OCTOBER 13, 2021 MASTER PLAN
PUMPKIN FACTS
Long-awaited FM 150 Master Plan to be voted on this week.
A few things you didn’t know you wanted to know about pumpkins.
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News-Dispatch
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HaysNewsDispatch.com
Vol. 42 • No. 3
Serving Hays County, TX
Two mixed-use developments proposed for DS BY BRITTANY ANDERSON
Two new developments that will offer parkland, dining and mixed-use residential, office and retail space are being proposed for Dripping Springs. Dripping Springs City Council heard presentations for Village Grove and New Grove during its meeting on Oct. 5.
Village Grove is proposed to be located on nearly 112 acres of land south of Highway 290 and east of Rob Shelton Blvd., sharing a western border with Sports and Recreation Park. The other development, New Grove, is proposed to be located on Roger Hanks Parkway and will feature 288 single-family townhomes with attached or detached garages.
Village Grove is proposed to be located on nearly 112 acres of land south of Highway 290 and
east of Rob Shelton Blvd., sharing a western border with Sports and Recreation Park. It will feature
531 residential units that include 351 single-family townhomes and duplex units and up to 180, 50-
foot single-family units. In addition, there will be a one-acre section within the development
Nonprofit group offers training for growing trade skills demand
MIXED USE PROJECTS, 14
Rampant card skimmer theft in Hays County
BY SAHAR CHMAIS As the need for skilled production technicians grows, a nonprofit group is trying to fill the void. Predictions estimate 15,000 skilled production employees will be needed over the next two years, according to Texas Workforce Solutions. Free Certified Production Technician (CPT) training is available in Central Texas to those who want to learn the trade through Skillpoint Alliance, a nonprofit organization. Classes last for six weeks, with an 82% employment rate, according to Skillpoint Alliance Executive Director Kevin Brackmeyer. Central Texas has been a growing hub for manufacturing companies, such as Tesla, Samsung Austin Semiconductor, Applied Materials and Athena Manufacturing. These companies are creating a growing need for skilled employees, Brackmeyer said. Tesla has posted about 315 job openings, which include positions for CPT employees. But these are not the only businesses a CPT can go into after graduation; this training teaches a variety of skills that can
called The Grove that will have retail and restaurant space on the first floor and professional offices on the upper floors. An acre of central green will be used as a community gathering space for concerts, live theater or local events like farmers markets and holiday festivals. Five acres of
BY SAHAR CHMAIS
PHOTOS BY MOSES LEOS III/HAYS CISD
Tigers shut out Lobos 59-0
Forty-five first half Tigers points was enough for Dripping Springs to make quick work of the unlucky Lehman Lobos in a 59-0 shutout. The Tigers now are 2-0 against teams from Hays CISD this season and look to go 3-for-3 when they battle the Johnson Jaguars later this month. Above, Dripping Springs Tiger running back Derek Edgar (20) celebrates as he crosses the goal line after recovering a Lehman Lobo fumble for a touchdown in the first half of Thursday’s game. Bottom left, Lehman Lobo defensive back Tanner Johnson delivers a big hit to Dripping Springs Tiger Boston Papp. Bottom right, Tiger running back Luke Hudson (5) fights his way out of a Lehman Lobo defender’s tackle. See story and more photos on page 6.
Many Hays County residents have reported credit card information theft in gas stations across the county to the Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch. Some residents even reported having their information stolen on multiple occasions. As it has become a common issue for residents, what can be done to fix it?
CARD SKIMMER THEFT, 14
Rental assistance to expand help STAFF REPORT
TRADE SKILLS, 14
Empty Bowls annual fundraiser turns Grab & Go this year Helping Hands, located in Dripping Springs, provided more than 230,000 pounds of food for families in 2020.
BY MEGAN WEHRING DRIPPING SPRINGS — For more than 20 years, the city of Dripping Springs and Helping Hands have partnered to feed hundreds through the Empty Bowls Project Fundraiser. “We are very proud of the work we do,” said
Lindy Orr, president of the Helping Hands volunteer board. “Our event brings our community together for fun and
TEXAS HISTORY
Texans wouldn’t listen to ‘Old Roman’.
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handcrafted bowl with a $25 donation but due to the pandemic, they will be given pre-packaged soup in a to-go container. Helping Hands, located in Dripping Springs, fellowship, but ultimate- provided more than ly, to help our neighbors.” 230,000 pounds of food This year’s event will for families in 2020. With look different. Participants will still select a EMPTY BOWLS, 14
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
So far, 400 Hays County residents have applied to the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program. But with four ERA employees processing the applications, the process is moving slowly. For more efficiency in processing applications, Hays County will expand the ERA program through the Community Assistance Program (CAP), which will train more people to help with the paperwork. “This new guidance allows more flexibility and a more rapid deployment of funds,” said Wesley Matthews with the Hays County ERA office. Members of the Homeless Coalition of Hays County, consisting of groups such as the Home Center, the Hays County Food Bank and others, will receive training to act as case managers. CAP case managers work with applicants who may be identified as having rapid rehousing potential, meaning they are likely to be approved
RENTAL ASSISTANCE, 14