SEPTEMBER 16, 2020 SWEET SUCCESS
FOR FRIENDS
Kyle’s Queen of Pie earns another title from Small Business Association.
Group benefitting Dripping Springs area seniors hosts annual benefit, virtually.
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HaysNewsDispatch.com
Vol. 40 • No. 49
Serving Hays County, TX
Local officials memorialize 9/11 sacrifices BY ANITA MILLER
KYLE – “Have we forgotten?” Kyle Police Chief Jeff Barnett posed that question to the few dozen people who gathered in a chilly breeze at the Kyle VFW on the morning of Friday, Sept. 11. “Have we forgotten the fear we had that fateful morning when we watched in horror as the Twin
“Have we forgotten the fear we had that fateful morning when we watched in horror ... Have we forgotten the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice?” –Jeff Barnett, Kyle Police Chief
Towers of the World Trade Center came down and the Pentagon was damaged after hijackers under the direction of Al Qaeda took
over control of three commercial airlines?” he asked. “Have we forgotten the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice” as 2,977
people died, including 343 New York City firefighters and 77 police officers, he asked. A fourth airliner, possibly
en route to the Capitol, crashed into a field in Pennsylvania after passengers managed to wrest control from four hijackers armed with box cutters, mace and tear gas. The attacks, which began at 7:45 a.m. local time, was the deadliest for first responders, Barnett reminded those gathered.
9/11 CEREMONY, 6
PHOTO BY ANITA MILLER
Kyle Police Chief Jeff Barnett addressed a crowd gathered at the Kyle VFW Post Friday to remember the significance of September 11, 2001.
PHOTO COURTESY OF HENLY VINEYARDS
Brave New World
PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III
A student at Tom Green Elementary makes himself comfortable Sept. 8 as he participates in an engaging online learning session during the first day of virtual instruction inside of the school’s cafeteria. It was a brave new world for many Hays CISD students and educators Sept. 8 as the district officially kicked off the 2020-21 school year by starting its virtual learning phase. While many students and educators began virtual instruction at home, a handful signed up to start online learning at their designated campus. Hays CISD is slated to begin In-person instruction Sept. 28.
First week back in the DSISD BY SAHAR CHMAIS
Dripping Springs ISD began this year’s unique back-to-school journey almost one month ago and will soon reopen its campus doors for students who want to go to school in person. Karen Kidd, assistant superintendent for DSISD, discussed what the first month has looked like for the district. Overall, they have not had a lot of trouble
Students went back to school in person Monday. So far, Kidd has seen an average of a 60% return rate, with high school students a few percent points higher than elementary.
with online courses, but of course it has not been perfect. “So far, so good. Everything is running smoothly,” Kidd told the Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch.
“We have had a few technical issues, like the internet went down for a brief moment in time. But I feel like parents are fairly happy with our services.”
COMING UP An evening with Hilton Als, Friday at KAP House
Acclaimed writer Hilton Als, via Zoom, will discuss the life, work and legacy of our hometown author Katherine Anne Porter Sept. 18, 7 p.m. To RSVP, email KAPLiteraryCenter@ gmail.com. Als began contributing to The New Yorker in 1989, writing pieces for The Talk of the Town.’ He became a staff writer in 1994, theater critic in 2002, and lead theater critic in 2012. His first book, “The Women,” was published in 1996. His book, “White Girls,” a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award in 2014 and winner of the 2014 Lambda Literary Award for non-fiction, discusses various narratives of race and gender. In 2017 Als won the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism, and in 2019 the Langston Hughes Medal. In 2020 he was named an inaugural Presidential Visiting Scholar at Princeton
TAX RATE
DSISD BACK TO SCHOOL, 10
University for the 2020-21 academic year. He is an associate professor of writing at Columbia University’s School of the Arts and has taught at Yale University, Wesleyan, and Smith College. He lives in New York City.
Buda Plein Air Festival Saturday in Buda
Inspired Minds Art Center is hosting spectacular morning of live art and music, outdoors, in downtown Buda. The purpose of this event is to responsibly bring the community together outdoors through art in a mindful, healing, and celebratory way. Visual artists will set up along Main Street and paint, draw, or sculpt en plein-air. Musical artists will busk along Main Street. Cash tips are welcome! Artwork created during the Buda Plein Air Festival will be critiqued by a panel of judges. Winning artists will have their plein-air artwork on display and for purchase in the Inspired Minds Gallery Plein Air Exhibit opening on October 9.
Hays County increases taxes ‘ever so slightly.”
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Another issue, which has not proven to be a difficult hurdle, is getting some people or teachers acquainted with Canvas, the online system for school. Last year, when students were sent home, that was the system DSISD used. For the most part, everyone is navigating it properly, but like with any new technology, people need time to fully understand it.
TABC has allowed businesses to apply to become qualified as restaurants, as long as they have two entrees on their menu, offer food services the entire time alcohol is on the table, and 51% of their gross receipts are not from alcohol. Above is Sam Hadawy, co-founder of Henly Vineyards.
Vineyards say regs unfair to business, despite outside venue BY SAHAR CHMAIS It starts with the grape and it ends with a healthy economy. The wine country in Texas invites people in from all around the world to enjoy themselves in the outdoor scenery, drinking the juice from fermented grapes, taking walks in nature
and discovering large plots of green and purple land. But COVID-19 has begun taking down yet another beloved industry, and some believe that the restrictions implemented on vineyards are not done correctly. “While I greatly appre-
STRUGGLING INDUSTRY, 4
Election officials preparing for November election BY MEGAN WEHRING HAYS COUNTY – With early voting for the Nov. 3 election quickly approaching, Hays County officials anticipate an increase in mail-in ballots while continuing to make preparations to adhere to safety guidelines at polling locations. Election officials will position the polling machines six feet apart, while providing markers to ensure that voters are maintaining social distancing within the election center. Voters are also recommended to wear face coverings. Elections Administrator Jennifer Anderson said
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. ISSN#1087-9323
there will be about 300 election workers total, similar to previous years, with additional staff on standby in the case a person is sick. “We are also in constant contact with our poll workers and we are staffing them very robustly so that if people do get sick, we’ll still have plenty of people to work,” Anderson said. While there is a requirement of up to three workers at each polling place, Anderson said there will be more staff this year at each location to maintain safety protocols. “In a presidential (elec-
ELECTION PREPARATION, 2
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NEWS
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • September 16, 2020
Shot fired during police pursuit, but no injuries reported BY ANITA MILLER
Three weeks after a pursuit in western Hays County resulted in the death of the suspect, Hays County deputies found themselves involved in another. This time, no one was injured and the suspect has since been released from jail. The latest chase began at around 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Capt. David Burns of the Hays
County Sheriff’s Office said a deputy was attempting to stop a vehicle for an unnamed traffic violation when the driver fled. The pursuit took place along parts of FM 3237, FM 150 and Ranch Road 12. Deputies were able to immobilize the vehicle in the 1800 block of RR 12 in Wimberley and once it was stopped, one deputy fired one round from his duty pistol. There were no injuries.
Charles Howard III, 35, is charged with DWI, third or more offense, which is a third degree felony, along with evading arrest with a vehicle, also a third degree felony, as well as with resisting arrest and reckless driving. Howard, who gave authorities an address in San Antonio, was released Thursday, Sept. 10 after posting a surety bond of $30,000.
On Aug. 20, a chase that initiated in Wimberley resulted in the death of 43-year-old Nathan Harrington, who fired at deputies who had pursued him after they had immobilized his vehicle on FM 150. He was fatally struck by an officer who returned fire. Harrington was taken to a hospital but later died. Authorities said both men had extensive criminal histories.
County tax revenue increases ‘slightly’ BY MEGAN WEHRING
HAYS COUNTY – Hays County residents had the chance to speak up during the commissioner court’s hearing about the proposed tax increase on Sept. 8, but only two decided to voice their concerns. The proposed tax rate for fiscal year 2021 (FY21) is 42.12 cents per $100 valuation of property, giving the county about $3.5 million in revenue. The proposed rate is a decrease from the 2020 rate of 42.37.
“The tax rate, although we are increasing ever so slightly from the ‘no-new-revenue’ tax rate, it is a lower tax rate than last year’s tax rate,” Ruben Becerra, county judge, said. The no-new-revenue tax rate is the rate for the 2020 tax year that would raise the same amount of property tax revenue from the same properties in both the 2019 and the 2020 tax year. The county would need voter approval if the new tax rate would increase the revenue from last year by more than 3.5%, accord-
ing to Senate Bill 2. Commissioner Lon Shell said adopting the proposed tax rate would ultimately bring in more revenue than the no-new-revenue tax rate of 40.43 cents. “If we were to adopt the no-new-revenue tax rate, we would be generating what is called the same amount of revenue from taxes from existing properties that we did last year,” Shell said. “We will be taking in more money from property taxes than we did last year.” Resident Steve Black-
more said the public hearing, part of the regularly scheduled meeting, helped clear up any confusion he had about the tax increase. “As anybody who is a part of the community, you want to know what’s in return,” Blackmore said. “This has been helpful for me to understand what the tax is for and where we are standing historically.” The public can attend the Hays County Commissioner Court’s budget hearing at 1 p.m. Sept. 22 where the court will adopt the new tax rate.
Election Preparation Continued from pg. 1
tion year) when we know it’s going to be very busy, we would always have more,” Anderson said. “We do have more scheduled that can try to assist with social distancing and they can try to assist with sanitizing the polling location.” Poll workers typically undergo in-person training. This year’s election judges, alternate judges and early voting team leaders will still be training in person. Due to proper social distancing, Anderson stated that some election staff members will complete an online video training. Anderson said participating in an election as a poll worker is a huge undertaking. “When you are a poll worker you’re in charge, for the day anyway, of a business basically,” Anderson said. “... a business of allowing people to vote. They will check in voters in a polling location. They will handle different situations that may arise in a polling location.” The county has almost reached the projected 10,000 ballots that will be mailed out this year. In 2018, there were approximately 7,000 mail-in ballots. Anderson said voting by mail has continued to increase in popularity over the years. “There is a heightened awareness that you can vote by mail and what
Hays County urges residents to be prepared in emergency situations BY MEGAN WEHRING HAYS COUNTY – The Hays County Commissioners Court adopted a proclamation on Tuesday, Sept. 8 to declare September 2020 as Emergency Preparedness Month. Under the proclamation, residents are encouraged to make sure their families are prepared for any disaster that may come their way. Developing emergency plans with meeting loca-
tions, as well as attending Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) classes are also recommended. The Hays County third annual preparedness fair is going virtual this year on Sept. 26, available for all residents to register to attend online, that will include a virtual silent auction. “Our team that’s put all of this together are part-timers,” Mike Jones, emergency services director, said. “They have
done a fantastic job coordinating and bringing a lot of the gift items you are going to see up there.” A full schedule of interactive classes and presentations will also be available on Zoom. “We’re still going to have the same classes that we have had in the past,” Jones said. “We’re going to have Standard Response Protocol, Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events, Stop the Bleed, Take 10, CPR,
Firewise and the National Weather Service will be on hand. You’ll learn how to build an evacuation kit or a shelter-in-place kit.” Hays County Fire Chiefs Association Spirit Week is Sept. 28 through Oct. 1. Throughout that week, residents can visit Willie’s Grill and Icehouse in New Braunfels from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Willie’s will donate 15% of the check to the Fire Chiefs Association for to-go and dine-in orders placed in the store.
Dripping Springs approves budget BY CHASE ROGERS
DRIPPING SPRINGS – Dripping Springs city council members unanimously voted to set the tax rate for the 2020-21 fiscal year on Sept. 8 at $0.19 per $100 of taxable valuation. The new rate, though it is the same that was approved last year by the council, is expected to produce an additional $150,772 in property tax revenue during FY 202021 due in part to new property construction
and plots brought within the city throughout the year. For a house valued at $441,550, the median value for a home in 78620, owners should expect to pay about $840 in city taxes. Coupled with the new rate, the city’s general fund budget was approved, yielding $7,600,214 in revenue and expenditures – about $200,000 higher than the previous year’s budget. The budget includes several transportation
and park improvements. Some of the highlighted projects include:
TRANSPORTATION This budget provides for $425,000.00 in roadway maintenance, repair and construction. This is the first year that solid waste revenues will be used to increase the roadway budget. The city remains committed to traffic relief and has provided additional funds for major transportation improvements.
PARKS
$172,000 in park improvements is slated to be completed in 2021. This is entirely funded by Parkland Dedication fees paid by developers to be used in developing park facilities. For questions or assistance with tax calculations visit https:// hayscountytax.com/#/ or contact Hays County Tax Assessor Jenifer O’Kane at jenifer.okane@co.hays. tx.us.
those qualifications are, so I think that’s intriguing people,” Anderson said. “Some of our over 65 (year old voters), which is a large population of our mail ballot voters, are worried to go out right now because they don’t want to be vulnerable to COVID.” Hays County residents can qualify to request to receive a ballot by mail if they are 65 or older, disabled, confined to jail or expected to be out of the county for early voting or on Election Day. Anderson stated that 44.49% voted early in the 2016 presidential election and 14.76% voted on Election Day. Anderson also anticipates that it will be the same this year for more people to vote during the early voting period that runs from Oct. 13 to Oct. 30. “I think if people take advantage of that early voting time, that will keep people from standing in line on election day,” Anderson said. “That will help us produce early voting and election day results more efficiently on election night.” Voters are required to bring some form of photo identification with them for early voting or on Election Day. Some acceptable forms of photo ID include a Texas drivers license, personal ID card, election ID certificate or U.S. passport.
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Opinion
QUOTE OF THE WEEK “I think if people take advantage of that early voting time, that will keep people from standing in line on election day. That will help us produce early voting and election day results more efficiently on election night.” –Jennifer Anderson, Hays County Elections Administrator. Story on page 1.
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • September 16, 2020
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Emergency Services Districts need equitable access to COVID-19 relief Emergency services districts (ESDs) provide vital first response services to more than 8 million Texans. Around 300 of these local special district governments serve communities across the state with fire protection and emergency medical services – including the Hays County ESD 5, covering approximately 70,000 residents living within the boundaries of ESD 5. Yet, many emergency services districts, like Hays County ESD 5, have so far been unable to access the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund, which was intended to assist local governments in their response to the extraordinary COVID-19 crisis. The consequences of ignoring this problem will negatively impact communities’ lifeline services. Much like counties, school districts and municipalities, Hays County ESD No. 5 has been financially impacted by COVID-19. The district has currently sustained unbudgeted financial impacts approaching $100,000, including station sanitation supplies, personal protective equipment, and overtime costs. It is extremely difficult to forecast how the district will be impacted moving forward. The need for personal protective equipment will continue and costs will continue to rise for those needed supplies. One firefighter testing positive for COVID-19 has multiple repercussions across his shift. Multiple firefighters will be quarantined for up to 14 days resulting in major overtime expenditures to cover those shifts. Emergency services districts across the state are facing the same financial impacts as our district. After we were all overlooked during the CARES Act funding and with an uncertain future, it is almost impossible to plan how this pandemic will impact us in the next fiscal year with no financial relief from the state or federal government. Although a majority of special districts have well-established financial reserves, sustained losses and a lack of supplemental federal and state resources will prove to be a detriment to the health, safety and prosperity of our region. The prolonged strain of the pandemic is impacting more than just emergency services districts – other special districts providing water, wastewater, healthcare and
Guest Column by Kyle Fire Chief Kyle Taylor
more will also continue to feel the mounting pressures of unforeseen expenditures and losses due to the pandemic. Access to relief programs for special districts is now crucial to continue providing these quality services without further or sustained cuts to services and personnel. Virtually no local government agency will emerge from this extraordinary crisis unscathed; but, special districts will need the support of leaders at the State and U.S. capitols to continue providing critical services as we strive to meet this moment while preparing for the emergencies and disasters we know loom ahead, such as tornado outbreaks and hurricanes. Specifically, this can be accomplished through: Governor Greg Abbott and state legislators ensuring emergency services districts, along with other Texas special districts providing critical infrastructure, receive equitable access to future COVID-19 relief. The Texas Congressional Delegation co-sponsoring the “Special Districts Provide Essential Services Act” (H.R. 7073), which would direct a portion of future Coronavirus Relief Fund appropriations to our special purpose governments, and expand access to the Federal Reserve’s Municipal Liquidity Facility program for immediate access to capital. Emergency service districts thank Senator John Cornyn for leading on this issue and being an original cosponsor of S. 4308, the Senate’s version of the bill. Congress including state and local agencies in the federal payroll tax credit program for providing emergency paid family and sick leave for COVD-19-impacted employees. With our state and federal partners, we can continue to provide services that help our Texas communities thrive. Together, we will continue making a difference.
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Like Jennifer Abel, in her column of Sept. 2, I also have felt a “heaviness in my soul” lately. And I believe God answers prayers about our heaviness … but my answered prayer is diametrically opposed to Jennifer’s answer. Does that mean God contradicts Himself when two followers perceive different answers? No, it may mean we let our prejudices, pride and ignorance interpret His answers differently. If you come from a point of view that “all lives REALLY matter,” which Jennifer purports to believe, then you have to accept that “lives in the womb,” even Black lives in the womb, really matter in the eyes of God. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you.” (Jeremiah 1:5) “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live.” (Deuteronomy 30:19) “For You formed my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:13-14) Jennifer says she is pro-life and would like to see zero abortions, but she thinks contraception is the answer to “driving down the abortion statistics.” Really, that’s the best you have to offer? While it may lower the statistics, there is still the American Holocaust statistic of over 60 million
Kyle Taylor is the Fire Chief of the Hays County Emergency Services District No. 5 in Kyle.
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Publisher Cyndy Slovak-Barton
A contrarian Christian point of view on 2020 election
Marketing Specialist James Darby Production Manager David White Production Assistant Elizabeth Garcia Office Manager Arlene Monroe Circulation/Classifieds David White, Arlene Monroe Distribution Kimberlee Griffon
CORRECTIONS
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.
“homo-sapien” who has ever lived since is breathing Holy breath? Even you and me Jennifer? Logically then, whose by Alan breath is in the baby’s lungs Daves while in their mother’s womb? (not actually breath, murdered innocents in their but relying on their mother’s mother’s wombs since Roe breathing to receive oxygen v. Wade Jennifer! to their developing organs, In the same breath, medically speaking.) An Jennifer says she “wants to argument can thus be made honor and value the lives of that the “innoncent” in the women who find themwomb rightly belongs to the selves in the position of Lord, ergo Jennifer? considering abortion,” and So back to my question “doesn’t believe in criminal- about honoring the slain izing their choice to truly innocent, not the mother, help those women.” What remains: Do you want to about honoring and valuing have a memorial to the unthe discarded fetus then? named “fetus?” Hold hands How do you propose to and sing Kumbaya baby? honor the innocent “little Donate “baby onesies” to ones” torn apart by the Goodwill? What would be abortionist who suctions honorable Jennifer? body parts from the mothJennifer’s “Christian er’s womb as they agonize opinion” fails to have in futilely trying to avoid supporting Biblical exegesis the probing forceps? Have for her false claim of being you ever seen an ultrapro-life. In fact, her opinion sound of an actual aboras expressed is actually protion Jennifer? I challenge choice. (Words matter) She you to read/watch Abby wants to see zero abortions, Johnson’s, former College but … she is operating on Station Planned Parenthood “feelings” and not the Word Director, conversion upon of God. It’s either or Jennifer, watching an actual reviling you have to love the one ultrasound abortion. and hate the other (not the I suppose that Jennifer person, the action). (forgive me if I’m wrong) When she resorts to takes the position of many only believe in financial liberal women: “My body, and medical resources for my choice.” Are you sure? women in order to reduce If God formed that “innoabortions, she is being cent one,” the baby in your culpable and complicit womb, is it/she/he really with the women to choose yours? (see Jeremiah 1: 5 death, not life, for their again) unborn child. Did not God breath life, What I want if for women His breath, into clay when to choose life, and if they’ve he formed Adam from the had an abortion in their dust of the earth? (Genesis past, know that Jesus has 2:7) And, assuming you’re open arms of forgiveness for not a Darwinian, does it not those who repent, confess follow naturally that every and run into His arms! And
Guest Column
every little one who never survived their mother’s womb is an angel surrounding the Throne of God, singing with the Heavenly choir and waiting to receive that mother someday with their own arms wide open saying, “Hello Mother.” I know for certainty, because I have a couple of great-grandchildren waiting for me, their Great-Grandfather! As for as which candidate is right for evangelicals and/or atheists alike, we should remember we’re not electing a pastor, prophet or a perfect man/woman. We’re electing the person best suited to protect and defend the Constitution as founded, Capitalism and Christianity. And God has often chosen leaders for His flock who were bad people (Cyrus the Great, et.al), but who He could use to further His Kingdom. It’s performance that counts, not personality people. In closing Jennifer, it’s not just Donald Trump’s words and actions that fly in direct contradiction to the character of God. It’s your words and actions, my words and actions, every person who has ever drawn breath has spoken and acted contrary to His character. “All have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) But that’s no excuse to vote against Trump or for Biden. Obviously you’ve been a Trump Hater since 2016; could it be maybe you’ve been hoodwinked? (Wink, wink my sister in Christ?) Alan Daves is a former “Prodigal Evangelical Preacher.”
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
DAR promotes Constitution Week, beginning Sept. 17 In the first three years of organization within our group, the Sarah Pound Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, members have been working to establish a credible presence in our North Hays County community. Our values and goals are an extension of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution which holds that: “The Consitution is the safeguard of our liberties and champion of our freedoms. The purpose of celebrating Constitution Week is so to emphasize the responsiblility of protecting and defending the Constitiution, preserving it for posterity, understanding its
DEADLINES
significance to our heritage and its foundation to our way of life.” Our Dripping Springs Mayor Bill Foulds has issued a proclamation recognizing this week, first mandated by President Eisenhower in 1956, as Constitution Week. All Texas students in publicly supported schools will be studying and reciting the Preamble to the Constitution as a part of legislation passed and signed into law in 2001. The Dripping Springs Independent School District reports indicate they “will provide appropriate instruction concerning the intent, meaning and importance of the Declaration of Independence and the
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U.S. Constitution, including the Bill of Rights in their historical contexts.” Sarah Pound Chapter of the DAR is asking area churches to join the larger community in observing the importance of the rights we enjoy. The First Amendment to the Constitution supports: our freedom to speak our thoughts; our freedom to peacefully assemble; our freedom from establishment of a government religion by Congress and; our freedom from preferential treatment by the U.S. government of one religion over another. * We are hopeful that your church leadership will be
LETTERS GUIDELINES
able to join the greater community, with your congregation, by making a note in your church bulletin, leading a joyful prayer of thanksgiving and/or perhaps, singing a patriotic song like “God of our Fathers” or “God Bless America,” as we recognize the blessings we have received from our Creator. Deloris Welling, Chair Consitution Week Committee Daughters of the American Revolution (Publisher’s Note: The First Amendment also prohibits the abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press.)
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.
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NEWS
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • September 16, 2020
Struggling Industry: Vineyard owners says regulations not fair to open air venues Continued from pg. 1
ciate the governor’s efforts to keep people safe during this COVID crisis, there is no reason we cannot operate safely under the same capacity rules that apply to restaurants,” said Dee Kelleher, co-owner of Dripping Springs Distilling and Chair of the Texas Craft Spirits PAC. “Absent that, without new sales options, many distillers will go out of business.” Businesses functioning on revenue of 51% or greater from alcohol sales had to shut down multiple times during the pandemic and, most recently, that order came on June 26. For some alcohol sale business models, closing might have made sense in regards to social distancing. For instance, many bars tend to have small enclosed spaces, not a lot of ventilation, and they have people dancing and standing inside, pressed shoulder-to-shoulder. This is not an ideal condition for stopping the spread of the virus. But for places like some vineyards, where there are acres of land baked in the sun and light drinking can occur outdoors, these restrictions did not make sense. “If I was a restaurant, it would be okay to do tastings and serve alcohol,” said Graveyard Vineyards Texas manager Adam Campbell. “So, it doesn’t make sense how food is going to kill this virus. We have a big tasting room here. People are not at a bar spitting in each other’s faces and drunk; they are all spaced out. In June, we were allowed to be open up to 50%, things were great, no one got the virus around here. If we were able to be open, it’s the same thing, people will be at least six to 10 feet away from each other.” In light of the struggle the alcohol industry is going through, on Aug. 26, the Texas Alcohol Beverage
Commission decided to loosen its guidelines and created a type of loophole for these businesses. TABC has allowed businesses to apply to become qualified as restaurants, as long as they have two entrees on their menu, offer food services the entire time alcohol is on the table, and 51% of their gross receipts are not from alcohol. For some bars, this came as good news because many already have some type of menu engrained in their business. This is not the case for vineyards and wine tasting rooms. The chief wine maker at Dripping Springs’ Solaro Estate Winery, Robert Fritz, said he does not believe this new regulation works for the vineyard business model. Trying to turn the estate, which is based off of wine production, into a restaurant is not viable, Fritz said. He does not believe this is a good option for his work or any other vineyard. It takes five or six years to take the grape off the vine, so turning one industry overnight to another industry, where it would need chefs and food items, does not make sense to Fritz. To ask his clients to come and spend more than half of their money on food which came from a store is not going to work either, he explained. Reopening under these new regulations not only does not work for a vineyard, but according to
The chief wine maker at Solaro Estate Winery, Robert Fritz, said he does not believe this new regulation works for the vineyard business model. Trying to turn the estate, which is based off of wine production, into a restaurant is not viable, he said. Fritz, it does not make any safety sense. “I don’t understand how it has anything to do with safety,” Fritz said about the new TABC rules. “If the rule is people are supposed to be six, or 10, or 20 feet apart, whatever is safe, it has nothing to do with the business of the industry. We have hair and nail salons open with people standing right next to you, then why don’t we have people enjoying the wide open spaces, sitting together, enjoying a glass of wine. I don’t know the answer, but I know selling packaged food is not it.” Fritz and Campbell both do not understand how the shutdown of their business benefits anybody. During the pandemic, sales have plummeted for the vineyards. Graveyard Vineyards Texas, located in Dripping Springs, is now down to 10% of its sales. Solaro Estate Winery is barely making any sales because people usually come by to try the wine, enjoy the nature, learn about the drink, then buy their bottle. Fritz said the wine bottles being bought do not really cover any
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and funds state taxes at nearly $800 million. This beverage that comes with an experience brings in tourists, feeds the hotel industry, grows the Texas culture and more, said Fritz, and that is another reason he is so worried about the impact of closing wineries. But different vineyards costs. will be affected in differFritz worries, though, ent ways, said Beverley about the economic imHadaway, owner of Henly pact of this entire shutVineyards. Hadaway’s down. For an established business is a mom and vineyard like Solaro Estate pop operation, run by a Winery, they might be able couple in their 70s. They to push through the loss, decided to close at the but not everyone has that beginning of the pandemic luxury. and do not plan to reopen According to the Nation- until potentially in the fall al Association of American due to safety reasons. Wineries, the total ecoTheir hosting services nomic impact of wineries are very small and excluin Texas is $13.1 billion. It sive. They only take in clicreates tens of thousands ents by appointment and of jobs, brings in more they do not bring in large than half a million tourists parties – they want to keep
it quiet and simple. So while they have closed their tasting room, they continue to bottle and sell their wine in a local store, Arc De Texas. Hadaway approximates that 75% of their bottles are usually sent off to retailers, while 25% is sold on the premises. As someone in the service industry, Hadaway said ensuring the safety of the public and employees is key. “Eventually, this will go away,” Hadaway told the Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch. “So you want people to come back and say ‘thank you for caring for us.’” For a business like Henly Vineyards, closing down is not the end of the world, Hadaway explained, but for other folks, those who are just starting out, things will be tough.
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Share your thoughts on transportation in Hays County!
Attend a Virtual Open House and Take a Survey SEPTEMBER 10 TO OCTOBER 10 PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE FRIENDS FOUNDATION Friends Foundation volunteers put meals in sanitized, insulated containers that are delivered to clients. For many recipients, the Friends volunteers are the only contact some seniors have some days.
Foundation continues to meet elderly’s needs during COVID BY MEGAN WEHRING DRIPPING SPRINGS – The 27th Annual Friends Foundation Fundraiser will look a little different with a virtual auction that will run Oct. 1 through Oct. 8. The event supports the foundation’s programs and services that benefit individuals 65 and older in the Dripping Springs area. Registration for the auction and purchasing Gold Tickets will open on Monday, Sept. 1 at 8 a.m. and close Thursday, Oct. 1 at 10 a.m. The Gold Ticket winner, selected from an electronic drawing, will choose from various feature items including a chauffeured wine tour for two to four guests from Discover Texas Wine Tours, a framed collection of arrowheads, a two-night Hill Country Casitas stay and Hawk's Shadow Winery combo, along with other items. The remaining feature items and all other items will be up for bidding when the auction opens at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1. While many organizations have faced numerous challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the foundation has continued to provide services to its clients. “Despite the COVID outbreak, we haven’t turned anyone away or decreased our services,” Kathy Carriker, Friends Foundation president, said. “We are proud to continue to offer socially-distanced friendly visits during meal deliveries. These are often some of the only face-to-face interactions that our clients have.” The Friends Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, volunteer-based organization with the mission in mind: “Doing good deeds to meet the elderly’s needs.” Whether living in a nursing home, independent living center or at their own home, the foundation is committed to helping those individuals in need. Our Daily Bread, a hot meal delivery service, has served more than 50,000 meals to eldery clients in their homes. While the clients are receiving prepared meals, Carriker said they also enjoy the company with every visit. “The people that we see are just as thrilled to have us there for a short visit as they are to have the food,” Carriker said. “We are sometimes the only other humans they see during the week.” The online auction and fundraising event help finance other programs and services including the Philips Lifeline Program that provides medical emergency alert devices. Financial assistance is also given to low-income elderly for necessities such as utility bills, rent or medical expenses. “These services are critical to help seniors stay healthy and to live independently,” Carriker said. “Because our senior neighbors are more isolated right now than ever before, we find that more
HaysTransportationPlan.com Hays County is updating its Transportation Plan to identify safety improvements, improve regional connections and mobility, and plan for future growth and development. Participate in the Virtual Open House to learn more and give your feedback on transportation needs by taking the survey. The comment period will be open through Oct. 10, 2020. Comments can be submitted via the survey, email, mail, voicemail, or text. For any communication or interpretation needs, please contact the project team. The input received will be used to develop the Plan. There will be another opportunity to share your thoughts when we present the Draft Plan later this year with the community and gather input.
HaysTransportationPlan.com
Registration for the Friends Foundation auction and purchasing Gold Tickets will open on Monday, Sept. 1 at 8 a.m. and close Thursday, Oct. 1 at 10 a.m. For more information, visit FriendsFoundation.org. people have a need for access to the Philips Lifeline medical alert system.” Volunteers are the heart of the Friends Foundation. Carriker said support from the community helps sustain the services that are essential to elderly clients. “Dripping Springs just has a heart for volun-
teering,” Carriker said. “There’s just some great people that make our programs work. We couldn’t do it without them and they do it joyfully.” For more information about the virtual auction, visit the Friends Foundation website or call (512) 592-1345.
CONTACT INFORMATION: haystransportationplan.com 512-400-4297 info@haystransportationplan.com
Hays Transportation Plan PO Box 5459 Austin, TX 78763
Page 6
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • September 16, 2020
Kyle’s Queen of Pie earns another title BY ANITA MILLER
who have been with her since the beginning, who KYLE – Life sometimes work in round-the-clock comes at you in slices. Just shifts to turn out sweet and like pie. savory treats that delight On the same day last the palates of one of the March that Texas Pie fastest-growing towns in Company Texas. owner Julie She was Many of Julie Albertson able to keep learned she her workAlbertson’s had been force on recipes came chosen as the payroll the Woman through the from her Owned COVID-19 grandmother, Small shutdown Business of partially including the the Year by because “pie puck” the Small she was Business able to get starter dough Administraa paycheck that four years tion, Gov. protection Greg Abbott loan. ago exalted ordered Her pie Albertson into most of the credentials state shut actually go the rarified down on acback much ranks of H-E-B’s farther. count of the COVID-19 she “Quest for Texas’ When pandemic. was barely Best.” While she of school could have age in the let that take the wind out of East Texas town of Spenher sails, Albertson instead dora, she was often at her saw it as just another grandmother’s elbow as she reason to adapt — somebaked, sometimes standing thing she’s done for most on a milk crate to better of in her life ranging from follow along. her profession (a former “I grew up having a mud banker) to the way she pie kitchen,” outside her runs her iconic business grandmother’s real one. (with a bakery that operates The 50-acre farm sold eggs around the clock). If you’ve and milk and vegetables. been through downtown “They would drive up and Kyle you can’t miss it — it’s honk their horn. I was the the one with the oversized person who took things piece of cherry pie above out,” she recalled. “It was the awning. an awesome childhood.” Albertson and her Many of her recipes husband Spencer first came from her grandopened their doors in April mother, including the 1, 2000 in the Center Street “pie puck” starter dough building over 100 years that four years ago exalted old that had been most Albertson into the rarified recently used as a storage ranks of H-E-B’s “Quest for space for hospital beds. Texas’ Best.” Since then she has expand“I heard about it three ed the bakery — which times in one day. I took that now features more than 30 as a message from God that flavors of pie in addition to I needed to apply.” quiches, casseroles, sandShe wrote a 1,000 word wiches and catering. She essay explaining her signahas 17 employees, some ture dough and why it is so
Lynn Wilkerson of Great Big Signs and Albertson said it wasn’t her favorite choice, nor immediately widely accepted in the community. “People said ‘we’re not Disneyland,’ but they came to love it.” The SBA award is just the latest in a long list of accolades and while she is “amazed and honored” by it, Albertson notes that there are “a lot of other women who could’ve, should’ve gotten this.” She takes it as one more reason to continue her advocacy for Texas and its small towns, and takes only partial credit for the city of Kyle billing itself as the “Pie Capital of Texas.” “I am part of the reason,” she allows, adding it’s all been a “dream come true.” In the coming weeks, the PHOTO BY ANITA MILLER Pie Company will begin Texas Pie Company owner Julie Albertson is the 2020 winner of the Small Business Adminitra- gearing up for its busy seation’s Woman Owned Business of the Year awrd. son. Amazingly, the small bakery turned out 30,000 pies last Thanksgiving and easy to work with (nothing son says the germ of the them. It’s awesome that expects that again this year frozen, no ice water). H-E-B collection was hers, but it’s people do that. It’s one of despite the coronavirus. thought that was a brilliant continually augmented by the things I never anticiAnd throughout it all, she idea.”When you step into customers who bring in pated. her shop (long lines make something that caught their What best marks the Tex- will continue to adapt her menu and anything else it stand out in the weeks eye or something handed as Pie Company as iconic before Thanksgiving) the down through their family. is, of course, oversized slice that calls for it. “One person asking means 1,500 that sweet aroma hits you first. “We have rolling pins of pie signage. That came need it.” Then you begin to notice over 100 years old and about through a revitalAll told, it’s a pretty sweet the preponderance of pie antique mixers. People give ization grant from the city story. paraphernalia. Albertus things and I try to exhibit of Kyle. It was designed by
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9/11 Ceremony Continued from pg. 1
As he recounted the horror and sacrifice of that morning, Kyle Police Chief Jeff Barnett took time to remember individuals, including Rick Rescorla, who is credited with saving thousands of lives in the South Tower after the North one was hit.
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As he recounted the horror and sacrifice of that morning, Barnett took time to remember individuals, including Rick Rescorla, who is credited with saving thousands of lives in the South Tower after the North Tower was hit. “He was last seen on the 10th floor of the South Tower going up, in order to save move lives,” Barnett said. Rescoria’s body was never recovered. “Nineteen years later, the damage has been cleaned up and the new buildings and memorials have been built,” Barnett said. “The children of those killed are now adults and many have families of their own. Many of the search and rescue personnel have since died from illnesses acquired as a result of their actions that day. “I wonder, have we forgotten?” he continued. “With what we see happening now, how do we expect future generations to remember” the time we all came together. “I worry about the future of our country, the loss of respect, the loss of compassion for others, the loss of service and of sacrifice. I urge you to stand up for those that serve, whether they are police officers, firefighters, EMS, rescue personnel, military or government leaders. Thank them for their service, their willingness to risk their lives to protect and save lives.” After Barnett’s remarks, Kyle Fire Chief Kyle Taylor came to the podium, reminding those gathered
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that the need for service and sacrifice is still very real. Later that day, three Kyle firefighers were scheduled to depart for California to help battle the devastating wildfires that have killed scores of people and wiped some towns completely off the map. The state of Texas is sending 50 fire trucks to California, Taylor said, and expects to send another 40 to Oregon. “Have we forgotten Sept. 12, 2001, when we were united, probably the most united we have ever been. We need to bring back the mindset we had that day. In California and Oregon it is neighbor helping neighbor, and we’re helping them.”
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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • September 16, 2020
Page 7
OBITUARIES ARREDONDO Pastor Daniel Villalpando Arredondo, 62, of Kyle, Texas died on September 9, 2020 in Austin surrounded by his loving family. Pastor Daniel was born in Kyle to Miguel and Paula Arredondo on March 30, 1958. Arredondo went to high school at Jack C. Hays High School and graduated in 1977. He worked for the San Marcos Telephone Company and later CenturyTel for 14 years. He then became the pastor for Monte Del Olivar Church in 1994. He enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, collecting numerous things (guns, knives, guitars and cars) and more than anything, spending time with his family. He was co-leader of a fellowship of non-denominational and Pentecostal churches in central Texas. Arredondo is survived by his wife, Dora Arredondo; sons, Daniel and Isaac Arredondo; daughters, Naomi Zamora and Katherine Arredondo; grandchildren, Evelynn and Mason Arredondo. He is preceded in death by his brothers Jose Arredondo and Miguel Arredondo Jr. Visitation service will be held at Harrell Funeral Home on Sept. 17, 4:30 to 7
p.m. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 18, 2020 at Monte Del Olivar Christian Center (2400 E FM 150, Kyle) with Pastor Rúeben Tamez officiating. Burial will follow at Kyle Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made in his memory to Monte Del Olivar Christian Center, P.O. Box 393 Kyle 78640.
KRATZ-LYNCH Renate Kratz-Lynch born Sept. 4, 1938 and deceased Sept. 9, 2020. Preceded in death by her parents Adolf and Elizabeth Kratz, her husband Calvin V. Lynch, her brother Rudy Kratz and her step-father Santos Garza. Survived by her sons Calvin B. Lynch and John Frank Lynch, her daughter Yvonne Stratton, her sister Marie Mosley, eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and a niece. Kratz-Lynch was born near the beginning of WW2 in Wiesbaden, Germany. A little girl who grew up seeing the atrocities of war as her town was being bombed around her, but she was never bitter or judgmental and was proud to become a U.S. citizen. She loved to travel with friends
and family and find good places to eat because she burned more biscuits than the entire U.S. Army. She lived life on her own terms and blazed a good path for the rest of us to follow. She treated everyone she met with great love, respect and compassion and that is why there are so many of us that will miss her.
LEAL Adan S. Leal, beloved husband and father, celebrated his 80th birthday at home surrounded by his family and loved ones before died after a hard-fought battle with brain cancer on Sept. 13. He was born in the Rio Grande Valley in Elsa on Sept. 12, 1940 to Isidro Sr. and Juanita Leal. Even though he was born in the Valley, the small town of Lockhart was where he made his home with his wife of 61 years, Adelfa Medina Leal, and where their four children grew up and attended school. He spent many years working as a truck driver for the local Feed Mill (Master Mix) and other trucking firms in the area. In his early years, he enjoyed playing softball, golf, dancing and spending time with family and
friends enjoying Lockhart’s world-famous BBQ. One of his all-time favorite pastimes included listening and dancing to Tejano music with his most memorable songs from the group La Mafia. In his retirement years, he spent many years at their Niederwald country home where he could be found hitting a few golf balls in their back yard. He also developed a love of all things classic – classic cars that is. He spent many years working on and restoring his 1967 gold & black Oldsmobile 442 – it was a labor of love! He was also a devoted member to his local church, Santa Cruz Catholic Church, where he formed new friends and supported the work of the church. In his spare time, he was able to travel, kept dancing and enjoyed cruising and vacationing with family. Leal is survived by his wife, Adelfa Medina Leal in Kyle where they recently moved to be closer to family. He will be greatly missed by his four children: Alma L. Alvarez, Gustavo and his wife Simonne Leal, Norma L. Vargas and her husband Paul (deceased), Adam and his wife Audra Leal. In addition, he is also survived by his brothers/sisters: Isidro Jr (deceased ) and wife Maria Leal, Lupe and husband Rodolfo (deceased) Rivera, Abel and his wife Sofia Leal, Maria Mirtala Villarreal,
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At the corner of RR 12 and E. Summit Drive in Wimberley
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Faith Assembly of God 1030 Main St., Buda
Buda-Kyle Church of Christ 3.5 miles south of Buda on FM 2770
Monte del Olivar Christian Center 2400 FM 150 E., Kyle
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Southern Hills Church of Christ 3740 FM 967, Buda
First Baptist Church-Buda 104 San Marcos St., Buda
The Connection Church 1235 S. Loop 4, Buda
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Antioch Community Church Old Black Colony Rd., Buda
First Baptist Church-Kyle 300 W. Center St., Kyle Hays Hills Baptist Church 1401 FM 1626, Buda
Manchaca Baptist Church Lowden Lane & FM 1626 Immanuel Baptist Church 4000 E. FM 150, 4 miles east of Kyle Center Union Baptist Church Goforth Rd., Buda Primera Mision Bautista Mexicana Kyle Baptist Church of Driftwood 13540 FM 150 W. CATHOLIC Santa Cruz Catholic Church 1100 Main Street, Buda
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as a teacher. Her tenure traversed 40 years at Child Incorporated with Austin’s HeadStart program. She found her calling serving children in less fortunate neighborhoods. She loved to teach and share her love of reading. Her students carried a special place in her heart. She treated them as if they were her own children, giving them little presents for the holidays, and making sure they were safe and had the things they needed to learn. Luna loved to read. She was known as a book-aholic, often pushing books on unsuspecting friends and family. Her second home was the library where she would find a new thriller or romance novel to quench her insatiable need to read. Her generosity would often lead her to giving her last dollar to a stranger, and then going without, again without complaint. She was such a prolific donor that her children of ten snuck money back into her purse so she would have money to spend on her own needs. Luna leaves behind her devoted children, Belinda Cavazos and her husband Rudy, Veronica Diaz, and her husband Antonio, and Deana Villegas and her husband Joel. Her love and generosity will also be missed by her grandchildren, Anasta-
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Anita De La Rosa Luna, a strong, independent, generous spirited person and devoted mother died Friday, Sept. 4 following months of decline, at her home in Kyle. Luna was born in Austin on Sept. 4, 1947. She raised her family as a single mother gaining strength and self-reliance along the way. She spent her life in service
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Consuelo(deceased) and husband Martin Velasquez, Pete and his wife Teresa Leal and Juanita and her husband Lupe Barba. In addition, all his grandchildren who loved to call him “Popo” will miss him dearly: Jennifer N. Leal, Jordan Leal-Vargas, Jarod Paul Vargas, Jaydyn Malia Vargas, Blanca Alvarez, Camilo(Milo) Alvarez, Aaron Leal, Zoe Leal, Adriel Leal, Elijah Leal, Annabella Leal, Olivia Leal, Areli Dena, and Layla Dena. A visitation with Rosary will be conducted Friday, Sept. 18, 6 to 8 p.m. at Harrell Funeral Home in Kyle. Funeral mass will be conducted at Santa Cruz Catholic Church of Buda at noon, Saturday, Sept. 19 with burial following at Memory Lawn Memorial Park in Martindale, TX.
St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church 725 RR 967, Buda St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church RR 3237 (Wimberley Rd.), Kyle St. Alban’s Episcopal Church 11819 IH-35 South JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses FM 2770, Kyle Jehovah’s Witnesses South 10802 Manchaca Rd., Manchaca LUTHERAN Living Word Lutheran ELCA 2315 FM 967, Buda Redeeming Grace Lutheran LCMS FM 1626 & Manchaca Rd., Manchaca Resurrection Church, CLBA 401 FM 967, Buda St. John Lutheran Church 9865 Camino Real, Uhland The Well Buda
Buda United Methodist Church San Marcos & Elm St., Buda
Mission Fellowship Church 200 San Marcos Street, Buda
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St. Paul’s United Methodist Church 7206 Creedmoor Rd., Creedmoor
New Life Christian Church 2315 FM 967, Buda
Manchaca United Methodist Church FM 1626 & Manchaca Rd., Manchaca
St. John’s Presbyterian Church 12420 Hewitt Ln., Manchaca
Iglesia Israelita Casa de Dios 816 Green Pastures Dr., Kyle
Driftwood United Methodist Church RR 150 at County Road 170
First Presbyterian Church 410 W. Hutchison, San Marcos, TX 78666
New Life Sanctuary Kyle Science Hall Elementary 1510 Bebee Rd. PRESBYTERIAN
First Baptist Church
A loving & caring Southern Baptist Church 104 S. San Marcos Street, Buda Buddy Johnson, Pastor • 295-2161 Sunday School...........................................9:30 a.m. Morning Worship....................................10:45 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study/Youth Activities...6:00 p.m. AWANA’s (Wednesday)..........................6:00 p.m.
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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • September 16, 2020
OBITUARIES Continued from page 7 cia, Justin, Isaac, Martin, Lauren and Amaris. She was preceded in death by her infant daughter Michelle. Luna leaves behind a legacy of charity and learning which will be cherished by so many. Please join her family in celebrating her life on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 3 p.m. in the Chapel of Harrell Funeral Home in Kyle. Visit www.Harrellfuneralhomes.com to share a fond memory, photograph, or condolence with Luna’s family on her on-line memorial site. Donations may be made in lieu of flowers, Age of Central Texas https://ageofcentraltx.org/ and Alzheimer’s Texas at https://www. txalz.org/donate.
MARTINEZ In Loving Memory of Pedro V. Martinez of Kyle, Texas – Jan. 18, 1945 - Sept. 8, 2020. Martinez was a proud member of the Knight of Columbus at Santa Cruz Church in Buda. Preceding him in death is his beloved wife Dorothy Martinez. Martinez is survived by his son, Pete Martinez Jr., and children Nina, Rebekah
(Beka), Samantha, Sean & Stephen; and son, Victor Martinez and wife Maryann and children Victor (Laynna, wife & River Lynn, great grandbaby), Micaela, Dusty Bear, Isabella and Lucas; and daughter, Bridgette Martinez and her children Anthony, Andrew, and Araceli. Martinez’s sister Lupe Martinez Torres and brother Barney V. Martinez; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other loving family and friends. He will be greatly missed.
MONTGOMERY Peggy Ann Needham Montgomery, 78 of Dripping Springs died on Friday, Sept. 4. Montgomery was born on Sept. 24, 1941 in Dripping Springs. She was the fourth child of Enoch James Needham and Beulah Marie Lawrence Needham. Montgomery attended elementary, junior high and high school at Dripping Springs where she graduated in 1959. She started her 50 years of employment as a waitress in Dripping Springs at age 12. After graduation, she moved to Austin and attended beauty school.
She was later employed by Scarborough’s and Retail Merchants in Austin. In 1967 Montgomery met and married the love of her life, Ted Montgomery, a career Army 1st Sargeant. They soon embarked on six years of military travels starting at Ft. Hood and ending in Tehran, Iran. While traveling, she was employed by Kelly Girls, a real estate agent and a student loan processor at John Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. After deployment to Iran, Montgomery worked in the Army section and then as a liaison for the Iranian government between Boeing and the Shah of Iran.
In 1974, Ted Montgomery retired after 20 years in the Army. They returned to Austin and she started working at the Texas Department of Insurance and finished her career as a liaison between the Texas Commissioner of Insurance and the Texas Legislature. She retired in 2003 after 32 years of service to the state of Texas. Montgomery was always a good, generous, kindhearted, loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend. She is preceded in death by her father Enoch James Needham, mother, Beulah Marie
Needham, brothers Bobby James Needham and Enoch Norwood (Buzzy) Needham, sister Shirley Marie Needham Ragland, and very special great aunt Vina Ann Norwood. Montgomery is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Lorinda & John Sanderson, son and daughter-in-law Tim & Joy Montgomery, and Audrey McCord; grandchildren Regan Moeller and Robyn Higgs, Clint Moeller and Megan, Jelaine Stewart and Jason, Jesseca Robichaud and Bobby, Jordan McIntyre and Mike, Kaley Underwood and Seth, Karley Montgomery and Antonio, Katherine
Montgomery, Dale McCord, and Jocelyn McCord. She has numerous greatgrandchildren, nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. She is also survived by her siblings Eddie Needham, Joey Needham and Della, Minnie Needham Jenkins, Cherry Needham Fry and George, and Donna Needham. Services were held at Dripping Springs United Methodist Church Sept. 10 with a burial at Phillips Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the Dripping Springs United Methodist Church in lieu of Flowers. Condolences may be sent to www. harrellfuneralhomes.com.
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Page 9
EMPLOYMENT
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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.
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PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE By order of the Hays County Commissioners Court, notice is hereby given that on September 22nd, 2020 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: Hurlbut Ranch East Subdivision, Replat of Lots 11 and 12.
CITATION BY PUBLICATION To all persons interested in the Estate of Armando Puentes, Jr., Deceased, Cause No. 19-0344-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 DETERMINATION
OF HEIRSHIP; FIRST AMENDED APPLICATION FOR DETERMINATION OF HEIRSHIP in this estate on the 9th day of September, 2020, requesting that the Court determine who are the heirs and only heirs of Armando Puentes Jr, 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 AM., 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 above noted date and time. Applicant's Attorney: Francesca Scanio 144 E. San Antonio St San Marcos, Texas, 78666 512-396-2016 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 9th day of September, 2020. Elaine H. Cardenas County Clerk, Hays County, Texas 712 S. Stagecoach Trail, Suite 2008 San Marcos, Texas 78666 BY Dominic Whitfield, Deputy
PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SUBDIVIDE An application has been filed with HAYS COUNTY to subdivide 4.96 acres of property located along Hart Lane, Dripping Springs, Texas 78620. Information regarding the application may be obtained from Hays County Development Services (512) 393-2150. Tracking number: PLN-1501-NP
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Morningstar Storage wishes to avail themselves of the Texas Provision of chapter 59 of the Texas Property Code by conducting a public sale to the highest bidder for cash on their premises. The company reserves the right to reject any bid and withdraw any from the sale at any time. This sale is listed below. Date : 9/23/2020 Time: 12:00 AM Location: Storage Auctions.com Units: Unit 2116 – Scott Schuster – Pictures, dolly, small ice box ,computer case, auto parts, boxes, totes, chair, speaker.
PUBLIC NOTICES, 10
LEGAL NOTICE
Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Package Store Permit, Package Store Tasting Permit & Beer Retail Dealer’s Off-Premise License by Friends Liquor LLC dba Brewz Xpress Liquor to be located at 401 N. FM 1626, Ste: B, Buda, Hays County, Texas. Managing Member of said LLC is Zainil Barkatali Maredia – Managing Member.
LEGAL NOTICE
Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Beer Retail Dealer’s OffPremise License, a Wine Only Package Store Permit and a Package Store Tasting Permit by Quality Licensing Corp. d/b/a Quality Licensing Corp. (store #4130) located at 5754 Kyle Parkway, Kyle, Hays County, Texas 78640. Officers of said company are John Scudder, President/CEO; Andrea M. Lazenby, Assistant Secretary; Matthew W. Allen, VP; Wayne Hamilton, VP; David L. Reading, Assistant Secretary.
LEGAL NOTICE
Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Package Store Permit (P) by First Castle Capital LLC d.b.a. Castle Liquor, located at 1451 Bebee Road, Suite 300, Kyle, TX 78640. Owner: Austin Hallumi.
INVITATION TO BID Sealed bids addressed to the City of Kyle will be received for ELLIOTT BRANCH WASTEWATER INTERCEPTOR at the City of Kyle Public Works Department, 520 E. RR 150, Kyle, TX until 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, October 21, 2020, and then bids will be publicly opened and read aloud via virtual conference via Ring Central Meetings. See Ring Central Meeting information below. Bids are invited for several items and quantities of work including: 1. Approximately 10,900 linear feet of 8”, 12”, 21”, and 24” PVC sanitary sewer 2. Installation of sanitary sewer service leads 3. Approximately 3,000 linear feet of 8” and 12” PVC water line 4. Installation of water service connections 5. Approximately 7,740 linear feet of 12” PVC reclaimed water line 6. Installation of 48 precast manholes 7. Two (2) bores for Wastewater Line at Plum Creek and UPRR crossings 8. Two (2) bores for Reclaimed Water Line at Plum Creek and UPRR crossings 9. Decommissioning and abandonment of the existing Bradford Meadows Lift Station 10. Drainage and roadway improvements 11. Other associated work Bids must be submitted on the Unit Price Bid Form provided and must be accompanied by a bid security in a penal sum approximately equal to and not less than five percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid. The security shall be in the form of a certified check or cashier's check, or bid bond furnished by a reliable surety company having authority under the laws of Texas to write surety bonds in the amount required, with such security made payable without recourse to the City of Kyle. The envelope containing the bid shall clearly indicate the name and address of the Bidder and the following words: BID FOR ELLIOTT BRANCH WASTEWATER INTERCEPTOR Bid/Contract Documents will be provided via CivCast USA for immediate download at: http://www.civcastusa.com/ The Project ID is “K20-21.8”. Prospective Bidders shall address written inquiries through the project’s CivCast website. Copies of the Bid/Contract Documents will also be available at: Builders Exchange, 4047 Naco Perrin, San Antonio, Texas 78217 Bidders should carefully examine the plans, specifications and other documents, visit the site of work, and fully inform themselves as to all conditions and matters which can in any way affect the work or the cost thereof. Should a bidder find discrepancies or omissions from the plans, specifications, or other documents, or require clarification to their meaning, the bidder must submit written questions via www.civcastusa.com prior to submitting any bid, but no later than 2:00 p.m. October 14, 2020. Responses to questions and any other corrections pertaining to the bid documents will be posted on www. civcastusa.com via addendum, no later than 5:00 p.m. on October 16, 2020. Bidder shall be responsible to check the www.civcastusa.com site before submitting bid. A non-mandatory virtual pre-bid conference will be held on Monday, September 28, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. The meeting can be joined through Ring Central Meetings. A link to attend the meeting will be posted on City of Kyle website (www.cityofkyle. com) and on www.civcastusa.com. No fax submissions will be accepted. No late submissions will be accepted. All submissions received after the deadline will be returned unopened. The right is reserved, as the interest of the City of Kyle may require, to reject all bids and to waive any or all informalities in bids received. RING CENTRAL MEETING INFORMATION The meeting information below will be used for both the pre-bid meeting and bid opening: Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://meetings.ringcentral. com/j/5715259370 For the best audio experience, please use computer audio. Or iPhone one-tap : US: +1(346)9804201,,5715259370# +1(650)2424929,,5715259370# +1(720)9027700,,5715259370# (US Central) +1(213)2505700,,5715259370# +1(623)4049000,,5715259370# (US West) +1(312)2630281,,5715259370# +1(469)4450100,,5715259370# (US South) +1(470)8692200,,5715259370# (US East) +1(646)3573664,,5715259370# +1(773)2319226,,5715259370# (US North) US: +1(512)2365023,,5715259370# +1(800)3368975,,5715259370# Or Telephone: Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1(346)9804201 +1(650)2424929 +1(720)9027700 (US Central) +1(213)2505700 +1(623)4049000 (US West) +1(312)2630281 +1(469)4450100 (US South) +1(470)8692200 (US East) +1(646)3573664 +1(773)2319226 (US North) US: +1(512)2365023 +1(800)3368975 Meeting ID: 571 525 9370 International numbers available: https://meetings.ringcentral.com/teleconference
Page 10
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • September 16, 2020
DSISD Back to School Continued from pg. 1
As for parents who are non-English speakers but still need to work with the program, DSISD provided them with translation. One problem that many districts faced last year was outreach to some students who did not have any technology and could not get in touch with the school. DSISD has fixed that issue and provided internet connection and Chromebooks to all students in need. During the first week, Kidd said there was a small group of students who did not attend courses. By the beginning of the second week, all students were accounted for. Students went back to
DSISD has fixed some of the outreach issues with students and provided internet connection and Chromebooks to all students in need. school in person Monday. So far, Kidd has seen an average of a 60% return rate, with high school students a few percentage points higher than elementary. “High school students want to get the experience,” Kidd explained why they have a slightly higher campus return rate. In order to give all students, in-person and behind the screen, the same quality of education, every teacher will have
every day can be more beneficial. If a student ever needs to go back to re-watch a lesson because they missed some notes or did not understand, they will have that access. students on both fronts. “We are anticipating a This will help kids flex in beautiful week,” Kidd said. and out of courses without “We know there might be having to change teachers. some hiccups here and If a student is doing online there with logging on. But the first nine weeks but [this method] helps studecides to go back after, dents stay with the same or vice versa, their teachteacher and this model ers and courses will not keeps a strong relationchange. ship and foundation of This can be implement- learning together.” ed by recording the course Kidd said the district is and allowing at-home trying to strike the delicate students to join in-perbalance between a quality son classes through their of education across the screens. In a way, Kidd board, and tending to said recording classes health and safety needs.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DALE WHITAKER
Dripping Springs Middle School principal Jason Certain welcomes kids back to campus in person.
PUBLIC NOTICES from page 9 NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY STATE OF TEXAS, COUNTY OF HAYS CAUSE: 11-1167
By virtue of an Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the District Clerk of HAYS County, Texas, July 21, 2020, in cause numbered 111167, styled WHISPERING HOLLOW HOMEOWNER ASSOCIATION, INC. VS JOEL GARCIA AND CHRISTINA GARCIA; on a judgment rendered against JOEL GARCIA AND CHRISTINA GARCIA; I did on August 25, 2020 at 2:00 p.m., levy
upon as the property of JOEL GARCIA AND CHRISTINA GARCIA the following described real property: LOT 10, BLOCK M, WHISPERING HOLLOW SUBDIVISION, SECTION 1, PHASE 1, A SUBDIVISION IN HAYS COUNTY, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 12, PAGE 64 OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS, LOCALLY KNOWN AS 321 MIDDLE CREEK DRIVE, BUDA, TEXAS 78610 (THE “PROPERTY”) On OCTOBER 6, 2020, 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, in the City of San Marcos, Texas, I will sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the right, title and interest of JOEL GARCIA AND CHRISTINA GARCIA in and to the real property described above. Date at Buda, Hays County, Texas, August 25, 2020 John Ellen Constable, Pct. 5 Hays County, Texas 500 Jack C. Hays Trail Buda, Texas 78610 By Cody Feagan, Deputy
NOTICE OF RULES ADOPTED BY REUNION RANCH WATER CONTROL AND IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT Reunion Ranch Water Control and Improvement District, a political subdivision of the State of Texas (the “District”) has adopted Rules the Regulations Governing Water and Sanitary Sewer Facilities, Service Lines, Connections, Erosion Control and District Property (the “Rules”) governing the design, installation and inspection of all connections and taps made to the District’s water distribution system and sanitary sewer collection system, the limitations of the flow of waste into the sanitary sewer system, protection of all facilities which are part of the District’s waterworks and sanitary sewer system, and the enforcement of these Rules. The foregoing Rules of the District provide for penalties for violations. The Rules, pursuant to Texas Water Code §49.004, impose the following civil penalties for breach of any rule or regulation of the District: The violator shall pay the District twice the costs the District has sustained due to the violation up to $10,000.00. A penalty is in addition to any other penalty provided by the laws of this State and may be enforced by complaints filed in the appropriate court of jurisdiction in the county in which the District’s principal office or meeting place is located. Under Section 51.128 of the Texas Water Code, rules adopted by the District are recognized by the courts in the same manner as penal ordinances of a city, which may be enforced under Texas Local Government Code §54.012. If the District prevails in any suit to enforce the Rules, it may, in the same action, recover any reasonable fees for attorneys, expert witnesses and other costs incurred by the District before the court. The amount of the attorneys’ fees shall be fixed by the court. Such civil penalties shall be in addition to any other remedy or penalty provided by state law, including a civil action for injunctive or other relief. A customer found in violation of the Rules shall be liable to the District for all expenses borne by the District including laboratory fees, legal fees, engineering fees and other costs incurred by the District in establishing the violation and resolving the cause of the violation. A customer found in violation of these Rules who causes or contributes to a violation by the District’s Sanitary Sewer Collection System of effluent parameters shall be liable to the District for all expenses or penalties borne by the District, including legal and engineering fees related to any lawsuit filed by federal, state or local authorities regarding violations by the District of effluent parameters applicable to the District’s Sanitary Sewer Collection System. In connection with violations of Erosion Control (Article X of the Rules), failure to adhere to such Erosion Control requirements will subject the violator to a fine of five hundred dollars ($500.00) for the first violation and seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00) for the second and subsequent violations per lot per day to be paid by the builder, developer, corporation or other entity or individual who violates such Rules, to be paid to the District. In addition, the District may also impose the cost of replacement of District property or the cost associated with trash removal plus a 15% administrative fee for violations of the Erosion Control requirements. Pursuant to Texas Water Code §51.241, a person who violates the Rules commits a criminal offense classified by statute as a Class C Misdemeanor and is subject to criminal prosecution. Any violations of the Rules may be reported to local authorities and/or prosecutors. Persons prosecuted for violation of the Rules shall also be subject to any additional federal, state and local criminal and penal provisions. Each method of enforcing the Rules is cumulative of the others, and the exercise of any rights hereunder shall not divest the District of any other rights of enforcement or remedies. Nothing in the Rules shall be construed as a waiver of the District’s right to bring a civil action to enforce the provisions of the Rules, and to seek all remedies and damages as allowed by law. Other violations of the Rules may result in termination of services. The full text of the Rules is on file in the principal office of the District, c/o Willatt & Flickinger, PLLC, 12912 Hill Country Boulevard, Ste. F-232, Austin, Texas 78738, Phone: (512) 476-6604, where it may be read by any interested person. Persons who want a copy may contact that office.
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Separate sealed Bids for the County Line Special Utility District – COTTON GIN ROAD WATER LINE RELOCATION - PHASE 1 – EDWARD TO BONANZA, SWE Project No. 0017-067-20 will be received by and at the office of the General Manager, County Line SUD office, 8870 Camino Real, Uhland, Texas 78640 until 10:00 AM, Tuesday, September 29, 2020 where they will be publicly opened and read aloud. Bids must be clearly marked on the outside of the envelope or package with the words “County Line SUD – Cotton Gin Road Water Line Relocation Project”. Bids received after this time will be rejected and returned unopened. “In accordance with DSHS guidance, the County Line Special Utility District is practicing good hygiene, environmental cleanliness and sanitation, and implementing social distancing by minimizing social gatherings; therefore, no more than ten (10) people can attend the bid opening and each person in attendance should also be practicing good hygiene and will be required to implement social distancing to minimize in-person contact.
Otis is a male, 6-year-old Catahoula mix. He’s a goofy, lovable boy who is our longest stay. Recently, he took a crosscountry trip with his foster family and had a blast! Sadly, his foster mom became very sick and had to bring him back. Otis’ favorite activities include: romping around the play yards, rolling on his back in the sun, sliding on his stomach down grassy hills, working on food puzzles and dreaming of his fur-ever home.
Project consists of, but is not limited to the following: Furnish and install 2,000 L.F. of 12-inch PVC Water Line including two road crossings to be installed in bored steel casing. The project will also include open cut steel casing, service line extensions and water meter relocations, driveway repairs and water line tie-in. The project will be replacing a 3-inch water line that is impacted by ROW acquisition of the County. Roadway construction along Cotton Gin Road may be in progress during the project. Each Bidder shall also include the time when he could begin work and the number of days needed to complete the project as part of his bid. This may factor into the award of the project. The Information for Bidders, Bid, Bid Bond, Contract, Plans, Specifications, Performance and Payment Bonds and the Contract Documents may be examined at the following locations: Candy is a female, 2-year-old Tortoiseshell. She’s stunning, confident, and a complete lovebug. She has a great time playing with her feline friends at the shelter but will instantly stop what she’s doing for cuddle time with people. You won’t regret meeting this pocket-sized beauty.
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
SOUTHWEST ENGINEERS, INC., 307 ST. LAWRENCE STREET, GONZALES, TEXAS 78629 (830) 672-7546. Plans and Specifications are available at the office of Southwest Engineers, Inc. in three different formats: Hard Copy - $80.00 (Non-Refundable) CD in PDF Format - $30.00 (Non-Refundable) Download - $25.00 (Non-Refundable) A Bid Bond in the amount of 5% of the bid issued by an acceptable surety registered with the U.S. Treasury shall be submitted with each bid. A certified check payable to the County Line Special Utility District may be submitted in lieu of the Bid Bond. The County Line Special Utility District reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any informalities in the bidding. Bids may be held by the County Line Special Utility District for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days from the date of the bid opening for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the bidder's qualifications prior to the contract award. September 2, 2020 County Line Special Utility District Chris Betz, President