July 29, 2020 News-Dispatch

JULY 29, 2020 AT HOME

CRAMPED

Grant will boost online ‘at home’ programs for library

Kyle makes pitch for new police station ahead of call for funding

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Vol. 40 • No. 42

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Serving Hays County, TX

COVID-19 hijacks housing market

BY SAHAR CHMAIS

In early March, when COVID-19 gripped the U.S., many experts predicted a grim outlook that the housing market would suffer.

This was the case in some parts of the country, but perhaps Central Texas is an enigma.

CoreLogic’s forecast shows an overall increase of 4.8% in U.S. home

prices and expects a 6.6% decrease in 2021. But then there are places like New York City, which experienced a dramatic drop, of 17%, in home prices. As the market experiences slight increases and decreases, homes in Austin and Hays County boomed. Yes, the area took multiple hits in April and May because of the virus, but for a few months now, sellers have

“There are not a lot of homes on the market, but there’s still a number of people moving here and that is driving the prices up.”

–Elle Klein Garrison, real estate agent

been receiving swarms of offers while buyers feel fatigued because of the competition.

“There are not a lot of

homes on the market,” said Realty Austin real-estate agent Elle Klein Garrison, “but there’s still a number of people moving here and

HOUSING MARKET, 8

BY ANITA MILLER

BY SAHAR CHMAIS

CARES FUNDING, 2

people are going to be stuck working from home, they want to be able to at least go outside.”

Weather and space are not the only motives.

Austin and Hays County are experiencing job growth with Amazon opening a warehouse in Kyle and Tesla building a factory near the Austin-Bergstrom Inter-

County fills two key positions

Decision time for Buda on CARES Coronavirus relief funds have allocated about $1 million to the city of Buda under certain conditions.

Buda City Council members agreed that the city should apply for the grant to help aid the city during the pandemic. The government will give the city 20% of the money upfront and will reimburse the rest after the city spends it. Money issued to Buda must go toward coronavirus aid, or else the city will not get refunded. Another condition is that the city must spend the funds before Dec. 31.

So far, council members have agreed on the proposed budget expenditures. But during the meeting, the city’s finance director, June Ellis, stressed that these plans are not final. If the city sees that the money should be spent another way, changes can be made.

The CARES Act funds created guidelines on how the money can be used in order for the city to receive reimbursement, and Buda budgeted 75% of the funds for medical expenses, public health and payroll, all of

that is driving the prices up.”

Garrison attributes the rush of buyers to several reasons. The area has nice weather year-round, homes are spacious and the job market is growing, she said.

“Starting at the beginning of COVID, people were stuck in their homes for months,” Garrison explained. “So I’ve seen a big uptick, because if

PHOTO BY ZACH PERKINS Port Aransas Police examine the vehicle in which Nicholas Linger of Dripping Springs died.

DS resident dead in Port A after chase

BY ZACH PERKINS

said. “He had no warrants. He wasn’t wanted.

PORT ARANSAS SOUTH JETTY There was really no A man who died folreason.” lowing a police pursuit A bottle of alcohol in Port Aransas has been and marijuana paraidentified as Nicholas phernalia were found Linger of Dripping inside the car, Jamison Springs, according to said.

Port Aransas Det. Amy Police first encounJamison. tered Linger on Beach While being pursued Street near a beach by police, Linger, 33, barricade, shortly after crashed his car and then 6 p.m. on Thursday, July was found dead with 23. a self-inflicted gunHe was asleep in his shot wound, on State car, Burroughs said.

Highway 361, according Linger then suddenly to Port Aransas Police drove away while an ofChief Scott Burroughs. ficer was talking to him, Jamison said that according to Burroughs.

Linger had no reason to The officer chased the run from police. car west down Beach “There’s nothing that Street, south on Alister led us to know why he Street and then south did what he did,” she down the highway,

Burroughs said, adding that the car was weaving through traffic during the pursuit.

Just north of Beach Access Road 1A, the car jumped the highway’s center median, crossed the sidewalk on the other side and came to a halt with the car’s front end dipping into a culvert next to the sidewalk.

After viewing camera footage, Jamison said that she believes Linger still was alive when the car came to a stop.

As three responding officers approached the car, they noticed Linger’s head move violently before he was

CHASE FATALITY, 7

Two positions for the county were filled by the Commissioners Court Tuesday. The Chief of Emergency Services was officially appointed and a new fire marshal was hired.

Mike Jones had served as director of emergency services in an interim capacity May 16 through July 15, but was officalled hired as chief of emergency services. Nathan Mendenhall was hired as the county’s fire marshal, replacing Gib Watt, who had served as interim since May 16.

“I’m so grateful Mr. Jones has applied for this position,” County

JONES

MENDENHALL

Judge Ruben Becerra said as the appointments were announced, noting that Jones had “well served” the community.

“I personally know him as a community leader,” Becerra said, mentioning Jones’ “can-do” attitude. “We will be greatly served with his leadership.

Of the new fire mar-

EMERGENCY SERVICES, 9

State’s reopening hiked local sales tax revenues

BY ANITA MILLER Whether it was “too early” or not, the reopening of the Texas economy in May has lead to healthy sales tax rebates for a number of Hays County communities — though that trend didn’t prevail throughout the state.

Here’s the city by city breakdown (all annual percent increases are YTD compared to 2019): • Buda: July allocation is $656,105.70, up 2.86% from a year ago. So far this year, Buda has been allocated $4,670,643.90,

an increase of 9.28% .

• Dripping Springs: July allocation is $256,233.04, up 12.62% from a year ago. So far this year, Dripping Springs has been allocated $1,740,703.18, an increase of 12.43%.

• Hays City: July allocation $3,002.62, up 93.85% from a year ago.

So far this year, Hays City has been allocated 11,263.11, a decrease of 3.42%.

• Kyle: July allocation is 833,945.28, up 1.74%. So far this year,

SALES TAX REVENUE, 9

Beyond the Rebel: District digs for roots of racism

BY MEGAN WEHRING

Schools across the state of Texas, including Hays High School, have reconsidered their mascot amid controversial outcry.

The Hays Rebels originated in 1968. The school didn’t start distancing itself from Confederacy associations until the 2000s.

In light of recent events, mass attention toward the Rebel mascot has spurred across social media.

“The mascot has to be something that’s a unifying symbol of a school,” Tim Savoy, chief communication officer for Hays CISD, said. “When you see the passions, the hurt and all of the divisiveness that comes with it, we believe that it has ceased to serve its purpose of what a mascot needs to be.”

Many members of the Hays community are outspoken about their experiences. Board secretary

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• COVID19 wedding, a personal observation • Kyle Corrections Facility COVID-19 status • Students reflect on going back to school

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Vanessa Petrea said that all current and former students should be proud of their high school.

“We should be known for being a place that fosters a sense of community, family and belonging,” Petrea said. “But, how can we do that if we continue to support symbols that alienate 25% of our community and divide us?”

At the July 16 meeting, Hays High School senior Alena Hernandez spoke

up about her experience organizing the student committee to change the mascot. She was stunned to receive negative backlash against her for her opinion. Hernandez informed the board that some members of the community created fake accounts solely to message her hateful comments.

Board Vice President Will McManus said the unacceptable behavior

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toward Hernandez was uncalled for in any situation.

“It really honestly breaks my heart,” McManus said. “Adults that were a part of that really need to spend some time reflecting on what matters in their life. I’m just really upset about it. It should never happen.”

Trustee Meredith Keller suggests the board should

BEYOND THE REBEL, 11

NEWS

Page 2

Dripping Springs ISD board approves plan to return to school

BY CHASE ROGERS Dripping Springs ISD approved a return-toschool plan Monday, July 28, cementing guidelines for in-person and remote instruction for the fall semester.

The DSISD Board of Trustees voted 7-0 in favor to approve the “Return, Reimagine, Connect” back-to-school plan, taking effect after four weeks of remote instruction which begins on Aug. 18 and allowing parents to opt into in-person or remote instruction.

Parents selecting remote instruction will see a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous instruction with some choice depending on grade level. Synchronous instruction is remote instruction that is given in real-time, via Zoom or other services, and is two-way, allowing teachers and students to communicate as they would in a classroom setting. Distantly, remote asynchronous instruc-

Sierra Club takes on Kinder Morgan

BY ANITA MILLER Another allegation against Kinder Morgan’s Permian Highway Pipeline has been raised, this time by the Sierra Club and, once again, the energy giant has refuted the claim.

On Monday, July 27, Gabby Brown of the Sierra Club cited local landowners in reporting a spill of drilling fluid that occurred while contractors for the natural gas pipeline were attempting to bore under the Pedernales River.

On March 28, a contractor for the pipeline hit a karst feature while trying to bore under the Blanco River in Blanco County, which dumped 36,000 gallons of drilling fluid into the Trinity Aquifer and fouled nearby water wells. Work at that site is still halted as the company has said it is studying how to best mitigate the damage.

A lawsuit alleging the incident violated the federal Clean Water Act was subsequently filed by the Wimberley Valley Watershed Association (WVWA) and the Trinity Edwards Springs Protection Association (TESPA). Additionally, Hays County barred Kinder Morgan from crossing any county roads until an agreement for mitigation is reached.

“Impacted landowners still do not have clean water in their homes,” Brown said of the March 28 incident near Chimney Rock Road. “The company has had

tion utilizes “prerecorded video lessons or gamebased learning tasks that students complete on their own, and pre-assigned work and formative assessments made available to students on paper,” defined by the Texas Education Agency.

According to the district, the curriculum will not change between students selecting in-person or virtual learning. In-person instruction will come with a mask requirement when in school facilities.

Superintendent Todd Washburn added that Hays County health officials have indicated their intent to implement a public health order restricting in-person learning until September, similar to Travis County’s.

Families will be able to enroll students in their chosen instruction model July 29.

To help inform stakeholders the district has created a web portal with the guidelines, frequently asked questions and surveys for viewing.

Continued from pg. 1

Council member Teri Cummings asked Ellis if the city plans to fund public testing, which is not in the current proposal. Ellis said they do not have it planned but it does not mean they cannot make funds available for this purpose.

The other 25% will be spent on general government outlay, including emergency equipment and supplies, technological enhancements, legal services and more.

Barton Publications, Inc. News tips: news@haysfreepress.com Opinions: csb@haysfreepress.com 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640 www.haysfreepress.com 512-268-7862 Publisher Cyndy Slovak-Barton News Editor Anita Miller

The City Manager will hold Budget Worksession No. 2 with the City Council on the proposed budget for fiscal year 2020-2021 on Saturday, August 1, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. It is important to note that the City Manager’s proposed budget as presented to City Council on August 1, 2020 is subject to changes by the City Council during the budget deliberations.

The proposed budget for fiscal year 2020-2021 is a complete financial plan for all City funds, programs, services, operations, and capital improvement program (CIP) activities for the period covering October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021. The proposed budget for fiscal year 2020-2021 for all City expenditures, as proposed by the City Manager totals approximately $134.2 million and includes 281.0 full time equivalent positions. Of the total $134.2 million proposed budget, the City’s General Fund budget for fiscal year 2020-2021 totals approximately $30.1 million for operations and maintenance and approximately $8.9 million in onetime transfers from the fund balance to pay for major capital improvement projects instead of issuing bond debt.

A general summary of the City’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2020-2021 for all City Funds including debt service is provided below: FOR ALL CITY FUNDS  Estimated Beginning Fund Balance $ 113,678,017  Estimated Revenue $ 84,521,747  Estimated Available Funds $ 198,199,764  Estimated Expenditures $ 134,194,534 *  Estimated Ending Fund Balance $ 64,005,230 *Includes expenditure of accumulated funds from prior fiscal years such as road bond proceeds, water and wastewater impact fees, park development fees, re-prioritization of capital funds, and the one-time use of fund balances.

The Kyle City Council is scheduled to hold budget meetings and public hearings on the proposed budget, property tax rates, water and wastewater service rates storm drainage fee, and other fees and charges for various City services for fiscal year 2020-2021 on the following dates:

James Darby

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Production Manager

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Production Assistant

Reporters Megan Wehring, Sahar Chmais, Chase Rogers Columnists Bartee Haile, Pauline Tom, Clint Younts

Elizabeth Garcia Office Manager Arlene Monroe Circulation/Classifieds David White,

Proofreaders Jane Kirkham Marketing Director Tracy Mack Marketing Specialist

Arlene Monroe Distribution Kimberlee Griffon

that had occurred, adding that the Railroad Commission was satisfied with the effort.

The Sierra Club said it will challenge the approval of the project by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) “without first providing for public participation or conducting the environmental analysis required by the National Environmental Policy Act.” The organization has filed a motion urging the U.S District Court for the Western District of Texas to halt construction of the pipeline, which is routed to cross 29 waterways “unless and until the Corps complies with NEPA.” A hearing is scheduled Friday in Austin.

“Kinder Morgan has repeatedly made it clear that they can’t be trusted to safely build this pipeline through vulnerable water resources, and it’s shameful that state and national agencies have given them a free pass to go ahead without scrutiny or public input,” said Roddy Hughes of the Sierra Club. “This latest incident is further proof that the Permian Highway Pipeline poses a grave threat to Texas communities and waterways. The Texas Railroad Commission must act to protect them by shutting down construction on this dangerous pipeline immediately.”

Long said construction activities “have progressed remarkably well, especially during a historic pandemic. He said the project is “80% mechanically complete.”

The Kyle City Council is scheduled to conduct budget meetings and public hearings on the City Manager's proposed budget for fiscal year 2020-2021 including revenues, expenditures, property tax rates, water and wastewater service rates, storm drainage fee, and other fees and charges for various City services.

David White

Sports Editor Moses Leos III

multiple spills and violations over the course of construction of the controversial pipeline.”

Regarding the Pedernales River incident, Lexie Long, a Kinder Morgan corporate communication specialist, called the Sierra Club’s description wrong.

Long said the Pedernales incident was not significant, and amounted to “ponding or spilling of drilling fluids on the ground” that she said is “common in the construction of all (similar) operations, particularly at the start and end of a drill near the ground surface.”

Because it is an intra-state project, the only agency required to sign off on the project was the Railroad Commission and because the pipeline is considered infrastructure, Kinder Morgan has the power of eminent domain to acquire right-of-way along its 430mile course against landowner objections.

Regarding the March 28 incident, Long said that while the wells had a “temporary period of elevated suspended solid,” the current water quality is “generally representative of what is historically common for the area.”

She countered complaints of erosion with the fact that “silt fences and other erosion control devices” have been installed along the right-of-way. Such controls have proven effective, Long said, ”but admitted they had been defeated by “extraordinary rainfall”

City of Kyle, Texas Notice of City Council Budget Meetings and Public Hearings Proposed Operating and Capital Budget For Fiscal Year 2020-2021

Buda eyeing CARES funding these items covered by the CARES Act guidelines.

The proposed budget will distribute $306,000 to COVID-19 testing for city employees, city council members and their family members.

About $300,000 would be reimbursement for staff salaries, wages and benefits. Nearly $150,000 would be spent on prevention and containment such as sanitizing equipment, sanitization and disinfecting items.

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • July 29, 2020

City Council Budget Workshop No. 1: Saturday, June 13, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. (Completed) City Council Budget Workshop No. 2: Saturday, August 1, 2020 at 8:00 a.m.

City Council Budget Workshop No. 3: Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. (includes public hearing and 1st Reading of Budget & Property Tax Rate Ordinances) City Council Budget Workshop No. 4: Tuesday, August 25, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. (includes public hearing & 2nd Reading of Budget & Property Tax Rate Ordinances)

All Kyle residents and interested persons are invited to attend the City Council’s budget meetings and public hearings to provide their comments to the City Council. An electronic copy of the City Manager’s proposed operating and capital budget for fiscal year 2020-2021 will be available on the City's website beginning August 1, 2020. A printed copy of the complete proposed budget document will also be available for public inspection during business hours (except on a City holiday) at Kyle City Hall located at 100 West Center Street, Kyle, Texas, and at Kyle Public Library located at 550 Scott Street, Kyle, Texas.

This Notice of City Council Budget Meetings and Public Hearings is hereby provided in accordance with Article VIII, Section 8.05 of the Kyle City Charter.

Perwez A. Moheet, CPA Director of Finance July 29, 2020

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Opinion

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “This is a terrible time in our society and in our world right now. I really hope that our students and our staff can be kind as we move through this process.”

–Meredith Keller, Hays CISD board trustee. Story on page 1.

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • July 29, 2020

Page 3

Don’t make a scary situation even worse Hip Czech

by Cyndy Slovak-Barton

P

resident Trump is sending Federal agents into the streets of Portland and has threatened to send them to other cities with Democratic mayors and governors.

Confirmed reports from Portland tell of protesters being picked up in unmarked vehicles, taken to the Federal courthouse, and held without charges. Held without charges? In America?

That idea has become so offensive to people in Portland that even those who have not been participating in protests are coming out and taking a stand.

Take the Navy retired officer, Christopher J. David, who served as a Seabee. He has only participated in one other protest – a march for women’s rights in Washington D.C. in 1989. At the Portland protest, he wore a sweatshirt that had “Navy” printed large across the front and a backpack with his Navy patches and awards. His hat said “Navy.” He simply wanted to talk to the agents to ask if they felt the same way about the oaths they had taken as he did.

Instead, standing all of his six-foot-two inches tall with his hands by his side, he was beaten with batons. When he still asked questions, he was pepper-sprayed directly in the face. He stepped away, and finally turned to give the agents a sign of his disgust.

The former Naval officer and Seabee told protesters and reporters that the approaches being used by the Feds reminded him of the tactics of the Chilean dictator General Augusto Pinochet.

Those times in Chile were scary, as dissidents disappeared from the streets. Sound familiar?

After simply trying to question troops, David ended up in the hospital with a broken hand that will need multiple pins and multiple surgeries. Broken hand and all, he left the protest in disgust, concerned about what was being done to his town.

Let’s look at another example of a non-protester heading into the streets because of the troops taking over Portland.

Mardy Widman is 79 years old and a grandmother. She didn’t participate in the protests because of fears of COVID-19. But Widman masked up, overcame her fear and ended up holding a sign that said, “Grammy says: Please feds, leave Portland.”

The President says he plans on sending more troops into cities led by Democratic mayors – New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit and Baltimore – even though in Detroit there have not been riots, but rather peaceful gatherings and protests for weeks now. In Baltimore, protest organizers have learned to avoid violence, and now conversations are being held on issues that led to the early violence.

So it seems that sending in Federal agents is just a political move to boost the President’s base.

It makes you wonder if Austin could be next.

Sending in troops and taking people off the streets is simply scary. While David was talking about Pinochet in his explanation about why he didn’t think Feds should be used, I think back to the time I lived as an exchange student in the Philippines. This was during the Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos dictatorship.

There was a night-time curfew. If you weren’t in your home by 10 p.m., you were in trouble.

Serious trouble. If you were caught outside, you were hauled to jail.

But you could also be stopped, questioned, and “taken in” for no reason at all. And, as a “blondie,” as I was called there, I stuck out among all of the Filipinos with their black hair.

I was picked out of a crowd several times and questioned. Luckily, I stuck with a group of local friends and answered quietly. I learned to keep my hair covered with hats and scarves while out.

I was never hauled to jail, but I was scared.

Being a U.S citizen, I was not used to this kind of treatment, and it gave me the creeps.

Now I’m seeing the same kind of treatment to U.S. citizens on American soil.

Do I want the riots and protests to turn to violence? No. Do I want destruction of property and stores? No. And I also do not want to see America turned into a place where you fear to voice your opinion.

That’s something I’ve already lived through once, and it’s no fun.

It’s a nightmare. csb@haysfreepress.com

Publisher Cyndy Slovak-Barton lived in Manila while an exchange student through Youth For Understanding.

NEWS TIPS

If you think it’s news, we probably do too!

• Newsroom phone: 512-268-7862 • E-mail: news@haysfreepress.com • Mail: 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640

CORRECTIONS

The Washington Nobodies I don’t know ‘bout all y’all, but I’m a bit tired of reading about this dang corona virus, along with the controversies of shutdowns and wearing a mask. Heck, I’ve even roiled the pot a time or two, tossing in my two cents while pennies are still accepted as currency.

As important as this pandemic is upon our health and economy, I’ve had my fill of writing about it. So, to help relieve your stress, I’ve decided to move on to a more jovial topic today.

Are y’all ready for some football?

Well, that last sentence probably caused some of my testosterone-deficient readers to skip this column, but there is a football-related subject I need to address before the NFL season starts.

As some of y’all already know, the NFL team up in Washington DC will no longer be the Redskins, since that term is considered a racial slur. I don’t disagree with this action, something that probably should’ve happened years ago, but the new name is what has me wondering if there is anyone in our

“The Football Team.”

“Yes, your football team. What’s its name?”

Crow’s “The Football Team.”

Nest “Yes, sir. Your football team?”

by Clint Younts “Yep. That’s it.”

“That’s what? I am asking what do you call your nation’s capital who has football team?” half a brain.

“Pal, I told you. The The NFL has anFootball Team. Are you nounced the Redskins will hard of hearing or somenow be called the Washthing?” ington Football Team.

“I am sorry, maybe you No, I’m not pulling your do not understand me leg. That’s what the team with my accent. When owner wants to call his you go watch an NFL club until they come up game, whom do you root with another name, one for?” that won’t upset anybody.

“The Football Team.”

It might take a while “Which one?” since, as we all know, it “My Football Team!” takes a long time for folks “Yes, your football in Washington to agree on team. I understand that. anything. So, if there is an Okay, let’s say you are NFL season in 2020, we’ll placing a bet on a game, get to watch the Cowboys and you are picking your whup the Washington football team to beat the Football Team twice.

Chicago Bears. What do Can you imagine some you say to your bookie?” foreign tourist going into “A hundred on the a sports bar in WashingFootball Team, duh?” ton and asking the fella “Hmm? Okay, what on the adjacent barstool, does your mascot look “Do you have a football like?” team here in Washing“I don’t think we have ton?” one. We used to have “We sure do.” one dressed like a fierce “What is it called?”

Native American warrior.

Now I think there’s a guy wearing a jersey and a Donald Trump mask”.

“So, let me get this straight. Here in Washington D.C., there is this football team. And you and your fellow fans support the football team. And every week, you gather in front of the TV and cheer ‘Go football team!’ Am I correct?”

“Finally, you understand! I was thinking you foreigners were just stupid.”

So, NFL fans, if there are any of you left with all the hullabaloo over kneeling, it won’t be long before we can start watching football again. I may have to watch a Washington game just to hear their fans cheer, “Two bits, four bits, six bits, a dollar. All for the Football Team, stand up and holler!” crowsnest78610 @gmail.com

When not watching his favorite Cowboys or booing “The Football Team”, Younts is probably teaching his grandkids the art of throwing a football, or a cow patty.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Stick to the facts on Permian Highway Editor, A recent guest column (“Respect the Hill Country,” July 22) mischaracterized the Permian Highway natural gas pipeline as a “perilous and unprecedented threat to the Texas Hill Country.”

This is an unfortunate and inaccurate depiction that overlooks not only the importance of the project, but also the extensive permitting and approval process modern pipelines like Permian Highway undergo. Further, indus-

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

DEADLINES

try innovation, advanced technology, and trusted approaches to new development have continued to bolster the safety and efficiency of the construction process.

With nearly four decades of experience in the oil and gas industry, I can attest to the growing pains that come with building largescale infrastructure projects. But trusting in the skilled craftsmanship of Texas’s workforce and the thorough regulatory processes in place is key

• The deadline for display advertising and any contributed news copy is 5 p.m. Friday the week prior to publication.

• The deadline for Letters to the Editor and classified word advertising is noon Monday the week of publication, though we encourage readers and advertisers to observe the Friday deadline.

to progress and expanding the network that helps heat and power our homes and businesses and literally fuels the economy.

Once completed, Permian Highway will join at least 7 other pipelines in Hays County that operate seamlessly day-in and day-out, 365 days a year, largely without notice. The environment surrounding the line will undergo a comprehensive restorative process that minimizes any potential impact and returns the land as closely

LETTERS GUIDELINES

as possible to its original state.

Rather than propagating fear and skepticism around the project, it is important we stick to the facts. Modern pipelines like Permian Highway are the safest, most efficient, and most environmentally-conscious method of transporting the energy that Texans rely on each and every day.

Bill Godsey, Houston Geoscientist and Former Geologist with Railroad Commission of Texas

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

NEWS

Page 4

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • July 29, 2020

‘At Home’ program Grant will boost Buda library’s online services STAFF REPORT

A Family Science Night that was to be held back in March was the first COVID-19 casualty of the Buda Public Library.

More and more plans were scrapped in an effort to slow the coronavirus spread. But there’s been some good news for Buda-area residents and public library patrons.

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission’s CARES grant program recently awarded the Buda library with a grant of $17,500 to be used to enhance the library’s response to COVID-19.

In addition to enhancing online programs and creating new ones, the money will fund “Science in a bag” and “Storytime in a bag,” bundles available for checkout so child patrons can engage in library programs at home.

Both programs are set to debut in the fall.

Immediately after COVID019 cancellatios began, library staff began developing a digital program, including a video series called Watercolor Wednesday and Cards with Ms. Martha. When book publishers opened access to reading books online, staff added Toddler and Preschool Storytime

of families. This year, the library provided a digital Kick off Variety Show featuring skits from library staff, magician Julian Franklin and videos created by library teens. “Making the variety show was a huge learning curve. We went from no video programming experience to posting four videos a week and creating a 90-minute variety show in the span of two months,” Foley said.

Weekly summer classes were held over Zoom, large events were moved online, and weekly videos were scheduled to go up onto Facebook and later added to the library’s website. The library also provided jourCITY OF BUDA PHOTO nals and weekly prompts

Librarian Martha Sanders with a book that was featured during “Toddler Time.” The coronavirus pandemic has changed how the Buda library functions.

to the video line-up.

The library closed its doors to the public at the end of March, and while it was able to re-open in June with limited hours, library staff made plans for virtual summer reading programs. Summer at Buda Public Library usually consists of reading clubs for all age groups, weekly classes full of children and teens, multiple storytimes and large events that bring youth to the library.

“Summer provides

students an opportunity to read totally for pleasure and it is so important for libraries to make it easy to find materials and encourage reading,” Assistant Director/Children’s Librarian Martha Sanders said. Reading club participants track time read on logs provided by the library and then return them via curbside service for prizes.

Reading logs can be picked up and turned in until Sept.

5, a date that was extended to coordinate with Hays

CISD start date.

In addition to the summer reading club, the library staff created a virtual summer program that mimicked a typical summer schedule. “It was important for us to create a sense of comfort and consistency with what we have provided in the past, even if the medium was different,” Youth Librarian Caitlin Foley said.

Summer always starts with a large Kick Off Party that brings in hundreds

PEC awards community grants totaling over $25,000 The Wimberley Senior Center and Wimberley Valley Radio are among recipients of more than $25,000 in community grants recently announced by the Pedernales Electric Coop (PEC).

The Wimberley Senior Center, which offers programs for residents ages

55 and up, was awarded a $5,000 grant to replace the air conditioner in their Thrift Shop, which is the facility’s primary source of funding.

Wimberley Valley Radio, which broadcasts to seven area counties as well as worldwide through online streaming, was founded

in the wake of the devastating flood of May 2015.

It was awarded $4,710 in order to purchase a new broadcasting console.

“When times are tough, we know our members rely on organizations like these to make it through,” PEC Community Relations Coordinator Caro-

line Tinsley Porter said.

“We are thankful to have hard working nonprofits committed to making our communities better places to live for all of us.”

No traditional grants reception was possible due to COVID-19, but grants were quickly distributed.

to children and teens along with crafting supplies.

Even while providing online programs, the Buda Public Library is aware that not everyone in the community has internet access.

In fact, according to the census, 10.18% of households in Hays County have no internet access.

During the COVID-19 crisis, this population is left out of all virtual programming and unable to connect with digital materials. Several components of the summer reading program were designed to accommodate participants with a non-digital option including the journal program, craft kits and paper reading logs.

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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • July 29, 2020

Five people file for Buda city spots for Nov. 3 election As of 5 p.m. Monday, one person had filed to run for mayor of Buda and two people had filed for positions on the city council.

Lee Urbanovsky, who currently holds the AtLarge Position 1 on the council, filed paperwork to replace Mayor George Haehn, who is not running for re-election.

Also up for election this year are the city’s Position 2 At-Large, currently held

by Remy Fallon and Single Member District 2, and there will also be a special election for Position 1 At-Large.

Bobby Lane and Monica Davidson have filed to run for Position 2, while Matt Smith and LaVonia

Home-Williams have filed Single Member District 2. No one had yet filed to run for Single Member District B, currently held by Evan Ture.

Aug. 17 is the last day to file to appear on the Nov. 3 ballot.

OTHER IMPORTANT DATES:

• Aug. 23 - last day to file a declaration to run as a write-in.

• Oct. 5 - last day to register to vote.

• Oct. 13 - first day of early voting.

• Oct. 23 - last day to apply for a ballot by mail. Application must be postmarked by this day.

• Oct. 30 - last day for early voting.

• Nov. 3 - Election Day.

Page 5

Abbott extends early voting, waives STAAR test for upcoming year STAFF REPORT Gov. Greg Abbott issued declarations this week regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the reopening of Texas public schools and the resumption of standardized testing.

On Monday, Abbott extended the early voting period by nearly a week, beginning Oct. 13.

Additionally, he said mail-in ballots that arrive as late as Election Day will be counted.

In a separate announcement, Abbott said that he is waiving the grade promotion requirement of STAAR

testing for the 20202021 school year, which is typically required of students in grades 3 through 8.

A STAAR test will be administered in May 2021 “to coincide with the administration of other STAAR grades 3-8 assessments,” Abbott said.

“As always, our goal is to provide a high quality education for every student,” Abbott said.

“This will be a uniquely challenging school year, therefore, this year is all about providing students every opportunity to overcome the disruptions caused by the COVID-19.”

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Brave citizens go after tower sniper Texas History

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Crum for a detective, which Jerry Day and other officers apparently did.

Crum accompanied Day to the third floor of The Tower, where the officer leaned out a window in

order to get a bead on the shooter atop the 307-foot structure. When that failed, the two retraced their steps to the first floor.

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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • July 29, 2020

Group freeing people through community bond program

BY ANITA MILLER There’s a new avenue for pre-trial detainees – who make up the majority of those incarcerated in Hays County Jail – to be released from custody and returned to their families, without experiencing any financial impact.

The community bond program was launched in the spring by the activist organization Mano Amiga, and as of last week had accomplished 16 releases and was expecting another 3 to 5 within the next seven days.

Funded by National Bail Project and the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Foundation, the project pays the full cash bond for eligible inmates and when that individual shows up for court “the money comes back to us,” explained Eric Martinez, Mano Amiga’s policy director. The group’s total funding is $75,000 – $50,000 from the National Bail Project and $25,000 from the RFK Foundation.

Jordan Buckley, one of the group’s founders, said the program is intended to chip away at a system that punishes people for poverty, and now also puts them in a situation where they could be exposed to the deadly coronavirus.

The cash bond process now in use translates to a “wealth-based” system, Buckley said. “People charged with the same crime, if they can afford bail, can go home and elude the virus. If you can’t pay, you are left in a facility swamped with COVID-19.”

The program has been in the works for almost a year and would have been the first in the state, Buckley said, if not for the coronavirus. “After the pandemic hit, there were lots of communities trying to do the same thing.”

Basically, the program is open to people incarcer-

The community bond program was launched in the spring by the activist organization Mano Amiga, and as of July 22 had accomplished 16 releases. ated as pre-trail detainees (meaning they have not pled guilty or been sentenced), have been assessed a bond of $5,000 or less, have a reliable contact (the more contacts, the stronger the case) and have an attorney willing to work with the program.

Once eligibility is established, Mano Amiga works with the attorney (who must sign papers assuring the bail money will be returned to the organization). In addition to securing their release, Mano Amiga, through partnerships with other advocacy programs, can also, if necessary, arrange for a night in a motel.

The first person released under the program walked out of jail April 2 after spending several days there on a charge of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

“He was arrested because he was experiencing homelessness and came across an abandoned vehicle and crawled inside to rest for the night – which counters the narrative from the jail that the only people in jail are convicted or accused of a violent crime.”

Prosecutors eventually declined to prosecute that case, Buckley said.

Charges are still active, however, about the latest person released through the program.

Joshua Williams was arrested on a charge of criminal trespass that was filed, he says, by his girlfriend’s uncle.

An amputee and cancer survivor, Williams spent six days in jail and was told about the community bail program by his attorney.

“Mano Amiga came in and talked with my lawyer and my mother. They basically won my mom’s trust and she allowed them to come and get me out. I’m really thankful that I had that.

They gave me brand new N95 mask, a $25 H-E-B gift card, new socks and deodorant and toiletries and schooled me on what was going on,” the 38-year-old Williams said. “I believe in the work Mano Amiga does.”

When the county established a Magistration Division last year, there was hope that more pre-trial detainees would be released back to their families and jobs and in a timely fashion, but Buckley and Joe Fonseca, also of Mano Amiga, said reality has fallen short of expectations.

The designated district judge, Joe Moore, “has not been magistrating enough,” Martinez said.

“We’ve had people that turned themselves in at 9 a.m. and had not been magistrated until 3 p.m. the next day,” a delay he called unacceptable especially given the fact the coronavirus is spreading among the jail’s population. “(District Judge) Gary Steele was dubbed the ‘lazy judge’ by the Houston Chronicle. Moore is the ‘lazy magistrate,’” Martinez said.

Although many inmates were released in the spring after district judges met to discuss the coronavirus, some accused of specific offenses were not eligible per an order from Gov. Greg Abbott. Martinez pointed out that Bexar

County got around that by having judges issue affordable, “nominal bonds” of $10 or so.

Buckley also noted that addiction, mental health and homelessness contribute to the jail’s population and each needs to be addressed.

“It’s clear the origins of why crimes are committed are tied to these underlying issues. Locking people in a cage will not solve anything.”

Though word of the program was initially spread primarily through word of mouth, now more attorneys are mentioning the possibility to their clients, PHOTO BY MANO AMIGA which is bringing more Joe Fonseca sets up an impromptu office outside Hays County interest.

Jail waiting for an inmate’s release.

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Police Blotter The following is a tally of all calls made to law enforcement within Hays County between July 13 and July 19, 2020.

Below is a sample of events reported by law enforcement from July 13 through July 19, 2020. The location is where the event was reported or responded to and may not necessarily be where the event occured.

Civil Matter............................................................................................11 Information............................................................................................31 Compliance Check .................................................................................3 Sex Offender Registry ............................................................................1 Property Lost/Found/Imp.......................................................................2 Alarm Business .....................................................................................47 Alarm Residential .................................................................................34 Animal Calls ..........................................................................................59 Field Euthanasia .....................................................................................2 Loose Livestock ...................................................................................19 Assault ....................................................................................................6 Assist EMS ............................................................................................11 Assist Fire Dept ......................................................................................6 Assist Outside Agency .........................................................................26 Burglary Building ....................................................................................2 Burglary Habitation ................................................................................4 Burglary Vehicle ......................................................................................1 Criminal Mischief ....................................................................................7 Illegal Dumping .......................................................................................3 Enviromental Crime ................................................................................1 Fireworks ................................................................................................2 Attended Death ......................................................................................5 Death Investigation ................................................................................1 Disturbance Noise ................................................................................12 Disturbance Physical Fight ....................................................................7 Disturbance Verbal ...............................................................................17 Child Custody .........................................................................................3 Narcotics/Information ............................................................................3 Marijuana ................................................................................................1 Public Intoxication ..................................................................................1 Alcohol Violation .....................................................................................1 Violation of Order....................................................................................1 Fraud .....................................................................................................13 Harassment...........................................................................................11 Threat ......................................................................................................5 Indecency w Child ..................................................................................1 Mental Health Follow Up ........................................................................2 Mental Health Invest...............................................................................3 Mental Health Transport .........................................................................2 Canine Search ........................................................................................2 Canine Training .......................................................................................1 Viol City Ordinance .................................................................................1 Viol County Ordinance ...........................................................................2 Missing Person .......................................................................................3 Drone Deployment..................................................................................2 Runaway .................................................................................................2 Public Assist ...........................................................................................7 Community Contact .............................................................................53 Disabled Vehicle ...................................................................................20 Foot Patrol ............................................................................................14 Close Patrol ........................................................................................388 Parental Discipline Assist.......................................................................2 Flagged Down ........................................................................................2 Welfare Concern ...................................................................................28 Suicidal Person.......................................................................................6 Investigation ...........................................................................................8 Supplement...........................................................................................77 Suspicious Circumstances ..................................................................21 Suspicious Person..................................................................................4 Suspicious Vehicle ...............................................................................16 Wanted Person .......................................................................................2 Theft ......................................................................................................18 Identity Theft...........................................................................................2 Vehicle Theft ...........................................................................................4 Accident Minor .....................................................................................16 Accident Hit and Run .............................................................................6 Accident Major/Injury ...........................................................................14 Accident Fleet.........................................................................................1 Accident Unknown .................................................................................8 Abandoned/Stored Vehicle ..................................................................13 Traffic Control/Direction .........................................................................5 Directed/Area Enforcement .................................................................19 Traffic Hazard........................................................................................32 Attempt to Locate.................................................................................32 Parking Enforcement ..............................................................................8 Traffic Stop..........................................................................................477 Solicitors .................................................................................................1 Trespassing/Unwanted ........................................................................15 911 Abandoned/Open ........................................................................282 911 Abon/Misdial/Open .........................................................................4 Illegal Hunting/Poaching ........................................................................1 Weapon Concern....................................................................................1 Discharged Firearm ................................................................................8 Police Incoming Call...............................................................................1 Private Tow/Repo .................................................................................12 EMS Response .......................................................................................1

Agency HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO BPD HCSO HCSO BPD BPD BPD HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO BPD HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO BPD HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO BPD HCSO BPD HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO

Activity Disturbance - Phys/Fight Harassment Accident - Major/Injury Accident - Major/Injury Accident - Major/Injury Suicidal Person Missing Person Burglary - Building Burglary - Habitation Assault Assault Harassment Harassment Harassment Harassment Harassment Vehicle Theft Accident - Major/Injury Accident - Major/Injury Accident - Major/Injury Disturbance - Phys/Fight Harassment Harassment Suicidal Person Missing Person Burglary - Habitation Burglary - Habitation Burglary - Vehicle Assault Harassment Harassment Accident - Major/Injury Accident - Major/Injury Vehicle Theft Vehicle Theft Death Investigation Suicidal Person Suicidal Person Disturbance - Phys/Fight Disturbance - Phys/Fight Harassment Harassment Harassment Accident - Major/Injury Accident - Major/Injury Assault Indecency w Child Assault Vehicle Theft Disturbance - Phys/Fight Disturbance - Phys/Fight Burglary - Building Disturbance - Phys/Fight Accident - Major/Injury Accident - Major/Injury Accident - Major/Injury Burglary - Habitation Assault Fireworks Accident - Major/Injury Missing Person Burglary - Habitation Suicidal Person

Date 07/14/2020 07/13/2020 07/13/2020 07/13/2020 07/13/2020 07/13/2020 07/14/2020 07/14/2020 07/14/2020 07/14/2020 07/14/2020 07/14/2020 07/14/2020 07/14/2020 07/14/2020 07/14/2020 07/14/2020 07/14/2020 07/14/2020 07/14/2020 07/15/2020 07/15/2020 07/15/2020 07/15/2020 07/16/2020 07/16/2020 07/16/2020 07/16/2020 07/16/2020 07/16/2020 07/16/2020 07/16/2020 07/16/2020 07/16/2020 07/16/2020 07/16/2020 07/16/2020 07/17/2020 07/17/2020 07/18/2020 07/17/2020 07/17/2020 07/17/2020 07/17/2020 07/17/2020 07/18/2020 07/17/2020 07/19/2020 07/18/2020 07/18/2020 07/18/2020 07/18/2020 07/19/2020 07/18/2020 07/18/2020 07/18/2020 07/18/2020 07/19/2020 07/19/2020 07/19/2020 07/19/2020 07/19/2020 07/19/2020

Time 0:07:22 9:39:19 11:20:37 18:27:58 21:00:27 13:12:25 17:31:12 13:45:26 7:06:11 11:05:16 17:28:20 16:07:33 9:47:39 13:41:39 16:54:08 23:48:34 9:52:57 8:12:56 9:05:49 18:54:40 19:09:32 14:33:26 22:34:44 13:29:10 7:52:08 18:00:52 18:54:20 2:54:18 10:51:33 17:06:41 12:58:19 14:21:22 19:30:15 8:33:19 21:57:36 21:10:01 14:57:09 4:06:28 20:47:56 0:49:08 9:38:33 14:51:52 21:05:03 7:26:36 23:08:08 8:49:20 8:23:55 0:00:42 2:15:31 11:18:55 20:57:42 8:08:52 3:56:00 19:03:37 15:01:27 15:04:18 13:31:26 21:35:27 21:24:51 18:47:49 1:20:34 18:41:02 19:36:49

Street/City Live Oak Loop Buda Lilac Way Kyle Bell Springs Rd Dripping Springs FM 2001/Royston Rd Buda Spring Branch Dr Kyle Concord Cir Austin Hartung Cv Buda Robert S Light Blvd Trails At Buda Ranch Apts 710 S Old Stagecoach Rd Kyle W Goforth St Buda Old San Antonio Rd Buda Sportsclips Sequoyah St Buda RR 12 Wimberley Broadway Bank Wapiti Rd Buda Satsuma Dr Buda E US 290 Dripping Springs Holiday Inn 5065 Royston Rd Buda Shell of Buda Fischer Store Rd/RR 2325 Wimberley Arbor Center Dr Dripping Springs Windy Hill Rd/FM 2001 Buda Lone Man Mountain Rd Wimberley S Stagecoach Trl San Marcos Trail Driver Austin Spoke Ln Wimberley Wayside Dr Wimberley Bell Springs Rd Dripping Springs Spoke Hollow Rd Wimberley Buena Vista RV Park Redwood Rd San Marcos Uhland Rd San Marcos W Goforth St Buda Cody Ln Kyle Regina Dr Buda W US 290 Dripping Springs 12117 W US 290 Austin Myjoy Ln Wimberley Janzet Dr Kyle Cresthill Cswy Kyle Las Brisas Blvd N Plum Creek Rd Kyle Woodcreek Cir Wimberley Stone View Trl Austin Windswept Way Kyle Wapiti Rd Buda N Old Bastrop Hwy San Marcos N FM 1626/Lakewood Dr Buda Yarrington Rd Kyle Wapiti Rd Buda Uhland Rd San Marcos Railyard Dr Kyle Rambling Creek Cir Wimberley Lippe Ln Kyle 16611 IH 35 Fr Buda Americas Auto Auction High Rd Kyle Royston Rd/Ih 35 Fr Buda Goforth Rd Kyle Jennifer Dr/Goforth Rd Kyle S Old Bastrop Hwy San Marcos Little Arkansas Rd Wimberley RR 967 Buda N Rob Shelton Blvd Dripping Springs Oak Hollow Ln Buda Rogers Rd Wimberley Fawns Xing Dripping Springs

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • July 29, 2020

Page 7

Testing, reopening schools The county judge suggested the county work with Texas State and suggested the university might delay the opening of classes until public schools do, possibly Sept. 8.

BY ANITA MILLER

The Hays County Commissioners Court covered a lot of ground in its weekly COVID-19 update.

Emergency Management Coordinator Alex Villalobos gave a rundown on ongoing testing, including plans to open a location on Hwy. 123 east of Interstate 35 in San Marcos as well as one in Dripping Springs.

The county is still working with laboratories regarding capacity to provide test results in a timely fashion as well as looking at new labs in order to diversify, Villalobos said.

County Judge Ruben Becerra, who recently toured the makeshift hospital in the Austin Convention Center, noted that Hays County patients will have access to beds located there. Christus Santa Rosa San Marcos currently has some local patients suffering from the coronavirus and Ascension Seton in Kyle handles triage, sending patients to Austin to dedicated COVID-19 units, which provide a

“stronger concentration of care, a more efficient model” concerning personal protective equipment (PPE) and more.

“We have never been in jeopardy of running out of space,” Becerra said.

When the discussion turned to the impending opening of schools, Epidemiologist Eric Schneider, as well as Becerra, said they have been in discussion with the county’s school districts.

Schneider said he has been “discussing options, basically following what the governor ordered and the TEA suggested, keeping an eye on trends up and down the I-35 corridor with an eye to a safe way to return to school face-to-face.”

He noted that more cases of the virus are turning up in young people. “We

had a dozen in that age range (10 to 20 years old) yesterday,” he said.

Regarding children 10 and under, he said a lot of pediatricians don’t test that age group and others assume a child has had it if their parents do. “A lot of children under the age of 10 are asymptomatic,” Scheider said.

Becerra alluded to a document he had prepared over the weekend with input from school district leadership but explained it was not yet ready to be released publicly.

He said he hoped it would be ready within 48 hours.

Pct. 4 Commissioner Walt Smith again brought up concerns about Texas State University students returning to town, contrasting them with young-

er students who would be in the care of teachers or parents around the clock.

He said there are about 36,000 students in the county’s four school districts; however, his big concern is 38,000 to 39,000 college students “we have no idea where from coming into our community,” in addition to 3,500 fulltime staff who reside locally.

“We don’t have a parallel system for them,” Smith said. “The massive influx of infection was in that population.”

He suggested the county work with Texas State and suggested the university might delay the opening of classes until public schools do, possibly Sept. 8.

Smith then talked about the lack of a comprehensive plan for county offices if someone turns up infected. “We don’t have or don’t publish a plan,” he said, “for what is going to happen, standard operating procedure for each office that we have … our only plan is to shut it down.”

OBITUARY TODESCO Ithal Anthony (Buddy) Todesco, 71, of Mountain City, TX, beloved husband, Father, Grandfather and friend, died on July 26, 2020.

He entered this world on Nov. 20, 1948, in Galveston. He was the second oldest of 5 children born to Leo and Geraldine Todesco.

Buddy went to high school at Texas City High School and graduated in 1967. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 1971. It was at UT where he met the love of his life and realized how amazing the Longhorns are. His love of computers led him to

start his own business, Help Key Inc. Owning his own business helped free up a lot of time to dedicate to his family.

Buddy also loved sports, especially baseball. He played, watched and researched the game and worked to transfer that love to his son Lee, and other children in youth baseball. He got so much joy in watching his son play high school football and then college baseball at UTSA. Being a Longhorn for life he also loved going to football games and seeing his daughter march in the Longhorn Band and in the Longhorn Alumni Band. He was very intelligent, thoughtful and gained the respect of all those around him.

Above all, though, he loved being Poppy to his two grandkids whom he loved so much.

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Since the gunshot wound was to the head, Jamison said, “There were no signs of this being an accident.”

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seen crouched over in the driver’s seat.

The officers never heard a gun shot, Jamison said. That’s likely because many sirens were going off in the background, she said.

Police said it was too

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Continued from pg. 1

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tended family and many friends.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no public memorial service.

Instead, the family will have an intimate ceremony of his life in his memory.

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METHODIST Buda United Methodist Church San Marcos & Elm St., Buda Kyle United Methodist Church Sledge & Lockhart St., Kyle Journey United Methodist 4301 Benner Rd, Kyle, Tx St. Paul’s United Methodist Church 7206 Creedmoor Rd., Creedmoor

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Completed & Perfected Faith Church Tobias Elementary Cafeteria, FM 150, Kyle Kingdom United Christian Church 100 Madison Way, Buda Mission Fellowship Church 200 San Marcos Street, Buda

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Page 8

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • July 29, 2020

Housing Market: Influence of COVID-19 varies Continued from pg. 1

national Airport. The area continues growing, but dirt is limited, Garrison said.

The desire to move to Central Texas combined with COVID-19 has caused the shortage. Garrison said that when the coronavirus hit, many sellers feared going into the market.

Unprecedented times got them thinking about walkthrough safety. They also wondered if there would be buyers out there.

“The concern sellers always have,” Garrison said, “is, ‘are we leaving money on the table, are we getting everything we could possibly get for our house?’

Generally, in this market, yes and more because we are seeing multiple offers.”

Sometimes, buyers will put offers on multiple homes and their offer still

does not get selected by the sellers. Having to constantly compete has fatigued some clients.

The shortage of listings has impacted both Austin and Hays County, but Austin’s shortage may have pushed more people toward buying in Hays County.

Buyers seeking a home in Central Texas have better luck having their needs fulfilled in Hays County.

When comparing the MLS between July 2019 and 2020, Travis County’s number of listings dropped by 43.8% and prices increased by 16%. Meanwhile, Hays County listings went down by 37% and the sold price increased by 18.5%.

If a consumer wants a home in Austin between $200,000 to $300,000, there

are about 66 open listings.

But if a buyer looks for a home between the same price point in Hays County, they will find about 263 available listings.

Hays County has more availabilities in the $300,000 and below price range, but house prices continue to increase. The average price of houses sold in 2020 has been $408,871, an increase of $65,000 since 2019.

Yet people still flock to Hays County because they find more options while spending less.

“I see people moving more to the outskirts because they can afford more house,” Garrison said. “You definitely get more land in and more master-planned communities in Hays versus Travis County. A lot of the master-plan commu-

nities have been built with walking trails, lakes, ponds, parks and outdoor amenities in mind, and you’re not going to find that in a lot of the interior communities in Austin.”

COVID-19 has been a big culprit in the 2020 housing market. It has caused low-interest rates at numbers Garrison said she has never seen in her 17 years of experience. Some people are getting their loans in a 2.75% bracket.

Josh Roberson, senior data analyst at Texas A&M University’s school of business, said the interest rates are at a historical low.

But these lower interest rates are not reason to celebrate quite yet. When COVID-19 hit, the Federal National Mortgage Association, also known as Fannie

Mae, tightened loan requirements and made it more difficult for people to buy a home. Clients can seek creative lenders, but the interest rate will not be as low.

Predictions about what will happen next are difficult to gauge because we have nothing to compare this to; COVID-19 is a new benchmark, Roberson said.

But based off of his experience, he does not see rates going up anytime soon.

This is not to be taken as investment advice, Roberson warned, but only as his short-term prediction.

“I wouldn’t expect home prices to decline,” Roberson said. “I would expect them to at least stay stable. So far home prices, in general, are keeping steady. I don’t see any reason why they would drop; demand is good

enough – it’s the supply side that suffered more.”

Still, like Roberson said, the coronavirus has thrown analysts because they have nothing to compare it to.

He said that in September, if we see another surge of the virus, it might shake up the market and create another pause like in April and May. During those months, sales halted because of people’s psychological response.

“There’s a psychological component,” Roberson told the Hays Free Press, “so we can’t really measure how soon we will have recovery.

I’m going to be seeing if sales sustain. In May, when sales dropped, there was a knee-jerk reaction. Let’s see if we have a trend or if there will be a reaction to every [coronavirus change].”

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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • July 29, 2020

Page 9

Sales Tax Revenue: May opening brought hike Continued from pg. 1

Kyle has been allocated $5,533,873.24, an increase of 12.35%.

• Mountain City: July allocation is $2,698.83, up 149.81%. So far this year, Mountain City has been allocated $17,148.32, an increase of 90.24%.

• Niederwald: July allocation is $6,190.44, up 55.63%. So far this year, Niederwald has been allocated $36,831.88, an increase of 35.07%.

Bursting at the seams

• San Marcos: July allocation is $4,645,119.70, up 63.03%. So far this year, San Marcos has been allocated $28,455,844.90, an increases of 25.96%.

• Uhland: July allocation $28,942.19, up 54.26%. So far this year, Uhland has been allocated $148,163.17, an increase of 15.03%.

• Wimberley: July allocation is $85,033.63, up 11.73%. So far this year,

Wimberley has been allocated $608,140.68, an increase of 12.79%.

• Woodcreek: July allocation $6,885.11, up 35.33%. So far this year, Woodcreek has been allocated $43,779.22, an increase of 27.21%.

Statewide, allocations were down by 1.12% for the month of July and up only 1.16% for the year to date. July allocations typically reflect sales that occurred in May.

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Refinance and Save for the Things that Matter Most

CITY OF KYLE PHOTO Kyle Police headquarters are so cramped that the Victim’s Services Coordinator’s office is in an old bank vault.

Kyle PD outlines needs for new office building details have not yet been finalized, the city estiOne of the most sensi- mates it would be in the tive functions of a police mid $30 million range. department is dealing According to prelimwith the victims of crime, inary designs, the new many of whom have facility would be about undergone an experience 60,000 square feet. “We so traumatic it changes would immediately need their whole outlook on about 45,000 to 50,000 of life. that.” The rest, he said, But in Kyle, individu“will give us some growals put in that position ing room.” have to suffer a further In addition to space for indignity — having that the department’s existing interaction with the functions, Barnett said KPD’s Victim Services the new building would Coordinator occur in a allow his department to room where the door add space for training cannot be shut. and community engageThat’s because in the ment, both high on his department’s current fawish list. cility, which used to be a Right now, the city is bank, the room where the authorized for 55 sworn often sensitive interviews peace officers. “That will occur is the old vault. continue to grow with “We don’t have the our population,” Barcombination,” Police nett said. Cities try to Chief Jeff Barnett said. maintain a staffing of 1.5 If someone were to shut offices per 1,000 populathe heavy vault door, “we tion but Kyle is growing would have to take the so rapidly it’s hard to wall out.” keep up. Currently, the While the interview city’s ratio is about 1.03 room inside the vault is officers per 1,000 resithe most dramatic illusdents. If the new facility tration of a department is approved, it will allow literally “bursting at the the department “to focus seams,” cramped condion keeping our staffing tions prevail throughout level consistent with the building of approxithe population and call mately 8,000 square feet. volume.”

Built as a Wells Fargo While on first glance, bank, the building on a police headquarters in Front Street was later the downtown area might bought by Hays County, seem convenient, Barnett where it provided office said it actually hampers space for the county response time because commissioner as well as of the proximity to the the Precinct 2 Justice of railroad tracks, where the Peace and local auto trains can sometimes registration office. be stopped for 20 to 30 It’s been headquarters minutes. for the KPD’s approxiStriving for a response mately 65 employees for time of three minutes going on five years. Next from the time an emermonth, the city council gency is dispatched to is expected to call for a the time an officer arrives November bond election on scene, he said the to build a new facility train “has a significant on land now available at impact on our ability to the future intersection get throughout the city.” of Kohler’s Crossing and The new location, he Marketplace Avenue. said, offers access north Barnett said the apand south, along with proximate six acres the quick access to Interstate city is looking at is an 35 and “multiple routes “opportunity to save the to go east and west.” city under $800,000 if we It would also allow the move on it now.” department to create Though the financial space for a canine unit

Emergency Services Continued from pg. 1

shal, Becerra said the appointment will be for two years and will be effective Aug. 10.

“We had a lot of applicants for this position and I am grateful we have such a highly qualified individual to join our ranks.”

“We are in a very big need for this position. The whole department has been anemic and we are greatly served we have moved to fill this position,” he said.

After being sworn in so-

cial-distance style, Jones said it was “humbling and an honor to accept this position.” He also said he was “looking forward to what the new fire marshal will bring.”

Mendenhall reports to Jones, who reports to Emergency Management Coordinator Alex Villalobos (who is also the county’s chief of staff and the Democratic nominee for sheriff), who reports to Becerra as director of Emergency Management.

as well as training and spaces for community engagement.

The KPD already has a Citizens Police Academy and Alumni Association but would like to add an Explorers unit and a Junior Police Academy for teenagers.

Also, it would allow Kyle officers to pursue training that would enable them to adhere to national and state standards, as well as to enhance available technology.

“We’re really excited about the opportunity to get a new police department,” he said. “I can’t stress how important that is. We’ve outgrown our current facility and are looking for a really good space for all of our staff to continue to work out of — a more inviting and engaging facility. Engagement with the community is very important to us and we want to keep that as a high priority.”

As an added bonus for the future, Barnett said a new, modern, professional home will only help the department recruit new officers and civilian personnel. “It will show the community’s commitment to our staff and the importance that they place” on policing.

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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • July 29, 2020

Public Notices NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Jennifer May Miller, Deceased, were issued on July 7, 2020, in Cause No. 20-0183-P, pending in the County Court at Law #1 of Hays County, Texas, to: Brittany Burns.

All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. c/o: David Glickler Attorney at Law 130 Hall Professional Center Kyle, TX 78640 DATED the 27th day of July, 2020.

David Glickler Attorney for Brittany Burns State Bar No.: 00787549 John A. Hall & Associates, P.C. 130 Hall Professional Center Kyle, TX 78640 Telephone: (512) 268-6425 Facsimile: (512) 268-5404 E-mail: glick@ johnhalllawfirm.com

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Buda City Council will hold a public hearing regarding the following item at its regular meeting to be held Tuesday, August 18, 2020: A 20-01: Hold a public hearing and first reading of the Ordinance for full-service annexation for 177.206 +/acres located north and east of RM 967 near Armbruster’s Curve and north and east of Creekside Park Subdivision, described as 177.206 acres out of the S.V.R. Eggleston Survey No 3, Abstract Number 5, Hays County, TX (Bailey Annexation).

The hearing will be held at 5:30 in the Council Chambers at Buda City Hall, 405 E. Loop St. Building 100, Buda, TX 78610. The meeting may be held virtually.

Please visit the City of Buda website (ci.buda.tx.us) for meeting details and public participation options. The agenda will published 72 hours prior to the meeting.

NOTICE OF ESTABLISHMENT OF ADDITIONAL OUT-OFDISTRICT MEETING PLACE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF NORTH HAYS COUNTY MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 2

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To the residents and taxpayers of North Hays County Municipal Utility District No. 2 (the “District”), and to all the persons interested in the meetings of the Board of Directors of such District: Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the District, at a meeting held May 19, 2020, established an additional meeting place outside the boundaries of the District at the offices of Allen Boone Humphries Robinson LLP, 1108 Lavaca Street, Suite 530, Austin, Texas 78701.

Said meeting place is hereby declared to be a public place and open to the public. All residents and taxpayers of the District and all other interested persons are hereby invited to attend any meetings of the Board of Directors at such location and other locations previously established by the Board of Directors as meeting places of the District. /s/ Hillary E. Sotello Secretary, Board of Directors

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of LIDA LEA, a/k/a LISA LEA NALLE, were issued on July 21, 2020, under Docket No. 20-0177-P, pending in the County Court of Hays County, Texas, to ALAN WOODS NALLE, JR.

Claims may be presented in care of the attorney for the Estate addressed as follows: Estate of Alan Woods Nalle, Jr. c/o Trevor G. Green Trevor G. Green, PLLC 5920 West William Cannon Drive Building 6, Suite 100 Austin, Texas 78749 All persons having claims against this Estate, which is currently being administered, are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law.

Dated this 22nd day of July, 2020.

Trevor G. Green, PLLC Trevor G. Green Attorney for the Estate

NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SUBDIVIDE An application has been filed with HAYS COUNTY to subdivide 26.03 acres of property located at along Six Creeks Blvd, Kyle, TX 78640. Information regarding the application may be obtained from Hays County Development Services (512) 393-2150. Tracking number: PLN-1499-NP

cleanup may be temporarily required. Seller reserves the right to reject any bid and to withdraw property from sale.

Property may be sold by the space. Property being sold includes contents in spaces of following tenants, with brief description of contents in each space.

Wednesday, August 12, 2020 12:00 pm Kyle Premiere Storage @ 19580 IH 35, Kyle, TX 78640 www.SelfStorageAuction. com Devon Brown: misc. items.

Sean Rowley: misc. items.

Amelia Flores: misc. items.

Jaquita Parker: misc. items.

Ricardo Esparza: misc. items. Collene Garland: misc. items. Nathan Villarreal: misc. items. Andrew Witt: misc. items. Yessica Medina: misc. items. Stephen Aden: misc. items.

12:00 pm AAA Self Storage Dripping Springs @ 2300 W. US Hwy 290, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 www.SelfStorageAuction. com Stephanie Meyers: Misc. items.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Sale of property to satisfy a landlord’s lien. Sale to be held Online at Storagetreasures. com by competitive bid.

Anytime Storage, LLC 880 Windy Hill Rd. Kyle, TX 78640 Sale will end on or after August 7, 2020 at 11 a.m.

Cleanup deposit is required. Seller reserves the right to withdraw the property at any time before the sale.

The property contents of all storage unit(s) sold at this sale are purchased “as is” “where is” for CASH/CREDIT. Unit items sold for cash to the highest bidder. All Units have some miscellaneous household items, boxes, furniture.

Property includes the contents of spaces of the following tenant (s).

LEN PATRIDGE - clothings, kids, small appliances, luggage, sports ALLEN DEYOUNG - Automotive, Large appliances, photography JESUS VETENCOURT Kids, stroller, TV, clothing NOE GARCIA - sports, bikes, appliances, tools, weights, art.

PUBLIC NOTICES, 11

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Pursuant to Chapter 59 of the Texas Property Code, TJO 10 X 10 Management, Ltd Managing properties listed below will hold a public auction of property being sold to satisfy a landlord’s lien. The sale will begin on or about the time indicated at www.selfstorageauction. com. Property will be sold to highest bidder for cash.

Deposit for removal and

LEGAL NOTICE

Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Wine and Beer Retailer’s Off-Premise Permit by Petro Park LLC dba Petro Park Buda to be located at 401 N. FM 1626, Suite A, Buda, Hays County, Texas. Managing member of said LLC is Kamil K. Ali – Managing Member.

Notice of Administratively Complete Application On January 3, 2020, Ruby Ranch Water Supply Corp. (RRWSC), P.O. Box 1585, Buda, TX, 78610, filed an Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) application with the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (District). RRWSC is applying for a Storage and Recovery Permit that authorizes the production of Class D Conditional Edwards Aquifer water during times of non-drought periods for the purposes of injection, storage, and recovery from an ASR recovery well. RRWSC is requesting a Class D Conditional Permit to withdraw up to 15,000,000 gallons/year from the Edwards Aquifer; this permit class is reserved for ASR projects and is 100% curtailed during drought. The RRWSC ASR project involves the production of Edwards Aquifer water for injection into the Middle Trinity Aquifer for subsequent recovery and use as public water supply.

The ASR project and associated wells are located at 2053 Ruby Ranch Road, Buda, TX, 78610. Publication of this notice was published on 7/21/2020 in the Austin American Statesman newspaper which began a 20-day public response period for which comments, written formal protests and requests for a public hearing will be accepted by the District through the close of business on August 10, 2020. Parties interested in formally participating in a hearing on a contested application should refer to District Rule 4-9.13.

For further information, please contact the District, 1124 Regal Row, Austin, Texas 78748, (512) 282-8441, bseacd@bseacd.org. You may also contact the applicant, the Ruby Ranch Water Supply Corp, through their technical representative Don Rauschuber, P.E. at (512)-413-9300.

Hays CISD Public Notification of Nondiscrimination in Career and Technical Education Programs HAYS CISD offers career and technical education programs in the following career cluster groups: Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources; Architecture and Construction; Arts, A/V Technology, and Communication, Business, Management, and Administration; Education and Training; Finance; Health Science; Hospitality and Tourism; Human Services; Information Technology; Law, Public Safety, Corrections; Manufacturing; Marketing; Science, Technology, Engineering and Math; and, Transportation, Distribution and Logistics. Admission to these programs is based on interest and aptitude, age appropriateness and class space available.

It is the policy of HAYS CISD not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap in its vocational programs, services or activities as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

It is the policy of HAYS CISD not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, or age in its employment practices as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

HAYS CISD will take steps to assure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs.

For information about your rights or grievance procedures, contact the Title IX Coordinator, Marivel Sedillo at 21003 IH 35, Kyle, TX 78640, 512-268-2141 and/or the Section 504 Coordinator, Debbie Brown at 4820 Jack C. Hays Trail, Buda, TX 78610, 512-2682141.

Hays CISD Notificación Pública de Non-Discriminación en Programas Vocacionales El distrito escolar de Hays CISD ofrece programas vocacionales en agricultura, manejo de negocios, tecnología de automóviles, electrónicos, tecnología de ciencias de salud, educación de mercadotecnia, justicia criminal y servicios familiares y comunitarios; comercialización or marketing; Ciencia, Tecnología, Ingeniería y Matemáticas, Transporte; distribución y logística.

La entrada a estos programas se basa en interés, aptitud, edad apropiada y espacio en el salón de clase.

Es la poliza del distrito escolar de Hays CISD de no discriminar por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo o impedimento, en sus programas, servicios o actividades vocacionales, tal como lo requieren en Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, según enmienda; el Título IX de las Enmiendas en la Educación, de 1972 y la Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973, según enmienda.

Es la poliza del del distrito escolar de Hays CISD de no discriminar por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, impedimento o edad, en sus procedimientos de empleo, tal como lo requieren el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, según enmienda; el Título IX de las Enmiendas en la Educación, de 1972, la ley de Discriminación por Edad, de 1975, según enmienda y la Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973, según enmienda.

El distrito escolar de Hays CISD tomará las medidas necesarias para asegurar que la falta de habilidad en el uso del inglés no sea un obstáculo para la admisión y participación en todos los programas educativos y vocacionales.

Para información sobre sus derechos o procedimientos para quejas, comuníquese con el Coordinador del Título IX, Marivel Sedillo, en 21003 IH 35, Kyle, TX 78640, 512268-2141, y/o el Coordinador de la Sección 504, Debbie Brown at 4820 Jack C. Hays Trail, Buda, TX 78610, 512-268-2141.

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • July 29, 2020

Page 11

Public Notices continued from page 10 NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO AMEND A CERTIFICATE OF CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY TO PROVIDE WATER UTILITY SERVICE IN CALDWELL AND HAYS COUNTIES, TEXAS County Line Special Utility District has filed an application with the Public Utility Commission of Texas to amend its Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) No. 10292, Decertify Portion of CCN No. 10292 and Decertify Portion of Polonia WSC’s CCN No. 10420 for the provision of retail Water utility service in Caldwell and Hays Counties.

The requested area overlaps the district boundaries of the Canyon Regional Water Authority, Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority, and Ranch at Clear Fork Creek MUD 2. If those districts do not request a public hearing, the Commission shall determine that the districts are consenting to the County Line SUD’s request to provide retail water utility service in the requested area.

Area #1: Portion to Amend Uncertificated Area to County Line SUD (10292) The requested area is located approximately 1 mile north of downtown Uhland, TX, and is generally bounded on the north by Rohde Road; on the east by State Highway 21; on the south by High Road; and on the west by the intersection of CR 128 and High Road. The requested area includes approximately 202 total acres and 0 current customers.

Area #2: Portions to Decertify from County Line SUD (10292) The requested area is located approximately 1.8 miles southeast of downtown Uhland, TX, and is generally bounded on the north by Cottonwood Trail (CR 228A) and Plum Creek; on the east by FM 2001; on the south by Jolly Road (CR 230); and on the west by the intersection of FM 2720 and CR 228. The requested area includes approximately 17.4 total acres and 0 current customers.

Area #3: The requested area is located approximately 3.5 miles southwest of downtown Uhland, TX, and is generally bounded on the north by the intersection of Drue Drive and Ranch to Market Road 150; on the east by State Highway 21; on the south by intersection of FM 1966 and State Highway 21; and on the west by CR 158.

The requested area includes 0 current customers and includes the following approximate acres: • Dually Certificated Area to Decertify Portion from Polonia WSC (10420) = 18 acres; • Portion to Decertify from Polonia WSC (10420) and Amend to County Line SUD (10292) = 222 acres; and • Amend Uncertificated Area to County Line SUD (10292) = .55 acres The total requested area to be amended to County Line SUD (10292) includes approximately 425 total acres and 0 current customers.

A copy of the map showing the requested area is available at: 8870 Camino Real, Uhland, TX 78640 Persons who wish to intervene in the proceeding or comment upon action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission, P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326, or call the Public Utility Commission at (512) 936-7120 or (888) 782-8477. Hearing- and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the commission at (512) 936-7136. The deadline for intervention in the proceeding is (30 days from the mailing or publication of notice, whichever occurs later, unless otherwise provided by the presiding officer). You must send a letter requesting intervention to the commission which is received by that date. The letter must include the person’s name, address, email address and fax number if applicable.

If a valid public hearing is requested, the Commission will forward the application to the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) for a hearing. If no settlement is reached and an evidentiary hearing is held, SOAH will submit a recommendation to the Commission for a final decision. An evidentiary hearing is a legal proceeding similar to a civil trial in state district court.

A landowner with a tract of land at least 25 acres or more, that is partially or wholly located within the requested area, may file a written request with the Commission to be excluded from the requested area (“opt out”) within (30) days from the date that notice was provided by the Utility. All opt out requests must include a large-scale map, a metes and bounds description of the landowner’s tract of land, landowner’s name, address, email address and fax number, if applicable.

Persons who wish to request this option should file the required documents with the: Public Utility Commission of Texas Central Records 1701 N. Congress, P. 0. Box 13326 Austin, TX 78711-3326 In addition, the landowner must also send a copy of the opt out request to the Utility. Staff may request additional information regarding your request.

Si desea información en español, puede llamar al 1-888-782-8477.

Beyond the Rebel Continued from pg. 1

discuss institutional racism in the district.

“Institutional racism is 100% real,” Keller said.

“We have the opportunity to actually do something about that. We do hold power there. This is an institution and we need to dig deep and make sure that we are not doing that.”

Board President Esperanza Orosco said in

order for all members of the community to feel like they have a seat at the table, there needs to be respect from both sides.

“We really had to hear from our students,” Orosco said. “We really had to have those hard conversations. But we can have hard conversations without being hateful, without being rude, without saying the

most profane things out there.”

Keller also encourages the students to stay positive as the district goes through the new mascot selection.

“This is a terrible time in our society and in our world right now,” Keller said. “I really hope that our students and our staff can be kind as we move through this process.”

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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • July 29, 2020

Texas History: Brave citizens go after tower sniper Continued from pg. 5

The windswept rooftop was a square inside a square. The low wall on the edge had served as the sniper’s protected perch until ground fire from a swarm of students and hunters limited him to narrow drain spouts thereby reducing his field of vision.

Inside the parapet was a second wall that hid Whitman from view.

Crum with his hand-medown rifle and Martinez with his pistol went in opposite directions. Hearing what sounded like footsteps, the jumpy civilian squeezed the trigger of the old Remington hitting the inner wall.

The wild shot distracted the sniper, who was sitting with his back to the outer wall, just as Martinez rounded the corner and came face-to-face with the ex-Marine, who had killed 16 and wounded 31.

A brief battle ensued with Whitman shooting over the officer’s head and Martinez emptying his revolver with no apparent effect.

An instant later, McCoy showed up with his shotgun and fired two blasts at the surprised sniper. Both lethal loads struck Whitman in the head killing him instantly.

Ninety-six minutes of terror were over at last.

The small army down below kept shooting put-

We

ting the lives of those on top of The Tower in danger.

At the policemen’s urging, Crum waved a white handkerchief to signal for everyone to cease firing.

Allen Crum may have survived the ordeal, but he was never the same. Six years later, he clocked out at an Austin defense and instead of going home drove to Las Vegas. His wife eventually joined him, but the civilian hero of that terrible day at the Universi-

ty of Texas never came back to the Lone Star State, not even for his son’s wedding.

David Crum did not mince words, when he spoke to the Texas Tribune in 2016. “That day I lost my father.”

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Cautiously climbing the steps, Martinez and Crum passed the mass murderer’s earliest victims. (The very first were Charles Whitman’s wife and mother he killed that morning before driving to the UT campus with a trunk full of guns and ammunition.) They included a 16 year old boy and his aunt, both dead, and an older woman and a young male companion each seriously wounded.

At the head of stairs was the receptionist dead at her desk. The last door, the only access to the observation deck, was blocked by the dolly the sniper used to transport his heavy trunk. Martinez and Crum pushed the door wide open and took a couple of tentative steps onto to deck with McCoy and Day not far behind them.

W

Encountering a DPS trooper named Cowan toting a pistol and a .30 caliber rifle. Crum asked to borrow the long gun, and the highway patrolman obliged. The trio was joined by two more local cops, Ramiro “Ray” Martinez and Houston McCoy, and the five men rode the elevator as far as it went -- the level below the observation deck.

When Martinez opened the door to the stairway connecting to the deck.

Crum leaned over and asked him, “Are you going up?”

“Yes, I am,” was the firm reply.

“Well, you’re not going by yourself,” the older man said matter-of-factly.

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How Are Pipelines Constructed?

A Permian Highway Pipeline Project Update

Pipelines are constructed in accordance with strict regulatory and environmental standards and industry best practices. Underground pipelines are the safest and most efficient method of transporting energy products.

1. Clearing & Grading

6. Inspection & Coating

2. Trenching

7. Pipe Lowering

After the right-of-way (ROW) is carefully surveyed and staked, the ROW is graded.

Top soil is carefully removed and segregated.

A wheel ditcher or backhoe digs the trench for the pipeline. The bottom of the trench is then padded with sand to cushion the pipe.

For quality assurance, technicians inspect the pipe coating prior to installation and also inspect all welds using ultrasound. Each weld is then coated by a coating head.

Sidebooms move together to gently lower the welded pipeline into the trench.

3. Stringing Pipe

8. Padding & Backfill

4. Field Bending Pipe

9. Hydrostatic Testing

5. Welding

10. Restoration

Each piece of pipe is laid on the ROW to ensure proper positioning prior to bending, welding and installation.

The pipe is bent, as needed, to accommodate elevation and horizontal changes.

The construction crew welds each section of pipe together into one continuous length.

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The pipe trench is backfilled and graded.

The pipeline is filled with water and pressurized to ensure the pipe’s integrity and that it is fit for service.

The pipe trench and land within the ROW are contoured and revegetated. The landowner may continue using the ROW for most purposes after restoration.

@PermianHwyPL