November 16, 2022 News-Dispatch

News-Dispatch

HOLIDAY SEASON

Dripping Springs to light up Mercer for Christmas

BY MEGAN WEHRING

DRIPPING SPRINGS – A highlight of the holiday season for the Dripping Springs community is back: Christmas on Mercer.

For the 18th year, the city of Dripping Springs is partnering with the Dripping Springs Lions Club to transform downtown into a winter wonderland of holiday cheer for the Christmas on Mercer event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3. The full-day celebration will feature arts and crafts, local vendor booths, holiday music, photos with Santa and activities for kids.

The annual Christmas tree lighting will take place at dusk on Friday, Dec. 2 and a holiday movie will follow.

Destination Dripping Springs’s annual Holiday Light Campaign is also underway to raise funds to go toward the purchase, installation and storage of the holiday lights and decorations displayed during the holiday season in downtown Dripping Springs.

Individuals and businesses in the Dripping Springs area can help make the holidays a little brighter by contributing a donation of $20 or more.

The campaign was started four years ago after receiving a grant from the Dripping Springs Community Foundation and many donations from residents. In the last three years, the support this campaign received from local businesses and the community was overwhelming and

the DSVB is asking for support from the community once again.

This year’s goal is to raise $9,000.

For more information about donations for the lights campaign, visit https://www.

destinationdrippingsprings.com/p/ events/light-up-historic-mercer-street. Christmas on Mercer details will be updated at https://www. cityofdrippingsprings.com/ christmasonmercer.

Dripping Springs HS freshman named All-Region cellist

BY MEGAN WEHRING

DRIPPING SPRINGS –

Adrian Fisher, a freshman cellist at Dripping Springs High School, was named the second chair in the UIL Region 18 Orchestra following his performance at the region competition.

Fisher is a member of Dripping Springs ISD’s top orchestra, Camerata. He is also a student of Melissa Solomon and a member of her Cello Choir and Cello Quartet.

Fisher now advances on to audition for the AllState Orchestra.

Dripping Springs school district looks to future after bonds fail

BY MEGAN WEHRING DRIPPING SPRINGS

– Voters did not approve any of the three proposed bond propositions totaling $481.13 million in the Nov. 8

general election.

Proposition A ($199.28 million) would have included the construction of a sixth elementary school, the expansion of Sycamore Springs Middle School, campus security updates, property for future district facilities and capital maintenance projects on old campuses. More than

ENVIRONMENT

48% or 9,494 voted for Prop A, while 51.7% or 10,167 were against, according to unofficial results.

Proposition B ($275.35 million) would have constructed a second high school in the district. Unofficial results show that 46.2% or 9,073 voted for Prop B, while 53.8% or 10,572 were against it.

Proposition C ($6.5

million) would have replaced all district technology devices. More than 46% or 9,103 voted for Prop C, while 53.6% or 10,501 were against it.

Three of the district’s eight campuses are over their capacity limits, DSISD stated in an email on Nov. 9, with two more campuses expected to outgrow their capacity next

year. Over the next several months, district officials will work to understand why the propositions failed and develop plans to serve its growing student population so that it can continue to deliver the exceptional and personalized learning experiences for which the district is known.

DSISD will look at several

tactics to help address district growth and current overcrowding at campuses including:

• Rezoning for elementary and middle schools

• Examining class size models (teacher: student ratio)

• Master scheduling

• Purchasing portables

• Long-range planning for future bonds

TESPA takes legal action against rock quarry proposal

BY MEGAN WEHRING

HAYS COUNTY – A proposed rock quarry and rock crushing operation is not receiving positive feedback from all sides.

The Trinity Edwards Springs Protection Association (TESPA) sent an amended Notice of Intent (NOI) to bring legal action against Far South Mining LLC (FSM) for a proposed rock quarry and rock crushing operation in Hays County. The NOI sent on Nov. 7 triggers a 60-day waiting period required by law before

TESPA’s lawsuit against FSM can be filed in federal court.

This is the first amended version of the NOI distributed in May 2022, according to Karen Ford of WaterPR. As the legal team was preparing the case and court filing, they came across additional legal arguments to be included in the case, thus triggering the requirement for an amended notice.

TESPA is requesting FSM to abandon its plans for a rock quarry on the Needmore Ranch, located between Wimberley and

San Marcos. The FSM permit request estimates the footprint of the operation to be 2,000 by 4,000 feet in size. That’s equivalent to 127 football fields of mining and land disruption on the Needmore Ranch in an area formerly known as “Little Arkansas.”

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has already approved the quarry permit for air quality. However, the 44-page NOI from TESPA cites numerous potential

See TESPA, page 4

Map of Needmore Ranch, located between Wimberley and San Marcos.

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CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Bird’s-eye view of the 2021 Christmas on Mercer event.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Adrian Fisher is pictured above with his cello. He was recently named the second chair in the UIL Region 18 Orchestra.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

TX Hill Country photograph contest winners announced

STAFF REPORT

The Texas Hill Country is a unique region filled with diverse wildlife, clear springs, sprawling rural landscapes, historic towns and some of the starriest night skies in the country.

With a rapidly growing population and increasing development coming into the region, many of these special qualities are at risk of being lost.

Each year, the Hill Country Alliance (HCA) holds a photo contest encouraging photographers to capture features of the Texas Hill Country they would like to protect forever.

In light of our region’s explosive growth, this year’s photo contest, “Snapshot of the Hill Country,” challenged photographers to capture the fleeting beauty of life in the Hill Country.

Between March and May, HCA received more than 300 entries in the 2022 Hill Country Photo Contest from amateur and professional photographers alike. Submissions ranging from sprawling wildflowers to winding rivers truly captured the beauty and fragility of the Hill Country’s incredible treasures.

The four winning photographs were selected by a panel of judges and are featured in HCA’s popular 2023 Texas Hill Country Calendar, available at https://www.hillcountryalliance. org/2023calendar/.

For the fifth year, the public had the opportunity to vote for their favorite contest entries. A unique field of bluebonnets brought in more than 1,000 votes and took home the prize. Photographer Andrea Raynor was recognized as the People’s Choice recipient, receiving a cash prize and a photo feature in the 2023 calendar.

Yu Zhou’s grand prize-winning shot, titled “Determination,” was taken in Austin and features a closeup view of a steely-eyed, yellowcrowned night heron. Commonly found hunting small fish and crawdads around rivers, ponds and creeks, yellow-crowned night herons sport a bold, yellow crown of feathers on top of their black and white heads. These birds do most of their hunting at night and can be found across the Hill Country, though they are more common towards the eastern Hill Country, near the I-35 corridor. Maintaining healthy creeks and riparian areas — the riverbanks where land and water meet — is crucial to the longterm success of waterbirds like the night heron and for our own regional water quality.

David Satterwhite earned first place with the photo “Lazy Day” showing a curious gray fox, photographed near Sisterdale in Kendall County. Gray foxes are ubiquitous across the region and able to adapt to life in both bustling urban hubs and quiet, rural forests, though they are more commonly seen in edge habitat with plenty of trees.

The long-term success of both of these charismatic species depends upon our choices. HCA’s Land Program works across the 17 counties of the region to support local land stewardship and conservation efforts from riparian habitats to live oak and ashe juniper forests. As development expands and land use changes, it is crucial that we maintain and protect key habitat for these and many more of the species that call the Hill Country home.

Taking second place, Jeremiah Terry’s “Midnight on the Llano” is a long-exposure photograph of the Milky Way over Mason, Texas. This

shot showcases both the beauty of a starry Hill Country night and its biggest threat — expanding light pollution.

Although light pollution is an issue all over the world, the Texas Hill Country is one place where dark, starry skies can still be enjoyed in the less populated, western reaches of the region. However, poorly designed, excessive artificial lighting is expanding west from the more developed I-35 corridor, threatening our view of the stars. HCA’s Night Skies program combats this challenge by helping cities and counties minimize the impacts of light pollution through education and outreach, sharing outdoor lighting policies and supporting new and existing certified Dark Sky Places in our region.

Moving farther south in the Hill Country, the third-place photo, “Window on a Canyon Lake Sunset,” was captured by Jerry Sargent in Comal County. Like many iconic Texas lakes, this breathtaking water body is actually a manmade reservoir, created to harness the water supply of local rivers for human use.

Built in the 1960s, Canyon Lake is supplied by the Guadalupe River, which gets its start in western Kerr County and eventually flows on until it is joined by the Comal, San Marcos and San Antonio rivers.

This year’s ongoing drought conditions have had a tremendous impact across the Hill Country and they have been particularly noticeable in communities reliant on river flow for summer recreation and tourism.

With drought top of mind, HCA’s Water Program is working with local partners across the region to ensure our regional water supply is resilient and prepared for future droughts.

Camp David Retreat opens in Dripping Springs

STAFF REPORT

DRIPPING SPRINGS

– Camp David Retreat celebrated its opening as the newest adventure vacation location with an open house and ribbon cutting with the Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce last week.

Camp David Retreat is considered to be “the ideal place for families and friends alike to gather and make adventurous memories.”

The vacation rental offers two unique options. An authentic cowboy bunkhouse, with a full kitchen and two full bathrooms, sleeps 16 guests in the eight bunk beds, and a lone star lodge has four ensuite bedrooms, which can sleep up to 12 guests and includes a chef's kitchen, two stylish lounging areas and an expansive wooden

deck to host a dinner party and marvel at the sunset.

Owner David Jones had a vision of families coming together and having the opportunity to use all the unique outdoor spaces that have been created to their full capacity and making memories that last a lifetime.

Over the summer, this once humble home has been transformed into an outdoor lovers' vacation oasis. The facility includes two nature trails, an obstacle course, a volleyball court, a basketball court, pickleball courts, yard games, a swimming pool and a hot tub.

Camp David Retreat is located at 4451 McGregor Lane in Dripping Springs. To book this property or to get more information, visit www.cdadventureretreat. com or email info@ campdavidretreat.com.

Scholarship announced for incoming teachers

Every child deserves a great teacher

BY MEGAN WEHRING

The nation’s largest alternative certification provider is accepting applications for its newest scholarship program.

BY JEREMIAH TERRY

BY DAVID SATTERWHITE

Teachers of Tomorrow is looking for applicants for its New Teacher Scholarship for individuals interested in becoming a teacher. The organization will award up to 20 scholarships across several states it operates in including Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas. The deadline to apply for the scholarship is Nov. 30 and recipients will be announced in January.

While the deadline to apply is in November, applicants must also enroll in Teachers of Tomorrow by Dec. 15 to be considered. Other qualifications include completing the application form and writing a 200- to 300-word essay on what inspired them to choose a career in teaching and why they think it will be a worthy career.

entire certification process, while meeting the specific needs of each state.

The organization works closely with candidates, school districts, HR representatives and campus principals to ensure they receive the best possible talent in their classrooms.

• 87% of principals surveyed in 2016 felt Teachers of Tomorrow candidates were prepared for their first year.

• Candidates are hired in high-needed areas including STEM, bilingual and special education.

• Fewer than 1% of all program completers hired in the classroom are denied the standard certification by their principal after completing their probationary year.

PHOTO BY ANDREA RAYNOR

PHOTO BY YU ZHOU

“We are committed to helping individuals pursue a career in teaching,” said Trent Beekman, CEO of Teachers of Tomorrow, in a news release. “Teachers of Tomorrow is honored to provide scholarships to individuals across the country to help them follow their dreams and become full-time teachers through our alternative certification program. We will continue welcoming aspiring teachers into our program and assisting them in any way we can.”

Teachers of Tomorrow offers guidance and support for incoming educators throughout the

• To date, more than 70,000 teachers have been licensed through Teachers of Tomorrow.

Each scholarship winner has until Jan. 31, 2024, to become hired as a full-time teacher of record to obtain the benefits of the scholarship.

The scholarship covers the entire program fee, which is up to $6,000, and does not apply to the enrollment fee or any other associated costs.

For more information about applying for the scholarship, visit https:// www.teachersoftomorrow. org/new_teacher_ scholarship/.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Main cabin at the Camp David Retreat in Dripping Springs.

PHOTO

PHOTO

CDC warns of spike in respiratory viruses

BY MEGAN WEHRING

It may be a brutal fall and winter for parents, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said there has been early and elevated respiratory virus activity, especially among children.

Co-circulation of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza viruses, SARS-CoV-2 (commonly known as COVID-19) and others could place stress on healthcare systems this fall and winter, according to the CDC. This early increase in disease incidence highlights the importance of optimizing respiratory virus prevention and treatment measures, including prompt vaccination and antiviral treatment.

Many respiratory viruses with similar clinical presentations circulate year-round in the United States and at higher levels in fall and winter. In the past two years, respiratory disease activity has been dominated by SARS-CoV-2 and seasonal circulation of other respiratory viruses has been atypical or lower than in pre-pandemic years. Currently, the U.S. is experiencing a surge and co-circulation of respiratory viruses other than SARS-CoV-2. The CDC is tracking levels of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza and rhinovirus/enterovirus (RV/EV) that are higher than usual for this time of year, especially among children.

RSV CDC surveillance has shown an increase in RSV detections and RSVassociated emergency department visits and hospitalizations in all but two U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regions (regions 4 and 6), with some regions already

near the seasonal peak levels typically observed in December or January. This year, rates of RSV-associated hospitalizations began to increase during late spring and continued to increase through the summer and into early fall.

Preliminary data from October show that weekly rates of RSV-associated hospitalizations among children younger than 18 years old are higher than rates observed during similar weeks in recent years. While RSV activity appears to be plateauing in some places, the timing, intensity and severity of the current RSV season are uncertain.

People infected with RSV usually show symptoms within four to six days after getting infected. Symptoms of RSV usually include a runny nose, decrease in appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever and wheezing. These symptoms usually appear in stages and not all at once. In very young infants with RSV, the only symptoms may be irritability, decreased activity and breathing difficulties.

Almost all children will have had an RSV infection by their second birthday, the CDC stated.

Influenza (flu)

The CDC has been tracking early and increasing influenza activity in recent weeks. The highest levels of influenza activity have been found in the southeast and south-central parts of the country. The most common viruses identified to date have been influenza A (H3N2) viruses, with most infections occurring in children and young adults.

Cumulative influenzaassociated hospitalization rates for children (age 0–4 years and 5–17 years) and all ages combined are

notably higher compared to the same time periods during previous seasons since 2010–2011. Although the timing, intensity and severity of the 2022–2023 influenza season are uncertain, the CDC anticipates continued high-level circulation of influenza viruses this fall and winter.

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)

CDC data are available to monitor COVID-19 community levels, which is based on hospitalization and case data and can be used to track SARS-CoV-2 activity. SARS-CoV-2 activity is expected to increase in the winter as has been observed in previous years. Rates of COVID-19-associated hospitalizations among all age groups including children have decreased since August, but rates in infants younger than 6 months remain higher than in other pediatric age groups and higher than in all adult age groups except those 65 years and older.

The CDC expects continued high-level circulation of SARS-CoV-2 this fall and winter.

What does the CDC recommend for healthcare providers?

The CDC recommends that healthcare providers offer prompt vaccination against influenza and COVID-19 to all eligible people ages 6 months and older who are not up to date. Vaccination can prevent hospitalization and death associated with influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses.

Influenza vaccines have been updated for the current season. Of influenza A (H3N2) viruses that have been analyzed in the United States since May 2022, most A (H3N2) viruses are genetically and antigenically closely related to the updated A (H3N2) vaccine

component. These data suggest influenza vaccination this season should offer protection against the predominant A (H3N2) viruses to date.

Currently approved SARS-CoV-2 bivalent mRNA booster doses for use in patients 5 years of age and older offer protection against both the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 virus and the currently predominant Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants that cause COVID-19. Emerging evidence suggests that COVID-19 vaccination provides some protection against multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and against postCOVID-19 conditions and that vaccination among persons with postCOVID-19 conditions might help reduce their symptoms.

To prevent RSV-associated hospitalizations, eligible high-risk children should receive palivizumab treatment in accordance with AAP guidelines. In brief, children eligible for palivizumab include infants prematurely born at less than 29 weeks' gestation, children younger than 2 years of age with chronic lung disease or hemodynamically significant congenital heart disease and children with suppressed immune systems or neuromuscular disorders.

While vaccination is the primary means for preventing influenza and COVID-19, antiviral medications are important adjuncts used to treat illness in persons with severe illness and those at increased risk for complications.

Both influenza and COVID-19 antiviral medications are most effective in reducing complications when treatment is started as early as possible after symptom onset.

Dripping Springs heads to area

Wimberly Texans dominate opening round of playoffs

BY ALBERT SANCHEZ

On Thursday, Nov. 10, the Wimberley Texans (11-0) traveled to Alamo Stadium and played SA Young Men's Leadership Academy - YMLA (3-8).

The Texans dominated the game from the opening kickoff to the 4th quarter. The Texans scored 64 points at halftime and

81 and YMLA 0. This was a total team effort. Quarterback Cody Stoever was 9 out 10 passes for 188 yards; running back Jack Boyle had 6 carries for 60 yards; and wide receiver Tru Couch had 3 rep for 60 yards.

The Texans will next play Orange Grove (7-4) on Friday, Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Southwest Legacy Stadium in Van Ormy.

in Hays County on I-35

Decatur is the seat of this county

“bright eyed ___ bushy tailed”

TX-born Smith who won pole vault gold in 1948 (init.)

TX Willie’s “On the Road _____”

high dollar areas at Cowboy games in AT&T Stadium

a direct flight, e.g.

TX-based “Chili’s Grill ___ ___”

when nearby Frost got the railroad, this Navarro County town faded away

where some Texans ski in New Mexico

a soothsayer

part of a barn where hay is stored

he was “Texas John Slaughter” on television (2 wds.)

Al del _____ was an Oiler/Titan kicker

TX Barry Cobin was this deputy in “Lonesome Dove” (2 wds.)

TXism: “fast __ _ ___ __ _ rafter”

TXism: “bowl __ ___” (chili)

PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK

Dripping Springs sophomore Jack Tyndall (No. 18) ran 35 yards and scored on the next play on a 2-yard run to give the Tigers a 14-0 lead. Reid Robinson (No. 63) and Jackson Key (No. 54) led the blocking. The Tigers won 69-14 over Manor on Friday, Nov. 11 and advance to the area round of playoffs. Dripping Springs will play Brandeis on Saturday, Nov. 19 at Heroes Stadium in San Antonio.

the final score was Texans

PHOTO BY ALBERT SANCHEZ

Senior running back Johnny Ball runs for a short gain with blockers ahead. Ball had 8 carries for 58 yards.

SignatureCare South Austin celebrates facility

DRIPPING SPRINGS – On Nov. 3, SignatureCare South Austin held a ribbon-cutting celebration with the Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce at its new emergency care center located off Slaughter Lane and Mopac Expressway.

The facility offers patients emergency care 24/7. The emergency room is fully equipped to perform CT scans, X-rays and other diagnostic tests on both adults and children.

Emergency care for the whole family is SignatureCare’s specialty as it treats adults, teenagers and children.

For more information or to make an appointment, visit ercare24.com/austin.

violations of federal rules including the Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act.

According to the NOI, the proposed quarry and rock crushing operations pose threats of harm to federally protected endangered species and their designated critical habit through:

• Lowering of local groundwater and surface water levels from mining operations and dewatering.

• Changes in turbidity levels in groundwater/ surface water due to blasting and quarry operations.

• Interruption of groundwater conduit flow paths by rock removal and/ or blasting in karst systems.

• Temperature change (thermal impacts) in springs and surface water streams.

• Seismic impacts to endangered species.

• Impacts to groundwater/surface water quality from hazardous chemical spills and blasting residuals.

• Impacts from point and non-point sources of dust to surface water and groundwater from stormwater runoff and fugitive dust.

• Destruction of sensitive superficial karst features such as caves.

• Disruption of natural drainage patterns and stream morphology.

• Pollution from residues of nitrates and petroleum products accumulating in the stormwater runoff and groundwater from the ammonium nitrate blasting slurry and related activities.

• Leaks and spills of petroleum products from equipment as well as the risk

of outright spills such as the 2,000-gallon spill of diesel.

TESPA asks for an injunction to prohibit the quarry/rock crushing activities because FSM has failed to apply for and obtain the permits required to comply with the Edwards Aquifer Act and regulations of the Edwards Aquifer Protection Program.

“Contamination of water by a limestone quarry is nothing new, but this situation is particularly dangerous because of the location, right on top of the recharge zone of the Edwards Aquifer, where the groundwater is very near the surface and very much in jeopardy,” said Jeff Mundy, attorney for TESPA. “This type of mining operation injects an explosive slurry mixture of ammonium nitrate and diesel fuel into the

limestone. The residue of ammonium nitrate and diesel accumulates over time, contaminating the water supply. The city of Miami had multiple municipal water wells polluted from a limestone mining operation.

“Also, as area residents learned during the construction of the Permian Highway Pipeline as it attempted to drill under the Blanco River, fluids injected into holes in the karst such as this area are lost as they go into the voids in the karst,” Mundy added. “Injecting ammonium nitrates and diesel into the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone is a threat to our water.”

The NOI states that the quarry and rock crushing operation will likely cause harm, or “take,” of endangered

species such as the Comal Springs Dryopid Beetle, Golden-cheeked Warbler, San Marcos Springs Salamander and Texas Blind Salamander.

There is also the potential for contamination of groundwater and drinking water supplies from related activities that involve blasting, operation of heavy equipment, rock crushing and an estimated 100-plus truckload of rock per day on Hays County roads.

“Far South Mining’s plan for a quarry and rock crushing plant threatens to disrupt aquifer recharge and groundwater movement within our karst landscape,” said Jim Blackburn, TESPA board president. “It must be stopped.”

TESPA is concerned with ensuring that

groundwater from the Needmore Ranch is not used for rock crushing operations. Needmore may only use groundwater pumped under its permit for agricultural irrigation and wildlife use, according to a previous settlement agreement reached with TESPA.

“We are in communication with the Barton Springs Edward Aquifer Conservation District management and our area elected local and state officials about our issues and concerns,” said Patrick Cox, TESPA executive director, in a news release. “We appreciate the vigilance of everyone in our community who wants to protect the quality and integrity of the environment and preserve the Texas Hill Country.”

SignatureCare South Austin is located at 701 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin, Texas 78749.

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

DRIPPING SPRINGS — Last Wednesday, 14 female student-athletes signed Letters of Intent on National Signing Day.

Taylor Anderson signed with Oklahoma State to play softball. Anderson was named the District 26-5A MVP after batting .583 with a school record of 59 stolen bases. She has also been named to the Texas Girls Coaches Association (TGCA) All-State Team twice and was a TGCA All-Star in 2022.

Four Tigers committed to play volleyball: Emma Wegner, Ava Williamson, Mackenzie Plante and Natalie Arnold.

Wegner, who was part of the regional finalist team in 2021, will be playing at Randolph-Macon College in Virginia.

Williamson will be playing beach volleyball at Arizona State. This season, she has helped the Tigers go to the regional semifinals, registering 202 kills and 75 blocks.

Plante committed to Tennessee and has led the Tigers in kills over the past three years. As a senior, she has 497 kills, 440 digs and 68 aces.

Arnold has led the Tiger volleyball team to the regional semifinals this year with 108 blocks and 236 kills, ranking third. She was also named to the Texas Girls Coaches Association All-State Team after leading the Tigers with 110 blocks, ranking second with 49 service aces and finishing third with 299 kills.

Piper Price has committed to Fort Lewis College in Colorado to play lacrosse. Price is a four-year letter winner for the Tigers girls’ lacrosse program and has recorded 28 ground balls and 17 goals.

Dripping Springs also has several

soccer commits including Ella Ruff, Riley Sisson, Taliyah Spain, Caroline Dill, Chloe Fredenburg, Hannah Gamez and Grace Payne.

Ruff signed with the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. She is a three-time secondteam all-district honoree and a three-time academic all-district selection. Ruff was also a member of the 2021 state championship team.

Sisson is slated to play at Dallas Baptist. Sisson was named to the all-state team after scoring 10 goals and recording eight assists from the attacking mid/center forward position.

Spain is foregoing her senior season to enroll at Arkansas. She was a part of the 2021

state championship team and scored the goahead goal for a 1-0 win over Friendswood in the state semifinals.

Dill is slated to play at Oklahoma State. Dill was a three-year letter winner as goalkeeper for the Lady Tiger soccer program. In 2021, she was named the UIL All-Tournament Team MVP and Athlete of the Year by the Texas Girls Coaches Association.

Gamez signed to play at California Lutheran where she helped the team win three district titles. She was also named a 2021 National Hispanic Merit Scholar.

Fredenburg, a three-year letter winner at forward, signed to Montana State.

Fredenburg was ranked fourth for Dripping Springs in goals scored with nine during the

2022 season.

Payne was named an honorable mention all-district selection in 2022 after totaling 14 points and tying for third on the team with eight assists.

As for softball, Taylor Anderson is committed to playing at Oklahoma State, and Erika Kanetzky is to play at Creighton in Nebraska.

Anderson was named the District 26-5A MVP after batting .583 with a school record of 59 stolen bases.

In 2021 and 2022, Kanetzky earned her first-team all-district honors, which helped Dripping Springs to two playoff appearances, including the regional quarterfinals in 2022.

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD

Faith Assembly of God 1030 Main St., Buda

BAPTIST

First Baptist Church-Buda 104 San Marcos St., Buda

First Baptist Church-Kyle 300 W. Center St., Kyle

Hays Hills Baptist Church 1401 FM 1626, Buda

Sledge Chapel Missionary Baptist Church 709 Sewell, Kyle

Southeast Baptist Church 5020 Turnersville Rd., Creedmoor

Manchaca Baptist Church Lowden Lane & FM 1626

Immanuel Baptist Church 4000 E. FM 150, 4 miles east of Kyle

Center Union Baptist Church Goforth Rd., Buda

Primera Mision Bautista Mexicana Kyle

Baptist Church of Driftwood 13540 FM 150 W.

CATHOLIC

Santa Cruz Catholic Church 1100 Main Street, Buda

St. Anthony Marie Claret Church 801 N. Burleson, Kyle

St. Michael’s Catholic Church S. Old Spanish Trail, Uhland

CHRISTIAN

New Life Christian Church 2315 FM 967, Buda

Iglesia Israelita Casa de Dios 816 Green Pastures Dr., Kyle

CHURCH OF CHRIST

Buda-Kyle Church of Christ 3.5 miles south of Buda on FM 2770

Southern Hills Church of Christ 3740 FM 967, Buda

EPISCOPAL

St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church 725 RR 967, Buda

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church RR 3237 (Wimberley Rd.), Kyle St. Alban’s Episcopal Church 11819 IH-35 South

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses FM 2770, Kyle

Jehovah’s Witnesses South 10802 Manchaca Rd., Manchaca

LUTHERAN

Living Word Lutheran ELCA 2315 FM 967, Buda

Redeeming Grace Lutheran LCMS FM 1626 & Manchaca Rd., Manchaca

Resurrection Church, CLBA 401 FM 967, Buda

St. John Lutheran Church 9865 Camino Real, Uhland The Well Buda

METHODIST

Buda United Methodist Church San Marcos & Elm St., Buda

Kyle United Methodist Church Sledge & Lockhart St., Kyle

Journey United Methodist 216 Kirkham Circle, Kyle St. Paul’s United

Kyle, Buda

PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK

Dripping Springs will face Conroe The Woodlands (43-9) in the conference 6A semifinals at 7 p.m. on Friday at Curtis Culwell Center in Garland. The winner of that game will play the winner of Katy Tompkins vs. Keller in the finals on Saturday at 5 p.m. at the same location.

PHOTO BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

(From left) Erika Kanetzky, Taylor Anderson, Riley Sisson, Natalie Arnold, Ava Williamson, Emma Wegner, Mackenzie Plante, Caroline Dill, Chloe Fredenburg, Piper Price, Hannah Gamez, Taliyah Spain, Grace Payne and Ella Ruff.

Wimberley schools honor veterans

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Students at Jacob’s Well Elementary School honored veterans last week.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Ken Strange, vice president of the WISD board of trustees, speaks at the Veterans Day ceremony held on Friday, Nov. 11 at Wimberley High School.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Wimberley ISD Superintendent Greg Bonewald shares remarks at the Wimberley High School Veterans Day ceremony.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Students at Jacob’s Well Elementary School hold up a handmade American flag sign for a Veterans Day ceremony.