Hays County receives $400K for security
Tiger Football claims district crown
Central Texas responders help with Cali fires
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News-Dispatch Volume XXXIX No. 7
Serving Western Hays County, Texas since 1982
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Thursday, November 15, 2018
Large population diminishes voting power in Texas
STATE-BOUND TIGERS
BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III
For the first time since winning it all in 2015, the Dripping Springs Tigers volleyball team is state tournament bound. By virtue of a pair of wins at the 5A, Region IV tournament in San Antonio, including a hard-fought four set win over the Boerne Champion Chargers in the regional final, Dripping Springs moves on to play at the UIL state volleyball tournament in Garland this week. Read more about the Tigers’ win, and who they’ll play at state, on Page 4. Above: In a moment of sheer jubilation, members of the Dripping Springs Tigers volleyball team spilled onto the South San Athletic Complex court Saturday to celebrate scoring the final point in the team’s Class 5A, Region IV final victory. Inset: Led by senior Molly Driggs (7), Dripping Springs’ volleyball team hoists the 5A, Region IV champion trophy.
Local veterans take part in honor flight BY MOSES LEOS III
Prior to taking off to Washington D.C. from Austin Bergstrom International Airport in September, Vietnam veteran and Dripping Springs resident Sheldon Miller made sure his son offered him three simple words when he got back. Those words were something Miller and countless others never quite got a chance to hear from their peers when they returned from combat. “I told my son, ‘Tell me, ‘Welcome home, Dad.’” And so Miller, at age 71, couldn’t hold back his emotions when his son kept whispering
“I’ve never seen so many people in droves that didn’t hate us. I’ve never had that before. I couldn’t believe the enthusiasm. No one was on their knees in the terminals. They all stood up and applauded.”
James, chairman of the Honor Flight Austin program. The mission initially was to honor surviving WWII veterans by taking them to visit the national memorial in Washington D.C. Eventually, branches began to develop in major cities such as Austin and Dallas over the years. As time has gone on, Honor Flight programs have started to extend the flight to Korean and Vietnam war veterans. The trip, which is free
For the first time in roughly a decade, voters in Hays and Blanco counties selected a Democrat as their Texas House representative. Democrat Erin Zwiener, a Hays County resident and educator, defeated Republican Ken Strange Nov. 6 to secure the Texas House District 45 seat. Zwiener becomes the first Democrat to be elected to the HD45 office since Patrick Rose, who served from 2003-2010. Zwiener secured 42,999 total votes between Hays and Blanco counties and
claimed victory with just over 53 percent of the vote in the General Election. Zwiener ZWIENER won the Democratic nomination in March by taking 51.4 percent of the votes against Texas State Professor Rebecca Bell-Metereau in a runoff. At 11:04 p.m. Nov. 6, Zwiener said she got a concession call from Strange, a Wimberley resident and Wimberley
Preparing for what’s next BY EXSAR ARGUELLO
COURTESY PHOTO
Vietnam war veterans (L-R) Bill Russell, Shorty Barnett and Sheldon Miller, all of Dripping Springs, were escorted to Washington D.C. in September on an Honor Flight from Austin.
to veterans, consists of visiting many of the war memorials in the nation’s capital. Veterans who participate are also given a ceremonious parade and full military honors when they depart and arrive at each airport, as well as when they travel to and from their hotels
and to the memorials. James said the idea is to ensure veterans are honored and respected during their experience. Miller, who was one of a handful of Hays County veterans who went on an honor flight this August,
HONOR FLIGHT, 2
Dem wins HD 45 race by landslide BY KATIE BURRELL
VOTING POWER, 3
Legislators, elected officials prepare for transition to office
–Sheldon Miller, Vietnam veteran and Dripping Springs resident
those words after his experience with Honor Flight Austin, a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring surviving war veterans. For Miller, the trip provided a sense of catharsis. “My country finally gave me my parade,” Miller said. Origins of the Honor Flight program began in the early 2000s soon after the National World War II museum was constructed, said Dwain
A week after the 2018 midterm elections, Texans have had the opportunity to dissect and come to terms with a highly competitive midterm election. But a new study by Wallethub indicates the vote in Texas may not be as powerful as other states, specifically those states with smaller populations. The study concludes that states with larger populations have difficulty finding representatives that can properly represent a majority of its people, something most prevalent in larger state elections. “What it means for Texas, in particular, is that its votes are weakened because each of its senators must represent more citizens,” said Jill Gonzalez, an analyst at Wallethub. “We established the influence of a vote by
ISD school board member, who gave in after 95 percent of Hays County precinct results came in showing Zwiener in the lead. Although Strange won all seven precincts in Blanco County, Zwiener held the edge in Hays County. Zwiener takes the place of Rep. Jason Isaac (R-Dripping Springs), who opted to forgo a reelection bid for a run at the Texas Senate; Isaac came up short in the March primary for that position. Zwiener, a mother, teacher and activist, ran a grassroots campaign throughout
the district in an effort to secure votes on foot. “I’m eager to get to work now,” Zwiener said. “I plan to get stated on all the things I promised from finance reform and public education, to protecting our rights as Texans and defending our groundwater.” Zwiener said she owes her win to her campaign and her grassroots strategy, which she believes won over her voters. “We’ve been a grassroots campaign since day one and I know I was outspent in both primary and general elections,” Zwiener said.
Three days after the Nov. 6 midterm elections, Representative-elect Erin Zwiener hopped in her car and took a visit to her new office at the state capitol building in Austin, still absorbing her stunning win. Zwiener, who claimed victory over Republican Ken Strange, managed to flip a House District 45 seat that had been red since 2010. Despite not having access to her keys until the day before the 86th Legislative Session starts in January, Zwiener, like hundreds of other newly elected representatives across the country, are trying to prepare. From now until January, newly elected commissioners and state representatives are tirelessly working behind the scenes, studying and reviewing as much information as they can before they vote and act on policy decisions that will define the future of Hays County. Zwiener said she has been in contact with Rep. Jason Isaac (R-Dripping Springs) during this transitory stage; the two are looking to schedule meetings in the coming months. As someone with a lot of information on local bills, Isaac has a lot of information about local
TRANSITION TO OFFICE, 2
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Thursday, November 15, 2018
Hays County emergency teams receive $400,000 in Homeland Security grants BY KATIE BURRELL
More than $400,000 in state grants meant to improve emergency response county wide was given the green light by Hays County leaders last month. On Oct. 30, county commissioners accepted four grants totaling $417,477 for the Hays County Office of Emergency Services, Hays County Command Vehicle, resources for the Hays County HazMat Team and technology for the Hays County SWAT Team. Hays County Office of Emergency Services is one of three offices to
$150,000 $200,000 $122,477 $75,000
Flood warning system expansion Command vehicle for emergency situations SWAT night vision technology HazMat upgrades to air packs and air tanks
serve the region alongside Williamson and Travis counties. “(These grants) are imperative,” said Kharley Smith, Hays County emergency services director. “I’m thankful our elected officials allow us to serve other areas. We have a lot of grant applications currently pending and we got official word this morning about $150,000 to expand
on our flood warning system.” According to grant documents, $200,000 will pay for a command vehicle to be deployed during emergency situations, which will allow for better communication and coordination. The vehicle will be used by county officials during floods, dangerous storms and other emergency sit-
uations. The grant period ends in 2020. Smith said the grant was needed as equipment was getting old. The grant for SWAT was approved previously and split across 2018 and 2019. The SWAT grant calls for $122,477.80 in night-vision technology. The Hays County HazMat Team is receiving $75,000 to update air packs, air
tanks for the team to wear to prevent contact with potentially hazardous chemicals. Many of the emergency services teams are operated mostly or solely through grants and the office is awaiting word on multiple grants. The teams address issues ranging from overturned cars, to calls about suspicious packages and weird smells. According to Smith, the biggest effect of these grants will be on the command center and will be accessible to emergency teams and police departments to better serve the area.
Transition to Office Continued from pg. 1
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bills that Zwiener wants to review. One of Zweiner’s first points of emphasis will be introducing a bill that could grant the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District powers granted in Chapter 36 of the Texas Water Code. This would give the water district additional power to regulate groundwater. Additionally, funding could be granted to the water district in order to hire adequate staff. “It hits me in stages. I’m really excited to change gears and get to work,” Zwiener said. “It’s a little confusing not desperately knocking on doors as I did for 21 months, and it still hasn’t quite hit yet.” Zwiener said she will support the policies she believes in, but will always have an open door to speak with those who voted for her or those who didn’t.
“We make ourselves available and our job, first and foremost, is to provide the legal advice that may come from policy actions that are part policy, legislative and judicial. This court wears a lot of different hats and we do our best to educate incoming members.”
on scheduling a new time to meet with Precinct 4 Commissioner-elect Walt Smith. The time frame between November and January is the most important time frame to take advantage of, he said. The newly elected –Mark Kennedy, General Counsel to the Hays County Commissioners Court representatives will also have the opportunity to attend the Texas Association of Counties’ Seminar “I can’t promise I’ll al“We make ourselves four Democrats and one ways agree with you, but I available, and our job, first Republican to four Repub- for Newly Elected County Judges & Commissionpromise I will always give and foremost, is to prolicans and one Democrat ers, which will be held in a straight answer about vide the legal advice that overnight. why I’m voting the way I may come from policy ac“We’ve done this before January. The workshop helps am,” Zwiener said. tions that are part policy, but it isn’t a task that’s At the Office of Genlegislative and judicial,” easily achieved,” Kennedy prepare the representatives for life as an elected eral Counsel to the Hays Kennedy said. “This court said. “Building that trust County Commissioners wears a lot of different between the newly elected official on the court, educating them on what they Court, general counsel hats and we do our best to officials takes time. It can expect on the road Mark Kennedy and his educate incoming memdoesn’t necessarily run ahead. team are working to make bers.” along party lines. I have “I’m a pragmatist. I this transition for the Kennedy and his staff to win the trust of all the don’t have strong political newly elected commisare not strangers to this commissioners as much sioners smooth. Kennedy transition. In 2011, Hays as I have to get the trust of leanings,” Kennedy said. “There is legal analysis said this is a perfect time County Commissioners the judge.” that goes into what we for newly elected repCourt turned red followKennedy said he has resentatives to do their ing that year’s midterm already had meetings with do. We find solutions and homework before the ball elections. County Judge-elect Ruben provide legal advice, and that’s the part I enjoy.” gets rolling in 2019. The court went from Becerra and is working
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Honor Flight
Continued from pg. 1 lauded the experience and how planned it was. But Miller was taken aback when he was wheeled through ABIA for a ceremonial parade to their gate. It was an experience that drove Miller to tears. For Miller and many Vietnam veterans, their return from combat was met with a public that resented American involvement in the war. Miller, who suffers from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), was disillusoioned by the anger toward soldiers. “I’ve never seen so many people in droves that didn’t hate us. I’ve never had that before,” Miller said. “I couldn’t believe the enthusiasm. No one was on their knees in the terminals. They all stood up and applauded.” Miller also enjoyed the ability to work with those in the military once on
the ground in Washington D.C. Miller, a Marine Corps veteran, was paired with a Marine who assisted him in various ways, including when he visited the Vietnam memorial. For Miller, being
wheeled into the memorial was not an option. Even when he asked the Marine if he was tired and if he could push himself, the soldier continued to assist him. “He had the Marine
demeanor and he had the discipline and respect,” Miller said. “He could not have done any better for me.” Fresh off the trip, Miller advocates for area surviving veterans to participate.
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Central Texas responders help with California fires BY MOSES LEOS III Strewn about the vehicle bay of Kyle Fire Station No. 1 Monday were several large black crates packed with clothes, bunker gear and various other items. Mike Vasil, Kyle Fire Department (KFD) assistant chief, along with longtime firefighter Brandon Kitchens, spent time taking stock of what they packed, checking to make sure they have everything they need before tossing it into their truck. Vasil and Kitchens, along with two other Kyle firefighters, are part of a legion of 200 Central Texas first responders that will be heading to help California officials combat a pair of deadly, raging wildfires. For Vasil, providing respite for officials who might also be affected by the disaster is ample motivation, even if it means missing out on the holidays. “It’s good to know we can help other firefighters in California. It’s been a long fire season for them,” Vasil said. “The thing is, we can help them, so they can go home to family and deal with any losses they might have themselves.” KFD, along with a firefighter from San Marcos and many more from the Austin area, are part of the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS), which was dispatched by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott earlier this week. KFD, Kyle fire chief, said the mobilization of TIFMAS to California is only the second time firefighters have been dispatched to help out of state. In recent years, TIFMAS has been moblized to assist in natural disasters affecting Texas, such as rescue and recovery efforts in Hurricane Harvey.
“It’s good to know we can help other firefighters in California. It’s been a long fire season for them. The thing is, we can help them, so they can go home to family and deal with any losses they might have themselves.”
Traveling to help fight wildfires is not a new experience for Vasil. During the summer, Vasil was part of a small group of Texans who joined to battle the Carr fire in northern California, which burned more than 200,000 acres. Vasil said the magnitude of fires in California is different than what they usually deal with. That includes having to work against the Santa Anna winds, which can blow up to 50 to 60 miles per hour. Fire crews also have to take into account a different landscape, which can include driving up and down winding logging roads along –Mike Vasil, the side of mountains. Assistant Fire Chief, Those who are a part Kyle Fire Department of TIFMAS traveling to help in combating Taylor said firefighters wildfires have to meet from Kyle, San Marcos certain qualifications to and New Braunfels will be eligible to go. be part of two strike Taylor said respondteams when they get to ing firefighters must be California. Firefighters able to be self sufficient will provide boots on for up to 21 days. That the ground for anywhere includes packing fire from 14 to 21 days, Taygear and enough clothes, lor said. along with tents, cots What their tasks will and other items. Firebe once they arrive is fighters also try to keep still up in the air, Taylor up with weather patsaid. Current estimates terns, so as to make sure call for the group to they have the correct provide structure progear. tection. In addition, the “We can’t send somegroup could be asked to one out there that provide manpower for doesn’t have a clue what Los Angeles County’s 60 they’re doing,” Vasil said. fire stations, which have Back home, Taylor and been taxed in recent days other area fire chiefs aim as they battle the blaze. to fill the void left by The fire, dubbed firefighters who will be the Woolsey Fire, has gone for close to three consumed more than weeks. Providing over92,000 acres and is aptime for full- and partproximately 15 percent time firefighters is one contained, according to way KFD plans to bridge a National Public Radio the gap. The department report. In total, 44 people also plans to have firehave died as a result of fighters from North Hays several wildfires in CaliCounty and Austin assist fornia, with many more as well. displaced and evacuated. “The main thing is we “It’s good that we have still have to respond to the ability to help our calls in Kyle,” Taylor said. neighbors, whether it’s “I’ve got to get these in state or out-of-state,” guys’ shifts covered for Taylor said. the next 21 days.”
Voting Power Continued from pg. 1
calculating the number of elected officials per total adult population.” Texas’ cultural diversity from the Rio Grande Valley to the Panhandle poses a challenge for senators and representatives alike, especially with Texans who are financially, culturally and ideologically different from their fellow Texans. Based on Wallethub’s analysis, Texas’ two senators’ ability to represent the people of Texas remains difficult. Texas has 36 representatives in the United States House of Representatives. These representatives can more efficiently represent the citizenry of a given district. According to the study, Texas has the 15th most powerful voters for House elections, and that trend continues the smaller the represented populations get. Wallethub’s analysis is a case study into population metrics, concluding that smaller populations of people garner more vocal dissent or approval to their representatives’ actions. For example, Wyoming is the state where voters in local, state and federal representatives have a better voice. Wyoming has two senators and only one representative in the United States House, giving voters a larger seat at the table. Lon Shell, Hays County Pct. 3 Commissioner, said representing a smaller population is a rewarding process, as input from the community makes a greater impact in his precinct.
“It’s more personal at this level and with that comes a higher level of accountability,” Shell said. “We all live in the same community at the end of the day. Our kids go to the same school, we see each other at church. You can make a difference and you can see it.” Shell said representation at a local level does prove to be difficult, recalling his decisions on the commissioners court under the watchful eye of the citizenry. “This is definitely all I want to do and it’s because Hays County is my home,” Shell said. “I take it very seriously for those personal reasons and I’ll try to do the best with it as long as I can. But there will be a day where someone else will do it. There will be a day when I am no longer the best choice for this county, inevitably.” Locally, Shell said it’s easier to connect with school board members, council members, commissioners and state representatives in order to lobby for change in a community. Statewide, connecting on a personal level with a United States Senator or House Representative can be difficult. “The purpose of this report was to identify the states with the most and least influential voters,” Gonzalez said. “It only makes sense that larger states have smaller ratios. However, Texans should not feel discouraged and should still be aware of the fact that each vote counts in electing the best representatives in government.”
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News-Dispatch
Sports
Thursday, November 15, 2018
Tigers crush Crockett, claim share of district crown BY SHANE SCHOLWINSKI
Five total first half touchdowns from quarterback Tanner Prewit lifted the Dripping Springs Tigers to a lopsided 49-7 Nov. 8 win on the road over the Crockett Cougars (4-6). Dripping Springs’ win, paired with a Seguin loss to LBJ Nov. 9, gives the Tigers (8-2) a share of the 12-5A, Division I crown, marking the third straight year the program has won a district title. “Offensively I felt like we played pretty well and pretty fast that whole first half,” Dripping Springs head coach Galen Zimmerman said. “They have a good scheme offensively, and we were a little bit discombobulated on a couple things they were doing. But once we got it fixed we were really able to slow them down offensively.” The Tiger offense scored touchdowns on six of their first seven possessions of the game, which included a monster second quarter where Dripping Springs scored 35 unanswered points. In the second quarter, Prewit had four total touchdowns, a 26-yard completion to Enzo Arnold, 22yard and 12-yard scores to Cameron O’Banan, and 21-yard rushing touchdown of his own. Prewit finished the game with six carries for 96 yards and two rushing touchdowns, while completing 10-of-15 passes for 122 yards and three scores through the air. Arnold
PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III
Dripping Springs Tiger libero Madi Berkholz (8) passes the ball toward the net as defensive specialist Nicole Herbert watches Saturday at the South San Athletic Complex in San Antonio. PHOTO BY WAYLAND CLARK, WFOTOS.COM
Dripping Springs’ quarterback Tanner Prewit slips out of the grasp of Jerimiah Moore (R) on a 21 yard touchdown run late in the second quarter to give the Tigers a 35-7 lead over the Cougars. Prewit led the Tigers in rushing with 95 yards, and passed for 122 yards, completing 10 of 16 passes with 4 for touchdowns.
ended the game with four catches and 78 yards and one score, while O’Banan contributed 34 yards and two touchdowns on two catches. “When he (Prewit) is on the field, you know executing our offense, he’s a natural leader and the kids respond to him,” Zimmerman said. “We are excited about what he’s done all year.” While Prewit and the Tiger offense did their part in putting points up on the scoreboard in bunches, the defense held Crockett to only seven points, forcing a trio of turnovers. Interceptions
by junior linebacker Hunter Northrup and senior defensive back Cole Cavender, as well as a fumble recovered by sophomore defensive back Carter King, provided the offense with advantageous field position and momentum throughout the game. Field position played a big part in the game as the Tiger offense started in Crockett territory on six of their seven possessions in the first half. “They took a couple chances by going for it on fourth down, which kind of put us in short field position situations,” said Zimmerman. “You
put stuff back to back and things really kind of started rolling for us. It spiraled kind of out of control for them but I still think they did a good job of running their offense and managing the clock. I feel like our kids are used to playing up tempo, and that (field position) really was in our favor.” With dominoes falling into place, Dripping Springs secured the top seed out of 12-5A, Division I and the ability to host a first round playoff game. Dripping Springs plays the Manor Mustangs Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Tiger Stadium.
Back to Garland Tigers outlast Champion to reach state tournament BY MOSES LEOS III
By virtue of a grueling four set victory over SAN ANTONIO the Boerne Champion – Among embraces with Chargers in the Class 5A, teammates and family, Region IV final, Dripping Dripping Springs High Springs (33-15) officially junior Avery Kalsu didn’t punched its first ticket to forget to give head volley- the UIL state tournament ball coach Michael Kane since winning it all in an emotional bear hug 2015. The program also Saturday on the South booked its fourth trip San Athletic Complex to state in the last seven court. seasons. Nearly 12-plus months For Kalsu, rectifying of hard work all culminat- last season’s run that fell a ed to a seminal moment for the two. TIGER VOLLEYBALL, 6
Education
Five named to All-Region Choir
COURTESY PHOTO
Dripping Springs High School had five students named to the All-Region Choir. After performing in the Region Choir Nov. 3, the students will attend Pre-Area Auditions Nov. 13. All-region student are (L-R) Juliane Paine, Bailey Hudgeons, Claire Tole, Ana Smith and Brody Lane.
Don’t ever want to grow up
PHOTO BY ANNE STEWART
Dripping Springs Middle School Production of “Peter Pan” performed to full crowds Nov. 8-10.
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Camp Champion
Sycamore Springs Elementary fifth-graders enjoyed outdoor education and team-building at Campus Champions Nov. 7-9. SSE was the last of the four Dripping Springs ISD elementary schools to experience this Tiger tradition in 2018.
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EMPLOYMENT NOTICE The City of Dripping Springs is currently accepting applications for the full-time positions of Dripping Springs Ranch Park Maintenance Worker and Administrative Assistant to the City Administrators, and the part-time position of Billing Assistant. The application and full job descriptions are available on the Employment page at www.cityofdrippingsprings.com or at 511 Mercer Street. Call City Hall at (512) 858-4725 or email Michelle Fischer at mfischer@cityofdrippingsprings.com for more information.
property located at along Thurman Roberts Way & Roxie Crossing, in Driftwood, TX 78619. Information regarding the application may be obtained from Hays County Development Services (512) 393-2150. Tracking Number: SUB-1119.
An application has been filed with HAYS COUNTY to subdivide 3.00 acres of property located along FM 967, Driftwood, TX 78619. Information regarding the application may be obtained from Hays County Development Services (512) 393-2150. Tracking number: SUB-1171.
NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO FILE FINAL PLAT FOR DRIFTWOOD 967 PHASE TWO
An application for the Driftwood Phase Two final plat has been filed with Hays County. Driftwood Phase Two Final Plat proposes a 8.0259 acre one lot non-residential
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An application has been filed with HAYS COUNTY to subdivide 119 acres of
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subdivision. The subdivision is located approximately 5,675 feet east of the intersection of RM 1826 and FM 967 and will be accessed from FM 967. Water and wastewater service will be provided by the City of Dripping Springs. North Hays County Fire Rescue will provide EMS services. Pedernales Electric Cooperative Inc. will provide electric service. Frontier Communications will provide telephone service. A copy of the location map and final plat are available for review at Murfee Engineering Company, Inc., 1101 Capital of TX Hwy. S., Bldg. D, Austin, TX 78746.
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Page 6
News-Dispatch
Thursday, November 15, 2018
OBITUARIES ECKOLS Dane Rhea Eckols, beloved father, husband, son, grandson, brother and friend, went to be with the Lord on November 9, 2018, at the age of 47 in Austin. Eckols was born at Fort Ord, Monterey County, California on Aug. 3, 1971. While still an infant, his parents returned to Texas where he lived for the rest of his life. At 6’5”, Eckols excelled on the varsity basketball team and graduated from Hays High School. He was a gentle and kind soul who was an excellent student, nurtured a love of reading and learning and made many life-long friends. He continued his academic successes at the University of Texas at Austin where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and also became an avid Longhorn fan. With a brilliant mind and a passion for medicine and helping others, he spent the next 22 years working at PPD in Austin as a clinical researcher, achieving the title of Associate Director, Project Management. Meticulous and thorough, he was proud of the work he did, which was important to the development of medications that improved, and saved, the lives of many people. It was at PPD where he met the love of his life, Rachael. Eckols and Rachael married in 2005 and spent 13 happy years together. They shared a love of traveling, whether to Italy on their honeymoon, on family trips to New Orleans and Ireland, or on one of their many visits to Disney World. Eckols was best known as a devoted family man, who drove their daughter,
Gabriela, to school nearly every day, and was a familiar sight at both her volleyball games and practices. His unfailing love and commitment to his family was evident in everything he did. He was a member of St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Dripping Springs, and could always be seen supporting his beloved Longhorns on football Saturdays. Everyone who knew him will miss his kindness, his good sense of humor, thoughtful nature, and his devotion to his family, his job and his friends. Truly a good man gone too soon. Eckols is survived by his wife, Rachael Cortez Eckols, and his daughter, Gabriela Reese Eckols, his parents, Shelby and Veronica (Nica) Eckols; his grandmother, Edith Eckols; his brother, Colby Eckols, sister-inlaw Allison, and their children; Rachael’s parents, Carlos and Mary Cortez; step-sons Justin and Mathew Brosig; brother-in-law Roland Cortez and children; brother-in-law Ruben Cortez, sister-in-law Lori, and their children; and many other relatives and friends. A visitation will be held at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, with a rosary at 7 p.m. Mass will be held at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, with Rev. Charlie Garza as celebrant. Burial will follow at Driftwood Cemetery. Afterward, a visitation will be held at the Driftwood Community Center. Pallbearers will be Nelson Eckols, Byron Eckols, Todd Ashby, Rick Kelley, Alex Kenaston, and Roman Grijalva. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Austin Hospice/ Christopher House and the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be sent to: www. harrellfuneralhomes. com.
GODWIN Robbie Don Godwin of Johnson City, TX passed away Sunday, November 11, 2018 in Austin. Godwin was born July 24, 1939 in Levelland, TX to Robbie Harold Godwin and Juanita (Talley) Godwin. Godwin was a great father, great husband, and loved his family more than anything. And they loved him. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Ann (Cooper) Godwin; two sons, John Scott Godwin and wife Jennifer, and Brian Frank Godwin and wife Romy; one brother, John Clark Godwin; five grandchildren, Jessica Godwin Seifert, Mary Godwin, Josh Godwin, Kayla Godwin, and Jaclyn Godwin; and one great grandson, Silas Seifert. After graduating from Texas A&M, Godwin served in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Ft. Knox and Ft. Bragg before returning to Texas for good. Godwin worked in advertising in Houston for many years, specializing in oil field production services. He was a charter member of the Inwood Dads Club, and served as an elder at St. Giles Presbyterian Church. After moving to the Hill Country, Godwin and Ann owned and operated Trendsetters print shop in Dripping Springs, and rejoiced in their grandchildren. Godwin remained very involved in the community, contributing his infectious smile and amazing work ethic to many groups – he was a lay leader at Dripping Springs United Methodist Church, former president of the Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce, an active Lions Club member, trained Stephen minister, Trustee Chair at the Johnson City First United Methodist Church, and president of the Hill Country Road Runners camping group. Rob did
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ATTENTION!
This is an important warning for Type 2 Diabetics taking Invokana, Farxiga and Jardiance. Gangrene of the genitals has been associated with the use of SGLT2 Inhibitors.
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Continued from pg. 6
few steps short of state was the primary motivation. “We wanted this so badly and we’ve been training so hard for this,” Kalsu said. “Our goal was to go to state and for everyone to experience it. We wanted it since last year. We’ve talked about it nonstop since the summer. It’s a surreal feeling to experience it with him (Kane) and to have that experience with him.” The moment was equally thrilling for junior Mackenzie Murray, who tallied a team-high 14 kills against Champion, including the eventual game-winning point. Murray, who scored 22 total kills over the course of the regional tournament, felt it difficult to comprehend how massive the moment was. “I’m still in shock. I can’t believe we just did that,” Murray said. Kane lauded the resiliency of his program and their willingness to contribute at a moment’s notice, especially from players who come off of the bench. By spreading out the wealth, Dripping Springs scored a sweep of Gregory-Portland in the regional semifinals on Nov. 2, setting up its match with Champion for the right to go to state. “These are kids who aren’t starters, but do the things that are expected of them,” Kane said. But Dripping Springs found itself in an early hole Saturday when Champion scored a 29-27 first set win. Murray said it “shook” the team as it was the first time they had dropped the opening set of a match since district play began in September. Kane said he
not get bored. Visitation will be 5 – 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 14 at Crofts – Crow Funeral Home in Johnson City. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m, Thursday, Nov. 15 at First United Methodist Church of Johnson City, 105 N. LBJ, Johnson City, TX 78636. Interment will be held at 3:30 p.m. that afternoon in College Station Memorial Cemetery located at 3800 Raymond Stotzer Pkwy, College Station, TX 77845. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to National MS Society, P.O. Box 4527, New York, NY 10163, or to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 207, Johnson City, TX 78636.
TYPE-2 DIABETES WARNING
felt the team showed some nerves in the early going and had to battle from behind frequently. The Tigers recovered for a 25-16 second set win, but struggled to keep pace with Champion in the third frame. Led by 6-foot, 1-inch senior Hannah Maddux, Champion did enough to stay a step ahead of the Tigers, eventually building an 18-13 advantage. Working past Champion’s formidable block and strong defense was a consistent challenge. Kalsu said there was a sense of frustration early on as “nothing was going down,” adding the height of Champion’s front line was something they haven’t faced “in a while.” However, the Tigers were forced to make adjustments, turning to different ways to score points. Manipulating the block, along with several other factors, helped to build confidence and concoct a late third set run. Little by little, point by point, Dripping Springs chipped away at Champion’s lead, something Kane aimed for his team to do. When all was said and done, Dripping Springs
outscored Champion 12-5 down the stretch to take a key 2-1 lead. Dripping Springs kept that momentum into the final frame, holding firm and outlasting the Chargers. Kane said his team’s ability to not panic was critical. Team chemistry ultimately helped Dripping Springs claw its way back into the match, Murray said. Preparing for a final four brimming with perennial powerhouses is the mindset for Kane and his team. Their first test will be against a Lucas Lovejoy program that’s won five state titles. But for Kane, making it to state meant defying expectations. Taking care of their business and letting things fall into place is how he has approached this season. “This is the best feeling. I’m on top of the moon,” Kalsu said. “it’s so cool. We wanted this the entire season. This was a goal we could get and work for and seeing it pay off is the best experience I’ll have.” Dripping Springs plays Lucas Lovejoy Friday at 1 p.m. at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland.
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