand a distrust among undocumented residents toward law enforcement. It could keep residents who are victims of crime or domestic violence from reaching out for help or assistance. Muñoz also believes Janelie is facing three “broken systems” – mental health, criminal justice and immigration. “It’s not surprising that these three things are happening to her simultaneously,” Muñoz said. “It’s not surprising she’s not been given treatment at this detention center.”

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