Texas youth at risk per nat’l study
Opinion: Something to sleep on
Hays alumna sets new bar at O.U.
page 2
page 3
News-Dispatch Volume XXXIX No. 42
Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982
Marshall Jennings, a hydrogeologist, former Texas State University professor and chair of the Hays County Task Force on Trinity Aquifer Sustainability, addresses the aquifer district board of directors Monday at Buda City Hall.
District OKs massive annual water production permit After six hours of grueling debate Monday, Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (BSEACD) leaders approved Needmore Ranch LLC’s permit to pump 289 million gallons of water annually from the Trinity
BSEACD leaders approved Needmore Ranch LLC’s permit to pump 289 million gallons of water annually from the Trinity Aquifer. Aquifer. The decision, made by a 5-0 vote by the BSEACD
board of directors, gives Needmore, a Wimberley-area entity, the largest
75¢ Thursday, August 1, 2019
Needmore Ranch gets more BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
page 3
water production permit in the district. Approval included special conditions that require Needmore to cut back pumping if drawdown reaches certain trigger levels in an index well. Additionally, a separate
PHOTO BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
NEEDMORE WATER, 6
DSISD unveils plans for new Walnut Springs site
Kinder Morgan files suit against city over pipeline ordinance
BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
The relocation of Walnut Springs Elementary School to the Dripping Springs Middle School site banded parents together to share input on two different renderings for the campus. The two schematic designs, presented by Corgan Architects, will go through changes before construction, giving parents the opportunity to see the progression of the campus. Part of the $132 million Dripping Springs ISD bond project, the relocation of Walnut Springs Elementary to the Dripping Springs Middle School site will accommodate 850 students, while improving vehicle parking and traffic flow. The project is slated for completion by May 2021. An existing wastewater treatment plant on the property will be removed to accommodate the new facility. “You can see we are looking at a lot of different mediums and doing a lot of sketching for the project,” said Corgan Architecture Vice President Douglas Koehne. “For the
The ongoing battle over Kinder Morgan’s proposed Permian Highway Pipeline (PHP) took a turn last week when the Houston-based energy firm filed litigation against Kyle. Basis for the lawsuit, filed July 21 at the U.S. District Court in Austin, stems from Kyle’s pipeline safety ordinance that was approved by its city council in May. Among other contingencies, the new rules would require the PHP to be buried some 15 feet underground in some areas. Kinder Morgan officials argue that the ordinance is illegal, citing the National Pipeline Safety Act and state law take priority over local ordinances and regulations. Along with setback obligations, the ordinance
SCHOOL DESIGNS, 6
PHOTO BY KATIE BURRELL
Getting rowdy at the rodeo
The 8th Annual Dripping Springs Fair and Rodeo returned to Dripping Springs Ranch Park and Event Center July 26-28 with rodeo action, Mutton Bustin’ and other family events.
New hybrid voting machines approved by county leaders BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
Hays County’s quest for a new voting machine ended Tuesday when commissioners approved Hart Intercivic’s hybrid system, complete with a paper ballot. County commissioners July 30 approved the
Hart system by a 4-1 vote with County Judge Ruben Becerra casting the lone dissenting vote. Council leaders had two vendors to choose from, the other being a machine manufactured by ES&S. Both machines received approval from the Texas Secretary of State’s office.
The county’s current Direct Recording-Electronic (DRE) voting devices are serviced by Hart, but the new machines offer a paper ballot to review before it is entered into a scanner. A key component of the decision revolved around access for voters with disabilities. Howev-
er, there were different opinions on the dais and from members of the audience about which system would better accommodate people with disabilities. Resident Susan Raybuck said county poll workers preferred
VOTING MACHINES, 2
County emergency management leader steps up to state level SUBMITTED REPORT
A longtime Hays County Emergency Management (EM) official will soon take her talents to the state level. On July 23, Hays County Commissioners accepted the resignation of Kharley Bagley Smith, current Emergency Services Director, who recently accepted a role with the newly created State Division of Emergency Management (SDEM). Smith’s resignation goes into effect July 31. Commissioners also appointed Justin McInnis, current EM assistant director, as the interim
leader of the deparmtenet. With the SDEM, Smith will lead the SMITH statewide Disaster Recovery Task Force. In a statement, Smith said she was honored to be offered the position, but will miss “all of the talented, hard-working first responders, emergency personnel and elected officials” she interacted with. “I’m thankful for the cooperation that exists in emergency management
throughout our county – that’s not something you find everywhere, but it is critical to successful emergency preparedness and disaster recovery,” Smith said. “The county works as a team member with cities, emergency services districts and nonprofits for the benefit of our citizens.” Commissioners Court members thanked Smith for her dedication and recalled instances in which her training and experience served the county’s residents well. “The State of Texas made a very, very good choice,” Hays County Pct. 2 Commissioner Mark Jones said.
PIPELINE LAWSUIT, 2
Leander hires DSISD super BY MOSES LEOS III
Hays County Pct. 3 Commissioner Lon Shell said Smith did an “incredible job,” but said he was sorry to see her go. “She’ll be an amazing asset to the State of Texas,” Shell said. He referenced Smith’s efforts during the receovery period following the 2015 Memorial Day flood in the Wimberley area. Smith was appointed Emergency Management Coordinator in November 2012 and was named Director of the Office of Emergency Services in April 2016. She coordinated response and recovery efforts for the
Less than a month before the 2019-20 school year starts, Dripping Springs ISD will be searching for a new leader. On July 25, Leander ISD officials GEARING named Bruce Gearing, current DSISD Superintendent, as the lone finalist to helm that district’s superintendent position. Gearing will leave DSISD in August to assume his new role, according to a press release. DSISD begins classes Aug. 20. DSISD’s Board of Trustees discussed the process for hiring the
EMERGENCY SERVICES, 4
GEARING TO LEANDER, 4
Page 2
News-Dispatch
News -Dispatch PHONE: 512-268-7862 FAX: 512-268-0262 PUBLISHER Cyndy Slovak-Barton csb@haysfreepress.com
EDITOR Moses Leos III moses@haysfreepress.com
REPORTERS Exsar Arguello Katie Burrell news@haysfreepress.com
PRODUCTION David White david@haysfreepress.com Elizabeth Garcia design@haysfreepress.com ADVERTISING/MARKETING Tracy Mack ads@bartonpublicationsinc.com
Jim Darby ads@haysfreepress.com
Thursday, August 1, 2019
Texas lags behind in well being for at-risk youth population BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
High obesity rates, low participation in the labor force and a lack of high school education are factors impacting youth in Texas, according to a recent study. WalletHub, a personal finance company, ranked Texas 39th in the country for at-risk youth. According to the study, Texas lags behind on key health issues. Texas is struggling to keep its youth educated, according to the report. The Lone Star State ranks 10th in percentage of disconnected youth and 10th in youth without a high school diploma. “The large percentage of disconnected youth encompasses those between 18 and 24 years old who are neither attending school, nor working and have no degree beyond high school,” said Wallethub analyst Jill Gonzalez. “This could be caused by the education system, but also a lack of encour-
At-Risk Youth in Texas
ity among teenagers and young adults by maintaining clean parks,” Gonzalez (1=Most at Risk; 25=Avg.): said. “They could also 10th – % of Disconnected Youth implement educational programs regarding 10th – % of Youth Without a High School Diploma healthy nutrition.” In Hays County, edu18th – % of Overweight & Obese Youth cating youth on improved eating habits is the focus 49th – % of Youth Drug Users for the Hays County Food 9th – Youth Labor Force Participation Rate Bank, which provides meals for the food inse32nd – Youth Poverty Rate cure. Whitney Lewis, devel37th – % of Homeless Youth opment and special events coordinator for the HCFB, agement from families to school can force youth said the mission of the move toward indepeninto entering the labor organization is to alleviate dence.” force as early as 16.” some of these realities by These advancements Another major chalproviding more nutritious are also in direct correlalenge for Texas youth refoods to low socioecotion to youth labor force volves around high obesity nomic households. participation, where Texas and uninsured rates. Vegetables and fruits are ranks 9th. Texas ranks 18th in 30% of all goods given to From April 2018, the percentage of overweight families at the food bank. number of employed and obese youth. This Additionally, the staff has youth 16 to 24 years old in conjunction with the worked to cut down on increased by two million highest uninsured rate in sweets and sugary foods. to 20.9 million nationwide, the county for children “Especially for those according to the Bureau of means Texas youth have families who don’t have Labor Statistics. fewer resources to combat access to good health“Clearly there is a conphysical health issues. care, what they eat will nection between the two “To alleviate the obesity ultimately make a huge metrics,” Gonzalez said. rate, authorities could difference,” Lewis said. “Dropping out of high encourage physical activ“One nutritionist here at
the food bank is always coming up with new recipes for families to try with the foods we provide. It’s a huge part of our educational outreach.” But where Texas lacks in education and high obesity rates, the state is performing well with curbing illicit drug use, an important metric when considering the grasp of the nationwide opioid crisis. “Texas has some of the lowest shares of youth using illicit drugs and reporting heavy drinking,” Gonzalez said. “It also ranked very well in terms of mental health, having less than 12% of youth with depression and just about 6% physically, mentally and emotionally inhibited youth, the second-lowest percentage in the country.” Gonzalez said Texas ranked highest compared to other states in the South, but work can always be done to achieve a better life for youth across the state.
PHOTOGRAPHER Wayland Clark
Voting Machines: Hybrids set in place
PROOFREADER
Continued from pg. 1
Jane Kirkham
the ES&S system over Hart Intercivic. Raybuck said the ES&S system was more simple, intuitive and easy for poll workers to manage. “Many came to that workshop and were quite overwhelming in favor of the express votes features (ES&S),” she said. “They thought it was easier, they thought it was secure, and I did not hear the same level of approval over the Hart system…” Travis County recently purchased the ES&S system, so Raybuck said that could have been a great resource for the county. Hart’s system was recently approved by the Secretary of State this year. Raybuck argued ES&S was the only company with experience in Texas elections.
CIRCULATION MANAGER/ LEGAL NOTICES Verna Wommack paper@ haysnewsdispatch.com
News-Dispatch (USPS 011 - 401) is published weekly except for the weeks following July 4 and Christmas by Barton Publications, Inc., 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640. SUBSCRIPTION PRICE $42 local, $59 county, $62 out of state. Periodicals Postage paid at Driftwood, TX. Email paper@haysnewsdispatch. com for subscriptions and address changes. POSTMASTER: send address changes to NewsDispatch, PO Box 339, Buda, TX 78610 LETTERS GUIDELINES We welcome locally written letters to the editor on timely topics of community interest. We ask that you keep them to about 350 words in length and that you not indulge in 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.
Some members of the commissioners court said they believed the Hart system would better suit voters with disabilities. Commissioner Mark Jones said he liked both systems but was in favor of Hart’s machines. For curbside voters, Hays County Elections Administrator Jennifer Anderson said the county removed the DRE proposal. Both companies’ machines can operate as a traditional DRE system, which can be used in curbside voting. However, Anderson said members of the ADA community were not in favor of the DRE system and wanted to have access to a paper trail just like the rest of the population. “We took that out and
I contacted the state on how we can come up with a process that could be fair to curbside voters,” Anderson said. “We will pick a system out. So for our process, we’ll have one unit on a rolling cart we can roll out.” Anderson said both machines have a great reputation. The county budgeted $2 million for the machines. County commissioners had documentation on the cost of each company’s machine; those documents were not available in the agenda packet on the county website. However, Hays County Pct. 4 Commissioner Walt Smith said the Hart system was around $1.9 million. Prices provided to commissioners are subject
requires a pipeline inspection to be available on a 24-hour basis and various fees are to be paid by the pipeline company. The lawsuit is another chapter in the highly contested case against the PHP, 420-mile underground natural gas pipeline that’s been at the center of controversy. In recent weeks, Hays County officials filed a notice of intent to file a second lawsuit against Kinder Morgan, calling for more environmental studies to be conducted. In June, a Travis County District judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by property owners, Kyle and Hays County against Kinder Morgan and the Texas Railroad Commission seeking more oversight on the eminent domain process. Kinder Morgan’s lawsuit against Kyle is the first instance of the firm countering measures taken
Sunset Canyon Baptist Church Sunday Morning Sunday Worship
5:45 PM
Wednesday Meal
6:30 PM
Wed TouchPoint
A Family of Faith...
SCBC Preschool Children Ministries Youth Ministries Family Ministries
all of my boxes as far as security,” said Hays county IT Director Jeff McGill. “I’m comfortable with the security on each one. So, it’s a win for the county either way.”
Continued from pg. 1
Basis for the lawsuit stems from Kyle’s pipeline safety ordinance that was approved by its city council in May. The new rules would require the pipeline to be buried some 15 feet underground in some areas. Kinder Morgan officials argue that the ordinance is illegal, citing the National Pipeline Safety Act and state law take priority over local ordinances and regulations. calling it a legitimate piece of city law. “We based our ordinance on many municipalities throughout the region and their ordinances regarding pipelines,” Mitchell said. “In our opinion, we have a lot of precedent to base what we did.” The city is working on a response to the lawsuit. “The truth is, Kinder Morgan is seeking any and every way to put this pipeline through Kyle without any input from the city,” Mitchell said. “We’re trying to hold them accountable
Mitchell said the city is working to protect its residents from any potential dangers posed by the pipeline. Mitchell cited recent natural gas pipeline incidents within the town in recent weeks as proof of the need for the ordinance. A natural gas pipeline along the route of improvements on Burleson Street has been ruptured twice so far, despite being marked and buried more than 5 feet deep. “This idea of burying the pipeline deeper is reason-
Call 512-268-7862 to join the church directory today.
8:45 AM
to negotiation, said Hays County General Counsel Mark Kennedy. Ultimately, the decision came down to preference as commissioners cited good feedback with both machines. “They both checked
Pipeline Lawsuit: Kinder Morgan files suit against city
Worship in a church of your choice 11:00 AM
PHOTO BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
A group of local residents test the Hart machine at an open house hosted by the county in April.
www.sunsetcanyonchurch.org
(512) 894-0480
4000 E. HWY 290
by governmental entities. Kyle Mayor Travis Mitch-
ordinance, looking at state and federal statute as a defense to the project. “The crux of the issue here is that the state and the federal government have extensive rules and regulations regarding the oversight of pipeline infrastructure in the state of Texas,” said Kinder Morgan VP of Public Affairs Allen Fore. “It’s in their purview to make decisions regarding the specifics of pipeline safety...It’s not the city of Kyle’s purview.” Despite the number of lawsuits that have been filed over the pipeline, Fore said the ultimate goal is to work with the various cities, counties and residents to find common ground. Fore said he had a lot of respect for Mitchell and hopes the two entities can
St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church Mass Schedule
Rev. Justin
Spanish Mass Sunday: 1:30 p.m.
corner of RR 12 & Post Oak in Dripping Springs
Nguyen, pastor Saturday: 5 p.m. Located at the Sunday: 8:15 a.m., 11 a.m., 5 p.m.
512-858-5667
www.stmartindp.org
the way we hold other developers and development
able,” Mitchell said. But Kinder Morgan has
address specific concerns on the project.
has 26,000 miles of pipeline through hundreds of communities and counties in the state, including pipelines in the Hill Country. “It’s a long-established process by the state and federal government, and we’re proposing to build another project,” Fore said. “It’s constant with our practices that have been in service for generations. Folks don’t know there are pipelines in Hays County, but there are.” Fore said the project is consistent with safety, environmental and individual consultation standards. But the city of Kyle is continuing the fight against the pipeline. Mitchell disagrees with the notion that the city has been involved with the process from the beginning. “It’s frustrating to have this back and forth dispute,” Mitchell said. “It would have been much better if they approached us from the very beginning to understand how this would impact us. They never did that and showed no interest in working with us.”
Thursday, August 1, 2019
www.HaysNewsDispatch.com
Page 3
Opinion
Hemp/CBD Oil: Here’s something to sleep on
T
here’s been a lot of chatter lately over hemp and CBD oil. For y’all who aren’t familiar with hemp, it’s the plant that we use in manufacturing rope, textiles and several other materials. Hemp has been used in cooking and actually has some nutritional value, they say. But now, hemp is extremely popular for the oil extracted from its seed. Oh, did I forget to mention that hemp is a kissing cousin to marijuana? Let me clarify that although hemp and its highly popular relative belong to the same plant family, hemp won’t give you a buzz or have you shopping for Cheetos at
admit I was also a bit intrigued. CBD is reported Crow’s to help with numerous maladies such as anxiety, Nest arthritis and sleep disby Clint Younts orders. I have also seen reports of it decreasing severity of epileptic seimidnight. Marijuana has zures and mental illness. a higher level of THC, the As a dedicated investistuff that makes you talk gative journalist, I began like Cheech and Chong, to research hemp and than hemp. So hemp oil CBD oil more, and after is legal in most states, determining that it’s safe, but to get marijuana, I decided to give it a try. you’ll have to drive out to The main reason I wantColorado or hop aboard ed to try hemp oil was its Willie Nelson’s tour bus. claim to improve sleep. I don’t know how the For the past decade CBD oil craze got started, or more, I rarely sleep but it’s gaining momenthrough the night, and tum and press coverage. often get seven hours I saw some news stories or less of good slumber. about the health benefits Sometimes it’s due to of CBD oil and although aches and pains, but I was a bit skeptical, I more often it’s due to one
of my brain cells waking up and stomping around my skull looking for a party. Most of my brain cells are sleeping off last night’s beer, but some are always in the mood to dance the night away. I have thought of trying prescription sleep aids, but stories of drug-induced sleep walking is a bit scary, especially out here in the country. Nighttime is not a good time to stroll through woods infested with snakes, coyotes and feral pigs, not to mention a multitude of fresh cow patties. So I decided to see how hemp would effect my sleep. Believe it or not, I actually slept better after taking an evening dose
of hemp oil. I didn’t get nine hours of sleep but I did sleep longer and better with the hemp. And after a few days of taking the oil, I noticed my arthritis had improved and I was more relaxed. I informed my doctors that I was taking hemp oil, and both said to keep taking it, so apparently it must have health benefits. Okay, there are some negatives in taking hemp oil. First of all, it tastes kinda funny. Sorta like a mixed green salad made with kelp, alfalfa and Johnson grass. Now, they do make gummy bears with hemp oil. I bought some for my sleep-deprived wife and she liked them. I just don’t like the texture of those chews.
They are too much like a big chunk of gristle without the taste of beef. If you are wondering what’s the difference between CBD and hemp oil, join the club. I can’t find the answer. Maybe they’re the same thing with a different name. All I know is hemp oil is a lot cheaper and is available on Amazon. As for side effects, besides playing the bongos naked with Cheeto-stained hands, I haven’t noticed anything. Clint Younts is no Matthew McConaughey on the bongo drums, but he certainly takes his investigations seriously. crowsnest78610 @gmail.com
Sports Hopeful Tigers begin new volleyball season
Rebel alum focuses on reaching new heights BY SHANE SCHOLWINSKI
Reaching new heights in pole vault is the status quo for Hays High alumna Meagan Gray. Entering her fifth year at the University of Oklahoma, Gray, despite her relatively short stature, envisions herself hitting those new heights in her final collegiate competition. “With me being so short, I’m always looking for new heights to clear and it’s always been a struggle for me to get to those higher heights,” Gray said. “It’s very addicting when you clear heights, and you just want more. You just want more every single time. It’s like never good enough for you.” Gray didn’t start pole vaulting until the seventh grade; in fact her first passion was in competitive gymnastics. Since she was five, Gray participated in gymnastics, and she credited the sport for her easy transition into pole vaulting. “Pole vaulting is honestly really similar to gymnastics,” Gray said. “I think it was a pretty easy transition and I loved it. I think it just taught me to be especially aware of my body, more than anything. I mean gymnastics uses all the muscles in the body, and it challenges you both mentally and physically.” Accolades and awards stacked up for Gray during her athletic career as she went on to become ninetime All-American, to set school records, and to finish as the top-ranked pole vaulter in Texas for both indoor (13-feet, 4-inches) and outdoor (13-feet, 9-inches) competitions. Gray claimed the gold medal in the pole vault at the 2015 UIL state track and field meet. Her performances helped her to earn a full scholarship to Oklahoma. Gray said she couldn’t have done it without the help
STAFF REPORT Meagan Gray
It took Meagan Gray up to two full years before she felt comfortable pole vaulting competitively like she had been before her injury and illness. Even with all the setbacks, Gray set new personal records during those three years, including outdoor (14-3.00) and indoor (13-9.00). of former coaches Mitch purpura (ITP) in August of Phillips, Jason Ferrell, Dan- her freshman year. The life ny Preuss changing and Elite diagnosis “Pole vaulting Sports was rough coach on Gray, is honestly Glen and as she dereally similar to Brooklin scribed it as Dickson. a challenge gymnastics. I think “Their for her it was a pretty support emotionally has been and physieasy transition and unwavcally. I loved it. I think ering “I went throughinto school it just taught me out my and I was to be especially high sick, and school and they had no aware of my college idea what it body, more than career was,” said in pole Gray. “I anything. I mean vault,” had to see gymnastics uses Gray said. all kinds “They are of doctors, all the muscles individualand I actuin the body, and ly amazing ally had to and I love be hospitalit challenges you them all.” ized for it. I both mentally and had to get The beginning of about five physically.” her college chemocareer, (therapy) –Meagan Gray, however, infusions to Hays High alumna started out fix my ITP.” incredibly After rough as she was diagnosed several rounds of chemowith the rare disease Idiotherapy Gray overcame ITP, pathic thrombocytopenic and went on to compete in
We Support the Tigers Texas hometown friendly bank
512-858-5159
401 E. Hwy 290W. P.O. Box 1243 Dripping Springs, TX 78620
the outdoor season later in her freshman year. More setbacks occurred soon after. Just as she overcame ITP, Gray suffered two stress fractures in her lower back. The injury didn’t stop her from competing later that season as she went on to make Regionals in the outdoor competition her freshman year. Over the course of the next three seasons Gray went through multiple coaching changes. Gray admitted it took up to two full years before she felt comfortable to the point where she was pole vaulting like she had been before her injury and illness. Even with all the setbacks, Gray set new personal records during those three years, including outdoor (14-3.00) and indoor (13-9.00). She credits Jerel Langley, her coach at OU, for being supportive and patient throughout the entire process. Now as a fifth-year senior, Gray will only be competing in the indoor competition, but she has set her goals high. After failing to qualify for Texas Relays this past season, which was the first time she failed to qualify in the past eight years, she is now motivated and refocused on achieving her new goal of reaching Nationals. In addition to reaching Nationals, Gray intends on shattering her current personal indoor record this upcoming season. “I guess my overall goal for indoor is to make it to Nationals,” Gray said. “I know what it’s going to take to place, and what I want is to get 14-8.00. So that’s my goal.”
On Thursday, the Dripping Springs Tiger volleyball team begins its quest for a return to Garland and the state tournament when they open practices for the 2019 campaign. The Tigers, led by 10-year head coach Michael Kane, will return several key components from last season’s team that reached the state semifinals. Seniors Avery Kalsu, Mackenzie Murray and Sarah Nading will be leaned upon as the team seeks an eighth straight district championship in a row.
Last season, Dripping Springs cruised to a 14-0 mark in district play and finished the season 35-16. Dripping Springs opens the 2019 campaign on the road at Westwood Aug. 6, which is then followed by an appearance at the Adidas John Turner Classic tournament in Pearland Aug. 8-10. The Tigers begin district play Sept. 13 at 6:30 p.m. against Travis High. A full preview of the Tigers’ upcoming season can be found in next week’s NewsDispatch.
2019 Dripping Springs Varsity Volleyball Schedule Date Opponent Site Aug. 6 Rouse Away Aug. 8-10 Pearland Tourney Away Aug. 13 Hays Home Aug. 15-17 Fraulein Fest New Braunfels Aug. 20 Copperas Cove Home Aug. 22-24 Volleypalooza Rouse Aug. 27 Georgetown Home Aug. 30 N.B. Canyon Home Sept. 3 BYE Sept. 6 Hutto Away Sept. 10 Bastrop Home Sept. 13 Travis Home Sept. 17 Crockett Away Sept. 20 Juan Navarro Away Sept. 24 LBJ Home Sept. 27 Lockhart Away Oct. 1 McCallum Home Oct. 4 Northeast Away Oct. 8 Travis Away Oct. 11 Crockett Home Oct. 15 Juan Navarro Home Oct. 18 LBJ Away Oct. 22 Lockhart Home Oct. 25 McCallum Away Oct. 29 Northeast Home
Time 6/7pm TBA 6pm TBA 6:30pm TBA 6:30pm 7pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 7:30pm 7:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm 6:30pm
Do Business Locally Is your business being seen?
We can help. Reach thousands of potential customers in the News-Dispatch sports section every week. Call (512) 268-7862 or email ads@bartonpublicationsinc.com for more information.
Page 4
News-Dispatch
Emergency Services Continued from pg. 1
October 2013 flood and two major flood events in 2015, along with numerous less publicized emergencies ranging from wildfires to gas leaks. Along the way she became nationally recognized for her work in developing the Standard Response Protocol Task Force, which implemented safety protocols for every public and private school in Hays County as well as many government offices and businesses. Smith developed the HaysInformed.com website which shares emergency information countywide for residents and visitors and which allows designated personnel throughout the
county to post information. Smith is a founding member of the Texas Emergency Management Assistance Team and is currently Chair of the Capital Area Criminal Justice Advisory Council and Vice Chair of the Capital Area Homeland Security Taskforce. Smith and her team have received numerous awards, most recently the 2019 Emergency Management Association of Texas Excellence in Emergency Management Award for the County’s “superb emergency management program.” Smith joined Hays County in 2001 as an Emergency Communications Officer in the Sheriff’s Office Dis-
patch Center, and before that worked at Texas State University Police Department’s Dispatch Center while obtaining a degree in Public Administration. She also served the county as the Strategic National Stockpile Coordinator for the Local Health Department’s Emergency Preparedness Office before being named Emergency Management Coordinator. McInnis joined the county as the Assistant Emergency Management Coordinator in 2016 and was named Assistant Director in 2018. He previously worked for the U.S. Geological Survey as a hydrographer.
Gearing to Leander Continued from pg. 1
next superintendent at its July 30 meeting. At that time, trustees will discuss their next steps, including interim superintendent options, timeline, and use of a third party to lead the process. “Dripping Springs will always hold a special place in my heart,” said Gearing in a statement. “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the children, parents, and other members of this fantastic community. I have learned many valuable lessons from my experiences in DSISD, which I will take with me as I begin this new adventure.” Gearing was hired to helm DSISD in February 2012. During his tenure, the district has grown by 50 percent over that span, going from approximately 4,500 students to more than 7,000 students expected this fall. Gearing also oversaw the opening of Sycamore Springs Elementary and Sycamore Springs Middle School, as well as two bond programs and a tax ratification election. “We thank Dr. Gearing for his many years of service to our district and wish him nothing but the best and much success in this new role,” said Dripping Springs ISD Board President Carrie Fontana Kroll. “Our district will continue to thrive during this transition thanks to the phenomenal staff we
have in place and the support of our parents and the broader community. DSISD is a respected and innovative district with amazing potential. I have no doubt that we will be able to attract and identify a truly outstanding leader who is highly qualified to lead DSISD into the future.” Recently, Gearing was named the Region 13 Superintendent of the Year by the Texas Association of School Boards and is a candidate for the state honor. Gearing is a frequent presenter at state and regional conferences on a variety of topics. In addition to his role in the district, Gearing has been a leader in the community and at the state level. He currently serves as the vice president of the Texas Association of Community Schools (TACS) and is on the Dripping Springs YMCA Board of Managers and City of Dripping Springs Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) Commission. Before moving to Dripping Springs, Gearing served three years as Marshall ISD superintendent after spending three years as an assistant superintendent at Mount Pleasant ISD. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa), his master’s degree from Texas A&M University-Texarkana, and
his Ed.D from Texas A&M University-Commerce.
Thursday, August 1, 2019
Nearly twenty years for Patsy Glenn Refuge BY JERRY HALL A great place for seeing birds is located right in the middle of Wimberley. It is recognized as a wildlife viewing area by the Texas Highway Department and has its own sign on Highway 12. I speak of the Patsy Glenn Refuge, a small natural area of about two acres, located just across from the Wimberley Community Center. Although small, this acreage has lots to recommend it for any serious birder. There is a chimney swift tower which regularly hosts avian
Texas Crossword
sponsored by...
inhabitants and there is a bird blind where you can sit and look at trees and bushes where birds visit hanging feeders and a water feature. If you walk to the end of the trail which winds through the refuge, you will come to a wooden platform where you can look out over open meadows for grassland birds. The refuge was developed by the Wimberley Birding Society and is coming up on its 20th anniversary. It is named for Patsy Glenn, a dedicated Wimberley birder who died August 15, 2007. She had come
to Wimberley to escape the air pollution of the Houston area and to relieve her severe chemical sensitivities. There is a kiosk near the chimney swift tower and it shows some of the birds and some of the butterflies you can see at the refuge. There are also concrete benches along the trail for those who prefer to sit awhile. Patsy Glenn was an advocate for birds and for a refuge in Wimberley where wildlife could be enjoyed and admired. I think she would be very happy with the place carrying her name.
DeMasters - Daniel Insurance Agency, Inc. Serving Hays County since 1983 “Call us for all of your insurance needs” Angiel Dahl
Wimberley: 512-847-5549 or 512-847-9325 Dripping Springs: 512-858-4608
On behalf of our entire staff, please accept our condolences on the passing of your loved one. When you are ready, I would be honored to assist you in creating a monument that will express your love for years to come.
Sincerely, Brenda Keller Independent Representative
512-644-1769
brendakeller7@gmail.com
See Texas Crossword solution on page 5
Email or call to schedule your appointment.
Service Directory Automotive
Air Conditioning
APC
Service Pros, LLC
Air Conditioning • Heating • Electrical
Central Garage, LLC Complete Auto Repair
(512) 894-4114 or (512) 858-4252 1 120 Hwy 290 W Mon-Fri, 8-5:30 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 Danny Hubbard
Glass Service
Service • Repair • Installation
512-410-7739 www.APCServicePros.com TACLB015741E
Licensed and Insured
TECL 24139
Handyman
Reliable Handy Man Commercial & Residential
• Contract Glazing • Storefronts • Insulated Glass
• Furniture Tops • Tempered Glass • Mirrors
Framed & Frameless Tub & Shower Enclosures
512 312 2767
5360 Industrial Way Dr., Buda, TX Stefnie at shallmark@dynamicglass.com
Painting, Remodel & Home Repair, Flooring & Tile, Carpentry, Decks & Fences, Pressure Washing, Gutters, Cleaning & Repair, RV Repair
Get your honey-do list done right.
ReliableHandymanTX.com 20+ Years of Experience • Insured
512-618-0482 • DHALL45@Yahoo.com
Dirt
Dirt Cheap Loam • Topsoil • Sand • Gravel • Roadbase • Asphalt Millings • Granite • Compost Mix
Tractor Work Available
Specializing in Country Driveways
Rick-Rob Trucking 512- 858-7952 www.rick-rob.com
robinnds@aol.com
Financial Planning Financial Planning
Zachary Barton Zachary Barton
512-686-7589 512-686-7589 107 S. Main St., Ste. A • Kyle, TX
107 S. Main St., Ste. A • Kyle, TX
Financial Planning• Insurance Planning Planning Planning Financial Investment Planning• Insurance
Investment Planning
Lawn Care
WHO DOES YOUR LANDSCAPING/LAWN? Offering competitive pricing and superior service in the Manchaca, Buda, and Kyle area since 2010
Taking care of your yard so you can play!
LANDSCAPING AND LAWN SERVICE
• Flower Beds • Fencing • Sprinkler Systems • Patios • Mowing, Edging and Cleanup • Tree Trimming and Removal • Rock Gardens • Garden Boxes • Build Sheds
Call Jesse Reyna at 512-788-2180 or email apa6207@sbcglobal.net
Classifieds
Thursday, August 1, 2019
www.HaysNewsDispatch.com
Employment
Public Notices
Be Your Own Boss Choose Your Own Routes!
VILLAGE OF BEAR CREEK
Looking for CDL drivers to deliver new trucks all over the country, starting in Laredo, TX.
Page 5
20 words for $8!
Place your classified ad by calling 512-268-7862 or send an email to paper@haysnewsdispatch.com. We accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover
DEADLINE: NOON MONDAY FOR THURSDAY’S PAPER
Texas Statewide Advertising Network
By Order of the Village of Bear Creek City Commissioners, notice is hereby given that on Monday, August 19, 2019 at 7:00 P.M. at the Driftwood Volunteer Fire Department, 15850 FM 1826, Austin, TX 78737, the Village of Bear Creek City Commissioners will hold a Public Budget Hearing for the Village of Bear Creek fiscal year 10/1/2019 to 9/30/2020.
Experience preferred. Must have DOT physical and be willing to keep logs. No DUIs in last 10 years, clean MVR.
Apply Online at www.qualitydriveaway.com or call 574-642-2023 EMPLOYMENT NOTICE The City of Dripping Springs is currently accepting applications for the full-time positions of Maintenance Worker and Communications Coordinator. The application and full job descriptions are available on the Employment page at www.cityofdrippingsprings.com or at 511 Mercer Street. Call City Hall at (512) 858-4725 or email Michelle Fischer at mfischer@cityofdrippingsprings. com for more information.
Texas Statewide Advertising Network
TexSCAN Week of July 28, 2019 ACREAGE Looking for hunting/recreational/retirement property. We have some of the best in Texas, from the Hill Country to South Texas. Large acreage or small, 30 year fixed rate owner financing, only 5% down. www.ranchenterprisesltd.com. 800-876-9720. West Texas Trans Pecos area, near Lake Amistad. 60-450 acres. Electricity, water, easy access, whitetail, dove, javelina, thick cover, views, canyons. Staring at $650/acre. 866-286-0199. www.westerntexasland.com.
CHARITY
LEGAL ASSISTANCE Mesothelioma may occur 30 to 60 years after exposure to asbestos. Many workers were exposed from the 1940s through the 1970s. Industrial and construction workers, along with their families (second hand exposure) are among those at risk for mesothelioma, lung cancer or gastro cancer (throat, stomach, colon). Call 800-460-0606 for professional legal insight or visit www.AsbestosLaw.com. Diagnosed With Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma after exposure to Roundup herbicide? You may be entitled to compensation. Call: 800-801-2870. Law Offices of Foster & Houston PLLC, Principal Office: Austin, TX; Co-counsel may be associated.
ARROWHEADS Donate a boat or car today to Boat Angel. 2-Night Free Vacation. Sponsored by Boat Angel Outreach Centers Indian Arrowheads Wanted, Point types: Clovis, to stop crimes against children. 800-700-BOAT, Firstview, Eden, Midland, Yuma, Cody, all nice Alibates www.boatangel.com. Points. Must be authentic, unbroken. Top $$ paid. Call 979-218-3351 or text photos. OIL AND GAS RIGHTS
HUNTING We buy oil, gas & mineral rights. Both non- producing and producing including non-Participating Royalty GOT LAND? Our Hunters will Pay Top $$$ to hunt Interest (NPRI). Provide us your desired price for an your land. Call for a FREE info packet & Quote. 1-866offer evaluation. 806-620-1422, LoboMineralsLLC@ gmail.com. Lobo Minerals, LLC, PO Box 1800, 309-1507. www.BaseCampLeasing.com. Lubbock, TX 79408-1800. WANTED TRUCK DRIVERS
Be Your Own Boss! Get Paid to See the Country! Quality Drive-Away is looking for CDL Drivers to Deliver Trucks! www.qualitydriveaway.com, 574-642-2023.
I Buy RVs & Mobile Homes – Travel Trailers, 5th Wheels, Goosenecks, Bumper Pulls. In Any Area, Any Condition – Old/New, Dirty or Clean! I PAY CA$H. No Title – No Problem, we can apply for one. ANR Enterprises, 956-466-7001.
Texas Press Statewide Classified Network 273 Participating Texas Newspapers • Regional Ads Start At $250 • Email ads@texaspress.com NOTICE: While most advertisers are reputable, we cannot guarantee products or services advertised. We urge readers to use caution and when in doubt, contact the Texas Attorney General at 800-621-0508 or the Federal Trade Commission at 877-FTC-HELP. The FTC web site is www.ftc.gov/bizop.
Service Directory Roofing
Pool Service
Shoe Repair
• Boot Experts • Purse Repair • Belt Repair • Luggage Repair • Shoe Care Products
Over 10 years of experience Keith Miller, owner One Time & Weekly Cleanings Drain & Cleans Pressure Washing Full Service Repairs HIGH TIDE Pool Replastering POOL SERVICE FREE ESTIMATES HIGHTIDEPOOLSERVICE@YAHOO.COM HIGHTIDEPOOLSERVICE.COM
512-965-3465
Roofing & Repair Veteran Insulated Siding Energy Efficient Upgrades owned and Gutters & Protection operated Austin, TX 512.488.1810 brian@discountroofusa.com
AustinShoeHospital.com locations in in Central Central Texas 1010Locations Texasincluding: including: Highway 290 & Nutty Brown Road • 512-827-3398 316 Round 290 RockWest Ave. inRound Rock• 512-288-6386 - 512-244-9124 Highway Oak Hill Bee CaveBell in Lakeway • 512-263-4630 306 South Cedar Park - 512-219-8387
8211 Burnet Rd. Austin - 512-453-1961
Tree Service
Lees Trees
38 years experience in the hill country Firewood • Pruning • Removal • Chipping Planting • Cedar Posts • Bulk Mulch
Free Assessments & Estimates • Insured MARCUS LEES (512) 858-4018 leestreestexas@gmail.com
Window Treatments
Texas Crossword Solution
Beautiful Blinds, Shades, Draperies & Shutters Custom window treatments at affordable prices!
Graber, Hunter Douglas, Norman & more. Low prices with lifetime guarantees and fast professional installation.
Call 512-847-8970
for free consultation & price quote.
www.MadeinTheShadeofwimberley.com
See puzzle, page 4
Like us on Facebook
NewsDispatch Providing you with your most important local news for Dripping Springs, Wimberley and surrounding communities
Page 6
News-Dispatch
Thursday, August 1, 2019
School Designs: Dripping Springs parents look at options Continued from pg. 1
first design review meeting, we’re trying to generate discussion to see what we like and don’t like.” The two designs were created with the aid of the Schematic Design Review Committee. Next, the district will incorporate commentary from the board of trustees, design review committee, community and campus leadership groups.
Below is a rendering of Scheme B presented by Dripping Springs ISD officials during a public input meeting.
DESIGN A “Design A” mimics the construction of DS Middle School with vertical buildings extending to the south of the property. It also includes the construction of a parking lot on the east side of the campus, which caused some concern for parents. The design features a two-story structure with different wings designated by grade levels. Safety was of major concern for parents at the meeting. Koehne said the campus will have multiple exit points throughout the wings, per fire code standards. However, these areas will remain locked throughout the day, limiting entrance to the campus by visitors and parents. Like other newly built campuses in DSISD, the new Walnut Springs campus will feature “pods.” These pods are open-room collaborative learning spaces at the wings of the building. The wings will feature staircases with easy access to the first and second floor of the building. Koehne said these stairways will be heavily insu-
RENDERING COURTESY OF CORGAN ARCHITECTS
lated to hinder the flow of noise from one level to the next. However, Design A wasn’t without its criticisms. A proposed fine arts building is located in the same wing as the Pre-K classrooms, which some parents argued could be noisy for the young children. Additionally, some parents worried about the connecting point between the two campuses, but Koehne said the connection will allow easy access for district officials and co-campus events.
DESIGN B “Design B” took a different architectural approach than A, shifting the orientation of the building further east in a diagonal slant. A big advantage of
Scheme B is its utilization of open spaces that could hold a student lounge, collaborative learning areas and a courtyard. One teacher said the Scheme B had extra space that could be utilized for classroom expansion in the future. The space was described as more functional than Scheme A. However, stakeholders felt Design A had better “flow” from the pods and classrooms. Koehne said DSISD mantra is to not take anything away from the middle school with the new elementary around it, and that includes how the architecture group will look at traffic and flow through the campus. “One of the things (the teachers like) is the pods and being able to break out and have kids learn differently,” Koehne said.
Needmore Water: Water district approves Continued from pg. 1
condition would allow staff to require Needmore to permanently reduce pumping if unreasonable impacts on other wells occur. Needmore must also pay $2,500 annually to help offset monitoring costs. “This is the most difficult permit this district has ever had,” Director Mary Stone said. “I don’t think anyone in the district would want to limit anyone (to pump their water). At the same time, we have a responsibility to ensure everyone’s water is available and is protected at the highest quality…with the special conditions, I believe that will happen.” The approval marked a defeat for local property owners who worried about the logistics of the permit. Many residents felt the permit could cause an unreasonable impact on the aquifer and neighboring wells. Approval of the permit also highlighted a flaw in House Bill 3405, known as the Save our Wells bill, which was passed by the state legislature in 2015. HB 3405 extended the jurisdiction of the BSEACD to a previously unregulated area of the Trinity Aquifer. Half of Needmore Ranch, however, was in an unregulated portion of the district before the bill became law. A loophole in HB 3405 created a process where landowners operating a well before the passage of the law could apply for a production permit for the “maximin production capacity” of said well. That allows an applicant to go for the maximum threshold of pumping, a departure from what the board is used to. Ed and Eddy McCarthy,
Needmore’s legal team, argued the ranch had a well before HB 3405 became law in June 2015, which means the applicant is eligible for a permit. BSEACD Senior Hydrogeologist Brian Hunt said Needmore conducted an aquifer test pumping 550 gallons per minute operating 24 hours a day. Based on the test, 289 million gallons per year was an appropriate threshold for the permit.
FRUSTRATION FROM THE DAIS Needmore’s request meant the board was working in opposition to typical practice. During deliberation, Stone felt the limitations of HB 3405 made the process “ass-backward.” Stone was critical of Needmore and the permit, but conceded their hands were tied. Ultimately, the board felt the recommendation from staff was the best shot for protecting the aquifer in the future. President Blayne Stansberry said “the statute limited how the board looked at it,” but that the board thought “the special conditions are protective of the aquifer.” The board entered executive session to consult with its general counsel twice throughout the six-hour meeting on the legality of the permit. Officials with the Trinity Edwards Springs Protection Agency (TESPA), which has opposed Needmore’s permit, said in a statement they were extremely disappointed with the decision by the board. However, TESPA offiicals said HB 3405 restrictions do not apply to a permit
request from Electro Purification, which is seeking to pump close to 1 billion gallons of water from the Trinity Aquifer, giving the board more leeway in its action. “It is our hope that special conditions do not become a precedent for the district to avoid denying or substantially reducing a permit when it is clear that the permit will unreasonably impact other well owners,” According to the statement.
LANDOWNERS EXPRESS WORRY ABOUT PERMIT Prior to a decision, landowners cited their concerns with the permit and costs to affected wells and the intent of the applicant. Needmore’s permit is the first active agriculture permit in the district. But landowners question how the Needmore Ranch will need 289 million a year for the use of agriculture. Additionally, landowners said that, if wells were to go dry because of this permit, people having to purchase rainwater collection systems. The price of such a system is upwards of $100,000, which is out of the range of those on fixed incomes. Local resident Louis Bond said the district’s sole purpose is to protect the aquifer. Bond said landowners are not fighting to pump as much water as they can because they have a respect for the natural resources in the area. “What if the rest of us said we’re going to grab the water and pump as much as I could,” she asked. “Any one of us could do that, but we don’t … I have nothing to gain from (the permit), but everything to lose.”
“That makes a lot of sense with more project-based learning.”
NEXT STEPS As 2021 approaches, the district will host a number of meetings and presentations on the progress of the design. More meetings with the committee are slated to
occur in the future while the district will host an all-teacher presentation. After a final feedback meeting with all stakeholders, the district will begin the construction document phase. Construction is expected to start March 2020. A Google form will collect feedback from the
community through Aug. 2. Architects will review and apply that feedback as they work on further developing the two designs, according to the district. “The design part never stops,” Koehne said. “It will continue to be tweaked as we continue along this process.”
Police Blotter The following is a tally of all calls made to law enforcement within Hays County between July 22 and July 28, 2019. July 22 – July 28th Civil Matter................................................. 12 Deliver Message........................................... 2 Information................................................. 10 Compliance Check..................................... 16 Civil Standby................................................ 1 Property Lost/Found/Negl............................ 3 Sex Offender Resgistry................................ 4 Alarm Business........................................... 43 Alarm Residential....................................... 43 Assist Animal Control................................... 1 Animal Calls................................................ 78 Field Euthanasia........................................... 5 Loose Livestock......................................... 10 Assault.......................................................... 4 Assault - Agg................................................ 1 Assist EMS................................................. 15 Assist Fire Dept............................................ 2 Assist Outside Agency............................... 21 Burglary Habitation....................................... 1 Burglary Vehicle.......................................... 15 Criminal Mischief.......................................... 6 Environmental Crime.................................... 1 Reckless Damage......................................... 1 Illegal Dumping............................................. 2 Disturbance Noise...................................... 18 Disturbance Physical Fight........................... 6 Disturbance Verbal..................................... 25 Child Custody............................................... 2 Public Intoxication........................................ 1 Violation of Order ......................................... 1 Narcotics Information................................... 3 Fraud............................................................ 5 Credit/Debit Abuse....................................... 5 Harassment................................................ 14 Stalking......................................................... 2 Threat........................................................... 3 Mental Health Follow Up.............................. 7 Mental Health Invest..................................... 2 Mental Health Transport............................... 4 Canine Search.............................................. 1 Canine Training............................................. 1
Violation City Ord......................................... 3 Runaway ...................................................... 1 Missing Person............................................. 3 Public Assist............................................... 14 Community Contact..................................... 8 Disabled Vehicle......................................... 29 Close Patrol................................................ 83 Foot Patrol ................................................... 3 Parent Discipline Assist................................ 4 Flagged Down.............................................. 7 Welfare Concern......................................... 36 Suicidal Person............................................ 7 Investigation................................................. 3 Supplement................................................ 68 Suspicious Circumstances......................... 22 Suspicious Person...................................... 17 Suspicious Vehicle..................................... 39 Wanted Person............................................. 6 Identity Theft................................................ 2 Recovery Stolen Property............................ 1 Theft........................................................... 28 Vehicle Theft................................................. 1 Recovered Stolen Vehicle............................. 1 Convulsions/Seizures................................... 1 Accident Minor........................................... 23 Accident Hit and Run................................. 10 Accident Major/Injury................................. 14 Accident Unknown....................................... 2 Abandoned/Stored Vehicle........................... 6 Directed/Area Enforce.................................. 6 Traffic Hazard............................................. 28 Attempt to Locate...................................... 79 Parking Enforcement.................................... 9 Traffic Stop............................................... 451 Solicitors....................................................... 2 Trespassing.................................................. 5 911 Abandoned........................................ 181 911 Hang Up................................................ 1 Deadly Conduct............................................ 1 Discharge of Firearm.................................... 3 Private Tow/Repo....................................... 18
HELPING OUR NEIGHBORS RETURN TO HEALTH AND INDEPENDENCE DEER CREEK OF WIMBERLEY HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR OVER
30 YEARS. OFFERING SCENIC VIEWS OF THE HILL
COUNTRY AND OF OUR SERENE ENCLOSED COURTYARD.
• HOSPICE/PALLIATIVE CARE • INPATIENT SHORT TERM REHABILITATION • IV/PICC LINE MANAGEMENT • LONG TERM CARE • LYMPHEDEMA • NEURO REHABILITATION • OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY • ORTHOPEDIC REHABILITATION • OUTPATIENT REHABILITATION • PHYSICAL THERAPY • RESPITE • SPEECH THERAPY • STATE-OF-THE-ART MODALITIES • TRACHEOSTOMIES • VITAL STIM - DIATHERMY • WOUND CARE
DEER CREEK OF WIMBERLEY
555 R ANCH ROAD 3237 • WIMBERLEY, TX FACILITY (512) 847-5540 • FAX (512) 847-0419