County jail expansion green-lighted
D.S. wrestler bursts onto national scene
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Tigers outlast Tivy 48-38
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News-Dispatch Volume XXXVIII No. 47
Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982
page 4
75¢
Thursday, September 6, 2018
TxDOT green Smaller houses could have impact in Hays County lights roadway fixes near Oak Hill
Tiny homes, big dreams? BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
square feet and from $5,000 to $100,000, based The tiny homes moveon amenities and interior ment that has swept the furnishing. nation is becoming more According to U.S Cenprevalent in Texas, and sus data, in May 2017, the new communities in average price of a home Austin are beginning to in- in the United States was fluence the future of home $345,800. Additionally, builders in Hays County. square footage size has In January 2018, the nearly doubled since 1973 Hays Free Press reported despite the average numplans for a developer to ber of people per housebring a tiny home comhold falling to 2.66. munity to Kyle. Nine With baby boomers months later, the dream looking to downsize for is still alive and 400 micro retirement and millennials estates will soon call Kyle finding ways to stay out of home. debt, tiny homes might be Tiny homes typically a solution to rising housrange around 400 to 600 ing costs.
“Our company will bring over 400 micro estates to the Kyle ETJ soon through the current site, or other sites we are in planning with,” Stinson said. “Keeping affordable housing alive is our responsibility. This is really the only hope we’ve been able to calculate for the countless teachers and firemen who just want a place to call home, but can’t afford it.” Dripping Springs resident Deanna Batsoutenko recently purchased her PHOTO COURTESY OF DEANNA BATSOUTENKO first tiny home, which will Dripping Springs homeowner Deanna Batsoutenko bought a
tiny home to live in while her home is rented out on Airbnb.
TINY HOMES, 4 com.
Wimberley wastewater treatment contract terminated despite protests BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
Plans for a Wimberley-owned wastewater treatment plant were flushed away last week after city leaders chose to terminate the existing contract for the proposed project. The decision to do so, which came via a 4-1 Wimberley City Council vote, could pave the way for the city to possibly pick Aqua Texas, a third-party provider, to operate its wastewater system. Council member Allison Davis cast the lone dissenting vote. But the move wasn’t without controversy, as residents and city leaders clashed in a bizarre Aug. 28 meeting rife with protests, an unconventional public comment arrangement; a few people were even escorted out by police. Also unknown is what financial ramifications could come of Wimberley’s decision to cut the cord on its city-owned facility plan. Council members Patricia Kelly, Gary Barchfeld, Craig Fore and Mike McCullough, who all voted in favor of the contract termination, cited that Aqua Texas is
BY EXSAR ARGUELLO Forthcoming improvements on one of the state’s most congested roadways could have an impact on Hays County commuters. On Aug. 30, the Texas Transportation Committee (TTC) voted to approve the 2019 Unified Transportation Program (UTP), which includes funding for major improvements at the U.S. 290 and Highway 71 intersection, known as the Y, near Oak Hill in Travis County. The move to include the $440 million project into the UTP was seen as a “victory” by several current and former Hays County elected officials. The Oak Hill Transportation Plan, which has been in the works for roughly 30 years, is aimed at addressing major traffic and safety concerns at the Y in Oak Hill. The project calls for an overpass that will connect west Highway 290 and Highway 71; the highways will include a total of 12 new lanes built to help alleviate traffic concerns that have historically been an issue. Bike lanes and pedestrian sidewalks are included in the project’s plan. However, the changes will not include a toll,
ROAD FIXES, 5 PHOTO BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
Chisholm Trail fireman killed in SH21 Holes in ETJ causes headaches wreck The move to not renew a contract for a Wimberley-owned wastewater treatment plant wasn’t without controversy, as residents and city leaders clashed in a bizarre Aug. 28 meeting rife with protests, an unconventional public comment arrangement, and even a few people were escorted out by police.
more affordable than its contract with Black Castle, which is the cityowned plan. They also argued Aqua Texas has committed to Type 1 effluent treatment.
But some members of the community were not convinced that a contract with Aqua Texas is advantageous. Scott Price, a Wimberley resident, said he wasn’t sure that opting for
Aqua Texas is fiscally responsible. “I’m against Aqua Texas and it’s a financial concern,” Price said. “Voting for Aqua is stepping in a financial quagmire. There are costs
that are missing and that is a serious concern. The current plan is vetted, funded and there is no reason why we should not do it.”
WIMBERLEY WASTEWATER, 6
for residents and cities alike BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
Pockets of land in Hays County landlocked by a city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ), also known as “donut hole” parcels, can cause trouble for residents and cities alike. In the 1980s, the city of Austin began expanding its ETJ, slowly encroaching on Hays County residents. More than 30 years ago, those residents had a choice – join Austin, Dripping Springs or be left in an unincorporated area of the county. These annexation practices eventually left some parcels of land out
One example of this limited regulation occurred in the Rimrock neighborhood in Driftwood, where residents were greeted with a pair of 40-foot tall billboard signs. of the city limits. Fewer city protections also means fewer regulations for developers, too. “The city ordinances we are able to apply in the ETJ are limited,” said Ginger Faught, deputy city administrator for the city of Dripping Springs. “We don’t have the authority to apply land use regulations like zoning in the ETJ. The legislature has not given
cities or counties authority to dictate land use, and that can become problematic for property owners.” One example of this limited regulation occurred in the Rimrock neighborhood in Driftwood, where residents were greeted with a pair of 40-foot tall billboard signs. Since the property was not located in the ETJ,
the city could not enforce its sign ordinance, which did not allow billboards. For Deborah Williams, a resident on Brownson Lane in Dripping Springs, living outside of the city limits is a two-sided coin. “We wanted to live out here so we can be away from the city, but at the same time that allows developers to come out here and build with almost no repercussions,” Williams said. “We can’t continue to hope that these (developers) can be our good neighbors.” Brownson Lane is a
ETJ DONUT HOLES, 6
BY MOSES LEOS III Chisholm Trail Fire Rescue Chief Mark Padier knows how much community meant to fellow firefighter Nick Zoulek. Born with “a servant’s heart,” ZOULEK Zoulek wasn’t shy in offering to help out anyone and everyone he could. From his family and friends, to those he served with on the fire line, Zoulek always thought of others before himself.
FATAL WRECK, 6
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News-Dispatch
Thursday, September 6, 2018
Commissioners greenlight change order in Hays county jail expansion BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
“We have to excavate seven feet down to get a suitable building pad and due to the existing lines and debris, it’s requiring more detailed work and excavation.”
$175,000 to the utility lines and debris excavation. Unforeseen conditions Dan Lyon, a Hays Counby Turner Construction ty resident, urged the Company during the commission to proceed expansion of the Hays with caution as Turner –Codi Newsom, Senior Project Manager at ECM International County Jail led County Construction has asked Commissioners to allocate for additional funding in money from within the the past for the expansion “They should have known (about the debris) when they bid of the jail. project to fix the issues. The unforeseen con“They should have the contract. We’ve had problems with Turner before and I known ditions include large (about the debris) wouldn’t vote to give them additional funding.” amounts of water found when they bid the conupon drilling, old utility tract,” Lyon said. “We’ve lines from a previous had problems with Turner –Dan Lyon, a Hays County resident project and large amounts before and I wouldn’t vote of debris dating back to to give them additional first three bells and were lines. more detailed work and the 1940s. Despite these funding.” able to mitigate any major The team also uncovexcavation,” Newsom obstacles, a solution is Despite opposition, ered old building debris said. being worked out without rework.” Newsome said changes The site team also dating back 70 years, The change order called would not affect the fundoverextending the projfound utility lines includ- which was buried seven to move $675,000 from the ing of the project. ect’s budget. ing storm drainage and feet in the soil. bond to Turner’s contract Codi Newsom, Senior The Commission sewer lines. The team “We have to excavate for the unforeseen condi- unanimously approved Project Manager at ECM modified the foundation seven feet down to get a tions. International, said the for Turner Construction to bridge the storm drain suitable building pad and Of that amount, change order in Turner’s to address the concerns lines, but the sewer lines due to the existing lines $500,000 would be allocat- found during the excavacontract would not inand debris, it’s requiring ed to the drilled piers and tion of the site. crease the total cost of the posed a bigger issue. No site plans showed project and will still keep around $1.8 million left in any indication of sewer lines before they were the budget. discovered and poor soil “We hit groundwater was causing those pipes to and pockets of perched The following highlights are reports from Hays County law enforcement as well as local degrade. water that we can’t put a police between Aug. 27 and Sept. 4. To mitigate the issue, pattern on,” Newsom said. Newsom said they provid“In collaboration with the Agency Activity Date Time Street City ed an exit while the site design team and Turner, BPD Burglary - Habitation 08/28/2018 0:43:31 Cabelas Dr Carrington Oaks Buda is uncovered, allowing a HCSO Disturbance - Phys/Fight 08/27/2018 16:36:07 Caliche Rd Wimberley the solution is to go with BPD Vehicle Theft 08/27/2018 22:28:35 Dacy Ln Kyle new sewer system to work straight shaft piers. We BPD Accident - Major/Injury 08/27/2018 16:39:56 N Fm 1626/Oyster Crk Buda separately from the older realized this issue in the HCSO Accident - Major/Injury 08/27/2018 10:28:51 Dacy Ln/Bebee Rd Kyle
Police Blotter
Court date nears for undocumented county resident BY KATIE BURRELL
An undocumented Buda resident still in Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody officially had her first day in court earlier this month. For the family of Janelie Rodriguez, 25, the fight to have her released from federal custody continues, as the worries about her condition grow. Chito Vela, Rodriuguez’s attorney, said his client went through a scheduled bond hearing Sept. 5. Rodriguez, 25, was detained in October 2017 after she was arrested during a mental health episode at her Buda home. Rodriguez was taken to a hospital that night, and was later transferred to the Kerrville Mental Hospital and eventually to jail where it took months for her to receive proper medication. Rodriguez was released from the hospital in late November. Her mother, Janeth Rodriguez, said her daughter experienced a few more psychotic episodes before being arrested in January for felony assault of the police officers who originally took her to the hospital. The charges were eventually dropped, but due to an ICE detainer, Janelie Rodriguez was moved to Pearsall.
“I do not believe ICE is equipped to provide her the mental health treatment she requires. I am respectfully requesting ICE to drop the hold or at least release Janelie on her own recognizance to allow her to get the medical care treatment that she clearly needs.” –Rep. Lloyd Doggett in a letter to Mano Amiga
“She had never been to a hospital before, but I didn’t know what to do,” Janeth Rodriguez said. “She was diagnosed schizophrenic when she was 20 and has been medicated since. I didn’t know how to help her that night and she needed a hospital.” Mano Amiga, an advocacy group that assists undocumented residents,
ICE DETENTION, 4
HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO BPD BPD BPD HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO BPD HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO BPD HCSO HCSO BPD HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO BPD HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO BPD HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO BPD BPD HCSO HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury Accident - Major/Injury Accident - Major/Injury Sexual Assault - Child Burglary - Building Reckless Damage Disturbance - Phys/Fight Missing Person Accident - Major/Injury Accident - Major/Injury Accident - Major/Injury Criminal Trespass Sexual Assault Sexual Assault Disturbance - Phys/Fight Disturbance - Phys/Fight Missing Person Accident - Major/Injury Accident - Major/Injury Assault Assault Assault Sexual Assault Burglary - Vehicle Disturbance - Phys/Fight Missing Person Accident - Major/Injury Accident - Major/Injury Deadly Conduct Deadly Conduct Assault - Aggravated Assault - Aggravated Assault Assault Assault Burglary - Building Burglary - Habitation Burglary - Habitation Burglary - Vehicle Disturbance - Phys/Fight Disturbance - Phys/Fight Marijuana Terroristic Threat Accident - Hit and Run Accident - Major/Injury Accident - Major/Injury Accident - Major/Injury Disturbance - Phys/Fight Accident - Hit and Run Accident - Major/Injury Accident - Major/Injury Burglary - Habitation Burglary - Vehicle Death Investigation Death Investigation Disturbance - Phys/Fight Disturbance - Phys/Fight Missing Person Accident - Major/Injury Accident - Major/Injury Accident - Major/Injury Assault - Aggravated Assault Assault Burglary - Vehicle Burglary - Vehicle Burglary - Vehicle Burglary - Vehicle Death Investigation Disturbance - Phys/Fight Disturbance - Phys/Fight Disturbance - Phys/Fight Disturbance - Phys/Fight
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12:41:51 12:47:23 1:59:29 13:43:56 8:13:45 15:21:25 20:07:04 17:32:44 17:18:26 18:19:15 13:02:06 12:23:24 11:03:46 20:41:31 11:14:51 17:09:19 19:27:27 11:59:45 16:26:50 13:07:18 15:20:18 0:29:47 9:35:17 8:39:20 17:09:44 3:34:08 13:17:28 23:30:22 11:01:59 12:17:48 20:37:42 1:50:15 9:40:34 18:15:00 21:59:55 8:02:10 12:54:36 21:49:45 0:37:52 16:42:45 3:00:12 12:35:31 2:12:24 19:16:40 22:55:39 15:33:20 20:33:34 19:21:09 23:20:23 16:23:09 17:17:16 22:39:07 14:00:59 13:47:10 15:29:00 12:45:28 0:32:17 17:39:46 13:55:08 7:10:32 11:46:43 6:12:24 12:37:33 14:57:04 8:26:29 15:29:57 16:44:30 17:03:02 15:04:52 17:56:44 19:46:23 14:09:34 17:45:54
S Old Bastrop Hwy/Francis Harris Ln Airport Hwy 21/William Pettus Rd Camino Real/E RR 150 Buttercup St Lost Valley Rd RR 12 HEB Montell Rd Rocha Dr IH 35 FR Crestview RV IH 35 FR Hilliard Rd Uhland Rd Hays Co. Law Center Stillwater Substation Creek Rd Intrepid Dr Red Bird Trl Dacy Ln McCormick Middle School RR 12 RR 12/W US 290 Rabbit Rd RR 12 I Smashed RR 2325 Shady Oaks RV E US 290 Sunset Canyon Baptist Church Penta Ct Wonder World Dr/Stagecoach Trl Lone Deer Run RR 165/W US 290 Camino Real Williamson Rd Royston Rd Speedy Stop Britni Loop Greenfield Rd W Center St Wallace M.S. Tranquility Mtn RR 12 Brookshire Brothers Posey Rd Dark Horse Ln Janzet Dr S FM 1626 Buck’s Backyard Green Pastures Dr RR 32 Garza MHP W US 290 Dripping Springs H.S. E US 290 Whataburger Fitzhugh Rd/RR 12 RR 967/N FM 1626 Goforth Rd La Mexicana Store High Rd/Goforth Rd FM 2001/Reliance Dr FM 2001 Poco Loco Winters Mill Pkwy/RR 12 RR 165/W US 290 Darden Hill Rd Clarence Ct West Cave Blvd RR 2325 N FM 1626 Cedar Pass Rd Deertrail Dr Exit 217 SB RR 12 W US 290 Dollar General Palomino Rd N Front St Kyle P.D. Uhland Rd Public Safety Building Fischer Store Rd Blue Hole Regional Park Blue Hole Regional Park Blue Hole Regional Park Dolomite Dr Cabelas Dr Silverado Crossing IH 35 FR Lewis Signs Cotton Gin Rd Triumph Rd
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Page 3
Sports
Dripping Springs High wrestler bursts onto national scene BY SHANE SCHOLWINSKI
champion wrestler Bo Nickals is a wrestler he Entering his junior year has looked up to. at Dripping Springs High, However, a lack of wrestler Chase Warden’s confidence, combined accolades are beginning with nervousness, held to stack up. Chase Warden back from This summer, Warden accomplishing what he represented the Texas wanted during the early National team at the Cayears of his wrestling cadet and Junior National reer. A change in mindset Championships in Fargo, for Warden has catapultNorth Dakota, placing ed his game on the mat as third and fifth in the he is coming into his own freestyle and Greco-Roas not only one of the man competitions, which best wrestlers in Texas, host some of the top high but in the entire country. school wrestlers in the “I didn’t really have a country. good mindset back then “It’s really amazing, it when I was little, because honestly is,” Warden said. I would just go out there “Being able to compete and be really nervous with the best of the best and scared,” Warden said. at my age right now, it “But my coach told me feels terrific. I just want to it was just about havkeep getting better.” ing fun, doing what you Warden’s passion for like to do, go out there wrestling began at the and score points on the young age of seven when board.” his father, Chris WarWarden is a key den, introduced him to member of the Dripping the sport; his brothers’ Springs wrestling team involvement in wrestling that finished as the thirdalso sparked Chase’s ranked team in the state interest at that age. last season, as well as Outside of his family, competing with the 3F Chase said Penn State club wrestling team out
PHOTO COURTESY OF JOE KIRKSEY
Dripping Springs junior Chase Warden walks off the mat after a wrestling match at the Junior National Championships in Fargo, North Dakota.
of Austin. Warden was invited to join the Texas National team after his freshman year, and has competed in both the freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling competitions at the Cadet and Junior National Championships the past two summers. While competing in the 138-pound weight class in the Cadet division for freestyle, Warden went 6-2 while outscoring his opponents by a combined score of 82-20, earning him fifth place out of the 86 competitors. “My experience at Far-
go for freestyle, my first year I was super nervous and scared because it was a big tournament and I didn’t know what I was getting myself into,” Warden said. “My mindset wasn’t right and I didn’t do good that year. But this year I was used to it and I knew what I was doing, I was calm. I took fifth this year and I feel really good about it.” Two days after finishing fifth in freestyle, Warden finished third out of the 74 competitors in the Greco-Roman wrestling format. Chase Warden outscored his
competition 75-9 in seven matches as he finished with an overall record of 6-1. Grego-Roman wrestling centers on the waist up, with competitors not allowed to use their legs. “My freshman year I took seventh at Fargo. After freestyle I got a better mindset and I knew how it felt. This year I just got at it and started attacking it. I already knew what I was doing, so it was good to get third,” Chase Warden said. After an incredibly successful sophomore year where Warden has achieved both excel-
lence at the state and national stage, his junior campaign will be one to watch as he has set a high standard for not only himself but also for the Dripping Springs wrestling team. The ultimate goal for Warden and the Tigers this year is to bring home a state championship. In order to achieve their goal, Warden said the biggest factor will be the team’s mindset. “The key is to have a good mindset, put in the hard work and to just have fun with it.” Warden said.
Tigers outlast Tivy in 48-38 shootout BY DESTINEE CABRERA
quarter lead. From there, the Tigers and Antlers Efficient offense helped went toe to toe, tallying a the Dripping Springs Ticombined 48 points in the gers football team lay the second quarter alone. groundwork for a thrilling It was Dripping Springs 48-38 season opening win that got the last jab before Friday over the Kerrville intermission, as Prewit Tivy Antlers at Tiger Stapunched in a late touchdium. down run to give Dripping At the center of it all was Springs a 27-24 lead. senior quarterback Tanner The Tigers carried that Prewit, who accumulated momentum into the 437 of the Tigers’ 600 total second half as they tallied yards on offense, as well as 14 unanswered points in scoring six touchdowns on the third quarter to take a the night. 41-24 advantage. For most of the contest, Tivy, however, didn’t Tivy and the Tigers went go away and clawed its back and forth, trading way back into contenpunches in the form of tion. A touchdown run points. by Antler quarterback Tivy got the upper Karson Valverde early in hand by taking a 3-0 first the fourth quarter cut
Dirpping Springs’ lead to 41-31. But the Tiger offense proved too tough to tame. A touchdown pass from Prewit placed the Tigers out of reach at 48-31 late in the game. Tivy finished with a rushing touchdown, but it wasn’t enough. Prewit said the Tigers sought to improve in the second half and that they “just kept going.” “Once you let up ... Things turn downhill so we just kept going up from there,” Prewit said. Tiger head coach Galen Zimmerman said a critical point was “being a little more aggressive [going into 2nd half] defensively
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Kerrville linebacker Trey Layton chases Dripping Springs’ quarterback Tanner Prewit out of bounds but the run helped to set up a 5 yard touchdown run by Jacob Cox to give the Tigers a 41-24 lead late in the third quarter. Nathan Koch was 6 for 6 on point after touchdown kicks in the 48-38 win.
and offensively.” Overall, protecting the ball and maintaining possession are points for the Tigers to focus on. However, Zimmerman said it was a “pretty special thing” to see many first-year varsity players score a win to open the season. “Every win is special. Texas high school football is tough ... we’re not going
to be satisfied with just one win, but we’re going to be excited because there is a lot of work that goes into it,” Zimmerman said. Prewit finished by going 17 of 27 for 263 yards and three passing touchdowns, including a completed pass for 75 yards; Prewit also finished with 174 rushing yards on 18 carries and three rushing touchdowns.
Senior running back Jake Cox rushed for 162 yards on 23 carries and had one rushing touchdown. Four Tigers had 50 or more yards receiving, with senior Parker Alford leading the way with 120 yards on eight catches and two scores. Dripping Springs travels to play in-county rival Hays Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Bob Shelton Stadium.
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Page 4
News-Dispatch
Thursday, September 6, 2018
Education Dripping Springs ISD surpasses 6,000 students STAFF REPORT More than 6,800 students are now enrolled in Dripping Springs ISD, according to district officials in a press release. At the end of the first week of school, DSISD is serving 6,848 students, which is “very close” to district projections used for planning purposes. DSISD is experiencing a growth rate of 6.6 percent since 2017 and of about 5.6 percent since the end of school in June, according to the release. Five years ago, at the start of the 2013-14 school
The district is expected to hit the 10,000-student mark in either 2023 or 2024. year, DSISD enrollment was 5,082. The current projected total would represent an increase of 35 percent from that 2013-14 mark. Ten years ago, total enrollment was 4,141. Growth in Dripping Springs ISD is expected to continue. The district is expected to hit the 10,000-student mark in either 2023 or 2024. District officials maintain
DSISD by Campus (as of Aug. 23, 2018)
Dripping Springs Elementary: 822 Rooster Springs Elementary: 821 Sycamore Springs Elementary: 859 Walnut Springs Elementary: 733 Dripping Springs MS: 840 Sycamore Springs MS: 809 Dripping Springs HS: 1,964 Total: 6,848
Tiny Homes
Continued from pg. 1 be completed in October. Batsoutenko rents out her home on Airbnb and purchased her tiny home so she can still have a place to stay while her home is being occupied. Batsoutenko said her tiny home cost around $5,000, which fit in her budget. The home will not come furnished and she is looking to complete the project herself over the coming months. “Half of the fun is being able to complete the home myself,” Batsoutenko said. “This was definitely the most affordable option. Owning a home and property is becoming more expensive and tiny homes
are a great option for people on a budget.” Although Batsoutenko acknowledged that tiny homes are a trend, she said she believes they have a place in our society. Stinson said the housing market is demanding tiny homes for those who are looking for an alternative, affordable way of living. “We will succeed in showing cities that our business model is clean, efficient, taxable and necessary for a vibrant society,” Stinson said. “So our firm will be moving forward with a 400 plus unit micro-estate community in the west of Kyle region soon.”
ICE Detention Continued from pg. 2
put Janeth Rodriguez in touch with Chito Vela, an attorney who recently won a case involving an ICE detainee. The last five individuals to seek help from Mano Amiga were released by ICE before their court date. “We launched a petition that we’ve posted on our Facebook page and spread to our contacts across Texas,” Beatriz Gomez-Rodriguez, a part-time staffer for Mano Amiga, said. “We have over (600) signatures.” Rep. Lloyd Doggett sent Mano Amiga a letter in support of Janelie’s release. “I do not believe ICE is equipped to provide her the mental health treat-
ment she requires,” Doggett said in his statement. “I am respectfully requesting ICE to drop the hold or at least release Janelie on her own recognizance to allow her to get the medical care treatment that she clearly needs.” Janeth Rodriguez said she and her daughter moved to the U.S. when Janelie was two years old to escape abuse by Janelie’s father. Janeth Rodriguez said the only family Janelie would have in Mexico are grandparents, who are not able to assist in dealing with her mental condition. An update on Rodriguez’s hearing can be found in next week’s News-Dispatch.
its $132 million bond measure, which was approved in May and later validated after a challenge in August, addresses student enrollment growth needs. That includes expansion of Dripping Springs High, which is already over its building capacity of classrooms, which was built for 1,850 students. Dale Whitaker, DSISD communications director, said the common areas of Dripping Springs High were built to accommodate roughly 2,500 students. The expansion will involve the addition of a classroom and lab wing that will connect with the existing Fine Arts wing and to the school’s automotive technology area. Other items in the bond package specifically addressing student enrollment growth include the construction of a fifth elementary campus. The location of Elementary No. PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III 5 has not yet been determined; its target date to Several Walnut Springs Elementary students walk to class on Aug. 21. According to DSISD open is 2021-22. officials, the district has now surpassed the 6,800 student mark.
Worship in a church of your choice Call 512-268-7862 to join the church directory today.
Sunset Canyon Baptist Church 8:45 AM
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The Outlaw phenomenon produced powerful music and everlasting bonds between Nashville and Texas. Willie and Waylon, Bobby Bare, and Kris Kristofferson demanded and got greater creative freedom and the movement was real—not just a marketing term, but a creative flowering, a confluence of art and revelry, whiskey and poetry.
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Page 5
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despite original plans calling for implementation of a toll road. The UTP’s budget identifies $75 billion worth of infrastructure and traffic improvements over the next ten years throughout the state, including an estimated $440 million dollars for the Y. Hays County and Travis County representatives urged the TTC to keep the project going. That list included Will Conley, current Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization chairman, as well as Hays County Precinct 4 Commissioner Ray Whisenant. “When these improvements are finished and complete, the citizens of Hays, Travis and Burnet counties could potentially be saving around 30 minutes of their commute time,” Conley said. “We remain aggressive to try to put as many assets on the ground as possible to not only meet the demands of today, but also the demands of the future.” Conley said the county and state will continue to look at infrastructure and roadway improvements for the future to stay proactive, not reactive, on tackling growth. According to the commission, Texas is adding around 1,200 new Texans a day and the state is projected to break 54 million citizens by 2050, a major incentive to approve the funds in the UTP. The county is trying to stay proactive with how we work with our growth, not reactive, and this project is a testament to that, Conley said. “This will give us better opportunity to address safety and mobility,” Whisenant said. “The importance of this project spans beyond just the lines of Highway 290 as the communities of Hays and Travis County will benefit from these improvements.”
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Page 6
News-Dispatch
Thursday, September 6, 2018
Kyle eyes plan for controlling pet population BY KATIE BURRELL
Finding ways to humanely control the pet population in Hays County has now reached the Kyle City Council dais. Earlier this month, council member Daphne Tenorio presented an idea to set aside part of Kyle’s 2018-19 budget to go towards the spaying and neutering of Kyle animals. Similar programs currently exist through Emancipet and Prevent Litter of Central Texas (PALS), where pet owners can apply for assistance on their own. Tenorio’s concept was struck down 2-5 during the first reading of the budget. However, city leaders all agreed they want to prioritize animal control and would like to see the San Marcos Animal Shelter operate kill-free. An official plan has not been determined. During the Aug. 28 meeting, Tenorio said she could find the $1,500 needed for the plan from existing budget items. Tenorio said she
“There’s a regional group I am in with a representative from Buda, a representative from Wimberley, a representative from the county and representative from San Marcos. We’re meeting to figure out what it would actually cost (to achieve a no-kill shelter), but I don’t see that happening for at least another year.” –Daphne Tenorio, Kyle city council member
believes the first step toward making the shelter no-kill is to relieve the facility of the number of animals it takes in. “There’s a regional group I am in with a representative from Buda, a representative from Wimberley, a representative from the county and representative from San Marcos,” Tenorio said during the meeting. “We’re meeting to figure out what it would actually cost (to achieve a nokill shelter), but I don’t see that happening for at least another year.” Tenorio’s idea aimed to spay and neuter more pets in Kyle to reduce the
number of animals occupying the area. Animals are fixed mandatorily when adopted from the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter or from PAWS Kyle, but other animals in the area dropped off by local residents may not have been neutered or spayed. City leaders who opposed Tenorio’s plan said they would be in favor of taking action to make the San Marcos shelter no-kill and reduce the stray animal population. However, they disagreed with Tenorio’s proposal and where the money should come from. Tenorio requested
PHOTO BY KATIE BURRELL Veterinary technician Shelby Hulshof checks on her dog’s stitches at Kings Highway Animal Clinic in San Marcos. Hulshof said she scheduled her pet to be spayed as soon as she adopted her to be sure she would never reproduce and because she believes it is the healthiest option.
pulling from the Kyle Police Department’s $71,468 payment to the city of San Marcos for Kyle’s share of the animal services at the shelter, or through funds meant for
a proposed lobbyist. Kyle Mayor Travis Mitchell said the payment to San Marcos is not a donation, and is meant for their services, which is non-negotiable.
Mitchell said the idea will likely be proposed again, but with more detail. “It is a noble goal that will just take time,” Mitchell said.
Wimberley Wastewater: Contract terminated despite protests Continued from pg. 1
While some residents got the chance to speak, others were not able to, due in part to a “pros and cons”-style public comment period, which was announced by Mayor Susan Jaggers prior to the start of the meeting. During public comment, residents who were for and against the city-owned plant spoke in alternating order. However, city officials said once one side ran out of speakers, the period for public comment was over. After roughly 30 minutes of public comment, the city closed the session, which left several residents unable to address city council. Councilmember Davis, who viewed the meeting via webcam, said the city
should continue with the city-owned plant as that plan was already in place. “After our first council meeting after the election, I was told we are going with Aqua Texas and the numbers keep changing to make that work,” Davis said. “Our neighbor of Kyle was in a three-year lawsuit with Aqua Texas, and Wimberley cannot afford to do that. We need to value local control. This vote will empower an Aqua Texas monopoly.” Kelly disagreed, citing the city-owned treatment plant was not fully vetted. Kelly also did not understand the level of public outcry against Aqua Texas. “Forever. That’s how long you’re going to
pollute the Blanco River discussions with Aqua sions could begin. found on the News-Dis(if you choose the cityTexas at this time. It is This story is developpatch website, www. owned plant),” Barchfeld unknown when discusing. An update can be haysnewsdispatch.com. said. “I have spoken to leaders from other cities who have advised (us)to outsource the plant. We Come join our don’t know what it takes growing company! Saturday, September 22nd to run a company.” On-site interviews. Animosity between 9:00 am – 12:00 pm some residents and city Fairfield Inn & Suites (Marriott) VE council members conID LEA A P , 1240 Cabelas Dr S tinued after the vote was NEFIT AT BE Buda TX 78610 E R cast. G , Y VE PA Residents against Aqua ETETI P M O C Texas, who showed disappointment with the outcome, stayed after the meeting adjourned to protest the council’s decision. The full financial impact of the city’s decision to back out of the Black Castle contract remains unknown. Additionally, city officials have not officially begun contractual
TDS Job Fair
IO
NTON
ETJ Donut Holes: Causing headaches Continued from pg. 1
street situated in a “donut hole.” It is completely surrounded by land in the Dripping Springs ETJ, including parcels across the street 40 feet away on RR12. When a developer nearly purchased a plot of land to build an RV park on Brownson Lane, nearby residents began to fear that there was nothing the county or city could do to help them.
According to Williams, the developer backed away from the agreement, and the land was never sold. But she worries someone else could come and try to develop with the same intentions. Changes in these annexation laws would have to happen at the legislative level; while bills are introduced every session to help give general law cities more authority,
none have seen the light of day. Faught said the west side of Dripping Springs does not have an extended ETJ because it did not have to deal with the encroachment by the city of Austin over three decades ago. “People don’t really see the difference between living in the ETJ or city limits until you’re confronted with some of these issues,” Faught said.
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Fatal Wreck: Chisholm Trail fireman killed Continued from pg. 1
Often, Padier recalled Zoulek inquiring about incidents and whether someone – anyone – was on the way to respond. “He always helped out in any way he could,” Padier said. It’s that selflessness Padier and many in the community remember about Zoulek, who was the victim in a fatal Aug. 31 three-car collision along State Highway 21 near Niederwald. According to a Texas Department of Public Safety press release, authorities were dispatched around 4:20 a.m. Aug. 31 on SH 21 east of Niederwald. According to the report, a 2010 Ford pickup truck, operated by Zoulek, was traveling southbound on SH 21 when, for unknown reasons, it collided headon with a 2008 Jeep Wrangler that was operated by Jazmine Garcie-Montelongo, 23, of Dale. The Jeep then spun and struck a 2016 Nissan Sentra driven by Aljandro Villegas
Alejandre, 39, of Elgin. Zoulek was prounced dead at the scene of the accident. He was identified by fellow CTFR officials who responded to the wreck. Garcia-Montelongo “self-extricated” herself from the vehicle and was taken by her parents to Seton Medical Center Hays. Alejandre was transported to Seton Medical Center Hays by Luling EMS. The conditions of Garcia-Montelongo and Alejandre are unknown at this time, according to DPS officials. Padier said only he and two other CTFR firefighters were on scene when they discovered Zoulek was killed in the wreck. Padier said they immediately canceled calls for more CTFR assistance, and enlisted the help of the Kyle Fire Department. Zoulek’s death, however, has been difficult for members of the CTFR. While some are starting to accept the “finality” of the incident, Padier said
some are still “waiting to see him walk through the door.” Zoulek, a three-year veteran of the CTFR, immersed himself in the role of a first responder. He was a certified member of a SWIFT water rescue team, and had been taking advanced extrication classes. He was also deeply involved in family life, Padier said. Zoulek was active with his son’s Boy Scout troop, and regularly helped teach his son’s basketball team. In addition, Zoulek was part of the Dads On Guard (DOG) safety group at his children’s school. Over the course of the next few days, Padier said he plans to enlist the help of the Hays and Caldwell County Critical Stress team to offer additional assistance to CTFR first responders. “You know there is a hole there and you don’t know how to fill it,” Padier said.
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