Dripping approves ham radio tower
Tigers celebrate homecoming
Tigers keep up win streak page 4
page 2
page 5
News-Dispatch Volume XXXVI No. 51
ELECTION CANCELLED
Not enough opposition for Barton Springs board election STAFF REPORT Elections for the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District Board of Directors were cancelled due to a lack of opposition. According to a press release, the board elected Sept. 7 to cancel the November director elections after the three
ELECTION, 2
LAGNIAPPE Brent Thurman Memorial Bull Riding
This annual event includes rodeo events, PBR bull riding, golf tournament, dance and more. The event will be held at Dripping Springs Ranch Park on Oct. 1. For more information visit www.brentthurman.com.
Friends Foundation BBQ
Live western swing music, famous Salt Lick BBQ, a silent auction and much more await those who attend the Friends Foundation’s 23rd annual BBQ fundraiser at the Salt Lick Pavilion Oct. 13. All monies raised help support The Friends Foundation’s programs such as Our Daily Bread, which is a hot meal delivery program for the homebound. Visit the web site at www. thefriendsfoundation.org or call (512) 592-1345 for more information.
National Night Out
On Oct. 4, every city, town, and community in the United States will celebrate the
LAGNIAPPE, 7
Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982
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Thursday, September 29, 2016
Deep Eddy Vodka plans new Buda facility STAFF REPORT Austin-born and Dripping Springs based Deep Eddy Vodka will soon be expanding as it plans to add a second production and distilling facility in Buda. The Buda City Council on Sept. 20 approved a Chapter 380 agreement and adopted
a resolution authorizing an agreement among the city, the Buda Economic Development Corporation, Deep Eddy and its parent company, Heaven Hill, which is a Kentucky-based liquor company. Heaven Hill purchased Deep Eddy in 2015, according to a Buda press release. Carrie Chau, account executive with Giant Noise,
which is a public relations firm working with Deep Eddy, said in an emailed response the company is “currently evaluating options for an additional facility to accommodate this rapid growth and expansion.” Deep Eddy is looking for additional capacity in the form of a 194,000 square foot facility that is on 15-plus acres
BY MOSES LEOS III
news@haysfreepress.com
Transgender bathroom policy comes under fire at board meeting
PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III
Walnut Springs Elementary student Georgia Vanscoy holds a sign during a break at the Dripping Springs ISD board of trustees meeting Monday in support of a transgender student who was allowed by the district to use the girls restrooms. Parents cast their opinions on the matter during public forum, which raged for the better part of two hours.
news@haysfreepress.com
Intense debate raged Monday as parents packing the house at the Dripping Springs ISD trustees meeting cast opinions on transgender students’ use of bathrooms based on their gender identity. Over 30 speakers weighed in on the topic for the better part of two hours, which was ignited after a Walnut Springs Elemen-
DEEP EDDY, 7
DSISD weighs in on discharge drama
Debate erupts over gendered bathrooms at DSISD
BY MOSES LEOS III
on Precision Drive in Buda, according to the release. However, Chau said no plans have been finalized. “While Deep Eddy is looking for additional capacity near Austin, the company remains committed to producing out of the distillery and tasting room in Dripping Springs
tary student, who is a transgender girl that was born a boy, was allowed to use girls’ restrooms with stalls at the campus. The board did not discuss the issue, as it was not on its agenda. In a statement prior to the meeting, DSISD officials said they are “committed to providing an exceptional education and a safe learning environment for all students.” “District policy prohibits unlawful harassment or
discrimination against any student on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin or disability,” the statement said. It went on to add the district is monitoring judicial and regulatory developments in connection with transgender rights students. In the absence of clear guidance from the courts in regards to transgender student accommodation, DSISD handles indi-
DSISD, 8
Debate over Dripping Springs ISD’s involvement in the city of Dripping Springs’ proposed wastewater discharge permit saga continued Monday as board trustees questioned the role the district should play. Trustees Shannon O’Connor and Barbara Stroud both believe the district shouldn’t play a role in the permitting process after their discussions with the Dripping Springs Water Supply Corporation (DSWSC) over water quality last week. After talking with DSWSC officials, Stroud said she now believes there could be interaction between surface and groundwater in their well, and is pushing for testing of water delivered to DSISD campuses. Concerns about the quality of water in the DSWSC wells have been
DISCHARGE, 5
Repairs coming for North Forty lines BY JONATHAN GONZALEZ news@haysfreepress.com
After 40 years of being in existence, the water lines in the North Forty subdivision in Dripping Springs will see repair. The Dripping Springs City Council Sept. 21 approved a bid and report for the proposed development project, allowing the project to move forward with construction. It’s a project that officials within the community are pleased to see moving forward, since it can only benefit those within the community. “We were awarded what’s called a community development block grant to fund the project back in 2012,” Ginger Faught, Dripping Springs deputy city administrator, said. “But it’s federal funds, so there was a process of meeting requirements in order to move forward with the project.” The development, according to officials, is much needed as the lines currently in place in the North Forty community are the same ones originally
installed in the 1970s. “All the water lines from the existing system will be abandoned for the new service lines that will be put in place.” said Greg Perrin, general manager of the Dripping Springs Water Supply Corporation. “There are 92 homes in that area, so it’ll help out a lot of people.” The new system includes the main lines, service lines and service meters connected to the lines. Eight new fire hydrants will be placed within the community as well. “I don’t have a schedule for the construction yet, but we’re hoping to start in October or November of this year,” Perrin said. He gave an estimated schedule of 120 days to complete the project. The winner of the bid for the project was M&C Fonseca, a construction company out of Granite Shoals. M&C Fonseca will be working in conjunction with the DSWSC to work on community development. The bid tabulation and recommendation report
NORTH FORTY, 7
PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III
Firefighters check on damage to a home in Belterra that was struck by lightning.
Unlucky strike
Belterra home catches fire after being struck by lightning STAFF REPORT No one was injured when a home in the 100 block of Littleton in the Belterra subdivision was believed to have caught fire after possibly being struck by lightning Sunday. According to North Hays County Fire Chief Scott Collard, firefighters arrived to find a working fire in the attic above the garage in the home. Firefighters were able to quickly
contain the fire and limited the damage to other portions of the structure, Collard said. All occupants of the home were able to evacuate from the residence prior to the fire department’s arrival. Collard said the NHCFR responded with eight apparatus and 25 personnel. The department was assisted by the San Marcos Hays County EMS, the Hays County Sheriff’s Department and Pedernales Electric Cooperative.
Page 2
News-Dispatch
NewsDispatch PHONE: 512-268-7862 FAX: 512-268-0262 PUBLISHER Cyndy Slovak-Barton csb@haysfreepress.com EDITOR
Amateur radio tower approved in Dripping Springs after a year’s wait BY JONATHAN GONZALEZ news@haysfreepress.com
Moses Leos III moses@haysfreepress.com REPORTER Samantha Smith news@haysfreepress.com PRODUCTION David White Christine Thorpe ADVERTISING/MARKETING Tracy Mack tracy@haysfreepress.com Pam Patino
After lengthy deliberation Sept. 21, the Dripping Springs City Council approved a special permit allowing a resident to install an 80foot radio tower on his property. The tower will be going up on the property of William Saulnier, the applicant, who lives on Springwood Drive. But the process was lengthy, as his application had been up for approval since November 2015.
“It’s been a lengthy process.” Saulnier said with a smile after the approval for his application was granted. City ordinances prohibit the installation of towers over 40 feet tall, hence Saulnier’s need to obtain a special permit. Saulnier said he had to make sure he covered all of his bases. To gain approval, Saulnier hired a legal consultant and expert to ensure he met any and all requirements at both federal and state levels. Fred Hopengarten, Saulnier’s attorney who specializes in federal
ads@haysnewsdispatch.com Jim Darby ads@haysfreepress.com Paula Pulley dallaspaula@yahoo.com PHOTOGRAPHERS
Thursday, September 29, 2016
communication law, made a presentation to council regarding the tower. According to Hopengarten, Saulnier’s tower meets Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requirements, which include his getting an amateur radio license. On the recommendation of Hopengarten, Saulnier requested that the tower be 80 feet in order to reach the intended level of communication. Saulnier hopes to use the tower to achieve “global communication”
with places such as Israel and Russia, although not necessarily limited to those two countries. Installation of the tower was not met without resistance. Neighbors of Saulnier openly protested his application for the 80foot tower, requesting that the council deny his application. Residents said they were against the tower because the potential damage to the “aesthetic value of the neighborhood,” which could possibly cause property values to diminish in the area.
Council was faced with the option to approve Saulnier’s initial request for the 80-foot tower, or enter negotiations to accommodate his request to a more reasonable height. The definition of “reasonable,” however, was up for debate among council members, who took some time discussing what the implications of their next move would be. Entering negotiations would have required the council to hire its own expert to tell them whether less than 80 feet would suffice.
Sheriff ’s Future uncertain for Report Little Barton Creek Dam DRIFTWOOD
Wayland Clark Paula Pulley
BY JONATHAN GONZALEZ
PROOFREADER
news@haysfreepress.com
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LETTERS GUIDELINES We welcome locally written letters to the editor on timely topics of community interest. We ask that you keep them to about 350 words in length and that you not indulge in personal attacks on private individuals. Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity. All letters should be signed by the author and include a daytime phone number where the author can be contacted for verification. Letter writers are limited to one letter per month. Letters can be emailed to csb@ haysfreepress.com.
Direction on what Dripping Springs city leaders plan to do with the Little Barton Creek dam at Dripping Springs Ranch Park is not yet clear as discussion is still in the early stages. The Dripping Springs City Council took up discussion on the dam during its Sept. 21 meeting. The city can take a couple of different directions with the dam, including restoring it or tearing it down. Figures on how much the restoration could cost the city aren’t in place at this time, but funding is a large concern for city officials. The council is possibly looking to federal and state funding for the project, including relief funds from FEMA. “The process for government funding is competitive,” said Grant Kennedy,an advisor to the council on the matter. “It’d require quick decision making either way.” On the federal level, Dripping Springs could qualify for FEMA disaster relief funding, which allows funding “for the repair and restoration of qualifying disaster-damaged public infrastructure,” according
On the federal level, Dripping Springs could qualify for FEMA disaster relief funding, which allows funding “for the repair and restoration of qualifying disasterdamaged public infrastructure,” according to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. Kennedy said funds for the project could potentially be drawn from leftover FEMA funding from the May 2015 floods that impacted the area heavily. At the state level, Kennedy presented the option of reimbursement, with the
city initially putting forth the funds to restore the dam. Essentially, the city would find its own contactor for the project, and hire them to begin construction. From there, the city has a 30-day window to make the initial payment and get its application for reimbursement sent in to the state. Multiple members of the community came to the meeting and spoke on behalf of restoring the dam, which they view as an important part of the community. “It’s a treasure,” said Marianne Simons, a local member of the community. “It’s perfect for birding, or fishing. The flora, the fauna, there’s so much to it.” Pam Owens, Director of Tourism with the Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce, also spoke at the meeting in favor of keeping the dam. “I would hate for us to lose our pond,” which she says attracts tourists and provides an area for community events, such as fishing tournaments. “It’d be nice to keep having that here in our community.” No final decision regarding the dam has been made at this time, but will be open for further discussion.
Election: BSEACD election cancelled Continued from pg. 1
existing candidates up for election were the only ones to toss their hats into the ring. Directorships for Precincts 1, 3 and 4 were up for election in November, according to the release.
The filing deadline for the November election was August 26. According to the release, Precinct 1 Director Mary Stone, Precinct 3 Director Blake Dorsett and Precinct 4 Director Dr. Robert Larsen,
who are all existing candidates, filed for the election. All three were declared “unopposed” and will be issued a certificate of election after the November general election.
Accident/Major 6:59 p.m. - FM 150 W at Double Xing - Sept. 22 Possession/Drug Paraphernalia 10:46 p.m. - 3XX Kinnikinik Loop - Sept. 22
DRIPPING SPRINGS
Forgery 11:54 a.m. - Dripping Springs Substation - Sept. 21 Narcotics 2:40 p.m. - Dominos Dripping Springs - Sept. 21 Theft 1:27 p.m. - Patriot Erectors - Sept. 22 Theft 2:31 p.m. - HEB of Dripping Springs - Sept. 22 Environmental Crime 11:00 a.m. - 1XX Russell Ln - Sept. 23 Accident/Major 5:09 p.m. - Hwy 290 at Trautwein Rd - Sept. 24 Accident/Major 4:18 p.m. - 5XX Mt Gainor Rd - Sept. 25
WIMBERLEY
Accident/Major 9:47 a.m. - Rr 12 N of Lone Man Mountain Rd - Sept. 22 Criminal Trespass 11:37 a.m. - Wimberley High School - Sept. 22 Fraud 1:12 p.m. - 3XX Lange Rd - Sept. 22 Theft 9:56 a.m. - 4XX Rolling Hills Dr - Sept. 22 Accident/Major 8:01 p.m. - FM 32 at Purgatory Rd - Sept. 23 Assault/Family Violence 5:45 p.m. - 6XX E Summit Dr - Sept. 23 Fraud 2:33 p.m. - 2XX Hill Country Trl - Sept. 23 SWAT Call Out 2:45 a.m. - 1 Windy Ridge Ln - Sept. 23 Accident/Major 1:55 p.m. - RR 12 S of 4 Lanes - Sept. 26 Burglary/Habitation 9:07 a.m. - 1XX Champions Cir - Sept. 26 Narcotics 10:59 a.m. - Wimberley Substation - Sept. 26
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Page 3
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This year’s Driftwood Community Improvement Club raffle will feature this boot-themed quilt in memory of member Sally Fletcher.
Driftwood group dedicates annual quilt to lost member SUBMITTED REPORT
E
ver since it closed its doors over 70 years ago to eager young faces, the Driftwood schoolhouse has served as the community center. To pay for its upkeep, the Driftwood Community Improvement Club holds annual raffles for a Browning X-bolt 270-caliber rifle and a queen-size quilt. This year’s raffle drawings for the rifle and quilt will be held at the annual potluck supper October 1 at 7 p.m. at the Driftwood Community Center. All residents of the Driftwood community are invited to join us. Meat,
SAVE THE DATE
The raffle will take place Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Driftwood Community Center.
coffee, and tea will be provided. In the true spirit of a potluck supper, side dishes and deserts would be greatly appreciated. Raffle tickets will be available and can also be purchased most evenings at The Salt Lick, thanks to the generosity of Scott Roberts. This year’s quilt, pieced together and stitched by the Driftwood Heritage
quilters, is fashioned like the quilts of old, from scraps leftover from other projects. The resulting collage of 64 boots is named “Boot Scootin’.” Sadly the group is greatly diminished this year. Ceverene Lackey, who was the principal quilt designer, has left the area. But most poignant was the sudden passing of Sally Fletcher. Fletcher was devoted to her family, her church, and her community. She, along with her husband Jim, spent countless hours volunteering at St Martin de Porres Church, the Dripping Springs Food Pantry and the Buda Lions Club.
Every Wednesday morning found Sally working on the current quilt at the community center. Although her smiling face will no longer beam a welcome at the monthly potluck suppers, she is fondly remembered. Her fellow quilters have dedicated this year’s quilt in her honor. In an attempt to preserve the area’s rich heritage, the Driftwood Community Improvement Club has been collecting material on the history and families of the Driftwood area. Anyone wishing information may contact us at info@driftwoodtx.org.
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COURTESY PHOTO
Brown-headed Cowbird
Watch out for sneaky birds BY JERRY HALL
news@haysfreepress.com
Some birds are downright sneaky when it comes to incubation of eggs and raising youngsters. The female common cuckoo has the uncanny ability to lay eggs that match those of birds she chooses to hatch them. She will tailor the size, color and pattern to match the bird whose nest she chooses for her eggs. The brown-headed cowbird will often lay an egg in an unwitting host’s nest and the result can be a small mother bird feeding a cowbird chick even larger than she is. What’s
more, the larger cowbird chick will often kick out the smaller host babies. The female cowbird may lay up to 40 eggs in a single season, usually depositing only one in a given nest. Some birds have developed a defense against this next parasitism. Robins, waxwings and kingbirds will recognize the foreign eggs and either eject them or abandon that nest and start over. Some people trap cowbirds in an attempt to prevent their impact on other, more desirable species. For example, at Fort Hood, cowbird traps are used to improve nesting success of golden-cheeked warblers.
Worship in a church of your choice Call 512-268-7862 to join the church directory today.
See Solution, pg. 8
St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church Mass Schedule Saturday: 5 p.m. Sunday: 8:15 a.m., 11 a.m., 5 p.m. Spanish Mass Sunday: 1:30 p.m.
512-858-5667
Rev. Charlie Garza, pastor Located at the corner of RR 12 & Post Oak in Dripping Springs
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Sunset Canyon Baptist Church 8:45 AM
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Wednesday Meal
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Page 4
News-Dispatch
Thursday, September 29, 2016
Sports
Tigers sweep Seguin, unbeaten in district BY MOSES LEOS III
news@haysfreepress.com
When the Dripping Springs Tigers needed a spark Friday, junior Darby Stowers rose to the occasion. Capitalizing on Stower’s energy off the bench, along with a 17-kill effort from junior Graceyn
Tippens, helped Dripping Springs defeat the Seguin Matadors 27-25, 25-14, 25-11 at Tiger Gym. With the win, Dripping Springs remained undefeated in district play, while also handing Seguin its first district loss of the season. For Stowers, who head coach Michael Kane said has “absorbed” her role
and ignited the team Friday, working hard and wanting to prove herself while on the court provided motivation. “It was important that the team got to share in the success,” Stowers said. “If I can bring energy, it brings everyone up. The team needs the energy as
TIGER VOLLEYBALL, 7
PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM
Dripping Springs Tiger junior Darby Stowers (2) goes up for a right-handed kill attempt over two Seguin Matador players in Friday’s district contest at Tiger Gym.
Tigers pummel Seguin, maintain perfect record BY LOGAN MCCULLOUGH
news@haysfreepress.com
PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM
Johnny Hoyle juggles the football on his fingertips but manages to make the catch in the end zone for a touchdown to give the Tigers a 35-0 lead at halftime against the visiting Seguin Matadors. Hoyle caught 4 passes for 55 yards with two touchdown receptions. Reed Beverly caught two passes for 53 yards.
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The Dripping Springs Tigers remain undefeated (5-0) after a 56-28 beat down of the Seguin Matadors in front of a homecoming Friday at Tiger Stadium. “Our goal is just to be 1-0 each week,” Tigers head coach Galen Zimmerman said. “So then when we look back, we’re going have something we are really proud of.” The Tigers started the game hot and never looked back after a 30 yard pass and catch between quarterback Reese Johnson and receiver Curtis Raymond on the first play from scrimmage. A series of unforced errors and special teams’ miscues plagued the Matadors all night. After one missed field goal and one field goal blocked and returned for a touchdown, Seguin seemed to seize momentum after an 85 yard kick return for a touchdown by senior Kory Ussery, but the score was called back after a holding penalty. “Nothing changes the momentum of a ball game more than scoring on special teams,” Seguin head coach Travis Bush said. “You look at the kickoff return. That would have made it 14-7. That might have been the spark we needed early.” Dripping Springs dominated the first half, scoring on three of its first four drives, which pushed the score to 21-0 early, and then 35-0 by halftime.
“They were giving us either the run or the pass ... That’s the best part about our offense. If they try and stop the pass we can give them the run and if they try and stack the box we can go downfield to our receivers.” – Reese Johnson, Dripping Springs’ senior quarterback
The star of the night was Dripping Springs’ senior quarterback Reese Johnson, who went 10 of 17 through the air for 151 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. “They were giving us either the run or the pass,” Johnson said. “That’s the best part about our offense. If they try and stop the pass we can give them the run and if they try and stack the box we can go downfield to our receivers.” The senior was also able to rush for 114 yards and an additional two scores. Thirty-six of these yards came on an electric scramble for a touchdown. Johnson replicated the score after he had done the exact same thing a play before, but it was negated by a holding penalty. “It took the refs a long
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time to get the call right, so the whole time we were just like it doesn’t matter, we got to get in on this play too,” Johnson said. Other key contributors on offense include junior running back Zach Murray who rushed for 63 yards and two touchdowns. Junior wide receiver John Hoyle caught four passes for 55 yards and two touchdowns. While the offense dazzled to the tune of 56 points and 539 total yards are dazzling statistics, the Tiger defense also played well, anchored by its line, which dominated the line of scrimmage. Dripping Springs’ secondary also made every hit count. “They were the more physical team tonight,” Bush said. “And in this game, the more physical team will win.” Senior defensive end McKenly O’Neal led the Tigers with six tackles on the night. But Seguin never surrendered, even when it faced a 49-0 deficit in the fourth frame. “They did a good job playing four full quarters,” Zimmerman said. “They kept playing, they got a couple guys over there that are great football players.” The Matadors were able to reach the end zone four times in the fourth quarter, pushing the final score to 56-28. Key contributors for Seguin included running back Brandon Palomares, who rushed for 152 yards and two touchdowns and Kory Ussery who recorded 6 catches for 52 yards and a score. Both teams have a bye this week. Dripping Springs next matchup is scheduled for October 7 when they take on Lockhart.
Go Tigers!! 100 Creek Road Dripping Springs 512-829-2243
Thursday, September 29, 2016
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Page 5
Education
Menus go interactive at DSISD SUBMITTED REPORT
Tigers come home to victory
Mums were on full display as Dripping Springs High held Homecoming 2016 ceremonies during the course of the past week. The festivities began Sept. 21 when the district held their annual Homecoming parade down Mercer Street in downtown Dripping Springs. The festivities continued Friday during halftime of Friday’s home football game as Foster Reynolds and Kylie Ballard were named 2016 Homecoming King and Queen.
Discharge
Continued from pg. 1 raised in regards to the city’s Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) application, which is part of its wastewater treatment system expansion. The proposed permit calls for the discharge of up to 995,000 gallons per day of treated effluent into Walnut Springs, which is tributary of Onion Creek. However, both the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District (HTGCD) and the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (BSEACD) expressed concerns over the possibility Onion Creek recharges the Trinity Aquifer, which the DSWSC wells draw from. Stroud’s change of mind stemmed from a DSWSC letter in 2002 to Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), where the corporation was concerned about a proposed wastewater treatment plant that was to go near the Caliterra subdivision. She said the WSC “indicated” political drivers had “something to do with writing their letter.” “They do acknowledge there is some interaction with surface and ground water,” Stroud said. She added that DSWSC officials “indicated they respect and rely on opinions” of the HTGCD geologist Al Braun, who said there could be interaction between groundwater and surface water in the Trinity Aquifer. However, Stroud said no one knows what that interaction is without testing. In addition, she said the WSC indicated it has the ability to isolate what source of water is going into its pipes.
Stroud also asked about why the WSC has not discussed the discharge permit. According to Stroud, DSWSC President Mark Key said he felt it would “open them up to criticism” and that he “didn’t want to subject board members to unnecessary criticism.” But for Stroud and O’Connor, focusing on the quality of water for students, rather than what utilities are doing with their wastewater, is paramount. School trustee Ron Jones, who had previously served on the WSC board for two years, said he called WSC Manager Greg Perrin about testing the water. He later said the WSC tests the water on a daily basis. Jones added the issue is “no one wants to turn into” a Flint, Mich. He felt “strongly” that the district should focus on teaching and learning. “There are a number of calamities we should focus our time and attention to,” Jones said. “We should go back to what we do best.” But Stroud and trustee Shelly Reeves both advocated for the possibility of testing the water given to DSISD. The DSWSC supplies water to the entire district. Stroud said it could give the district “more comfort” to implement its own test system. She also didn’t have the same confidence in TCEQ, which would regulate testing of Dripping Springs’ plant expansion. “It’s unfortunate, as we should be focused on teaching and learning,” Stroud said. “Unfortunately, we may have to spend resources to test our water to have that confidence.”
COURTESY PHOTO
Dripping Springs ISD is rolling out a new web-based system for sharing nutritional information on cafeteria menu items with students and parents. According to a press release, the district is now subscribing to Nutrislice, which provides digital menus that have detailed information about food content and properties. Nutrislice listings provide information about how foods are prepared and what ingredients they contain, as well as special diet information for students with restrictions. Students and parents can go to “Menus” on the DSISD website (www.dsisdts.ux), chose
a meal (breakfast/ lunch/a la carte items), then hover over a specific item. Many pieces of information will appear, such as serving size, calories, amount of saturated fat and cholesterol. The presence of eight common allergens are identified (milk, egg, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish); gluten-free items also are marked. Users can go to the menu for a meal and eliminate a specific ingredient to see what options not containing that ingredient are available. All three elementary school menus have been converted as well as the middle school. The high school conversion is expected to be complete by early October.
Texas Crossword Solution, from pg. 3
PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM
Page 6
News-Dispatch
Thursday, September 29, 2016
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NOTICE TO BIDDERS CBD No. 4559 Sealed proposals for the construction of Highpointe Phase 5, Section 3, Street Excavation, Drainage, Water, Wastewater, Erosion Control and Grading Improvements should be addressed to BHM HIGHPOINTE, LTD, care of Hanna/Magee LP #1, Project Manager, on behalf of the Hays County M.U.D. No. 5. Proposals will be received at the office of Carlson, Brigance & Doering, Inc. (CBD, Inc.), 5501 West William Drive, Austin, Texas 78749 until 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at which time the proposals will be publicly opened. Any proposal received after the closing will be returned unopened.
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Plans, specifications, bidding documents and Qualification Statements may be obtained from the office of CBD, Inc., 5501 West William Drive, Austin, Texas 78749. A non-refundable purchase fee of One Hundred Twenty Five Dollars ($125.00) is required at the time of pickup of a digital CD inclusive of plans, specifications and bid documents. If a hard copy of the plans is desired, 24 hours notice must be given and a non-refundable fee of Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) will be needed. Checks should be made payable to Carlson, Brigance & Doering, Inc. You can contact Cynthia Litton, Cynthia@cbdeng.com, for requests.
For more information and to apply online to go: https://jobs.irs.gov/careers “location” box.
A Pre-Bid Conference will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 05, 2016 at the offices of CBD, Inc. located at 5501 West William Drive, Austin, Texas 78749. Bidders shall be required to complete and submit the Qualification Statement with Bid. All questions, clarifications and requests regarding the project must be received in writing via email to Mike Gabel at mikegabel@cbdeng.com and received no later than 12:00 p.m., October 17, 2016. Any requests received after said time and date will not be addressed.
TexSCAN Week of September 25, 2016
A cashier’s check, certified check, or bid bond, payable to BHM HIGHPOINTE, LTD, care of Hanna/Magee LP #1, Project Manager, in an amount not less than 5% of the bid must accompany each bid proposal as a guarantee that, if awarded the contract, the bidder will, within 10 days of the award of the contract, enter into a contract and furnish an acceptable Performance and Payment Bond. The cashier’s check, certified check, or bid bond will be returned to unsuccessful bidders no later than 90 days after received. The bidder’s check will be forfeited to and become the property of BHM HIGHPOINTE, LTD, care of Hanna/Magee LP #1, Project Manager, should the bidder fail to enter into a contract.
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Performance and Payment Bond in the amount of 100% of the contract price. The contractor shall furnish bonds acceptable to BHM HIGHPOINTE, LTD, care of Hanna/ Magee LP #1, Project Manager, within ten (10) days after being awarded the contract.
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ANNOUNCEMENT
BHM HIGHPOINTE, LTD, care of Hanna/Magee LP #1, Project Manager, reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any and all technicalities or formalities in the bidding process, to determine which bid is lowest and the best, and to award the contract on this basis. It should be noted that time is of the essence in fulfilling this contract with agreed-upon Completion Schedule. No proposal shall be withdrawn for a period of 90 days after the opening of the bids.
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Thursday, September 29, 2016
www.HaysNewsDispatch.com
Page 7
Voter law updates give more options for ID BY JONATHAN GONZALEZ news@haysfreepress.com
Prior to July, voters in Texas were required to present a valid photo ID in order to cast a ballot at their local polling place. Following a ruling from the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in Louisiana, federal judges determined that the previous Texas voter ID laws from 2011 violated the Voting Rights Act. The ruling, which focused on whether or not the voter ID laws discriminated against Hispanic and African-American voters, now provides many the opportunity to cast their ballot this November. With the changes in place, voters heading to
the polls this November can bring alternative forms of identification, which will be accepted. Accepted forms of photo ID in Texas include a valid Texas driver’s license, Texas election identification certificate, Texas personal ID, Texas handgun license, U.S military ID, U.S citizenship certificate, and U.S passport. If a registered voter lacks a photo ID, accepted alternative forms of identification include a valid voter registration certificate, certified birth certificate, current utility bill, copy of bank statement, government check, paycheck, or any other government document with your name and address. Copies and originals of
What’s a valid ID?
Accepted forms of photo ID in Texas include: • Valid Texas driver’s license • Texas election identification certificate • Texas personal ID • Texas handgun license • U.S military ID • U.S citizenship certificate • U.S passport
If a registered voter lacks a photo ID, accepted alternative forms of identification include: • Valid voter registration certificate • Certified birth certificate • Current utility bill • Copy of bank statement • Government check, paycheck, or any other government document with your name and address.
which were exclusively limited to photo IDs. Texas was one of only six states that required this from registered voters. Many argued that the new laws disenfranchised minority voters, and the federal judges backed up that argument with their decision to have Texas change the laws for the upcoming November election, according to report. Earlier this month, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton appealed the ruling, but asked to wait until after the November election, according to a report from the San Antonio Express News. For more information on how and where to vote call: 1.800.252.VOTE (8683), or visit their website at votetexas.gov
the documents listed will be accepted. Along with these documents, voters will need to sign a Reasonable Impediment Declaration to verify their identity and reason for not being able to obtain an accepted form of identification. As long as the voter’s
name appears on the list of registered voters, election officers at the polls are required to provide the form to voters, which the voter will then fill out. Election officers are also not allowed to question the “reasonableness” of the options selected by the registered voter.
Once the form has been completed, the election officer will complete the rest of the form, and allow the voter to cast their regular ballot. The previous voter identification law drew criticism for its short list of accepted documents,
music will feature Little Beverly and The Shades on the Pavillion Stage, Chris Winkler on the Shady Grove Stage and Elton Wetz on the Hill Top Stage. For more information visit shopmarketdays.com.
Volunteer drivers needed
Improve your communication and speaking skills with the Toastmasters while
enjoying an hour of fun, growth and great energy. The group meets on Tuesdays from 6:307:30 p.m. at Pioneer Bank, 100 Creek Road in Dripping Springs. For more info contact Patrick Reznik, founder, at 512773-9639 or preznik@ braungresham.com, or Steven Schultz, VP membership, at (512) 3488955 or stevenschultz@ me.com. The club is open to the community.
The Friends Foundation is in need of volunteer drivers to deliver meals in the greater Dripping Springs area for the Our Daily Bread program, a hot meal delivery program. The current schedule has five routes in the area with meals delivered on
Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Volunteer delivery drivers must have a vehicle in good operating condition, a Texas drivers license, a good driving record and pass a criminal background check to qualify. To volunteer or if someone you know could benefit from this program please contact The Friends Foundation at (512) 592-1345 or email info@ thefriendsfoundation.org.
on the new net value of taxable property, estimated at $80,000 The Buda EDC is providing $400,000 in cash incentives to the project. That includes $265,000 to assist with building upgrades and
improvements, and $110,000 for construction of a water line that will serve the project and adjacent properties. The agreement includes a $25,000 cash incentive if the company opens a tasting room
facility in Buda. The direct new tax revenue impact of the project, without a tasting room, is estimated at $690,000 over 10 years to Buda. According to Buda, the project is contingent on
continued negotiations with the current building owner and an incentive agreement that could be approved by Hays County. The county is expected to discuss the agreement in October.
Lagniappe
Continued from pg. 1 annual National Night Out, a communitybuilding campaign which heightens crime prevention awareness. If you have further questions or need to register in Hays County, contact Deputy Stephen Traeger of the Hays County Sheriff’s Office at 512-393-7373 or via email at stephen. traeger@co.hays.tx.us. For more information about National Night Out, visit the National
Association of Town Watches website at www. nationaltownwatch.org/ natw.
Wimberley Market Days
On Saturday, Oct. 1, from 7 a.m.- 4 p.m. head to the Lions Field in Wimberley for this free monthly event featuring locally made goods and live music. This month’s
Toastmasters
Deep Eddy: New Buda facility Continued from pg. 1
and maintaining a local presence in the community,” according to Chau. According to the release, Deep Eddy will retain its 40 existing jobs. The company plans to add at least 20 new jobs
over the next 10 years. Capital investment during Deep Eddy’s first year of operation at its new location will range from $12.5 to $17 million. Incentives include a 40 percent rebate on city property taxes paid
Tiger Volleyball
North Forty: Gets new water lines
Continued from pg. 4
much as anyone else.” Friday’s battle of district unbeaten teams began with a tight first set. Tiger head coach Michael Kane said there were some “behind the scenes” stuff the team was battling, including Friday being homecoming. But he also didn’t discredit Seguin, including its middle blockers, which gave the Tigers trouble in the early going. But Kane said the team worked on doing its best not to be distracted. “(The court) is our oasis from the real world,” Kane said. “In the eye of the hurricane, it’s calm. I want the court to be that.” The focus then turned to Seguin’s middle block-
Continued from pg. 1
“(The court) is our oasis from the real world ... In the eye of the hurricane, it’s calm. I want the court to be that.” – Michael Kane, Tiger head coach
ers, with the Tigers sliding with its outside hitters on offense, in order to take pressure off of Tippens. The Tigers and Matadors continued their back and forth pace in the second set, with the score tied at 10-10. It was at that point Stowers entered the game and changed the complexion of the match. Dripping Springs outscored Seguin 15-4
to close the second set. The Tigers overwhelmed the Matators in the third frame to win the match. Gathering the win over Seguin was important, Kane said, as the Tigers continue through district play. “We have a strong district and every opponent plays at a high level,” Kane said. “We know we have a target on our back.”
for the project were presented by DSWSC Project Engineer Joel Wilkinson, who advised the council to move forward with the restoration. “There’s no basis for denying moving forward on this project,” Wilkinson stated at the council meeting. Members of the council were concerned with the
amount of time that the project would take to complete, and how that would affect residents. Wilkinson said that once the new system is in place, switching the lines should take “no longer than three hours.” He acknowledged that breaks in the line during the process was a possibility, but ensured the council
that they’re “intent on minimizing any setbacks”. “We’re glad to help out the people in our city, and give them something they’ve really needed for some time now,” Faught said about the project. “It’s a good example of the city working with the water supply company to get things done for the people.”
Page 8
News-Dispatch
Thursday, September 29, 2016
DSISD
Continued from pg. 1 vidual student requests for accommodations on a case-by-case basis, according to the statement. According to district officials, they take into consideration the age of the student, the nature of campus facilities, the activities the student participates in and the privacy interests of other students. Several speakers during the meeting raised concerns regarding transgender students using the bathrooms, which range from safety and security issues, to potential litigation concerns. Several parents had qualms with the lack of communication between the district and parents on the issue. Walnut Springs parent Blake Stotler said he was concerned for the safety of his “daughters and all students” and that the accommodation for the transgender student “directly affects our daughters and I wasn’t informed.” “This district has violated our trust with the lack of transparency and not informing parents of what’s going on in our school’s bathrooms,” Stotler said. Stotler said he had to explain to his daughter, who suffers from anxiety, why there “might be a boy in the girls’ bathroom.” “To tell me this accommodation has no impact to other students is not accurate,” Stotler said. Nicole Hodgens, who was representing the legal team with Texas Values, said the school district has the “duty to protect the privacy and rights of all students.” Hodgens said the district’s policy “threatened the privacy and safety of students.” She said by the district not notifying parents, it has violated parental rights. “No child should be forced into a setting like a restroom with a child of the opposite sex,” Hod-
“Instead of turning this into a political statement, I’d like for everyone to remember the education and the safety of children and not adults in the working world.” – Natalie Schmidt, Dripping Springs High student
gens said. “That’s just common sense.” Jericho Loupe, who was opposed to the district’s policy, said there was a need to “protect our children.” “Little boys go to the boys bathroom, girls go to the girls bathroom,” Loupe said. But a vast majority of speakers were in favor of transgender students using bathrooms of their identity and lauded the district on its anti-discrimination policy. Robin Jones said she knows there is “so much support in the district for all students.” “I believe all should be able to learn in an environment free from discrimination,” Jones said. “I believe all students should feel safe at school.” Natalie Schmidt, who is a senior at Dripping Springs High, said she has never felt threatened in district bathrooms. Hays County resident Claire Bow, who is a transgender woman, spoke about the challenges transgender children and people face. She said transpeople are not “a new phenomena.” “We have to recognize
that we need a more expansive understanding of what gender means to each of us,” Bow said. Others argued children don’t care who uses which restroom. Walnut Springs Elementary parent Amy Reid said children “don’t see labels” when it comes to gender identity. Dripping Springs High student Natalie Schmidt said she wanted to remind the crowd “these are children we are talking about, not predators.” “Instead of turning this into a political statement, I’d like for everyone to remember the education and the safety of children and not adults in the working world,” Schmidt said. Walnut Springs Elementary student Danielle Rodriguez said there are places where students would much rather be, such as learning reading, writing and math, than going to the restroom. “It’s important to realize elementary students don’t care to spend time in the bathroom at school … it’s a quick visit,” the student said. Parent Grant Tate said kids don’t care “who has a penis or who has a vagina” and that they care about their friends. Ari Axelrod said people’s ideas in society were being challenged by the transgender bathroom topic “and that’s good and positive.” “Public education is about inclusion and no one should be excluded,” Axelrod said. James Akers, who has students in the district, read to the board their mission statement. He also said many people have taken to social media sites to express their support. “If we’re concerned about safety and security, we should lower the speed limit on (U.S. Highway) 290,” Akers said. “It’s not little girls in the bathroom.”
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