September 15, 2021 News-Dispatch

SEPTEMBER 15, 2021 COVID IN SCHOOLS

OPIOID CRISIS

See where the numbers are in local school districts.

Buda accepts frunds from $26 billion opioid settlement.

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HaysNewsDispatch.com

Vol. 41 • No. 51

Serving Hays County, TX

Hays Master Gardeners warm up for fall plant sale

BY MEGAN WEHRING

HAYS COUNTY – Just in time for the fall planting season, the Hays County Master Gardeners Association (HCMGA) is slated to host its annual plant and tree sale next month.

Texas native and adapted plants and trees will be featured. These include perennials, ground covers, ornamental grasses, succulents, shrubs and spineless prickly pear.

“There is going to be a fairly broad selection of water-conserving [and]

No COVID precautions, no court hearings

“There is going to be a fairly broad selection of water-conserving [and] water-conscious plants They thrive in this particular area. Everything that we are focusing on will work well in Hays County and most of them have low water requirements.”

–Connie Wierman, HCMGA president

water-conscious plants,” said Connie Wierman, HCMGA president. “They thrive in this particular area. Everything that we

are focusing on will work well in Hays County and most of them have low water requirements.”

While they sold a large

number of native trees last year, the most popular category of sales have been native and adapted perennials, Wierman added. Perennials are plants that won’t succumb to the Texas summer heat, will survive droughts once established and still will provide colorful blooms and textures.

Experienced landscapers and gardeners would say that the best time for planting is between the months of October and

FALL PLANT SALE, 10

Welcome to the district YELLOW ALERT!

BY SAHAR CHMAIS Hays County Court at Law 3 Judge Daniel O’Brien has COVID-19, delaying his docket for the week.

Though it is unclear where O’Brien may have contracted the virus, on Thursday, Sept. 2, a prosecutor attended O’Brien’s court and later that evening tested positive for COVID-19, according to multiple anonymous sources. The prosecutor was wearing a mask during court.

On June 1, Hays County Courts at Law resumed in-person court proceedings. While court has no mask mandates or social distancing protocols in place, they strongly encourage unvaccinated attendees to wear masks, according to County Court at Law 2 Judge Christopher Johnson. The court is also trying to stagger people in the courtrooms and put defendants in the hallways if possible, but dockets have been increasing in numbers and sometimes it is difficult to distance, Johnson said.

Hays County Courtsat-Law have reverted to in-person hearings because that is a more efficient approach than Zoom, Johnson said.

Two new elementaries join DSISD family

HEARINGS PAUSED, 10

Cypress Springs Elementary School faculty and students held a ribbon cutting Sept. 9 (bottom two photos) featuring a program of speakers and a tour of the school.

On Sept. 2, a ribbon-cutting ceremony with a brief program was held at Walnut Springs Elementary's new building (top two photos), featuring fifth graders singing the school song and remarks by Superintendent Dr. Holly Morris-Kuentz, Board President Dr. Mary Jane Hetrick, and Principal Melinda Gardner.

Visitors toured the school following the program.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DALE WHITAKER/DSISD

Coming Up Thunder in the Hills

Dripping Springs High School Band will host its twelfth annual Thunder in the Hills Percussion Invitational, on Saturday, September 18, 2021. The award-winning Dripping Springs Percussion will be among 15 teams that will perform just before the lunch break and first awards ceremony at the Tiger

Stadium at Dripping Springs High School.

See page 2 for more information.

Diez y Seis this week

Diez y Seis de Septiembre, the 16th of September, marks the launch of Mexico’s struggle for independence from Spain. On Sept. 16, 1810, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla led the first large revolu-

SPORTS

See the results of last week’s high school football and volleyball.

– PAGE 6-7

tionary forces against the Spaniards. The holiday is similar to the Fourth of July in the United States.

Car fanatics to gather at upcoming show The Gearheads will once again be gathering Saturday in the Cabelas parking lot in Buda from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Anyone wanting to come out and peruse many old and

refurbished vehicles are invited. The event is free.

Tigers Homecoming

The Dripping Springs High School Homecoming game is Friday, Sept. 24, against McCollum High School (7:30 p.m.). The king and queen will be announced at halftime.

The underclass members of the court will be introduced during pregame.

The News-Dispatch Barton Publications, Inc. The News-Dispatch (USPS 011-401) published weekly by Barton Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 339, Buda, TX 78610. Periodicals postage paid at Buda, TX 78610 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Barton Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 339, Buda, TX 78610.

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Local school districts hit roadblock, search for bus drivers

BY MEGAN WEHRING

HAYS COUNTY — School districts in Hays County are in dire need of more bus drivers.

The nationwide bus driver shortage has now reached Hays CISD (HCISD) and Dripping Springs ISD (DSISD).

HCISD has 30 driver positions open and DSISD has 12 that they are hoping to fill.

“Being short on bus drivers is not a new development,” said Dale Whitaker, executive director of communications for DSISD. “School districts have been looking to fill driver positions for years, but this year is the worst shortage we have experienced.”

Drivers are forced to double up the routes or circle back to run another route, causing a delay in pick-up and drop-off times.

While some parents are concerned that buses have reached overcapacity, every student has a seat, according to HCISD chief communications officer Tim Savoy.

“People have reached out to the transportation department wondering why the buses are running late,” Savoy said. “The challenge is the people who would normally be answering those emails or calls are out there driving the buses. It’s all hands on

YELLOW ALERT, 10

Page 2

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • September 15, 2021

STATE NEWS

Governor Abbott calls third special session for Sept. 20 Gov. Greg Abbott has called a third special legislative session to deal with redistricting, to decide how to spend billions of dollars in pandemic funding from the federal government and to determine whether state or local governments can mandate COVID-19 vaccines, as well as some pet issues of the governor that failed to pass recent sessions.

The third session begins Sept. 20 and by law can last no longer than 30 days. The second special session resulted in passage of hotly contested voting restrictions and what are considered the most restrictive abortion laws in the country, both of which are under legal attack. In the case of the latter, the U.S. Justice Department is suing the state, saying the abortion law banning the procedure at roughly six weeks of pregnancy is unconstitutional.

“The (Texas) act is clearly unconstitutional under long-standing Supreme Court precedent,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said Thursday, as reported widely by media outlets.

Several groups have filed suit against the elections bill signed by Abbott last week, including Voto Latino, LULAC Texas, the Texas Alliance for Retired Americans, and the Texas American Federation of Teachers.

The law limits early voting hours, ends drive-in voting, and restricts mailin voting. GOP leaders maintain that other provisions in the measure make it easier to cast a vote than before.

Capital Highlights

by Gary Borders

their table for themselves and their families,” said Wayne Salter of the HHSC.

DUCK HUNTERS CAN EXPECT ANOTHER GOOD SEASON

In Hays CISD, where masks are not mandated, 2.6% of students and staff were infected with COVID three weeks into the school year. In Austin ISD, where masks are mandated, that number is 0.8%.

Dripping Springs ISD, also without a mask mandate, has a similar statistic to HCISD, with 2.4% of students and staff having been infected with COVID-19.

Some parents have pulled their students from school until they feel it is safer for their children to return. Amy Grant of Buda made this decision, though it has been difficult for her family.

As a single mother operating a business, Grant said she desperately wants her daughter back in elementary school.

She just cannot send her back when there are very limited safety protocols in place, as Grant suffers health issues that affect her autoimmune system.

To combat mask choice, a grassroots group of 736 members, Families United for Student Safety (FUSS), began campaigning to mandate masks in HCISD. More than a week ago, these parents created a petition around the cause.

So far, the petition has 911 signatures.

Grant, a FUSS administrator, said one concern is the kids who cannot wear masks for medical reasons. The kids who can, should wear masks, to protect the most vulnerable populations, she explained.

Due to a rise in cases, HCISD sent a letter to elementary school parents notifying them that

they will create a mask encouragement program.

If parents do not want their children subjected to these teachings, they must fill out a form notifying administrators of the decision.

COVID cases have contributed to the closure of 18 HCISD classrooms.

DSISD reports that it has not closed any classrooms as of Tuesday. There are 15 pediatric COVID-19 patients in Trauma Service Area O (TSA-O) which serves 11 counties, including Hays and Travis.

There are three pediatric ICU beds available and eight adult ICU beds available in TSA-O. The number of adult hospitalizations due to COVID-19 is much higher than children’s, with 526 adult COVID-19 patients in general beds and 246 adult COVID-19 patients

in ICU. In Texas, 10 children under the age of 1 died from COVID-19, 16 died between the ages of 1 and 9, and 48 died between the ages of 10 and 19.

“I’m not sure how many kids need to die – one is too many for me,” Grant said. “I can’t understand how one kid does not matter. Some kids won’t wake up and be okay tomorrow. Even if one kid dies from our negligence, isn’t that too many?”

Even with COVID-19 hospitalization rates being lower in children than adults, parents are experiencing difficulties due to the virus. Earlier this year, 15-year-old Hays High cheerleader Katelynn Ramirez was hospitalized because of the virus. After discharge, it took her

COVID INCUBATORS, 9

THUNDER IN THE HILLS

Saturday, September 18th at 10:45 a.m.

Tiger Stadium, Dripping Springs High School Dripping Springs High School Band will host its twelfth annual Thunder in the Hills Percussion Invitational, on Saturday, September 18, 2021. This highly-regarded contest has grown considerably, attracting 25 outstanding percussion units from Austin, San Antonio and Houston to compete.

The award-winning Dripping Springs Percussion will perform in exhibition, just before the lunch break and first awards ceremony.

Come join us, at the Tiger Stadium at Dripping Springs High School, to experience the percussion prowess that creates Thunder in the Hills!

• Gates open 10 a.m.

• Intermediate Awards at 3 p.m. and Advanced Awards at 8:45 p.m. following the last performance.

• Tickets $8; Seniors $5; Children under 5, free • Concessions available.

• Contact: Mark Glass, 512.394.0883

The City of Niederwald will hold a meeting at 7:30 p.m. on September 27, 2021 at 8807 Niederwald Strasse, Niederwald, TX to consider adopting a proposed tax rate for tax year 2021. The proposed tax rate is 0.110900 per $100 of value.

The proposed tax rate would increase total taxes in City of Niederwald by 8%.

COVID-19 CASES, HOSPITALIZATIONS DROP SLIGHTLY

The number of new COVID-19 cases in Texas The early teal hunting decreased slightly in the AUGUST COOLER, WETTER season began Saturday, past week, with the CoroTHAN NORMAL FOR MOST and officials with the navirus Resource Center OF TEXAS Texas Parks and Wildlife at Johns Hopkins UniverDepartment say habitat sity reporting 120,494 new August is in the books and the first day of autumn conditions point to anoth- cases, down 4.6% from er productive season for the previous week. Total beckons. Dr. Mark Wenthunters. deaths statewide increased zel, a hydrologist with the “Teal numbers are slightly to 1,789.

Texas Water Development already impressive in many The number of lab-conBoard, reports the month areas of Texas, especially firmed COVID-10 hospitalwas cooler than normal the rice prairies of the izations dropped slightly, for most of the state, and Texas Gulf Coast and the with 13,285 reported in wetter than normal for playa wetlands of the Texas, according to the about half of Texas. The U.S. Drought Monitor map Panhandle,” Kevin Kraai of Texas Department of State TPWD said.

Health Services. Available for Texas shows just 1% of The 16-day statewide intensive-care unit beds rethe state in drought. early teal season runs main scarce, with just 330 “Over the last 22 years, open in the entire state, the we’ve averaged about 40% through Sept. 26, with a daily bag limit of six. Blue- least since the pandemic of the state in drought by winged teal are by far the began early last year. Even the end of August, Wentmost prevalent duck found more concerning are the zel wrote in his monthly in Texas this time of year, few pediatric ICU beds report. “Since 2000, we’ve according to TPWD. open, with just 80 availonly had two other Auable, according to DSHS. gusts that ended with less TUITION PROGRAM OPEN At least 45 school disdrought area: 2004 and ENROLLMENT UNDERWAY tricts across the state have 2007.” shut down in-person classOpen enrollment in es because of COVID-19 the state’s Texas Tuition EMERGENCY SNAP outbreaks affecting more Promise Fund began Sept.

BENEFITS EXTENDED AGAIN than 40,000 students, 1 and runs through the The Texas Health and according to the Texas end of February. The plan Human Services Commis- allows parents and others Tribune. sion is extending emergen- to lock in today’s tuition The number of Texans cy Supplemental Nutrition and fees at state public who are fully vaccinated Assistance Program food crossed the 14-million colleges and universities. benefits once more in mark, which is 48.5% of The accumulated funds September, meaning SNAP can also be transferred to the total population, DSHS recipients will again get an private colleges and other reported. additional $95 in emergen- institutions such as vocacy allotments. The funding tional schools, though the Gary Borders is a veteran comes from the United award-winning Texas tuition is not locked in.

States Department of Agrijournalist. He published The TTPF program culture. a number of community offers webinars through“As we continue to out the enrollment period. newspapers in Texas during navigate through the a 30-year span, including More information can be pandemic, we are pleased in Longview, Fort Stockton, found at TuitionPromise. to provide this additional Nacogdoches and Cedar org or by calling Monday support to ensure Texans Park. Email: gborders@ through Friday at 800will be able to keep food on 445-GRAD (4723). Press texaspress.com.

Are masks really working in schools?

BY SAHAR CHMAIS

Option 5.

Small Taxing Unit Notice

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON TAX INCREASE A tax rate of $0.1000 per $100 valuation has been proposed by the governing body of Hays County ESD #5.

PROPOSED TAX RATE NO-NEW-REVENUE TAX RATE VOTER-APPROVAL TAX RATE

$0.1000 per $100 $0.0976 per $100 $0.1011 per $100

The no-new-revenue tax rate is the tax rate for the 2021 tax year that will raise the same amount of property tax revenue for Hays County ESD #5 from the same properties in both the 2020 tax year and the 2021 tax year.

The voter-approval rate is the highest tax rate that Hays County ESD #5 may adopt without holding an election to seek voter approval of the rate.

The proposed tax rate is greater than the no-new-revenue tax rate. This means that Hays County ESD #5 is proposing to increase property taxes for the 2021 tax year.

A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED TAX RATE WILL BE HELD ON September 22, 2021 AT 6:30 PM AT 210 West Moore Street - Kyle, TX 78640.

The proposed tax rate is not greater than the voter-approval tax rate. As a result, Hays County ESD #5 is not required to hold an election at which voters may accept or reject the proposed tax rate. However, you may express your support for or opposition to the proposed tax rate by contacting the members of the of Hays County ESD #5 at their offices or by attending the public hearing mentioned above.

YOUR TAXES OWED UNDER ANY OF THE RATES MENTIONED ABOVE CAN BE CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS: Property tax amount = (tax rate) x (taxable value of your property)/100 FOR the proposal:

Commissioner Eric Holen Commissioner Susan Meckel Commissioner Beth Smith Commissioner Paul Terry AGAINST the proposal: None PRESENT and not voting: None ABSENT: Commissioner John Rodriguez The 86th Texas Legislature modified the manner in which the voter-approval tax rate is calculated to limit the rate of growth of property taxes in the state.

The following table compares the taxes imposed on the average residence homestead

by Hays County ESD #5 last year to the taxes proposed to be imposed on the average residence homestead by Hays County ESD #5 this year.

2020

2021

Change

Total tax rate (per $100 of value)

$0.0993

$0.1000

increase of 0.0007, or 0.70%

Average homestead taxable value

$205,362

$223,450

increase of 18,088, or 8.81%

Tax on average homestead

$203.92

$223.45

increase of 19.53, or 9.58%

Total tax levy on all properties

$4,677,246

$5,045,537

increase of 368,291, or 7.87%

For assistance with tax calculations, please contact the tax assessor for Hays County ESD #5 at 512-393-5545 or jenifer.okane@co.hays.tx.us.

Opinion

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “The challenge is the people who would normally be answering those emails or calls are out there driving the buses. It’s all hands on deck.”

–Tim Savoy, Hays CISD chief communications officer. Story on page 1.

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • September 15, 2021

Page 3

Quit blaming the messenger At one point in his running, four-year war with the news media, former President Donald Trump referred to it as “the enemy of the people,” a remark which rightfully drew a cascade of denunciations from news organizations, academics, members of Congress and the punditocracy which inhabits cable television opinion studios.

The remark was needlessly provocative, inflammatory and profoundly stupid. It revealed the occupant of the highest elected office in the land and a leader of the free world as a petty, petulant, thin-skinned bully who sought refuge in insults and undisguised contempt for those who expressed views contrary to his.

Now, as President Joe Biden is reeling from an onslaught of criticism for his administration’s chaotic handling of the military withdrawal from Afghanistan, those who gleefully belabored Trump and stoutly defended the media have turned on it, complaining bitterly that news organizations have become obsessed with the unfolding debacle and have unfairly and incorrectly blamed the president.

In a clear-cut case of the warning “Live by the media, die by the media,” last year’s cheerleaders have become this year’s boo birds.

Biden’s defenders have rushed to his side to refute those who disagree with the administration’s characterization of the withdrawal as a resounding success. The president handled the evacuation brilliantly, they argued, even in the face of horrific television images of desperate Afghanis storming the airport in Kabul hoping to board a plane to safety.

The deaths of 13 American military personnel and nearly 200 Afghanis in a suicide bombing at an airport gate effectively destroyed the “resounding success” claims.

Report piled atop report from sources deemed reliable and credible by the media that the administration was slow to react as the Taliban swept through the country, putting the Afghani forces to flight and seizing complete control in less than two weeks.

These reports were compounded by accounts of a divided White House and a president who disregarded the advice of his military leaders in his zeal to end American involvement in a 20-year war, the longest in the nation’s history.

One of the more vocal critics of the coverage has been Philippe Reines, a longtime adviser to Hillary Clinton, who argued the media has deliberately treated Biden unduly harshly to justify its treatment of Trump and to prove it can be even-handed.

Reines, still suffering

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

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

Guest Column

by Carl Golden

from the psychological trauma by Clinton’s defeat in 2016, was joined by longtime Clinton family political guru James Carville who described the media coverage as “stupid and hysterical.”

Biden has been supported by some in the media chattering class who pop up on Sunday morning talk shows to promote the Administration narrative and in particular, to blame Trump for negotiating a lousy withdrawal deal with the Taliban in the first place.

But what must be most galling to the Biden team is the torrent of criticism from major media outlets who’ve been generally and often openly supportive in the past.

If the administration expected they’d fall in line and dutifully record the White House crafted narrative, it was a glaring and naïve misunderstanding of the media’s foundational obligation to report as factually and accurately as humanly possible on a rapidly developing, perilous and chaotic sequence of events.

What reporters saw on the ground in Afghanistan and conveyed to their viewers and readers was often sharply at odds with the administration’s repeated assurances that the situation was under control and successful.

There was simply too much visual evidence proving otherwise and reporting it was an example of journalistic professionalism and integrity, unsullied by partisan spin.

While the president’s defenders had the good sense to avoid for the most part the low-level rhetoric employed by his predecessor, they went down the same path – blaming the media for reporting objectively and deviating from their preferred story line.

Biden was elected in significant measure because he was not Trump, a conclusion supported by post-election polling which showed a majority of his votes came from those who wanted Trump driven from the White House rather than out of a favorable response to Biden policies.

Much remains to be seen and experienced before the final chapter in the Afghanistan tale is written. The situation is unsettled and will exert a lingering impact American politics – including the 2022 Congressional midterm elections.

What is irrefutable, though, is that the media has done its job and has nothing to apologize for.

Carl Golden is a senior contributing analyst with the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University in New Jersey. cgolden1937@gmail

CORRECTIONS

And they came for the leprechaun, too I’m right infrequently enough that I like to point it out when it happens.

This time, I wasn’t only right. I was downright prophetic.

A few weeks ago, in a column about “cancel culture,” I touched on the elimination of certain team mascots as a capitulation to toxic wokeism.

I jokingly mentioned that someone ought to take a look at the Notre Dame leprechaun. Turns out, someone did. Poor little fella.

Not that anyone listens to me, of course. Plus, if there’s one thing we know about members of the woke left it’s that they have no sense of humor. So, either they took me seriously and decided to grab their proverbial pitchforks and descend – virtually, of course – on South Bend, or more likely, they concluded, on their own, that the leprechaun should be planted in a shallow grave underneath the nearest rainbow.

In a study of mascots – not a joke – Quality Logo Products ranked Notre Dame’s Fighting Irish leprechaun, bless his little green drawers, the fourthmost offensive college mascot in the nation.

Fourth is not good, at least not out of 128 Division I mascots. The top three offenders all had some sort of Native American

determination of the Irish people and, symbolically, the university’s athletes,” the university said in a statement.

by Rich Hopefully, this sets the Manieri record straight for those who incorrectly assumed theme. The poll, which had the leprechaun is making appeared on Quality Logo’s fists because he had one website, has since been too many Kilkenny Cream taken down.

Ale’s and went looking for The Irish news website trouble. irishcentral.com has now If you’re still not contaken out its shillelagh vinced, you can take it up to have a go at the lepwith the leprechaun himrechaun. Niall O’Dowd self. He has his own Twitter writes, “Let’s face it, the account. fighting Irish leprechaun Kudos to Notre Dame hardly reflects well on the and its supporters for not Irish no more than the caving. I, while not a Notre dreadful term “Redskins” Dame fame, happen to reflected on American love leprechauns, even the Indians.” pugnacious ones, and was As for what should only persuaded recently happen to the leprechaun, that they aren’t real. I’m O’Dowd continues, “He still not convinced. needs to retire to Gloca Not only did the lepreMorra where there’s a chaun and Fighting Irish twinkle in every eye and faithful refuse to give in, a begob and begorrah on they apparently put the everyone’s lips and a drink fear of the Almighty into in every hand served by the good folks – or just a bosomy barmaid who folks – at Quality Logo sings “Toor a Loora Loora” Products, who reposted on demand. the survey minus the But it seems the lepre“most offensive” category. chaun isn’t all that keen to And it gets a little sillier, walk off into the Emerif that’s possible. The ald Isle sunset just yet. company posted its survey Notre Dame has officially methodology. declared this whole affair, “The study participants “Malarkey!” were 55.4% male, 43.6 “In both the upraised female, and 1% non-binafists of the leprechaun ry. They ranged in age from mascot and the use of 18-79, with a median age the word ‘fighting,’ the of 36. In terms of sexual intent is to recognize the orientation, 85.1% identi-

Guest Column

LETTER TO THE EDITOR LET’S ADHERE TO COUNTY then Pct. 3 Constable JUDGE’S TAX RATE BUDGET Ray Helm, who has since For the first time in recent history, we have a County Judge that submitted a “no tax increase budget” in an attempt to provide relief to Hays County residents. Now we get to watch other elected officials attempt to undermine that budget, and force a property tax increase upon everyone.

Elected County Constables are again asking for a significant pay increase, to more than $94,000. Keep in mind that in 2018, their salaries were increased from $68,000 to $74,000 (Constables requested $94,000 then).

In 2018, Pct. 1 Constable David Peterson and Pct. 5 Constable Hood were leading the call for pay increases, along with

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

DEADLINES

surrendered his Peace Officer License. In 2021, its Constables Peterson and Hood again.

The people that call themselves “public servants” have to choose. Do you expect the support from the community whom you’ve indicated the willingness to further tax and oppress?

Unhappy public servants always have the ability to walk away and clear a spot for new blood. Sometimes they need our help. Let our elected Constables know what you think of their requested pay increase.

Encourage your County Commissioner to fulfill the “effective rate budget” for no new property taxes.

Sam Brannon San Marcos

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fied as heterosexual, 2.8% as gay or lesbian, 10.9% as bisexual and the remaining 1.1% preferred not to say.”

This is important information because when analyzing any survey about mascots, my first question is always, how many bisexuals were polled?

We should just be glad that the leprechaun has stood up to the haters. He realizes that it never ends with just leprechauns.

It’s only a matter of time before they come for Pistol Pete, the Demon Deacon and Purdue Pete, no relation to Pistol. What then?

Do we really want to live in a world where Willie the Wildcat and Sammy the Spartan live in constant fear of exile or worse?

“No!” I say. Stand firm, all of you big-headed and sometimes unrecognizable mascots. Keep fighting the good fight, Stanford Tree and Western Kentucky’s Big Red, who looks suspiciously like McDonald’s Grimace. We have your back, or your front. It’s hard to tell the difference.

Nevertheless, for inspiration, look to the leprechaun, while you still can.

Rich Manieri is a Philadelphia-born journalist and author. He is currently a professor of journalism at Asbury University in Kentucky. manieri2@gmail.com

Barton Publications, Inc. News tips: news@haysfreepress.com Opinions: csb@haysfreepress.com 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640 www.haysfreepress.com 512-268-7862 Publisher Cyndy Slovak-Barton Reporters Megan Wehring, Sahar Chmais Columnists Bartee Haile, Clint Younts

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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.

Page 4

City of Dripping Springs announces proclamations to promote history and well-being

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

• Latin American Heritage Month will be held from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.

• September 2021 will be recognized as National Preparedness Month in Dripping Springs.

• Sept. 17 through Sept.

23 will be recognized as Constitution Week in Dripping Springs.

• Hill Country Night Sky Month in Dripping Springs will be recognized through the month of October.

sponsored by council members Wade King DRIPPING SPRINGS and Sherrie Parks and — Dripping Springs commemorates the recognized four new 234 year anniversary of events that commemorate the signing of the U.S. local history and constitution on September promote the well-being 17, 1787. of its residents during the “It is fitting and months of September and proper to accord official October. recognition to this During their Sept. 7 magnificent document meeting, city council and its memorable members unanimously anniversary, and to the approved proclamations patriotic celebrations calling for the city which will commemorate to recognize a Latin the occasion,” King read.

American Heritage Month, “The council encourages National Preparedness all citizens to study the recognized as National Month, Constitution Week Preparedness Month in constitution and reflect on and Hill Country Night Sky Dripping Springs. The the privilege of being an Month.

American, with all of the proclamation, sponsored Latin American rights and responsibilities by council member April Heritage Month will which that privilege Harris-Allison, states that be held from Sept. 15 it is imperative to prepare involves.” through Oct. 15. In light The final proclamation, for emergencies that could of the proclamation, sponsored by Mayor Bill affect where people live, which was sponsored by work and visit, and that all Foulds, Jr., recognizes council members Geoffrey citizens are encouraged October 2021 as Hill Tahuahua and Sherrie Country Night Sky Month to make preparedness a Parks, a series of events are priority. in Dripping Springs. The being planned throughout Harris-Allison read that proclamation encourages September and October citizens to learn about the COVID-19 pandemic to ‘promote unity and and potential emergencies light pollution and compassion’ in Dripping implement practices that like natural disasters Springs. will help preserve the or terror attacks have “Descendants of the night sky, stating that it is spearheaded the need for first Spanish and Mexican this proclamation. important to the region, indigenous families “National Preparedness its residents and tourists. are considered the first “The experience of Month creates an families of Texas and standing beneath a staropportunity for residents have lived in this area filled night sky inspires and businesses in for nearly 150 years prior feelings of wonder and Dripping Springs to to the Texas Revolution, awe and may encourage prepare their homes, creating the area’s interest in science and establishments and first missions, towns, communities for any type nature, especially among governments, ranches and of emergency,” Harrisyoung people,” mayor roads,” Tahuahua read in pro tem Taline Manassian Allison read. “Investing in the proclamation. “The read. “Generations are preparedness can reduce council invites residents to fatalities and economic growing up with a limited increase their awareness view, if any, of the wonders devastation.” of the undertold legacy of the universe. Preserving Sept. 17 through Sept. and contributions made the rich, historic heritage 23 will be recognized by residents of Latin and starry night skies as Constitution Week American origin.” of Dripping Springs is in Dripping Springs.

September 2021 will be The proclamation was important.”

Buda accepts funds from $26 billion opioid settlement

BY SAHAR CHMAIS In a $26 billion U.S. settlement with opioid manufacturer Johnson and Johnson (J&J) and three other drug distributors, the city of Buda will receive $10,784.

J&J was accused of downplaying the risk of addiction while marketing opioids. The three distributors were accused of having relaxed measures, allowing large amounts of painkillers to be pushed into illegal markets.

Buda City Council discussed the lawsuit in executive session on Tuesday, Sept. 7, and agreed to settle for the allocated amount. Funds are dependent on how the opioid epidemic affected municipalities.

Texas recently opened the door for cities and counties to receive funds from the settlement from J&J and the three opioid drug manufacturers: AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health and McKesson. The state will receive about $1.5 billion over 18 years, to be distributed to municipalities.

Other cities in Hays County have not yet settled, including: Kyle, allocated $52,000, Dripping Springs, with an allocated $800, San Marcos with an allocated $326,000.

Hays County has also not settled in the lawsuit.

Hays is part of Health Care Region 7, consisting of Bastrop, Caldwell, Fayette, Lee and Travis counties, which have been allocated a collective $50.5 million.

Special terms have been set out for how funds can be used to help in the opioid epidemic. Some include: purchase of opioid overdose reversal medication, medication-assisted treatment, prevention programs and more.

“Buda has not determined how it would use

OPIOID SETTLEMENT, 9

Last year, opioid overdose deaths reached 69,000 in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Texas saw an increase in overdose deaths by nearly 32%, according to the Attorney General’s Office.

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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • September 15, 2021

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • September 15, 2021

Page 5

Texan battles Ted Williams for batting crown In a double-header with the Kansas City Athletics on Sept. 17, 1958, Boston’s Pete Runnels hit safely in four of eight at-bats to raise his batting average to .322, four points better than Red Sox teammate Ted Williams.

James Edward Runnells was the name the doctor wrote on his birth certificate in 1928, but he was “Little Pete” to his father’s “Big Pete.”

Growing up in Lufkin in the heart of the East Texas pines, the natural athlete played quarterback on the football team and guard in basketball. He did not bother with baseball because the “national pastime” was about as popular as tiddlywinks in those days.

Three years in the Marines gave Pete the opportunity to play organized baseball for the first time.

Following his discharge in 1948, he enrolled at Rice Institute for the fall semester, but his mind was not on his studies.

A chance meeting with Eddie Dyer, the St. Louis Cardinals manager who lived in Houston, resulted in an invitation to spring training with the National League club. Denied a fair tryout, Pete told the Cardinals no thanks when they assigned him to their Class C farm team in North Carolina without a contract.

The 21-year-old negotiated a better deal on his

steady performer in the field and at the plate with Texas an overall batting average of .274 in seven seasons in History Washington.

by Bartee Haile When his average dropped 80 points in 1957 from the .310 of the previown with a Class D club ous season, the Senators much closer to home. Pete put him on the auction batted .372 at Chickasha, block. Pinky Higgins, Oklahoma, an impressive Texas-born skipper of the mark that earned him a Red Sox, convinced owner step up the minor-league Tom Yawkey that Runladder to the Class B Big nels would be a valuable State League, where he hit addition to the Beantown .330 in 1950 for the Texar- roster and in no time flat kana Bears. the deal was done.

The Washington Runnels repaid Higgins Senators bought Pete’s for his vote of confidence contract and shipped him by jumping out to an early off to the Chattanooga lead in the battle for the Lookouts. He feasted on American League batting the presumably stronger title. His instant success in pitching of the Southern Boston’s Fenway Park was Association and was hitdue to priceless pearls of ting .356, when the parent wisdom from the resident club decided it could use legend, Ted Williams. The his hot bat. five-time batting champ In reality the botand the last man to hit tom-feeding Senators .400 in the majors taught would have brought the his new teammate to be young Texan to D.C. if his more patient at the plate bat had been only lukewarm. The worst team in baseball, Washington’s pitiful predicament was described to a tee by the catchy ditty “First in war, first in peace and last in the American League.”

Pete Runnels, who dropped the second L in his surname upon moving to the majors, hit for a respectable .278 in 78 games with the Senators in 1951. Alternating between shortstop and second base, he was a

and to slice line drives off the “Green Monster” in left field.

It took Williams, who turned 40 that August, awhile to find the groove, but by Labor Day he was hot on Runnels’ heels.

With only two games to go, they were in a dead heat at .3226. But the “Splendid Splinter,” who batted at a blistering .403 pace over the last third of the season, surged ahead to win his sixth and last batting crown .328 to .322.

Runnels’ consolation prize was being named the league’s “Comeback Player of the Year.”

The next season Pete hit .314, third highest in the American League but 39 points below Detroit Tiger Harvey Kuenn’s .353.

In 1960 he upped his average to .320, good enough for his first batting title, and earned a Gold Glove as the best fielding second baseman. And he accomplished both feats with a

severe stomach ulcer.

The following year, Runnels moved to first base to make room at second for a promising rookie. He responded to the challenge by winning another Gold Glove. Over the course of his versatile career, he played all four infield positions.

After winning his second batting title in 1962, Pete asked to be traded.

Texas finally had a major-league franchise, and he wanted to play for the fans back home.

That was how the three-time All-Star and two-time batting champion wound up in the brightly colored uniform of the Houston Colt .45’s on opening day 1963.

But he was not the Pete Runnels of old. Either the unfamiliar pitching of the National League and/ or the heat and humidity – and occasional rattlesnake! – of open-air Colt Stadium got the best of

him causing his average to plummet to .253.

Twenty-two games into the 1964 season, Houston gave Runnels his unconditional release.

He coached for a couple of years with the Red Sox and even managed the ball club for two weeks before retiring from baseball and going into business in Houston.

Prior to his death from a heart attack in 1991, Pete Runnels was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. As for Cooperstown, his name has never appeared on a ballot despite the fact that his .291 lifetime batting average is higher than many enshrined there.

“Texas Entertainers: Lone Stars in Profile” is full of talented Texans who deserve a curtain call. Order your copy by mailing a check for $24.00 to Bartee Haile, P.O. Box 130011, Spring, TX 77393.

The Texas Crossword and Sudoku Puzzle For all the latest news in Hays County, visit...

HaysFreePress.com

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www.HaysNewsDispatch.com

PHOTO BY BRENDA STEWART

Buda welcomes five days of outdoor art, music

BY SAHAR CHMAIS As the summer sun begins to wind down and Texans’ anticipation for autumn bustles, Buda’s Plein Air Festival will give residents the opportunity to revel in the new season as a community, centered around art.

Now through Sunday, Buda will have artists scattered across the downtown area along Main Street, including Stagecoach House, Buda City Hall lawn, the Buda Greenbelt and Gazebo, Inspired Minds and more locations, for spectators to watch and partake in. For three days, visual artists will set up their workspaces to paint, draw or sculpt in plein air.

The main festival will take place from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Pedestrians can watch artists create artwork, listen to live music outdoors, engage in arts and crafts and shop at the markets.

Colombian Beto Cartagena y Su Conjunto will be performing a night of Colombian Roots music, featuring Damián Bossio and Edwin Hernandez “El Indio,” in the Chambers Theatre at Inspired Minds Art Center, on Friday night.

Sudoku puzzle courtesy of www.4puz.com

The main festival will take place from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Pedestrians can watch artists create artwork, listen to live music outdoors, engage in arts and crafts and shop at the markets.

While the festival events are free for anyone to attend, residents will need tickets to attend the Colombian Roots music night.

The festivities will end on Sunday. Sept. 19, after judges pick the top three artists, who will receive a cash prize.

The artwork will be on public display from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and again during the Buda Plein Air Festival exhibit in October.

Last year, Inspired Minds hosted its first Plein Air Festival for one day, due to the COVID pandemic.

This year’s festivities are expanded and will bring artists from across Texas and neighboring states.

See solutions on page 6

Page 6

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • September 15, 2021

Texans defeat Badgers 45-21 The Texans defeated the Lampasas Badgers 45-21 Friday.

Above, Wimberley quarterback Cash McCollum gets a block from Reece Randig (R) and a teammate to provide plenty of protection to complete 16 of 23 passes for 387 yards and 4 touchdowns. “I couldn’t have done it without the receivers and linemen who gave me plenty time to allow our receivers to make the plays,” McCollum said after the 45-21 win. “I want to give a shout out to our defense for holding a team that is averaging 50 points per game to only 21 points.”

Left, Moses Wray (5) gets a block from Canyun Staton (28) and runs for a touchdown with 3:38 remaining in the final quarter in the Texans 45-21 win over Lampasas. Wray had 14 carries for 82 yards with two touchdowns.

PHOTO BY ALBERT SANCHEZ

Tigers dominate Lions 49-15

The Lockhart Lions lost the cat fight when they entered a packed Tiger Stadium in Dripping Springs Friday, losing to the Tigers 15-49. Pictured is Sr. #5 Luke Hudson dragging a defender for a short gain during the 2nd quarter of the contest. Hudson had 163 yards rushing, 40 yards receiving and 21 yard is kick returns.

PHOTOS BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM

HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL UPDATE Lehman

LEHMAN VS. JOHNSON Sept. 7 Varsity: 0-3 8-25, 19-25, 16-25 1-11 overall season, 0-3 league 8th in district

Hays

HAYS VS. DEL VALLE Sept. 10 Varsity: 3-0 25-10, 25-10, 26-24 8-23 overall season, 1-0 league First in District

Johnson

Right, Lampasas’ London DiBattiste gives chase as Nathan Simpson runs 37 yards to set up a go ahead touchdown by Moses Wray giving the Texans a 14-7 lead in the first quarter. Simpson also had 4 receptions for 64 yards in the 45-21 win.

The Texans host San Antonio Alamo Heights on September 24 at 7:30.

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D.S. VS. ALAMO HEIGHTS Sept. 10 Varsity: 3-0 28-26, 26-24, 25-22 21-15 overall season, 3-1 league Third in district

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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • September 15, 2021

Page 7

New Poll: Texans concerned about the future of state

Jaguar king and queen named at blowout Homecoming game Riley Fall and Destiny Medina were named Homecoming King and Queen at Johnson High School at the Sept. 10 Homecoming game. The Jaguars beat Bastrop 55-0.

PHOTO BY PAYTON RATLIFF

Hays Hawks ruffled by Raiders

The Hays varsity football team lost its latest non-conference game against Cedar Ridge in Round Rock by a score of 48-13 Friday. Hays is currently 1-2 in the overall season. The Hawks will play the Eagles on Friday, Sept. 23.

AUSTIN – In advance of next week’s third special legislative session, a new poll shows Texas voters are increasingly concerned about the state’s future — and they overwhelmingly want leaders to take advantage of billions of federal stimulus dollars coming to Texas.

The statewide voter poll, conducted by the nonprofit organization Texas 2036, shows a growing percentage of Texas voters believe state government is not solving problems or serving the needs of its residents.

For the first time in the six years the question has been asked, more Texas voters (26%) said they feel financially worse off than they did the year before; just 20% said they believe they are better off. In addition, a majority of Texas voters (52%) say that the State of Texas is worse off than it was this time last year, and only 13% of voters believe the State of Texas is headed in a better direction than last year.

Further, 92% of Texas voters expressed concern about the state’s future, with 58% saying that they are very or extremely con-

cerned.

The poll’s findings show Texas voters clearly support state actions to solve longterm challenges and address issues driving public concern. An influx of nearly $16 billion in federal stimulus money could underwrite such solutions — and, the poll demonstrates, most

Texans believe it should.

By overwhelming majorities, Texas voters endorsed the use of federal COVID-19 relief money for large-scale projects that would improve life in Texas today and create a firmer foundation for the state’s

STATE POLL, 10

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Page 8

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • September 15, 2021

Classifieds PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of RICHARD ZENI, Deceased, were issued on September 7, 2021, in Docket No.21-0119-P, pending in the County Court at Law of Hays County, Texas, to: MICHELE DRAMKO. The residence of the Independent Executor is in Haines City, Polk County, Florida. Address claims in care of the representative, MICHELE DRAMKO, Independent Executor.

The post office address to which claims may be presented, is: MICHELE DRAMKO, Independent Executor 2100 Nighthawk Drive Haines City, Florida 33844 The Independent Executor has appointed ROY FARMER to be Resident Agent to accept service of process in all actions or proceedings with respect to the estate. Claims may, therefore, also be sent to ROY FARMER, Resident Agent, addressed to him at 1600 Parkview Lane, San Marcos, Texas 78666. All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. Address claims in care of MICHELE DRAMKO, Independent Executor or ROY FARMER, Resident Agent.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Ira Edward Haddock, Jr., Deceased, were issued on September 13, 2021, in Cause No. 210360-P, pending in the County Court at Law No. THREE, Hays County, Texas, to: Kelly Haddock.

All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. c/o: John Hall, Attorney 130 Hall Professional Center Kyle, Texas 78640 DATED the 13th day of September, 2021 John Hall Attorney for Kelly Haddock State Bar No.: 08759880 130 Hall Professional Center Kyle, TX 78640 Telephone: (512) 268-6425 Facsimile (512-268-5404 E-mail: johnhall@lawyer. com

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to all interested persons that the City of Creedmoor, Texas discuss and possibly pass tax rate 2021-2022 to support that budget.

City of Creedmoor Council will meet on September 16, 2021 at the Creedmoor City Hall at 12513 FM 1625 Creedmoor, Texas at 7:15 pm. All persons interested in the above have the right to appear and be heard.

By the order of the City Council of Creedmoor, Texas, Robert R. Wilhite Administrator.

CITATION BY PUBLICATION

To all persons interested in the Estate of James Zachary Paxton, Deceased, Cause No. 21-0319-P, in the County Court at Law, Hays County, Texas.

The alleged heir(s) at law in the above-numbered and entitled estate filed an APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT OF DEPENDENT ADMINISTRATOR AND ISSUANCE OF LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION in this estate on the 4th day of August 202 I, requesting that the Court determine who are the heirs and only heirs of James Zachary Paxton, Deceased, and their respective shares and interests in such estate.

The Court may act on this Application at any call of the docket on or after 10:00 A.M., on the first Monday next after the expiration often (10) days, exclusive of the day of Publication, from the date this citation is published, at the Hays County Government Center in San Marcos, Texas.

All persons interested in this case are cited to appear before this Honorable Court by filing a written contest or answer to this Application should they desire to do so.

To ensure its consideration, you or your attorney must file any objection, intervention, or response in writing with the County Clerk of Hays County, Texas on or before the abovenoted date and time.

Applicant's Attorney: Ivan S. Pettitt 1905 Wheaton Trail Cedar Park, TX 78613 508-916-8956 Given under my hand and the seal of said Court at the office of the Hays County Clerk in San Marcos, Texas on this the 8th day of September 2021.

Elaine H. Cardenas County Clerk, Hays County, Texas 712 S. Stagecoach Trail, Suite 2008 San Marcos, Texas 78666

By Jennifer Grantham, Deputy

PUBLIC NOTICE

By order of the Hays County Commissioners Court, notice is hereby given that on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at 9 a.m. in the Hays County Courthouse, 111 E. San Antonio Street, the Hays County Commissioners Court held a public hearing to consider: ESTABLISHING A 4-WAY STOP AT THE INTERSECTION OF GREEN PASTURES DRIVE AND SKYVIEW TERRACE IN GREEN PASTURES SUBDIVISION.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is hereby given that original Letters of Testamentary for the Estate of Jacqueline L. Brown, Deceased, were issued on August 26, 2021, under Docket No. 2021PC0343, pending in the County Court of Hays County, Texas, to Robert K. Brown, Independent Executor. Claims may be presented in care of the attorney for the estate, addressed as follows: Estate of Jacqueline L. Brown, Deceased, c/o Robert S. Harrison, 228 S. Seguin Avenue, New Braunfels, TX 78130, Ph: 830-515-5854.

All persons having claims against this estate, which is currently being administered, are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. s/ Robert S. Harrison, attorney for applicant.

DATED the 8TH day of September, 2021.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Nancy S. Seaholm, Deceased, were issued on September 8, 2021, in Cause No. 21-0323-P, pending in the County Court at Law, Hays County, Texas, to: Dudley Price Beaven.

All persons having claims against the Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. c/o: DOUGLAS G. MONTGOMERY Attorney at Law P.O. BOX 1623, San Marcos, TX 78667 DATED the 15th day of September, 2021 Douglas G. Montgomery Attorney for Dudley Price Beaven State Bar No.: 24077243 P.O. Box 1623 San Marcos, TX 78667 Telephone: (512) 337-2228 Facsimile: (512) 596-2880 E-mail: Doug@montgomerylawfirm.net

NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF HAYS CAUSE: 20-0409

By virtue of an Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 428th District Court of HAYS County, Texas July 29, 2021, in cause numbered 200409, styled Post Oak One Homeowners Association, Inc. versus Montoya, Margarethe Danielle on a judgment rendered against Montoya, Margarethe Danielle; I did on August 31, 2021, at 11:00 a.m., levy upon as the property of Montoya, Margarethe Danielle the following described real property: Lot 4, Block K, Post Oak subdivision, Phase 6, a subdivision in Hays County, Texas, according to the map or plat thereof recorded in Volume 19, pages 11-13, Plat Records of Hays County, Texas more commonly known as 232 Alpha, Kyle, TX 78640 (“Property”) On October 5, 2021, being the first Tuesday of the month, between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M., beginning at 10:00 a.m., at the Hays County, at the South Door, 712 Stagecoach Trail of the Courthouse of the said County, in the City of San

Marcos, Texas, I will sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the right, title and interest of Montoya, Margarethe Danielle in and to the real property described above.

Dated at Kyle, Hays County, Texas, August 31, 2021.

Michael Torres Constable, Pct. 2 Hays County, Texas 5458 FM 2770 Kyle, Texas 78640

by Patrick Chasse, Deputy Notice to Bidders: You are buying whatever interest, if any, the Debtor has in the property. Purchase of the Debtor's interest in the property may not extinguish any liens or security interests held by other persons. There are no warranties, express or implied, regarding the property being sold, including but not limited to warranties of title, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

Notice to Judgment Debtor: If there is any property, real or personal, you want to point out for levy in lieu of the above described property, you must contact this office immediately.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Mary Lynda Sanders, Deceased, were issued on September 8, under Docket No. 21-0217-P, pending in County Court at Law No. 2 of Hays County, Texas, to Jessica Rodriguez Leyendecker as Independent Executor. Claims may be presented in care of the attorney for the estate, addressed as follows: Representative, Estate of Mary Lynda Sanders, Deceased, c/o Joseph C. Gagen, Attorney at Law, P.O. Box 162834, Austin, Texas 78716-2834. All persons having claims against this estate, which is currently being administered, are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. DATED: September 15, 2021--/S/ Joseph C. Gagen, Attorney for Applicant

NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SUBDIVIDE

An application has been filed with Hays County to subdivide the Bannockburn Church properties fronting American Way and S. Canyonwood Drive. Information regarding the application may be obtained from Hays County Development Services 512-393-2150. Tracking number PLN-1677-PC.”PLN1PLN-1677-PCPLN-1677PC677-PC

NOTICE OF NEW COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION:

One-Lot, Commercial Subdivision of 3.598 Acres; previously two lot subdivision (1.82 acres and 1.778 acres).

Located at intersection of FM 123 & Clovis Barker Road, San Marcos, TX 78666. Project Number PLN-1752-NP. Call Hays County Development Services at (512) 3937301 for further information.“

NOTICE OF NEW COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION:

One-Lot, Commercial Subdivision of 4.98 Acres.

Located at 5150 FM 2001, Buda, TX 78619. Project Number PLN-1567-NP. Call Hays County Development Services at (512) 393-7301 for further information.

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

In accordance with the provisions of State of Texas law, there being due and unpaid charges for which the undersigned is entitled to safety an owner and/or manager’s lien of the goods hereinafter described and stored at the Storage King USA location(s) listed below, and, due notice having been given to the owner of said property and all parties known to claim an interest therein, and the time specified in such notice for payment of such having expired goods will be sold to the highest bidder or otherwise disposed of at a public Auction to be held online at www.StorageTreasures.com, which will end on September 29, 2021 at 11:00AM. At store 072, 19580 S IH 35, Kyle TX 78640, ph# 737.404.5020.

Melissa Duran -hsld gds/furn,boxes, Hector Perales- frn, boxes, Shirley Robinson-frn, Manolito Peralta-large appliances/clothes/misc, Trent Fosdick-boxes, Marina Palomo-baby items/misc, Kaylee Evers-bike/totes

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

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

Anytime Storage, LLC 880 Windy Hill Rd. Kyle, TX 78640 Will be ending on or after September 22, 2021 at 11 AM. Cleanup deposit is required. Seller reserves the right to withdraw the property at any time before the sale.

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

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

SERGIO GARCIA: shop tools, supplies, electronics, automotive.

JESUS VETENCOURT baby items, electronics.

PUBLIC NOTICE

By order of the Hays County Commissioners Court, notice is hereby given that on September 21st, 2021 at 9 a.m. in the Hays County Courthouse, 111 E. San Antonio Street, the Hays County Commissioners Court will hold a public hearing to consider: Los Ranchos Lot 4 Replat

NOTICE OF SALE

Notice of Landlord’s Lien sale. Arches Self Storage, 3975 Hwy 290 E, Dripping Springs, TX, 78620. All sales are to satisfy the Landlord’s Lien. Auction closes at 10am September 16, 2021. Auction is held at Storagetreasures. com. Units: James Hernandez-furniture, Tammilyn Chappell(Fawn Bruce)-furniture, household items, Charles E Battle-furniture, household items, stacked boxes, Jeff Gunderson-shelving, couches, TV misc. Items, wood, Alfred Villarreal-furniture, household items, prop coffin, boxes, Haymond Homes-household items, cabinet, furniture. Terms and conditions are at Storagetreasures.com. Auction is online at Storagetreasures.com

PUBLIC NOTICE OF PROJECTS PROPOSED TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY THE CITY OF BUDA 4B CORPORATION (BUDA EDC), A "TYPE B" ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SALES TAX CORPORATION The Buda EDC, a "Type B" Economic Development Sales Tax Corporation, hereby gives notice, pursuant to the Texas Local Government Code, Sec. 505.160, that the Corporation intends to undertake the following projects as appropriate in Fiscal Year 2021-2022: Land, buildings, equipment, facilities, expenditures, targeted infrastructure, and improvements found by the Board of Directors to promote new or expanded business development.

Specifically, capital project contributions for City of Buda: ($500,000.00); Expenditures towards the Business Retention and Expansion Program: ($58,500.00); Contributions for new business recruitment: ($6,000.00); Contributions for Sponsorships and Community Outreach: ($12,500); Expenditures for Promotional and Marketing Activities: ($120,000.00); Buda Business Development Program and Small Business Programs/Grants: ($115,000.00 (total); Large Business Incentives: ($200,000 (total)).

Information on any public hearing concerning the above project(s), if required, will be noticed by agenda and available on the website of the Buda EDC in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act. For more information, please contact: Traci Anderson, Executive Director Buda EDC Telephone: (512) 295-2002

Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Package Store Permit (P) by Knight Star Investment LLC d.b.a. Pure Liquor to be located at 14401 FM 1826 Ste. B, Austin, TX 78737. Owner: Amin Ali.

INVITATION FOR BIDS Continental Homes of Texas, LP (Owner) on behalf of East Hays County Municipal Utility District No. 1 invites the submission of sealed Bids from qualified bidders for: East Hays County Municipal Utility District No. 1, Prairie Lakes - Offsite Force Main.

The work shall consist of the following: Wastewater piping consisting of 12” force mains, manholes and appurtenances; Excavation and embankment; and Sedimentation and Erosion Control Improvements.

Sealed Bids addressed to the Owner and marked "Bid for East Hays County Municipal Utility District No. 1, Prairie Lakes - Offsite Force Main" will be received until 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at the Design Engineer's office, BGE, Inc., 101 West Louis Henna Blvd, Ste. 400, Austin, TX 78728. Direct questions to (512) 879-0400.

Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at the Design Engineer's office, BGE, Inc., 101 West Louis Henna Blvd, Ste. 400, Austin, TX 78728.

A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at the Design Engineer's office, BGE, Inc., 101 West Louis Henna Blvd, Ste. 400, Austin, TX 78728.

Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be examined without charge at the offices of BGE, Inc., 101 West Louis Henna Blvd, Ste. 400, Austin, TX 78728.

Plans, specifications and bidding documents may be obtained without charge from www.civcastusa.com. Bidders must register on this website in order to view and/or download plans, specifications and bidding documents.

A Cashier’s Check, Certified Check, or acceptable Bidder’s Bond in the amount of five percent (5%) of the Bid must accompany each bid. Performance and Payment Bonds will be required as stated in the Contract Documents.

The prices and terms of the bid must be made on the forms included in the Contract Documents.

The Owner may, on its own initiative, issue Addenda before the Bid opening and, if necessary, delay the Bid opening to ensure that bidders have had sufficient time to consider the Addenda.

A Bid which, in the opinion of the Owner, deviates significantly from the Contract Documents, and which has not been clarified through a written Addendum prior to Bid submittal deadline, shall be considered an exception to the Contract Documents and grounds for the Bid to be rejected.

Bidders should read and understand all terms and conditions contained in these Contract Documents.

The Owner reserves the right to accept the lowest and best Bid as deemed by the Owner, or reject any and/or all Bids. The Owner may request qualification information including references, bonding, insurance and other information for use in determining the lowest and best Bid. Any bid may be withdrawn prior to the above scheduled time for the opening of the bids or authorized postponement thereof. Any bid received after the time and date specified will not be accepted.

INVITATION FOR BIDS Continental Homes of Texas, LP (Owner) on behalf of East Hays County Municipal Utility District No. 1 invites the submission of sealed Bids from qualified bidders for: East Hays County Municipal Utility District No. 1, Prairie Lakes Phase 1 Section 1.

The work shall consist of the following: RCP drainage piping, including approximately 18”- 54” pipe, manholes; headwalls; junction boxes, inlets and appurtenances; Water piping, including 8” - 16” mains, valves and appurtenances; Wastewater piping consisting of 4” force mains; 8” – 12” gravity wastewater, manholes and appurtenance; Paving, sidewalk, curb and gutter, signing and striping; Excavation and embankment; and Sedimentation and Erosion Control Improvements.

Sealed Bids addressed to the Owner and marked “Bid for East Hays County Mud No. 1, Prairie Lakes Phase 1 Section 1” will be received until 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at the Design Engineer’s office, BGE, Inc., 101 West Louis Henna Blvd, Ste. 400, Austin, TX 78728. Direct questions to (512) 879-0400.

Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at the Design Engineer’s office, BGE, Inc., 101 West Louis Henna Blvd, Ste. 400, Austin, TX 78728.

A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at the Design Engineer’s office, BGE, Inc., 101 West Louis Henna Blvd, Ste. 400, Austin, TX 78728.

Plans, specifications, and bidding documents may be examined without charge at the offices of BGE, Inc., 101 West Louis Henna Blvd, Ste. 400, Austin, TX 78728.

Plans, specifications and bidding documents may be obtained without charge from www.civcastusa.com. Bidders must register on this website in order to view and/or download plans, specifications and bidding documents.

A Cashier’s Check, Certified Check, or acceptable Bidder’s Bond in the amount of five percent (5%) of the Bid must accompany each bid. Performance and Payment Bonds will be required as stated in the Contract Documents.

The prices and terms of the bid must be made on the forms included in the Contract Documents.

The Owner may, on its own initiative, issue Addenda before the Bid opening and, if necessary, delay the Bid opening to ensure that bidders have had sufficient time to consider the Addenda.

A Bid which, in the opinion of the Owner, deviates significantly from the Contract Documents, and which has not been clarified through a written Addendum prior to Bid submittal deadline, shall be considered an exception to the Contract Documents and grounds for the Bid to be rejected.

Bidders should read and understand all terms and conditions contained in these Contract Documents.

The Owner reserves the right to accept the lowest and best Bid as deemed by the Owner, or reject any and/or all Bids. The Owner may request qualification information including references, bonding, insurance and other information for use in determining the lowest and best Bid. Any bid may be withdrawn prior to the above scheduled time for the opening of the bids or authorized postponement thereof. Any bid received after the time and date specified will not be accepted.

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • September 15, 2021

Page 9

Classifieds EMPLOYMENT

DIRECT CARE COUNSELORS Provide positive role modeling, structure, and supervision to adolescent boys. No exp. required, We train comprehensively. Pay starting at $12 per hour for flexible 8 & 16 hr shift schedules.

Health/life/dental insurance after 60 days. Min. requirements: Must be 21 yrs old, HS/GED, clean TDL, clean criminal history, pre-employment TB skin test, and drug screen. Growing (20+ year old) non-profit organization. www.pegasusschool.net.

Call (512)432-1678 for further information.

TEXAS STATEWIDE ADVERTISING NETWORK

DOMINOS PIZZA HIRING FOR ALL POSITIONS IN KYLE AND BUDA LOCATIONS $300 starting bonus. CSRs starting at $10/ hour. Drivers cash paid daily.

Apply in person or dominos.com

TEXAS DISPOSAL SYSTEMS

TDS IS NOW HIRING! Find your career with us.

Opportunities Include: Landscape Workers, Welder, CDL Drivers, Temporary Special Event Workers, Mechanics, and more.

Sign-On Bonus Available*

Visit our website www.texasdisposal.com/careers to view and apply! For more information call 512-329-1778

*Certain positions

APARTMENT FOR RENT APARTMENT FOR RENT IN DOWNTOWN KYLE

1 BR, 1BA. $1,150/month includes water & trash. Requires deposit and first month rent.

Available Oct. 1 (or possibly a little before). Downstair storage. Security Ring up system. WD in apartment. Includes all appliances. Private balcony.

AUSTIN ISD

HAYS CISD

86,000

25,000

DRIPPING SPRINGS ISD

students and staff

students and staff

total COVID cases

total COVID cases

total COVID cases

active cases

active cases

active cases

160

240

Last year, opioid overdose deaths reached 69,000 in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Texas saw an increase in overdose deaths by nearly 32%, most of which were driven by opioid overdose, according to the Attorney General’s Office.

Synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, also contributed to overdose death

Hospitalizations (ICU and regular beds)

19

ICU with vent

11

ICU no vent

213 47

*Latest numbers as of Sept. 14, provided by Hays County.

COVID Incubators Continued from pg. 2

months to resume her normal lifestyle.

One Hays County mother posted on Facebook that she is worried about her son’s health who is too young to receive the vaccine. The boy tested positive for COVID-19 and is running a fever of 103.5 degree, according to the mother.

In another case, a middle school boy with a chronic health condition relapsed. Under normal circumstances, he would go to Dell Children’s hospital for treatment, but his doctor advised the family not to go.

“Because of the state of our system right now,” said the Hays County mother who wishes to

rates between 2019 and 2020, according to the CDC. In addition to the monetary settlement, J&J will not be allowed to manufacture, sell or promote opioids for 10 years. Distributors of the drug will be required to take measures that detect suspicious drug orders.

9,000

students and staff

644

its settlement specifically,” said LaMarriol Smith, Buda director of communications. “However, given the amount, we can do something in a singular way, like educational materials, or work with surrounding entities to take a regional approach.”

One potential regional approach could be opening a treatment center for the area, she added.

57

704

Continued from pg. 4

Hays County COVID-19 Hospitalizations*

COVID cases in area school districts

Opioid Settlement

The hospital is urging the community to get vaccinated to lessen the burden on frontline workers who have been fighting this virus. Children ages 12 and older are able to get the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. remain anonymous, “our doctor said ‘absolutely do not take him to the hospital.’ So, we will be managing his treatment from home, which is not our choice – it is a choice being made for us because the lack of precautions being practiced to mitigate the current

COVID spike.”

While the child’s doctor advised the parents to continue treatment from home, Dell Children’s Hospital said that they have sufficient capacity and staff to continue caring for pediatric patients with a variety of medical needs.

Unvaccinated

Unvaccinated

Unvaccinated

Vaccinated

Vaccinated

Vaccinated

Page 10

State Poll

Yellow Alert

Continued from pg. 1

Continued from pg. 1

“Most of us share the same aspirations, want to take advantage of the same opportunities, and recognize the challenges that Texas will have to overcome to create a thriving economy.”

future economic growth.

Legislators will have the opportunity to appropriate those funds when the Texas Legislature convenes on Sept. 20.

SUPPORTED USES INCLUDE: • Water projects to improve both the cleanliness of drinking water and access to water during droughts (88% favor); • Upgrades to the state’s electrical grid and generation capacity, including weatherization, new energy technologies, and transmission improvements (83% favor); • Broadband and emergency communications infrastructure, which would increase access to the internet in rural and underserved areas and enhance disaster response capabilities (81% favor); • Improvements to the state’s cybersecurity and technology systems, which would improve customer service and protect public data (79% favor); • Improved flood-prevention capabilities (79% favor) • The creation of new state parks and improvements to existing state parks (68% favor); and

–Margaret Spellings, President and CEO of Texas 2036 and the former U.S. Secretary of Education

• Replenishing the state’s unemployment trust fund which will help prevent the need to increase taxes on employers in the future (58% favor).

According to a recent Texas 2036 analysis, $12.2 billion of the $15.8 billion in available funds can be spent with relatively few federal limits or restrictions. The remaining amounts can be spent on specific allowable uses under federal law, which can include water, broadband, and COVID-19 public health responses.

“This poll shows that Texans are still one people — far more binds us than divides us,” said Margaret Spellings, President and CEO of Texas 2036 and the former U.S. Secretary of Education. “Most of us share the same aspira-

tions, want to take advantage of the same opportunities, and recognize the challenges that Texas will have to overcome to create a thriving economy.

“The legislature can help address those concerns about the future — and capitalize on the powerful opportunities we now face — by appropriating federal COVID relief funds in an ambitious, responsible, far-sighted way.”

The Texas 2036 Texas Voter Poll was conducted on August 24-29, 2021. The poll surveyed 1,001 registered voters, with a margin of error of ± 3.1%. The distribution of interviews conducted was 43% by cell phone, 23% by landline and 34% through the web.

To view the poll results, visit www.texas2036.org/ poll.

Hearings Paused Continued from pg. 1

“The system has got to deal with it like any other illness,” Johnson explained.

“The system has to do the best it can to move on. As long as everybody is doing the best they can [in taking safety precautions], more court cases will move than they would otherwise.”

Travis County, on the other hand, continues to conduct court through Zoom, a process that has been efficient, said Austin-based Attorney Daniel Wannamaker. Federal Courts are also back to in-person sessions.

Wannamaker attended a court hearing in Hays County, which was not in O’Brien’s court, and shared his experience.

“It was more crowded than my liking,” Wanna-

maker said. “I would have preferred not to go in person; we have the technology to do Zoom, and Travis County has shown the ability for employing it … I try to keep a distance from everybody who is not wearing a mask.”

When Wannamaker showed up to Hays County Court for a case, security personnel at the metal detectors were not wearing masks, which was “a little disconcerting.” The court was full, although he said it would be difficult to social distance inside. The judge at Wannamaker’s case was also not wearing a mask.

Additionally, much of the defense bar did not wear masks. From Wannamaker’s recollection, the court clerks, prosecu-

tors and defendants were wearing masks.

“I think it’s reckless [not to wear masks],” Wannamaker told the Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch. “I think the conduct of anybody in a public building or public space, who chooses not to take CDC safety protocol, is pretty reckless.”

In May, Gov. Greg Abbott issued Executive Order GA-36, prohibiting government entities from mandating masks.

O’Brien’s court docket for the week has been rescheduled, but it is not known when the judge will come back to court.

Fall Plant Sale Continued from pg. 1

March, Wierman said. October in Texas is still warm enough during the day to give plants time to build a strong root system before the spring.

“When you first put a plant in the ground,” Wierman said, “the plant needs to establish itself and build a good, strong root system.

So you don’t want it to produce flowers immediately, you want it focused on its root system. If you plant it in the fall, that’s pretty much where all of the energies are going to go.”

The HCMGA will have an

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • September 15, 2021

in-person inventory at the Kyle Public Library from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 9 and at the Dripping Springs Farmers Market from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 13.

Online plant sales will open Oct. 4 and run through Oct. 12. Plants can be purchased online and picked up at one of the in-person sale locations: http:hcgma.square.site.

For more information about the HCMGA, please visit https://www.hayscountymastergardeners. org/.

deck.”

Recruiting and retaining transportation staff has been difficult for both school districts.

Savoy said HCISD competes with driving companies like Amazon and Uber, among other employment agencies.

DSISD transportation director Pam Swanks said she has heard from drivers that prolonged shift hours, a long commute to work twice a day and traffic concerns could affect the shortage.

With more than half of HCISD students riding the bus every day, Savoy said bus drivers are crucial to the education team.

“You get the reward of being the hero of your bus,” Savoy told the Hays Free Press/ News-Dispatch. “For those students, the bus driver is the first person they see in the morning

“People have reached out to the transportation department wondering why the buses are running late. The challenge is the people who would normally be answering those emails or calls are out there driving the buses. It’s all hands on deck.”

–Tim Savoy, Hays CISD chief communications officer

and the last person they see during the day. What an awesome place to be as an adult in an educational setting.”

School districts are actively recruiting interested drivers to apply, even those who may be looking for something to do during retirement.

“Driving for DSISD keeps me active during

Ms. Fieldmouse is a female, 5-month-old, domestic shorthair mix. She arrived at PAWS as a small 4-weekold kitten. It’s been 37 days and still no one has adopted her. Ms. Fieldmouse is a sweet, cuddly kitten that would do well with another cat in the home.

retirement,” said Michael Smith, DSISD driver, “and gives me a feeling that I am contributing something of value to our community by keeping the kids safe.”

For more information about specific job descriptions, please visit https://www. hayscisd.net/ and https://www.dsisdtx. us/.

Boomer is a male, 1-year-old, heeler mix. He is a great dog for any family looking for an adventurous playmate. Boomer loves other dogs.

His favorite time of the day is getting to go out in the play yard with his besties and a huge pool.

PAWS Shelter of Central Texas

is a non-profit, no-kill shelter operated primarily on donations and adoptions.

500 FM 150 E, Kyle, TX • 512 268-1611 • pawsshelter.org

All animals are fully vaccinated, spay/neutered, microchipped and dewormed.

sponsored by

Town & CounTry VeTerinary HospiTal Committed to your pet’s health since 1978

Bill Selman, DVM • Kayley Goldsmith, DVM • Ben Fox, DVM 6300 FM 1327 (East of I35 and Creedmoor) Austin, TX 78747 Give us a call at 512-385-0486

Women IN BUSINESS make the move.™

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•

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TWO LOCATIONS IN YOUR AREA

1180 Seton Parkway Suite 420 Kyle, TX 78640 (512) 268-5282

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Amber Bass, Au.D.

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