November 2, 2022 News-Dispatch

Documents show $1.2 million owed Hays County Judge questions tax liens

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

HAYS COUNTY

Property owned by Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra is subject to tax liens against more than $1.2 million in back taxes, according to information obtained by the Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch.

Federal documents, filed with the Hays County Clerk’s Office, suggest Judge Becerra, his wife Monica, or both, face tax liens from 2010, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, totaling $1,212,686.44.

A federal tax lien is filed by the IRS as the government’s legal claim against a person’s property when they neglect or fail to pay a tax debt. IRS liens are valid for 10 years plus 30 days after being assessed.

Judge Becerra, who is running for re-election, says the claims and documents that he and his wife owe back taxes are erroneous, and posted personal returns for tax years 2016, 2017 and 2021 to his campaign website at www.judgebecerra.org/

transparency.

“We have not seen these tax lien documents before, we do not owe this amount, and we have no taxable connection to the address listed in the document,” he posted on his campaign website.

However, the addresses listed on the tax liens are the addresses of the Becerras’ business and home, according to information accessed through the Hays County Central Appraisal District.

Representatives from the clerk’s office said that the office does not check the legality or validity of documents such as liens when they are recorded, only that they meet the recording requirements of being original, signed and notarized.

Shortly after each of the Becerras’ liens were notarized by IRS revenue officers, they were filed and signed by Hays County Clerk Elaine Cardenas.

Judge Becerra told the Hays Free Press/NewsDispatch that the IRS made a mistake in thinking they needed to file a return that

they didn’t need to file.

“Once we cleared up not needing to file the return, it’s been made clear that we don’t owe this through the lens of the IRS,” Judge Becerra said, adding that they received this information through the mail and are waiting on the official paperwork.

By press time, the only additional document sent to the Hays Free Press/NewsDispatch by the Becerras was an IRS letter sent on Oct. 17 that shows only $3,015.48 is owed; however, this was for the 2020 tax year.

The Becerras also received a notice from the IRS dated Oct. 3, 2022 of a “possible employmentrelated identity theft” for the 2021 tax year. The notice indicated that another person may have used Becerra’s social security number to obtain employment. There is currently no known impact to his tax account because of this, but the Becerras are waiting for clarification on this notice.

The joint liens: • A 2014 lien (assessed

May 16, 2016) was signed by IRS revenue officers on March 9, 2017, stating an unpaid balance of $12,005.69

• A 2015 lien (assessed June 6, 2016) was signed by revenue officers on March 9, 2017, stating an unpaid balance of $32,693.32.

• Two 2016 liens (assessed April 15, 2017 and Sept. 27, 2021) were signed by revenue officers on Feb. 8, 2022, stating an unpaid balance of $545,569.58.

• Two 2017 liens (assessed Sept. 3, 2018 and Sept. 27, 2021) were signed by revenue officers on Feb. 8, 2022, stating an unpaid balance of $407,386.03.

The Individual liens:

• Ruben- A 2018 lien (assessed Sept. 27, 2021) was signed by revenue officers on Feb. 8, 2022, stating an unpaid balance of $125, 643.93.

• Monica- A 2018 lien (assessed Sept. 27, 2021) was signed by revenue officers on June 7, 2022, stating an unpaid balance of $89,387.89.

Additionally, for tax year

See

Sixth elementary potential for DSISD

BY MEGAN WEHRING

DRIPPING SPRINGS

– Dripping Springs ISD is looking at a potential sixth elementary school – one of the many items proposed in the district’s $481.13 million bond package on the upcoming ballot.

On Oct. 24, the Dripping Springs ISD board of trustees approved a contract with Pfluger Architects, Inc. to

provide architectural and engineering services for the Elementary #6 Project.

In September, the board approved PBK Architects, Inc., Pfluger Architects, Inc., and VLK Architects, Inc. as the most highly qualified firms for services specified, as well as possible architectural and engineering and construction administration services for November 2022 bond construction projects. The board also previously approved using unspent 2018 bond funds to start early design work (schematic design) on the Elementary #6

Project.

Trustee Stefani Reinold questioned what funds are being used for the project and if it’s contingent on whether the bond passes in the November election.

“You’re exactly right,” said Clint Pruett, director of facilities and construction. “Going back to June, the board had approved the use of remaining 2018 bond funds for early design work on a couple of these projects. The contract, which was prepared by our legal counsel, addresses that so the schematic design portion will be funded by the remaining 2018 bond funds and any

design after the schematic is contingent upon [the bond passing].”

Pruett added that the property is large enough for both an elementary school and a middle school. It would also allow for either separate or combined campuses.

“I think it would be part of that future charrette, not a part of this design,” said Superintendent Holly Morris-Kuentz. “This design, we are only building one school right now so we are not going to plan on how to combine them. We are

County commissioner fined by Texas Ethics Commission

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

HAYS COUNTY — The Texas Ethics Commission (TEC) has fined Hays County Pct. 2 commissioner Mark Jones $500 for two campaign violations.

The TEC found credible evidence of violations of Sections 253.031 and 254.063 of the Election Code.

Jones, who is running for Hays County Judge, told the Hays Free Press/ News-Dispatch that he acknowledged the errors but noted that this is the only violation in the many years that he has held office.

According to the TEC, Jones filed the January 2021 semiannual campaign finance report late on July 25, 2022. The report was due Jan. 15, 2021, thus violating Section 254.063 of the Code. The report disclosed $0 in total

INCENTIVES

political contributions and $0 in total political expenditures.

In response, Jones swore that at the time the report was due, he was working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and forgot to file.

In addition, the charges state that Jones failed to file an amended campaign treasurer appointment, accepted political contributions and made political expenditures when a campaign treasurer appointment was not in effect. This was based on Jones’ January 2022 semiannual campaign finance report, filed Jan. 14, 2022, in which a new campaign treasurer was listed.

However, at the time the semiannual report was filed, Jones had not filed an amended campaign treasurer appointment form with Hays County to

WISD bus drivers to receive $100 monthly bonuses

BY MEGAN WEHRING

WIMBERLEY

Wimberley ISD bus drivers who have perfect attendance will receive a monthly bonus.

On Monday, Oct. 24, the WISD Board of Trustees approved a recommendation to provide its bus drivers with an incentive payment of $100 for each month they do not miss a morning or afternoon route during a calendar month in which students are transported.

“The district has not currently had to suspend or delay any of our routes this year,” said Allen Bruggman, communications director for WISD. “However, we are at the very edge of our staffing limit in our Transportation Department, so much so that our director and our

mechanic have regularly been driving routes. In addition, we've asked a few of our coaches/ teachers that have their bus CDL licenses to serve as emergency route drivers, in the event of an absence by a regular driver.”

Bruggman added that the incentive is a way to reward the district’s drivers with perfect attendance during this “particularly challenging time.”

“We do have a few drivers in training that are set to be fully licensed sometime in December, which will hopefully ease the burden our Transportation Department is currently facing,” Bruggman said.

Candidates who are interested in driving a bus for WISD can apply online at wimberleyisd.net/ workatWISD.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Graph of DSISD’s enrollment projections through 2027-2028.

The COVID Effect: increased demand for shelter and community support

BY DESIREE NORMAN, HCWC MCCOY FAMILY SHELTER PROGRAM DIRECTOR

October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The following article is part five of a five-week series focusing on raising awareness about domestic violence. One in three women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. Locally, the HaysCaldwell Women’s Center serves victims of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault and child abuse. Last year, HCWC served 2,055 victims of abuse primarily from Hays and Caldwell counties, and 816 of those were victims of domestic violence.

In 2021, the United Nations coined the phrase “shadow pandemic” in a report that examined the unprecedented increase in violence against women that occurred during the COVID pandemic. The American Journal of Emergency Medicine estimates that domestic violence cases increased by 25% to 33% worldwide during the pandemic. In the United States, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is

reporting an all-time high of over 80,000 contacts monthly from individuals seeking assistance for interpersonal abuse.

Similarly, HCWC has experienced a significant increase in individuals seeking information and assistance through our HELPline, with our call volume up 13% through August 2022.

Risk factors inherent in the pandemic lockdowns and restrictions have had unintended consequences for those experiencing domestic violence. The transition to work from home and online school, which resulted from stay-at-home orders, has isolated survivors and reduced outlets for support, such as coworkers, teachers, family, and friends. Loss of employment and income and inflation caused by ongoing supply chain issues has increased financial stress within relationships. Efforts to keep everyone safe in the midst of the pandemic have unintentionally increased the number of individuals experiencing violence within their homes and the severity of violence many are experiencing.

As a result of heightened demand for safe accommodations, in 2021, HCWC experienced an unprecedented 52% increase in shelter “bed days” (the equivalent of daily attendance). To date in 2022, that number has increased an additional 6%, and the total number of individuals entering shelter has increased 30%. While these statistics are unsettling, they are not surprising. HCWC’s McCoy Family Violence Shelter remained at or beyond capacity for the majority of the year, often utilizing overflow spaces to accommodate survivors seeking safety.

Recently, the Hays County Commissioners Court awarded HCWC $644,000 in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to help mitigate some of the increased expenditures that resulted from enhanced health and safety measures due to COVID. With a portion of this funding, HCWC is planning an expansion of our existing shelter space. Construction is slated to begin in the next few weeks to add four additional bedrooms in our existing family violence shelter and

increase our total capacity by approximately 10 individual beds to better meet the demand we have experienced during the past two years.

The County Commissioners are not the only entity that have increased support during this difficult period. HCWC has experienced an overall increase in local support which allowed the Center to complete the construction and open Marla’s Place, The Marla R. Johnson Family Housing Center, to provide longer term housing to those fleeing violence and abuse. HCWC has been able to leverage their community partnerships to provide life-saving services to more and more community members.

To learn more about HCWC and the agency’s response to the growing needs in the communities we serve please join us for our Annual Meeting on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. Email info@hcwc.org for a meeting link. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please contact our HELPline at 512396-4357. Advocates are available 24/7 daily.

Ride to end Alzheimer’s

DSISD approves Samaritan Center contract

BY MEGAN WEHRING

DRIPPING SPRINGS

– To provide mental health support services for teachers and staff, Dripping Springs ISD is entering into a contract with Samaritan Center for Counseling and Pastoral Care, Inc. (Samaritan Center).

Samaritan Center agrees to provide on-demand counseling services to DSISD employees including but not limited to the following:

• Individual counseling

• Consultation services

• Assessment and referral

• Crisis intervention

• Teacher support groups

• Training and program development

• Support employees in connecting to EAP and/or more permanent counseling services, case management and family services

• Individual and/or group counseling sessions in-person and virtual

• Drop-in teacher support in-person and virtual

• Psychoeducational training/materials

• Crisis support

DSISD, from page 1

going to make sure our design does not preclude that because then we have that prototype that can be connected or disconnected.”

Reinold and MorrisKuentz agreed that the design will be flexible.

Everything is conceptual only at this step, trustee Olivia Barnard clarified.

“As a board, we said that it’s so important that we are building an envelope that is safe and secure that has the square footage,” Barnard said.

“But we are not going to be looking at the outlandish architectural concepts and saving money. My point is just at this contract stage,

The center also agrees to provide the following:

• A full-time licensed mental health professional (LPC, LMFT, LCSW, LMSW).

• To support 8 campuses in Dripping Springs ISD.

• Maintain all malpractice and liability insurance.

Dripping Springs ISD agrees to provide the following:

• Confidential, designated space on each campus for services to be provided.

• Access to the internet connection in order for the Samaritan Center therapist to complete documentation as necessary for the position.

• Payment for services within 30 days of receipt of invoice.

This is a temporary position with a start date of Nov. 1, 2022 and will be completed on June 8, 2023. Services will be billed at a daily rate of $395.35 for the 136 days left in the 20222023 school year to be billed through June 8, 2023.

“We are very excited that we now have this service for our staff,” said Mary Jane Hetrick, board president.

it’s design–only. There is no commitment on spending and there are really no construction bids yet.”

Reinold highlighted that district is undergoing fast growth.

“By the demographer’s report, we actually need three additional elementary schools by 2028,” Reinold said. “That’s five years, y’all. Five years. We actually only have one of those elementary’s in this current bond package.”

For more information about DSISD’s 2022 bond package, visit https://www.dsisdtx.us/ bond2022.

Dripping Springs Cook-Off Club awards to nonprofits

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Locals are invited to participate in the Ride to End ALZ on Sunday, Nov. 6, in Wimberley. The cycling event directly impacts the pace and momentum behind the fight to end Alzheimer’s – 100% of the proceeds raised directly support research efforts toward the disease.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The Dripping Springs Cook-Off Club awarded checks to several nonprofit organizations in the community. Pictured above, president Chris Bailey presents a $3,357.14 check to Kathy Clark, treasurer for The Friends Foundation, at the Club’s annual Chili, Salsa and Margarita competition at the Triangle. Other community nonprofits receiving checks for the same amount were PAWS, Helping Hands, VFW, Hays County CPS and Foster Village. The Club sponsors a seven category barbecue competition at the annual Founder’s Day Festival and the chili and salsa contest in the fall.

How to combat seasonal depression

BY MEGAN WEHRING

About 5% of the U.S. population experiences Major Depressive Disorder with a Seasonal Pattern (formerly known as seasonal affective disorder) in a given year.

Most symptoms begin in the fall and continue into the winter months, but they can also occur in the summer or spring for some, like Kate Hix, executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) Central Texas.

“I get really bad insomnia, so I’m really fatigued all the time,” Hix explained what she goes through in the summer. “I tend to stay up later, and I really want to stay indoors. The heat feels really oppressive to me and it almost scares me to go outside because I hate being hot so much. I can absolutely imagine how it

affects people who have the exact same experience but in the winter. For me, I want to get out of the light, and they want to walk toward the light.”

About 10% to 20% of Americans struggle with winter or holiday blues, which is a mild form of depression with a little bit of anxiety, according to Dr. Joanne Sotelo, division director of psychiatry at Baylor Scott & White.

There is a physiological component to the winter or holiday blues, Sotelo explained. Social components can include high expectations around the holiday season and for some people, it can get stressful with an overabundance of social interactions.

“The days get shorter, grayer with less sunlight,” Sotelo said. “It’s colder so we have less skin exposure even when we are out.

Sometimes, it’s also believed that there could be an overproduction of melatonin which is part of what gets our energy and motivation down.”

“One of the first things is having the awareness that our mood is changing,” Sotelo said. “Then, [we need] to evaluate ourselves to know is this a little bit more than normal, I have to crank myself more than usual, or is it more serious where my mood is low all the time and it’s interfering with my functioning.”

Hix said there is a difference between having the winter blues and having a major depressive disorder. She added that NAMI Central Texas always has the same toolkit that it suggests for people, no matter what they may be dealing with:

• Do not self-diagnose: If you think you have Major Depressive Disorder with

a Seasonal Pattern, talk to somebody.

• Maintaining a consistent nighttime routine by getting enough sleep.

• Checking in with yourself.

• Healthy nutrition.

• Physical activity.

• Do not isolate yourself.

“For me in the summer, and the winter is the exact same thing, the weather is not friendly to getting outside,” Hix said. “But you have to find a way to move. I will literally just do yoga poses in my bedroom when my kids go to sleep to get my body moving.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, you can now easily call or text 988.

For more information on how to get help and support, visit https:// namicentraltx.org/ resources/.

Nonprofit offers free Narcan in Hays County

BY MEGAN WEHRING

HAYS COUNTY – A local nonprofit focused on recovery is offering a free Narcan stand.

With the recent presence of fentanyl and related deaths, Outsiders Anonymous has followed a calling to help. Free Narcan and fentanyl testing strips are offered 24 hours a day at 324 Riverwalk Drive, Suite 218, in San Marcos.

“With the fentanyl epidemic hitting our county hard, it's truly imperative that we keep our kids alive, and Narcan can easily reverse the effects of an

from page 1

officially appoint the new treasurer.

In response, Jones filed an amended campaign treasurer appointment form on July 25, indicating that the change in treasurers occurred on or around Jan 1. According to his July 2022 semiannual

overdose,” said Adam Holt, founder and owner of Outsiders Anonymous. “I just want the community to know that there is a resource so that they can

report, Jones accepted political contributions totaling $34,712.75 and made political expenditures totaling $17,588.53 between Jan. 1 and June 30.

Per Section 253,031, a candidate may not knowingly accept a campaign contribution

take advantage of it.”

Anybody is able to use it anonymously without data collection or reporting requirements.

Outsiders Anonymous

or make or authorize a campaign expenditure at a time when a treasurer is not in effect.

After considering the nature, circumstances, extent and consequences of the violations and the “sanction necessary to deter future violations,” the Commission imposed a

opened in June as the only 100% free gym in the state of Texas with the mission of providing free fitness training and a sober community to help people run from relapse and lift them into a life worth living.

“We were sort of birthed out of some research that we had the great pleasure to be involved in,” Holt said. “Relapse rates can be reduced through fitness and early recovery. It’s certainly changed my life and other people’s lives. We are just trying to do that in a feasible way for the community.”

$500 civil penalty.

The TEC document can be found at www.ethics. state.tx.us/enforcement/ sworn_complaints/orders/ filed.

It’s flu shot season, experts say

BY MEGAN WEHRING

Flu season came earlier than expected and experts say it’s not the time to wait on getting the vaccine.

“Flu is already here,” said Dr. Karen Smith, a family practice physician for Baylor Scott & White.

“If you don’t already have your flu shot, you are behind. We are seeing huge numbers of school children bringing this home and what’s prevalent in our area right now is Influenza A ”

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs. The best way to prevent getting the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The vaccine is usually not very effective at the individual level, according to Smith.

“They work on neighborhoods and communities,” Smith said.

The people who die of the flu are people over 65 years old, people under 5 years old and people with chronic illnesses and disabilities. The real reason to get a flu shot is to protect your friends and neighbors. It’s the only thing that we can do

People who have the flu often feel some or all of the following symptoms, the CDC stated:

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills (not everyone with the flu will have a fever)

• Cough • Sore throat

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Muscle or body aches

• Headaches

• Fatigue (tiredness)

• Vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

A 2018 CDC study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases looked at the percentage of the

Dr Karen Smith

U.S. population who got sick with the flu using two different methods and compared the findings. Both methods had similar findings, which suggested that on average, about 8% of the U.S. population gets sick from flu each season, with a range of between 3% and 11%, depending on the season.

Oftentimes, it is challenging to distinguish the difference between illnesses: flu, common cold, allergies and COVID-19.

“That’s why you need to see your physician to get tested,” Smith said. “I will say that if somebody has a high fever, it’s more likely to be the flu or COVID.

Little children are going to run a high fever with everything [because] that’s what they are supposed to do. Their immune systems are so immature and they overreact. But in an adult, high fever and body aches are signs that it’s something more than a cold.”

Parents and those with an egg allergy will now be able to take advantage of a new non-egg-based vaccine for children at least 6 months old. As of June 2022, most physicians and pharmacies offer the cell-based flu vaccine in addition to the traditional egg-based vaccine. More information can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/ flu/prevent/cell-based. htm.

Homeless Coalition hosts information session

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

HAYS COUNTY —The Hays County Homeless Coalition for the Homeless hosted a “Lunch and Learn” titled “From Homeless to Home” on Thursday, Oct. 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the San Marcos Public Library.

Panelists Melissa Rodriguez, chief executive officer of Hays Caldwell Women’s Center (HCWC), Lana Wagner, San Marcos Housing Authority’s executive director and Sheila Morgan, president/ founder of Eden Village of San Marcos, spoke about the housing issues afflicting the Hays County community.

The panel was moderated by Jen Beardsley, the Local Homeless Coalition (LHC) coordinator from the Texas Homeless Network. Beardsley works to support and help build collaborative groups working to address homelessness in their communities across Texas.

Rodriguez emphasized that homelessness is not a one-size-fits-all issue. She also informed attendees about the resources the HCWC offers, like

Marla’s Place, which is a transitional housing apartment complex along with an emergency shelter.

But she also acknowledged that some families might not be ready to seek help.

“We’ve got families that come in and walk right out. They’re just not ready, and that’s okay,” Rodriguez said.

Wagner spoke about the San Marcos Housing Authority, which aims to provide safe and affordable housing for low and moderate-income families.

Wagner said they had requested Section 8 vouchers, but there is a waiting list. The Section 8 voucher program, also called The Housing Choice, is the federal government’s major program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly and the disabled to afford safe, sanitary housing in the private market. Applications for Section 8 will reopen within the next six months to a year.

Rebecca Lynn Reyes, San Marcos Housing Authority’s Section 8 department office manager, said they only have 35 emergency

vouchers at this time.

Currently, there are 22 families that have been housed.

“We have to wait for paperwork and the landlords,” Reyes said. “June rents went up above our payment standards, so we did go ahead and change it effective for Dec. 1.”

Reyes added that several people lost vouchers because landlords were unable to lower the rents.

Rather than just speaking, Morgan gave a slide presentation on her nonprofit organization called Eden Village, a place where no San Marcos resident has to sleep outside. Eden Village focuses on those who are chronically homeless, individuals with a disabling condition that have been homeless for over one year. Qualifications for living at Eden Village are when someone is considered chronically homeless, has a disabling condition (mental or physical), is ready to be a good neighbor and has the ability to pay $300-$325 a month.

“We are actively looking for land,” Morgan said.

Eden Village will be

between six and 10 acres for 20-50 tiny homes, about 399 square feet each. Morgan said each neighborhood would be enclosed by a gated entrance. Eden Village will also have a community center and community garden to grow food and enhance the area. There will be a village store and a memorial for unclaimed, deceased homeless persons.

The presentation also highlighted that Eden Village will provide space for supportive services

2010, a 6721 tax (which provides a penalty for failure to file correct information returns) was filed against Monica Becerra, stating an unpaid balance of $6,254.37. The lien was assessed Oct. 14, 2013 and signed by

revenue officers on Dec. 7, 2016.

Once tax liens are paid, these documents are posted to the clerk’s office website as a “release of federal tax lien.” According to the IRS website, a release

is filed within 30 days of payment. There are no such documents recorded for the Becerras.

Judge Becerra said that if these were real tax liens filed, his paycheck would have been garnished by

the government. However, this is only applicable in the case of a tax levy, which permits the legal seizure of property to satisfy a tax debt.

“There has never been a time where we made

like health care, case management and support groups.

The panelists also responded to various questions, one of which was asking what housing or housing resources the county currently needs. Wagner thought the county needed low-income housing and Rodriguez thought there needed to be more long-term affordable housing.

“Wages aren’t keeping up with the cost of living so that just creates that additional barrier,”

Rodriguez said.

Morgan thought the county needed more permanent, affordable housing.

Morgan was also asked how Eden Village compared to the Community First Village in Austin.

“One of the main differences is our tiny homes will have their own restrooms,” Morgan responded.

For more information, visit https://www. facebook.com/ HomelessCoalitionofHays/.

seven figures — not personally, not in our business — in our decades of paying taxes,” Judge Becerra said. “To think we owe seven figures. … It’s clear that it’s a mistake.”

The Hays Free Press/

News-Dispatch will continue to check for documents filed with the county clerk’s office that show either the release of the liens or the erroneous filing of the liens.

PHOTO BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN (From left) Homeless Coalition of Hays County Learn and Lunch panelists Melissa Rodriguez, Lana Wagner, and Sheila Morgan.

Wimberley opens new park

STAFF REPORT

WIMBERLEY – Adjacent to the downtown square at 109 Oak Drive, visitors and locals of Wimberley now have a new landing space at the newly-celebrated Oak Park and Welcome Center.

An official ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Sunday, Oct. 23, for the complex. The city also recognized the completion of the downtown sewer at the event and the unveiling of a bronze boot sculpture donated on behalf of the Wimberley Valley Arts & Cultural Alliance (WVACA).

The city’s downtown sewer system was fully implemented in 2021 and was a critical enabler in providing adequate restroom facilities throughout Wimberley Square and adjacent areas. Wimberley’s downtown wastewater project is now providing sewer services to approximately 100 properties in the downtown district and more than 90%

of eligible property owners are now connected.

“Access to a public sewer system provided opportunities for our downtown property owners, and also for the city to address the needs of both visitors and locals,” said Mayor Gina Fulkerson. “The ideal property became available on Oak Drive and working together with local designers and contractors, we’re able to check all of the boxes.”

The project was designed by Wimberley-based architecture firm, OoA. Percheron Construction, and the construction contract was awarded in November 2021. It was funded by a combination of general obligation bonds, American Rescue Plan and city reserve funds. The portion creating a covered directory of attractions and businesses was paid for with Hotel Occupancy Tax revenues, which is allowed under Texas law. A $50,000 donation from Sonora Bank also helped make the

project possible.

“It’s been rewarding to be involved with a project that not only serves an immediate need in the community but that will continue to serve for years to come. We thank the city of Wimberley for allowing OoA to be part of this endeavor,” said Neel Morton, AIA, OoA project architect.

Six ADA parking spaces are connected to Wimberley Square itself with compliant sidewalks. An additional 130-plus parking spaces make up this key addition to Wimberley’s downtown.

On the porch of the restroom building is a directory including a map of the district listing the names and locations of businesses, parks, and points of interest. The map also includes locations of Wimberley’s noted art boot “Bootiful” project, sponsored by WVACA.

The bronze boot sculpture located in front of the Welcome Center building was donated to

the city by WVACA through the generosity of WVACA's past president, Dr. Hilda V. Carpenter and her husband Steven J. Green. The fourfoot bronze boot called “Hill Country Soul” is a gift to the city of Wimberley from WVACA in appreciation of the town’s continuing support for the area’s diverse creative arts.

Oak Park, designed and maintained by Wimberley’s Parks & Recreation Department, is a community gathering space that features high-quality artificial turf and includes bistro-style seating and several outdoor games.

“Whether you’re a visitor or a local, you can stroll this park, take a break, watch your kids play, or join in on the fun,” said Richard Shaver, Wimberley Parks & Recreation director. “This is what we envision for all of our parks.”

“Not only does Oak Park & Welcome Center create much safer access to our Square, it has the potential to alleviate traffic in the

Richard Shaver, director of Wimberley Parks & Recreation, speaks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Oct. 23.

Square,” said Mayor Pro Tem Rebecca Minnick. “We are all proud of the final product.”

The site features metal landscape planters planted with drought-tolerant cacti sponsored by Kevin Fowler, Flying C Cattle, Molly &

Micah Bowen, Friends of Wimberley Parks, Gina and Tom Fulkerson, Rebecca and Don Minnick, and Teresa Shell and Scott See. Additional planters are available for sponsorship by calling the city of Wimberley at 512-847-0025.

Come worship with us

Hills

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

A bronze boot sculpture was donated to the Oak Park and Welcome Center space on behalf of the Wimberley Valley Arts & Cultural Alliance.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The newly unveiled Wimberley Oak Park and Welcome Center.

Johnson City takes Texans to five games

BY WAYLAND D. CLARK

In a pre-playoff volleyball warm up game, the Texans were tested and came on top. But it took five games to do it. Johnson City won the first set 25-20 and Wimberley won the next two 25-22 and 25-16. The Lady Texans couldn’t stop the Eagles in the fourth set, but won 16-14 in the fifth set for the 3-2 overall

win. Laney Hennessee led the attack with 12 kills. Maddy Harris and Rhagen Masur each had 15 digs. Kenslee Brown had 4 blocks.

At press time, the Lady Texans will take on YWLA (Young Women’s Leadership Academy) of San Antonio on Nov. 1 and a win will match Wimberley with Columbia or Needville in the Area round of the playoffs.

Wimberley wins 3128 over Lago Vista

BY WAYLAND D. CLARK

A 17-14 lead in the first quarter turned out to be the difference for the Wimberley Texans, who scored touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters.

Lago Vista led 28-24 at the end of the third quarter but the Texans kept them off the board in the fourth quarter.

The Texans sophomore quarterback Cody Stoever completed 19 of 26 passes for 256 yards with touchdown passes to seniors Caden Heatly and Ryan Shaw. Tru

Couch led receivers with 5 receptions totaling 84 yards.

Stoever rushed for 77 yards including two touchdown runs and averaged more than 5 yards per carry. Johnny Ball had 7 carries for 34 yards. Gage Tumlinson was good on all 4 PATs and his 31-yard field goal in the first quarter proved to be the decider in the win.

Wimberley will host Austin Achieve at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 4 at Texans Stadium for the final home game of the regular season.

For all the latest news in Hays County, visit www.HaysFreePress.com

To

call 512-268-7862

.com

paper@haysfreepress.com

Dripping Springs dominates Del Valle

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

DRIPPING SPRINGS

— “TOUCHDOWN TIGERS!” echoed through Tiger stadium all night long.

The Dripping Springs Tigers (8-1 overall, 6-1 district) dominated the Del Valle Cardinals (1-8 overall, 1-6 district) on Friday night in a highscoring game of 66-7.

Dripping Springs quarterback Austin Novosad put the Tigers in a good spot as he hit junior wide receiver Kyle Koch for a Tiger touchdown in the first quarter. Sophomore kicker Aidan Burgess kicked the extra point putting the Tigers on the board (7-0).

Junior cornerback Landon Requard intercepted a Del Valle pass at the beginning of the second quarter. The Tigers were already ahead (24-0) after Burgess kicked a 44yard field goal to widen the lead. Just as quickly as they scored, they regained possession of the ball.

Requard’s interception was key for another Tiger touchdown, which Dripping Springs senior safety Kade Curry accomplished after rushing for 55-yards into the endzone. Burgess kicked the extra point, keeping the Tigers ahead (31-0).

Curry was on fire all night, scoring four touchdowns. He was also the leading rusher for the Tigers, averaging 21.5 yards per carry for

a total of 226 yards.

But the offense could not take all the credit, as the Tiger defense made it nearly impossible for the Del Valle quarterbacks, senior Allen Fernett and sophomore Max Garlich, to move the ball. Combined, Garlich and Fernett attempted 40 passes but only completed about half. The Cardinals could only run for a little over a yard before a ferocious Tiger defense took them down, making it 45 tackles overall. The lead tackler of the night was senior linebacker Daniel Sedillo, who made seven tackles and recovered a Del Valle fumble, which put the Tigers in a good spot to score again.

Dripping Springs will close out district play against Anderson on Nov. 4 in Austin.

TO STATE!

DSHS girls cross country advances

BY MEGAN WEHRING

DRIPPING SPRINGS – For the ninth consecutive year, the Dripping Springs High School (DSHS) girls cross country team is heading to the UIL State Meet after placing third at the Region IV-6A in Corpus Christi on Monday, Oct. 24.

Dripping Springs totaled 162 points as a team and was led by Madison Johnson who placed 21st with a time of 19:59 over the five-kilometer course. Austin Vandegrift captured the team title with 90 points, followed by Round Rock with 112. Cedar Park Vista Ridge placed fourth with 194 points to also advance to the state meet.

Chandler Latham was the second finisher for the DSHS Tigers, finishing 37th in 20:31. Sofia Vences (45th), Mia Simons (47th) and Rylea Bernhard (50th) crossed the finish line within 11 seconds of each other to complete the Dripping Springs scoring. Alexa Velasco (64th) and Laurel Hoskovec (83rd) rounded out the DSHS team.

The Tigers will race in the UIL 6A State Meet on Friday, Nov. 4, at 10 a.m. at Old Settler’s Park in Round Rock. More information can be found at https://www.uiltexas.org/cross-country/state.

PHOTO BY ALBERT SANCHEZ

The graduating Class of 2023 celebrate their Senior Night by walking across the Tiger Football Field at the last home game of the season.

PHOTO BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Dripping Springs junior tight end Maddox Bloomgren carries the ball down the field during the first half.

PHOTO BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Dripping Springs senior tight end Kade Curry runs to put the Tigers in scoring position with three minutes left in the second quarter.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Back row, from left: Alexa Velasco, Sofia Vences, Chandler Latham and Madison Johnson. Front row, from left: Laurel Hoskovec, Mia Simons and Rylea Bernhard.

Mark Dammert, M.D.

Brian Schwab, M.D.

Michael Yium, M.D.

Bass,