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0 W. US Hwy 29 Springs, TX 780, Dripping 62 0. www. SelfStorageAu ctio William Burrow n.com : misc. items.
NOTICE OF APP LICATI TO SUBDIVIDE ON
An applicatio filed with HAY n has been S create a 2-ac COUNTY to re lot along N utty Brown Roa d, 78737. Inform Austin, TX ation regarding the applic at obtained from ion may be Development Hays County Se 393-2150. Trac rvices 512king number: SUB-1255
State law to fast-track developments
DSISD population over 7,100 students
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Hays County native debuts film
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News-Dispatch Volume XXXIX No. 46
Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982
page 4
75¢
Thursday, August 29, 2019
Census response affects future funding for Hays BY ANITA MILLER
More than one-third of Hays County residents are at risk for not participating in the 2020 Census, according to a presentation given to Hays County Commissioners Tuesday ahead of the constitutionally-mandated national head count. Non-participation on the part of one four-person
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Dividing the approximate $43 billion the state gets from the federal government each year by the state’s population works out to about $1,500 per person. “If a household of four people doesn’t answer, it’s not $6,000, it’s $60,000 – $6,000 a year for 10 years,” said Richard Castanon, Census Bureau Partnership Specialist.
household could result in the loss of tens of thousands of federal dollars over the course of the next decade, Census Bureau
people doesn’t answer, it’s not $6,000, it’s $60,000 – $6,000 a year for 10 years,” Castanon said. Castanon urged the court to either form a Complete Count Committee (CCC) of its own or to Partnership Specialist of the 15 largest federal pro- the federal government partner with the city of San Richard Castanon told the grams that benefit Texas, each year by the state’s pop- Marcos, which has already court. Castanon said simply divid- ulation works out to about established one. Castanon Citing a survey by George ing the approximate $43 $1,500 per person. Washington University billion the state gets from “If a household of four CENSUS 2020, 3
County officials seek diversity on elections committee
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at which dozens of community members spoke. The proposed committee sioners stopped short of would operate yearnaming an “all-inclusive” round, and would have Community Elections a say in selecting some Commission on Tuesday, as-yet-undetermined opting instead for County locations for voting this Judge Ruben Becerra and Nov. 5, as well as other Precinct 4 Commissioner voting-related matters. Walt Smith to develop This November’s parameters intended to election is the first time insure diversity among Hays voters won’t have the group’s membership. to report to their specific An actual vote on the precinct ballot box on commission could come election day, but instead as early as next week. can vote at any voting The idea for such a group center county-wide. In grew out of a special called meeting on Aug. 19 ELECTIONS COMMITTEE, 6
ation 210-77 1-3147 w.brehmfaHays County Commisrms.co m.
air Veteran g grades owned and ion operated TX 1810 oofusa.com
Kyle supports pipeline regulation resolution eatmen ts
BY CHRISTOPHER GREEN
raperies & Shutter s Kyle city leaders have reatmentsnow joined the Texas prices! Municipal League (TML) Norman & min approving a resolution ore. that aims to regulate uarantees an pipeline routing through d tallation. the state of Texas. Approval of the resolu847-8970 tion, completed by a 7-0 on & price qu ote vote at the Aug. 20 Kyle . deofwimberle y.cCity om Council meeting, was the result of TML officials approaching Kyle in its attempt to ask for more transparency in the pipeline routing process, said Kyle Mayor Travis Mitchell. The resolution was
passed during a regular Kyle City Council meeting on Aug. 20. TML seeks to advocate on behalf of all cities in regard to pipeline routing. Mitchell said the resolution won’t have any effect on existing pipelines, but will bring awareness to people who oppose the pipeline approval process. Per the resolution, TML and those who support its resolution are vying for more regulatory process for pipeline
PIPELINE REGULATION, 6
PHOTOS BY MOSES LEOS III Above, Dripping Springs Tiger Brant Melton (center) competes at the 2019 Dripping Springs Invitational. Right, Tiger Maddie Livingston outpaces an opponent at the finish line of the invitational.
Tiger cross country takes gold at DS Invitational STAFF REPORT Gold medals were aplenty for the Dripping Springs Tiger cross country team as the boys and girls varsity and junior varsity squads all took first place at the annual Dripping Springs invitational meet Saturday at Dripping Springs Ranch Park. On the varsity girls side, junior Maddie Livingston used a late push
to outlast New Braunfels Kennady Fontenot to win gold by roughly a second. Tiger sophomore Karsten Bobb took third place while Ellie Hovre and Caroline Russey took sixth and eighth place, respectively. Meanwhile, Tiger junior Caleb Lopez raced past the field and won the varsity boys run by 21 seconds, defeating Tiger Kyler Myers, who took second.
DRIPPING SPRINGS VARSITY CROSS COUNTRY TIMES AT THE DRIPPING SPRINGS INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT BOYS
Caleb Lopez – 13:01.20 Kyler Myers – 13:22.10 Mason Simmons – 13:54.70 Weston Kirk – 13:59.40 Brant Melton – 14:07.50 Christopher Cohen – 14:22.40 Luke D’allesendro – 14:31.90 Shane Bookbinder – 14:46.20 Gage Groce – 14:53.80
GIRLS
Maddie Livingston – 15:23.30 Karsten Bobb – 15:39.50 Ellie Hovre – 16:09.20 Caroline Russey – 16:41.80 Kora Meyers – 16:45.80 Madison Tafoya – 16:47.20
Wimberley ISD approves 8% teacher pay raises STAFF REPORT An eight percent pay increase is the amount Wimberley ISD educators will see after board trustees unanimously approved the measure Aug. 22. All staff, teachers and administrators will obtain the pay increase, which was included in the district’s Fiscal Year 2020 budget, per a boost in funding from the state as part of House Bill 3. Texas lawmakers voted unanimously during the 86th Legislature in 2019 to approve HB 3, which overhauled the Texas school funding system and provided additional money to school districts, including a portion for employee raises and benefits.
Initially, the legislature proposed a one-time $5,000 bonus for teachers. However, lawmakers instead approved a set of guidelines for salary increases that gave district leaders an opportunity to award more sustainable pay raises to their employees. Wimberley ISD’s teacher salary schedule is based on the revised mid-point of $54,930. Initially, the legislature proposed a one-time $5,000 bonus for teachers. However, lawmakers instead approved a set of guidelines for salary increases that gave district leaders an opportunity to award more sustainable pay raises to their employees. “Since the bonus initially proposed by the legislature was only a one-time increase, working closely with the
board of trustees, we remained committed to a competitive pay raise based on the state funding and to assure that this was not a one-time pay raise but rather something that is sustainable,” said WISD superintendent Dwain York. Wimberley ISD’s teacher salary schedule is based on the revised mid-point of $54,930. According to a WISD press release, a WISD
teacher or nurse with 14 years or less of experience will have an annual salary increase of $4,394.40. Those teachers or nurses who have 15 to 30 years of experience will receive an annual salary increase ranging from $4,408.64 to $5,173.36. Per the release, WISD Chief Financial Officer Moises Santiago worked through the summer to recalculate the budget based on the new
funding and to formulate teacher increases before presenting the budget to trustees. “The WISD administrative team and the board of trustees are excited to offer this significant pay increase to such an incredibly deserving team,” York said. Cade and Lori Pharis, a couple who both work for WISD, celebrated the pay raises. "We're both excited about the pay raise and thrilled to be part of a school district that takes care of its employees,” Cade Pharis said in a statement. “It allows us to continue to live and support the community of Wimberley and keep working in education which we love.”
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News-Dispatch
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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.
Thursday, August 29, 2019
State law could fast-track developments BY CAMELIA JUAREZ
A tighter deadline to approve or deny proposed developments could place strain on cities as they attempt to mitigate growth. Ultimately, city planners fear new rules per House Bill 3167 could lead to developments setting up that might not be up to code and might not be transparent to their citizenry. Beginning on Sept. 1, House Bill 3167, signed into law by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott June 14, will force cities like Dripping Springs and Kyle to approve a development plan within 30 days of submission by a developer. Normally, such processes can take months to complete.
In response to the new timeline, state lawmakers removed the requirement of a public notice for those developments. Public notices are placed in newspapers and are meant to inform the public of an item that could be going before a municipality. Landowners will be notified after a decision has been met and a project approved.
In response to the new timeline, state lawmakers removed the requirement of a public notice for those developments. Public notices are placed in newspapers and are meant to inform the public of an item that could be going before a municipality. Landowners will be notified after a decision has been made and a project approved. To maintain quality
developments, Dripping Springs Planning Director Jason Lutz said he is going to make several changes to keep up with the new state law. The Dripping Springs City Council Sept. 10 is expected to take up those changes, which will come in the form of amendments to the city’s existing development ordinance. Lutz said the goal of the Sept. 10 meeting will be
team and putting more pressure on developers. Before the state law, the city and developers would negotiate to meet the city code and the developers’ needs. Developers will now be required to have their permits from TXDOT, utilities and others approved to make sure the city is in before they submit their compliance with the state. project for approval. Ad“It’s a lot of pressure ditionally, developers will on cities, especially high have to provide a narrative growth cities like us. We of how they meet the city’s have a planning area for code. thousands of people but “We have some conwe have a staff for huncerns about (the lack of) dreds of people. We can public notice. We will get the job done with a try to give some notice few changes to our prothrough signs, website cess,” Lutz said. and newspapers, but it’s Those adjustments something to work out at include adding staff to the the city council meeting,” three-person city planning Lutz said.
DSISD enrollment swells to 7,100 students BY MOSES LEOS III A record 7,100-plus students officially enrolled in Dripping Springs ISD schools during the first week of classes, according to a district report. However, the official count was slightly lower than an estimate provided in March by the district’s demographer. Per a Population and Survey Analysts (PASA) report, DSISD had been projected to have more than 7,304 students at the start of the 2019-20 school year, which accounted for a 7.3% population increase. DSISD officials said roughly 7,181 students were enrolled as of the first week of classes. Overall, DSISD experienced a 4.65% population increase from the 2018-19 school year. But Dale Whitaker, DSISD executive director of communications, said
Of all seven campuses in the district, Dripping Springs High experienced the highest growth with a 12.7% increase from last school year. exactly what was projectexpected increases in enrollment during the school ed.” year could keep the district According to the release, within PASA’s projections. DSISD is already planning for an increase in student DSHS MOVING UP? population at Dripping Springs High with the conOf all seven campuses struction of a new wing. in the district, Dripping The project, which was Springs High experienced approved as part of the the highest growth with a district’s 2016 bond pack12.7% increase from last age, will increase Dripping school year. Springs High’s student DSISD officials said population from 1,850 to Dripping Springs High more than 2,500 students. now has 2,154 students. The increase is due mostly DSISD officials estimate the wing will be completed because of the incoming by the 2020-21 school year. freshman class, which is However, growth has the district’s largest at any now placed Dripping grade level with 622 stuSprings High at the doordents. step of the 6A ranks in acaWhitaker said PASA’s estimated population demics and athletics. increase for Dripping Per the University Springs High was “almost Interscholastic League,
schools with 2,190 or more students are considered 6A, which is the highest classification level for academics and athletics. Currently, Dripping Springs High competes at the 5A level, which ranges from 1,150 students to 2,189. Realignment for the 2020 and 2021 seasons takes place in February, with cutoff figures subject to change.
GROWTH SEEN IN MIDDLE, ELEMENTARY CAMPUSES Meanwhile, Dripping Springs Middle School and Sycamore Springs Middle School are close in student population numbers, which remained
consistent from the 201819 school year. DSMS has a current enrollment of 839 students, which was an eight-student increase from the spring, while SSMS lost eight students during that time frame. Meanwhile, two elementary schools had a jump in enrollment, while two others kept a steady student populace since 2018-19. Sycamore Springs Elementary has 931 students, which is an increase of 5.5 percent, and Dripping Springs Elementary is up to 902 students, an increase of 6.5 percent. Rooster Springs Elementary starts the year with the exact number of students that were enrolled at the end of last year: 834. Walnut Springs Elementary has experienced a 3.8 percent decrease and now has 719 students.
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.
Kyle signs support for Emerald Crown trail BY KATIE BURRELL
Kyle, along with Hays County and neighboring cities, is signing on to support the San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance (SMGA) and other park development agencies to further a massive trail project. On Aug. 6, Kyle City Council voted 6-0 in favor of a resolution maintaining support for the proposed Emerald Crown Trail project. The trail would serve as the “backbone” for a series of trails connecting Hays County. Organizer Mark Taylor, president of the SMGA, said the trail will be a natural, preserved system meant to benefit the environment and support nonmotorized transit. The trails are intended to be walker, hiker and biker friendly. “It’s a way to get from
“It’s a way to get from San Marcos to Buda and in-between those communities by walking, hiking, cycling … but not in a motor vehicle. We want to work with landowners who see this as an advantage and not use eminent domain.” –Mark Taylor, president of the San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance
San Marcos to Buda and in-between those communities by walking, hiking, cycling … but not in a motor vehicle,” Taylor said. “We want to work with landowners who see this as an advantage and not use eminent domain.” Project organizers began seeking support in 2017 and the project is still in its early stages. However, the project is now overseen by a large working group which has created a trail master plan, held public forums and conducted planning with city and county officials. Taylor said the trail
received a grant of community assistance, which offered no money, but provided planning assistance from the National Parks Service in September 2017. North of the county, the Violet Crown Trail is in the works and is about 50% complete, Taylor said. Part of a grant for the Violet Crown Trail will go to Kyle to continue work on the Emerald Crown Trail. The two trails will connect in west Kyle and will continue on to various routes in different directions. Taylor said some resi-
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dents have expressed support for the trail, but do not want a trail near their home. Taylor said SMGA has made several drafts to appeal to the community. Moving forward, the working group will be looking for grants and other means of outside
funding to support the building of the trail which will include natural paths, concrete paths and rocky trails. Mayor Travis Mitchell supports the building of the trail and urged Taylor to find support from Kinder Morgan, which is planning to build its 420-mile, 42-inch Permian Highway Pipeline through Kyle. “Have they considered reaching out to our wonderful partners at Kinder Morgan to see about getting a contribution from them?” Mitchell asked.
The Friends Foundation looking for sponsors for annual BBQ fundraiser SUBMITTED REPORT The Friends Foundation will host its 26th Annual BBQ Fundraiser at Pecan Grove (formerly the Salt Lick Pavilion) at 18200 RM 1826 in Driftwood on Thursday, October 10, 2019 from 5 to 9 p.m. This will be an evening of live music by Hot Texas Swing Band, a silent and live auction, Salt Lick BBQ, and more. Tickets for the BBQ buffet are $25, available online and at the door. In preparation for the fundraiser, The Friends Foundation is soliciting sponsors and donations for its live and silent auctions. To donate items call (512) 592-1345 or email info@ thefriendsfoundation. org. Businesses or individuals who would like to help by becoming
a sponsor or making a tax-deductible donation may visit the website at www.thefriendsfoundation.org. This fundraiser is critically important in providing services to seniors in the greater Dripping Springs Area. All monies raised help support The Friends Foundation’s programs such as: Our Daily Bread – a hot meal delivery program for the homebound; Phillps Lifeline medic alert devices for summoning help in an emergency; financial assistance in times of need to low income seniors; help fund special events at Hill Country Care for their residents, and other worthy programs beneficial to seniors. The Friends Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
Thursday, August 29, 2019
www.HaysNewsDispatch.com
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Sports Texans aim to bounce back in 2019 BY SHANE SCHOLWINSKI
missing most of his junior season due to injury. For the Wimberley McCollum will have a ton Texan football team, a of weapons to distribute bounce back year is on the ball to as the Texans the horizon after they are deep at wide receiver limped to a 4-7 record a position. season ago. Warren said he is exSo far throughout fall cited about the depth at practices, wide receivWimberer, which ley head includes Wimberley coach Doug seniors Kolhead coach Warren likes by Goforth what he sees and KenneDoug Warren from this dy Strange, said he is year’s team and juniors heading Luke Wray, excited about into the first Christian the depth at game of the Marshall season. and Josh wide receiver, “Right which includes Limely. now, I “There are like their six to seven seniors Kolby demeanor, I guys across Goforth and like the way the receivthey attack ing core that Kennedy things,” can really do Strange, and Warren some damsaid. “When age.” said juniors Luke it’s 105 Wray, Christian Warren. (degrees) At runoutside and ning back, Marshall and a 130 on the Wimberley Josh Limely. turf, they will have come with a a one-two great attitude and work as punch from a pair of hard as they can. So that’s sophomores in the backall you can ask, and if we field. Moses Wray and can do those things then Juan Olmedo will get the we will be alright.” bulk of the carries with Wimberley returns a each bringing a different plethora of experience skill set to the table. Wray on both sides of the ball uses his power while heading into the 2019 using his ability to break season. A roster comlong runs, while Olmedo prising of upperclassmen has the element of speed. gives the Texans veteran Stellar play on the leadership at key posioffensive line will be tions. critical for success on On offense, senior offense, said Warren. The quarterback Cooper Texans have a veteran led McCollum returns after offense line with seniors
as players who’ve stepped up their game in fall practices and scrimmages. On Aug. 22, the Texans had their final scrimmage of fall camp against a tough La Vernia squad that went 12-2 last season. Physical play and explosive touchdowns from both teams highlighted the two quarters simulated at the end of the scrimmage, with Wimberley ultimately scoring more points than the Bears by the end of the second quarter. “I was pretty pleased with them,” said Warren. “We got hit in the mouth early, but the good thing about it, we responded. The kids really responded and came back and fought. We got after a really good football team and it’s good for us.” Heading into the season Warren and the Texans have the same goal set that they do entering every new season. “I mean the goal has never changed here, there is always aspirations of a state championship,” Warren said. “That’s the goal. How we attack that PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III on a week by week basis, A pair of LaVernia High defenders crash into Wimberley Texan Luke Wray near midfield in the if we decide we are going Aug. 22 scrimmage. to come to work hard everyday and do the best Cameron Coburn, Heath things,” Warren said. ness of linebackers Rory that we can then this Schake, Collin Kincaid, “They’ve handled it well, Hughes (senior) and Cole team has a chance to be Zach Starr, and junior and they’re handled Schroeder (junior) and really, really good.” Ryan Rubio returning as everything we’ve done so what they bring to the Wimberley kicksthe primary five starters. I’m really pleased with middle of the defense. off its season with a “We’ve been able to them.” Warren also mentioned home-opener against throw a lot at them, throw On the other side of the junior safety Dalton Burnet Friday. Kickoff is a lot at them and try and ball, Warren lauded the Blackburn and senior scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at get them acclimated to leadership and toughdefensive end Jadon Potts Texan Stadium.
Census 2020: Hays funds at risk Continued from pg. 1
said a city/county partnership is being pursued by Austin and Travis County, San Antonio and Bexar County and Houston and Harris County. “It’s an organizing tool helping communities throughout the nation,” Castanon said of the committees, which focus on areas identified as being at risk for low participation. “Unfortunately in Hays County we have several Census tracts with a high low-response rate of 27 to 36 percent — that’s the percentage we’re predicting will not respond to the Census.” The 2020 Census will be done differently than in the past, Castanon explained.
“The last time you got a questionnaire in the mail,” he said. “This time you’re going to get an invitation letter, even though the Census is mandatory.” The invitation will explain the three means of participation – online, on the phone, or requesting an actual paper form. Castanon said the system contains some “inherent challenges” like the reluctance of some seniors to go online and the simple clumsiness of pushing phone buttons to fill in information about households with many members. “Some people will see the letter, but not see a questionnaire, and they will toss it,” Castanon said,
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hence the need for outreach. “We have to develop a strong and solid awareness campaign to let people know how the Census will be done. We don’t want people to toss the letter or forget about it.” When done online, Castanon said the Census would take about 10 minutes to complete. “The importance of Complete Count Commit-
tees cannot be overstated … the Census impacts everything,” Castanon said. Hays County Pct. 1 Commissioner Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe questioned whether every municipality in the count would have to form their own CCC. “They can. We’ve already heard from Buda and Wimberley,” Castanon said. “The more committees set up, the better.”
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON TAX RATE The Reunion Ranch Water Control & Improvement District will hold a public hearing on a proposed tax rate for the tax year 2019 on September 11, 2019 at 2:00 PM at the offices of Willatt & Flickinger, PLLC located at 12912 Hill Country Blvd., Ste. F-232, Austin, Texas 78738. Your individual taxes may increase or decrease, depending on the change in taxable value of your property in relation to the change in the taxable value of all other property and the tax rate that is adopted. FOR: the proposal:
Nathan Neese, Vince Terracina, George “Bubba” Sykes, Dennis Daniel, Thomas J. Rogers, Jr.
AGAINST: the proposal:
None
PRESENT: and not voting:
None
ABSENT:
None
The following table compares taxes on an average residence homestead in this taxing unit last year to taxes proposed on the average residence homestead this year. Total Tax Rate (per $100 value)
Last Year $ 0.8750/$100 Adopted
Difference in rates per $100 of value Percentage increase/decrease in rates (+/-)
This Year $ 0.8750/$100 Proposed $ – 0.0%
Average appraised Value
$ 500,426
$ 524,108
General exemptions available (excluding senior citizen’s or disabled person’s exemptions)
$ –
$ –
$ 4,378.73
$ 524,108
Average taxable value Tax on average residence homestead Annual increase/decrease in taxes if proposed tax rate is adopted (+/-) and percentage of increase (+/-)
$ 207.22 4.7%
NOTICE OF TAXPAYER’S RIGHT TO ROLLBACK ELECTION If taxes on the average residence homestead increase by more than eight percent, the qualified voters of the district by petition may require that an election be held to determine whether to reduce the operation and maintenance tax rate to the rollback tax rate under Section 49.236(d), Water Code.
Page 4
News-Dispatch
Thursday, August 29, 2019
Hays County native debuts first short film BY MOSES LEOS III
“blessing” to have Clayton realize his grade-school As he debuted his first dream of becoming an film in front of friends actor or director. Equally and family at the Felpleasing was seeing a valowship at Plum Creek riety of family stories that Church Aug. 1, Kyle native had been told to generClayton Jones felt as if he ations of Mackenzie and was practically naked. Jones family members hit Showing off “Clod,” his the screen. 20-minute “It was an short film easy choice that’s still in (to help with Mark Jones the post-profunding) said it was a duction proand I’m glad cess, meant “blessing” to to do it,” getting the said. have Clayton Mark first public “After seeing reaction to a the finished realize his PHOTOS BY MOSES LEOS III project that’s product, grade-school A handful of area residents watch as Kipp, played by Preston Alkire, sits at the wheel of a truck already taken it was well during one of the first few scenes of Clod at a private screening in Kyle. Inset, Clayton Jones, thousands worth whatdream of writer of the short film “Clod,” speaks to residents during a question and answer session. of hours to ever we put becoming accomplish. into it.” Nowhere was The real an actor it guaranteed, work now or director. however, that begins for people were Clayton and Equally going to like his team, pleasing it. who are now “You’re attempting to was seeing Call 512-268-7862 to join the church directory today. putting up raise enough a variety of your art and money and not sure how family stories attention people were to submit that had going to “Clod” into receive it, if various been told to 8:45 AM Sunday Morning they’ll laugh short-film 11:00 AM Sunday Worship generations or cry or festivals. 5:45 PM Wednesday Meal Rev. Justin Mass Schedule both,” Jones Doing of Mackenzie 6:30 PM Wed TouchPoint Nguyen, pastor Saturday: 5 p.m. said. that would Located at the and Jones Sunday: 8:15 a.m., 11 a.m., 5 p.m. Once the encapsulate SCBC Preschool corner of RR 12 end credits a process? & Post Oak in Spanish Mass family Children Ministries Dripping Springs Sunday: 1:30 p.m. rolled and that Clayton Youth Ministries www.sunsetcanyonchurch.org members hit the lights said felt like Family Ministries (512) 894-0480 4000 E. HWY 290 512-858-5667 www.stmartindp.org flickered a “million the screen. back on, rehours.” lief came in So far, the the form of applause and team behind “Clod” has positive review. Jones and spent more than $5,000 his team had passed one on the project; Clayton of several hurdles in their projects the team will add e asters aniel attempt to turn a story of another $2,000 to $3,000 family life in rural West to the total before it’s finnsurance gency nc Texas into a full-length ished. feature. Much of the work Serving Hays County since 1983 For Jones, it’s about has been centered on “Call us for all of your insurance needs” giving viewers a slice of post-production items, “nostalgia pie.” which is often the most Angiel Dahl “It feels great to create expensive part of film sponsored by... something that makes making. Wimberley: 512-847-5549 or 512-847-9325 people laugh and cry and While writing and Dripping Springs: 512-858-4608 brings some joy,” Jones filming offered one set of said. “I think it has a pos- challenges, Clayton said itive family message. I’m there is much more to be proud of what we’ve put done once a film is “in the together and the team can.” that’s made this come toEditing, sound mixing gether.” and colorizing the film For Jonnie Mackenzie, are all part of the process, seeing his family’s story which is ongoing. Howon the big screen was ever, Clayton said it was a welcome experience. “cool” to be able to pay “Clod,” written by Jones those for their post proand directed by Ben Mur- cessing efforts. It’s often ray, follows the story of a learn-as-he-goes expea family living in rural rience. Texas. “It’s a first time expeMuch of the story berience, so I never know hind “Clod” was based what the next step is and on real-life events expeyou roll with what you rienced by Mackenzie’s need to do for the next family. His daughter, Kerri step,” Clayton said. “It’s Jones, is Clayton’s mother. been a lot of fun to learn Mackenzie said he that way. admired Clayton for purBoth Mackenzie and suing the film and the Mark Jones were hopeability for him to tell their ful Clayton’s film makes story. the cut down the road. It also elicited memoBoth realize the immense ries for him and his family amount of work put in by who in one way or anoth- those behind the scenes er had those moments and on camera. happen. Those moments Success down the road also made him realize for “Clod” will come down how times are changing to critics and judges who and how many of today’s see the film amid a field youth aren’t focused on of thousands of shortliving life on the farm or film entries. While the ranches anymore. film doesn’t hit on any “Things like that, you hot-button political isremember like it was yes- sues of the day, Clayton terday,” Mackenzie said. hopes the film connects Clayton’s film debut with those who see it. was also a point of pride “I think we have a great for his parents, Mark and shot at a larger film fesKerri Jones. Both played tival,” Clayton said. “The a role in supporting Clay- team has competed at ton’s film financially and a high level before and otherwise. I think we have a good See Texas Crossword solution on page 5 Mark said it was a shot.”
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Pipeline Regulation: Kyle joins TML resolution Continued from pg. 1
routing. One primary component is offering affected communities and landowners more options to oppose a pipeline if it is planned to be routed through their community or private land. The resolution states that elected officials of municipalities and cities believe their ability to address and/or to collaborate with accountable entities is impeded under current State of Texas laws. Officials have noted that state regulations concerning oil and gas pipelines have delegated governmental authority of eminent domain to private companies. As such, they complain there is a lack of a public process, particularly environmental and economic impact studies for intrastate pipelines. “The resolution will serve to build awareness throughout the state,” Mitchell said. “The primary way pipeline oversight should be administered is through legislative oversight, and the best way to create demand at the capitol is for cities
throughout the state to speak as one.” Mitchell said citizens in Kyle are supportive of the resolution. “The community has expressed unanimous support in our efforts to have Kinder Morgan held accountable,” Mitchell said. “Many districts and cities throughout the region have passed similar resolutions.” Kyle City Council member Daphne Tenorio said it is a resolution of support to show unity in the community advocating for more pipeline routing regulations. However, Tenorio said the resolution won’t have any legislative authority behind it. “We don’t have the authority to do that, but it’s just saying we’d want something like that,” said Tenorio. The TML resolution comes after a lawsuit aiming to change the pipeline regulation process was struck down by a Travis County District Judge in June. That lawsuit, which included Kyle and Hays
Per the resolution, TML and those who support its resolution are vying for more regulatory process for pipeline routing. One primary component is offering affected communities and landowners more options to oppose a pipeline if it is planned to be routed through their community or private land. County, was filed on behalf of landowners who are fighting Kinder Morgan’s Permian Highway Pipeline, a 430-mile, 42-inch project that will stretch from west Texas to the Houston area. Kyle, along with a handful of entities and municipalities, have crafted resolutions in oppo-
Kinder Morgan would be open to a dialogue in regard to the resolution. “I think there’s room to discuss with involvement in a respected group like the Texas Municipal League,” Fore said. “Whenever the city acts in coordination with a large trade association in the state, that’s meaningful and I think we should have a dialogue.” Fore said that if the resolution were to go through the legislative session Kinder Morgan would follow the stan-
dards set forth by the legislature. However, changes would not be enacted unless proposed and approved during the next legislative session in 2021. “We’re going to follow it. There’s a regulatory process in place in Texas and we follow that. If there are changes to the law, we are going to follow that,” Fore said. “Whenever we look at a project in building it we look at the laws and regulations and see if we can meet that threshold.”
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sition to the PHP, which is slated to go through the Texas Hill Country, including Blanco, Hays and Caldwell counties. Kinder Morgan officials estimate the pipeline will be operational by late 2020. Allen Fore, Vice President of Public Affairs for Kinder Morgan Inc., said
Elections Committee: County holds on action Continued from pg. 1
addition to council races in Kyle and Buda, the election will include proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution. “This is a nonpartisan effort to inform, inform, inform,” Becerra said, giving a nod to the League of Women Voters, who initially floated the idea of a commission at the Aug. 19 workshop. “This is a Hays County effort, as a whole court, to do the best we can.” Smith said he would like to see input from the county’s Elections Administrator “as far as outreach that was done in the past,” as well as clarification of who would speak for municipalities. “I’d like someone from each municipality that can speak for that municipality,” he said. “I want to make sure we’re cognizant and get a committee that can really do the work we are asking them to do.” Smith also pointed out that the state of Texas is “very clear on what our roles in the county are, and very clear on how we set up some of these things,” and noted that before the commission begins work, members should be aware of “what is possible and allowable
The proposed committee would operate year-round, and would have a say in selecting some as-yetundetermined locations for voting this Nov. 5, as well as other voting-related matters.
commission will have. Hays County League of Women Voters President Linda Calvert was among members of the public who spoke to the issue. “I’m concerned because I don’t hear an explicit mechanism for pulling in unrepresented groups,” she said after listening to the discussion. “Texas is not so much a Republican state or a Democratic state. It’s a non-voting state … If you just go to the places people are already voting, you miss a under state law.” be also questioned “what huge pool.” Precinct 3 Commission- entities, what groups, Becerra said he and er Lon Shell was first to should participate” and Smith intend to reach question whether elected “how do we decide who out to the League as they officials should be part of appoints those individudevelop parameters “so the commission. “I can go als.” that we can have someback and forth. I personalShell suggested a stuthing concrete as soon as ly lean toward not, but I’m dent be named to reprepossible.” open to conversation.” sent Texas State University, No motion resulted Precinct 2 Commisand that the commission from the discussion. sioner Mark Jones also should also include somesaid he wanted to know one to represent churches, if the commission would which are frequently used include elected officials or as polling places. not. “My preference would Becerra charged the be non-elected with the commissioners to bring exception of party chairs,” recommendations ahead he said. “Membership of a vote. “I want an should not be decided organized grass roots by population,” he said, approach. Go back to your “but by area, so everyone cities. Ask your elected is represented no matter officials to help shape what the population is.” what this looks like.” ComPrecinct 1 Commission- missioners have not said er Debbie Gonzales Ingals- how many members the
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