NOVEMBER 18, 2020 COLLEGE BOUND
TURKEY PARDON
Several Hays CISD and Dripping Springs ISD athletes sign letters of intent.
Presidential turkey pardon, a tradition that began with Lincoln in 1863.
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HaysNewsDispatch.com
Vol. 41 • No. 8
Serving Hays County, TX
RM 150
SOS lawsuit against TCEQ dampens Dripping wastewater expansion
Committee seeks more input for road name suggestions
BY SAHAR CHMAIS
BY MEGAN WEHRING
DRIPPING SPRINGS – The water fight is on again between he Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the city of Dripping Springs and Save Our Springs Alliance (SOS). TCEQ and Dripping Springs have filed an appeal to the Third Court of Appeals regarding the Texas District Court’s decision to reverse the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (“TPDES”) wastewater treatment permit. The TPDES permit was issued by TCEQ to allow Dripping Springs to begin the much-needed expansion of its treatment plant and address the area’s growing wastewater needs. However, in late October, Judge Maya Guerra Gamble of the 459th Texas District Court reversed that permit. The original permit was granted by TCEQ following an evidentiary hearing and a lengthy legal process, when a judge at the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) concluded that the permit met the applicable Texas Surface Water Quality Standards and the notice requirements. The commissioners of TCEQ agreed with the SOAH judge and issued the permit. However, SOS filed a lawsuit against TCEQ claiming the permit violated a subset of Texas’ water quality standards that apply to Onion Creek. Gamble reversed TCEQ’s order, stating that the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards were not satisfied (relying primarily on an interpretation of federal law) and that notice was deficient. Now, the city and the TCEQ are appealing that district court decision to the Third Court of Appeals. On appeal, the city says it will show, among other things, that the evidence presented at SOAH by
KYLE — After months of going back to the drawing board, the West Ranch to Market 150 renaming committee finalized six names at its meeting on Monday, Nov. 16. The deadline for suggestions is Wednesday, Dec. 2. While the committee received countless suggestions, each name has to follow specific criteria before it is considered sufficient. Cultural, historical and social significance were looked at along with duplicate names, symbolic value, importance to community and whether the name would be offensive. The following names are moving forward to the next meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 2: Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd; Silvestre S. Herrera Drive; White Drive (J.H. White or Dr. James H. White); Driftwood Drive; Freedom Drive; Resilience Drive. The committee encourages more comments from residents at each meeting. Laura McMahon, president of Kyle Cultural Awareness, was the first to step forward to bring her own suggestion for the
PHOTOS BY CASEY ENGLISH, STEM LAB TEACHER AT ELM GROVE ELEMENTARY
STEM education prepares students for post-high school While some school districts use only the STEM classes, Hays CISD incorporates art into the program, thus adding the “A” and making it a STEAM program at Hays CISD.
BY MEGAN WEHRING
HAYS CISD — University planning begins at the elementary level; Hays CISD has incorporated art and design into science, technology, engineering and math to create STEAM programs at some campuses in the district. While some school districts use only the STEM classes, Hays CISD incorporates art into the program, thus adding the “A” and making it a STEAM program at Hays CISD. STEM-related jobs grew three times more than non-STEM jobs between the years of 2000 and 2010, according to
TCEQ LAWSUIT, 4
the Smithsonian Science Education Center, and they also rank higher in pay by 12% to 30% compared to other fields. There is a wide variety of STEAM programs offered across the Hays district. Saturn V, a magnet program for fourth and fifth-grade students to work on STEM-based activities like team building and engineering, is housed
on the Carpenter Hill, Kyle, Pfluger and Tobias campuses. STEAM labs are incorporated into the specials rotations at the following campuses: Camino Real, Blanco Vista and Hemphill elementary schools, and Wallace and Dahlstrom middle schools. Most of the STEAM programs at the high school level are consolidated into
the Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses. “At the elementary level, within our specials rotations, that’s when the kids have the STEM or STEAM labs,” Katie Campbell, STEAM Coordinator for Hays CISD, said. “It’s not on every campus. We probably have about seven campuses that don’t have a STEM specials rotation.” Campbell added that she encourages all teachers to get involved in STEAM education even if they are not specialized in the field. “Any teacher can do STEM,” Campbell said.
New Hays County Covid Cases by weekly total
to prepare for future needs of the community. The Transportation Master Plan for the city of Dripping Springs will: • Promote safe mobility within the city’s transportation infrastructure • Develop a future transportation system that accommodates growth • Establish the ul-
2ND WAVE?
Coronavirus spikes as we head into holidays.
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timate roadway network and identify right-of-way needs to meet future growth • Identify mobility improvements At this virtual open house, attendees will learn about the proposed Thoroughfare Plan and the Multimodal Plan developed as part of the Transportation Master Plan. Interactive maps will
Hays CISD combatting high failure rate caused by virtual learning BY MEGAN WEHRING
depict the enhanced and proposed roadways and the accompanying pedestrian and bicycle improvements. A sample of proposed roadway cross- section illustrations will also be included. Information about the planning and development process, including the public feedback and the inter-
HAYS CISD — Going to school during the pandemic is like walking on eggshells for many, in fear that they may get sick. Virtual learning is the alternative, still unfamiliar to some, and it is causing a high failure rate for the first nine-week grading period in Hays CISD. There were 4,444 students failing at least one class for the first nine-week grading period of the 2020-2021 school year, compared to 2,583 students of the 2019-2020 school year, according to Hays CISD. “We are getting better,” Derek McDaniel, director of curriculum and instruction, said. “That first nine weeks was a steep learning curve for students, parents and teachers. It’s taken us time to adjust.” McDaniel said the main
DS MASTER PLAN, 2
VIRTUAL LEARNING, 7
STEM AT HCISD, 4
Public input sought on Dripping Springs Master Plan during virtual open house DRIPPING SPRINGS – The city of Dripping Springs is finalizing its Transportation Master Plan and will be holding a virtual open house for public comments through Dec. 8. A Transportation Master Plan is a planning document that defines goals and policies for a city’s transportation system and develops recommendations
NAMING RM 150, 7
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NEWS
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • November 18, 2020
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Local, state leaders battle COVID surge, each other Texas topped 1 million COVID-19 cases as some counties reimposed restrictions that had been loosened after this summer’s spike. Particularly hard-hit El Paso extended its temporary shutdown of nonessential businesses, but the Texas Eighth Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 Friday to block County Judge Ricardo Samaniego’s order. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Gov. Greg Abbott and some El Paso businesses had opposed the judge’s order, claiming it went too far. “I will not let rogue political subdivisions try to kill small businesses and holiday gatherings through unlawful executive orders,” Paxton said in a statement. Samaniego promised to continue the legal fight to protect El Paso residents and health care workers. “So unfortunate that Paxton, the ‘Texas’ Attorney General, finds the opportunity to gloat instead of coming to El Paso to walk alongside me by the mobile morgues with 144 El Pasoans; or send his condolences to the families of his 741 constituents who died of COVID-19,” the judge responded in a statement. On Friday, the state reported 7,083 people hospitalized with COVID-19, according to the Texas Tribune. Hospital beds in
Capital Highlights
by Chris Cobler
West Texas are scarce, and area morgues are overflowing with bodies. The Texas Department of State Health Services urged Texans to continue to wear facial coverings, socially distance and wash hands regularly. The state also supports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines for Thanksgiving gatherings. These include: Limit the number of attendees as much as possible to allow people from different households to remain at least 6 feet apart at all times. Guests should avoid direct contact, including handshakes and hugs, with others not from their household. Host outdoor rather than indoor gatherings as much as possible. Even outdoors, require guests to wear masks when not eating or drinking. Encourage guests to avoid singing or shouting, especially indoors. Keep music levels down so people don’t have to shout or speak loudly to be heard.
PREPARING FOR VACCINE Texas will work to quickly distribute a new vaccine developed by
Pfizer and BioNTech as soon as the drug receives final regulatory approval. The state health department has developed a vaccine distribution plan and is working with health care providers to enroll in the agency’s immunization program to be eligible to administer the shots. Over 2,500 providers already have enrolled in the program. Meanwhile, the University of Texas celebrated the work of its McLellan Lab in Austin for co-designing the coronavirus spike protein used in the proposed vaccine. Also, the University of Texas Medical Branch served as a site for clinical trials for the Pfizer vaccine and engineered a way to evaluate the drug more quickly.
LET’S TALK TURKEY PRICES Heading in to Thanksgiving, turkey supplies are down and prices are up, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert. COVID-19 appears to be heavily influencing holiday turkey prices, said David Anderson, AgriLife Extension economist in Bryan-College Station. Although wholesale prices are up because supplies are down, Anderson said, retailers still might offer specials because of the
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pandemic. About a third of Americans will have fewer people at their Thanksgiving celebrations, according to a marketing survey by the Food Industry Association and the Hartman Group. About 26% of respondents said they would avoid long-distance travel. “If people are scaling back, it will be interesting to see how the market for turkeys and traditional ThanksgivIf you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are ing dishes playsavailable out,” to you.Y0040_GHHHXCRTE_21_M H0028-037-000-2021 ATENCIÓN: Si Call 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). Español (Spanish): Anderson said. habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística.
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Chris Cobler is a ，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務 。請致電 1-877-320-1235 (TTY :711) 。 board member and past www. .com president of the Freedom of Information Foundawww.HaysNewsDispatch.com tion of Texas.
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Texas Disposal Systems will not be operating on
THANKSGIVING TDS will NOT collect waste on Thursday, Thanksgiving Day. Customers with TDS services on Thursday and/or Friday will slide one day for the week. Thursday collection slides to Friday. Friday collection slides to Saturday. Saturday collection is unaffected. Sign up to receive service reminders at TexasDisposal.com/Waste-Wizard For questions, please contact Customer Care at (800) 375-8375 or customercare@texasdisposal.com
DS Master Plan Continued from pg. 1
connected agency plans, will be provided. Public input will be solicited at this virtual open house to help refine the final Transportation Master Plan before presenting the final document to city officials. Community feedback is critical to the
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success of the planning process. The community can attend the virtual open house anytime over the three-week period, from Tuesday, Nov.17, to Tuesday, Dec. 8. The meeting is virtual, so visitors can join online, at their own
pace and convenience. Please visit the city of Dripping Springs website for access: www.cityofdrippingsprings.com For any questions, please contact communications@cityofdrippingsprings.com or call 512-858-4725.
Opinion
QUOTE OF THE WEEK “ You have to be an advocate for yourself in this new environment. The teacher isn’t there to see you every day in person to recognize when you may be struggling.” –Derek McDaniel, Hays CISD Director of Curriculum and Instruction. Story, page 1
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • November 18, 2020
Page 3
Slaying A game worth watching invisible I dragons From the Editor’s Desk by Anita Miller
I don’t know when it happened except that it came on slowly. I do know I was not surprised when, after I asked, “What do you think?”, my health care provider leaned against the counter, peered at me over his glasses and said, “I don’t think there’s anything physiologically wrong with you. I think you have depression.” On the 12th day of the 11th month of this nightmare year, there it was. An answer. Over the course of the few months prior I had dropped 24 pounds from my five-foot frame. I couldn’t remember sleeping through the night, and I was struggling at work and at home to do the things that used to come so easy. I knew it was something beyond my corresponding decline in vision. Cataracts can be fixed, and I was already started down that path. What followed with my very patient provider was the inevitable discussion of “why.” Of course, the hell of the pandemic played a part. Not one of us is immune to the pain of separation from family and friends, the cessation of activities that had always brought joy and the underlying fear of becoming one of the numbers that flash across the TV screen – the new infections, hospitalizations, deaths. In a matter of months, we moved as a society from a season marked by food drives to a season of food giveaways, from joyous anticipation to cancelled plans. Then came the unsettled election that of this writing remains an open wound, regardless of which side of the political fence your garden grows. Speaking of gardens, I would be remiss not to mention the seeds of hate so commonly strewn these days in the direction of those who practice my craft. My provider believes, and I cannot disagree, that what put me over the edge was the loss of a family member, a canine companion on the cusp of 13. That’s no excuse as it happens everyday and was not my first such loss. It doesn’t really matter when it happened. It doesn’t matter why. It does matter that the group I have joined is one I never anticipated – people with mental heath challenges, slaying dragons no one can see. I have medication now and there is every reason for hope. There are clothes that haven’t fit for years that slip right on. There is even a new puppy trying to nibble her way into my heart. Most of all, there is my supportive life partner, the man who slipped the ring on my finger 36 years ago this week. I will continue to cherish him as I promised all those years ago. I will continue to be thankful for my job and to give it the very best of my abilities as I tell the stories of Hays County. I apologize profoundly to all those I have lashed out at needlessly in recent weeks. And promise I will build on my new-found appreciation of the silent struggles that so many face with each new day.
NEWS TIPS
If you think it’s news, we probably do too! • Newsroom phone: 512-268-7862 • E-mail: news@haysfreepress.com • Mail: 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640
have been a fan of Mack Brown for many years, and even though he is no longer the head coach at the University of Texas, I still follow his career. He is currently attempting a comeback at North Carolina. It’s a homecoming for Mack, who was head coach at North Carolina immediately before coming to Texas. His North Carolina Tarheels are doing well, and contending for a national title. On Saturday, they clashed with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons – a team on a roll, winners of 4 straight games. It was a high-scoring game, and midway through the 3rd quarter, the Demon Deacons opened a commanding 3-touchdown lead, at 45-24. At that point, the Wake Forest head coach took to the field. Speaking through the referee’s microphone to the live crowd and the TV audience, he declared that the Demon Deacons were so far ahead that Wake Forest had, in fact, won the game. He declared the game over, and demanded, “Stop the scoring.” The Demon Deacons partisans roared their approval. The coach went further, saying
is covering it up!” They shouted this over and over, as if repeatGod and ing it would make it true. As the Tarheels caught up and Country passed the Demon Deacons by Phil Jones on the scoreboard, the Demon Deacons partisans, outraged at being censored, all flocked that if the game continued, the to a new social media platform only way the Tarheels could called Parler, where they could possibly win would be by freely exchange facts, rumors, cheating, that it was a disgrace, lies, and speculation about the and he wouldn’t allow it. His conspiracy that was cheating assistant coach said, “Nobody their beloved head coach and can overcome a lead like that. team out of this crucial game. Do you think we’re fools?” Every official’s call was disputBut the game continued, ed, and presented as further despite their efforts to end it proof of the crime. Every second prematurely, and sure enough, they thought the clock should the Tarheels started scoring have been running, every sectouchdown after touchdown, ond they thought it should have reducing the Demon Deacons’ been stopped, every call against lead. With each succeeding their team, every no-call that fascore, the Demon Deacons vored the Tarheels, all added up fans became more desperate, to proof positive in their minds, taking to Twitter and Facebook that the game was being stolen. and screaming “Stop the Steal!” On the field of play, the Twitter and Facebook began Tarheels scored 5 unanswered flagging these messages as touchdowns to take a 59-45 disputed and potentially mislead with just 2:09 remaining. leading. So the Demon Deacons The Demon Deacons valiantly partisans started shouting from tried a comeback, scoring a the stands on live TV, “The Mack touchdown and a two-point Brown crime family is trying to conversion, and cutting the steal the game and the media lead to 59-53 with less than a
minute remaining. Everything depended on an onside kick by the Demon Deacons, which everyone knew had almost no chance of succeeding, and sure enough, the Tarheels recovered it to seal the victory. But the Demon Deacons coaching staff and the university’s board of regents still refuse to admit that the Tarheels won the game. They have protested to the NCAA, and the Demon Deacons partisans are still lighting up Parler with their righteous indignation and blood-curdling threats. College football may be ruined forever, now that the Demon Deacons refuse to ever acknowledge that any other team could possibly beat them, fair and square. But any objective observer can easily tell, the only ones trying to steal this game are the Demon Deacons and their head coach. I’m amazed that so many Texans have sided with the Demon Deacons. In the Texas where I grew up, Texans could smell bullshit a mile away, and they weren’t buying it, much less trying to sell it to anyone else. I miss those days. djones2032@austin.rr.com
Our parks are a source of pride, and necessary
O
n Nov. 3, Kyle voted yes on a $10 million parks bond that is not only going to provide must needed maintenance and upkeep of already existing park space, but it will also allow for work to begin on a massive regional sportsplex and festival grounds located in the Plum Creek area uptown near the border with Buda. Additionally, Hays County passed its own parks bond, allocating $75 million for area parks and recreation. So what does this mean for the neighbors of Kyle? Well that depends on who you ask. If you’re like me and you love being outside, this is a great thing. Trails will be more accessible and better maintained, many connecting to other area trail systems thus creating the ability for longer and more enjoyable runs, hikes and rides.The goal is to eventually have a connecting system of trails extending from North Austin all the way to San Marcos. Kyle youth (and some
Guest Column by David Abdel
adults) will have a new skate park located at Gregg-Clark park to ride in. Ash pavilion is also going to be receiving some updates. Time to get some new skates. The regional sportsplex will bolster an already robust recreational athletics system, while also drawing in teams and tournaments from around the area. This will cut down on the cost of travel that many youth sports teams face, while also affording our teams that “home field advantage” by having home games that parents and families can now attend. The festival grounds will become a premier event space that will draw in a much needed array of entertainment avenues for everyone to enjoy.
Who could complain? Well, if none of that is your cup of tea, I’m sure it frustrates you. The homebodies that don’t really enjoy the outside world probably aren’t enthusiastic about the million of tax dollars spent on these projects that they most likely won’t partake in. I’m sure there’s a good portion of neighbors worried about the noise, congestion and other issues the festival grounds may bring. The idea of a large group of teenagers congregating in the skate park may put some at unease. All of these concerns are, for the most part, valid. At the end of the day, the benefit all boils down to one thing: what is actually utilized. The potential of the sportsplex and festival grounds to bring visitors, volunteer opportunities, potential jobs and revenue to the town is great, but like the other parks and amenities it relies heavily on participation. Having unused parks, new or old, are not worth much in-
vestment in them if we don’t use them. Parks are an excellent facilitator of community building. The little moments in parks matter: the conversation you have about how beautiful the weather is when you sit down for a picnic next to a stranger, the friends you make by joining a recreation sports team, or when your children meet and befriend one another on the playground, or that nod of encouragement you give as you pass someone on the trails when you’re out on your run. Our parks are a source of pride, and as we rebuild our community post COVID-19, they are going to be necessary to bring us back together. So, as our parks are built, reimagined or refurbished, I encourage everyone to turn off the TV, close the laptop, turn off the iPhone ... and get outside and explore Kyle again. Full disclosure, I voted against both bonds; but I’m sure glad so many others didn’t.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR DIG INTO ALL CONTESTS Donald Trump says he has “received word” that massive voter fraud occurred in the recently completed election. It’s the only way he could have lost, right? He is inspiring his followers to protest and his enablers in the Senate and the House to acquiesce to his wishes that no winner be acknowledged until all the fraud is investigated and rooted out. Lest it appear that Mr. Trump is “Biden” his time to delay being rightfully labeled “loser”, we need to expand his truth seeking to include all contests on the November 2020 ballot. We need to start by digging into the supposed results of the election of John Cornyn and Lindsey Graham. How likely is it that they legitimately won by large margins in their races? I have on good authority from someone who heard that someone heard someone say they think they saw a sticky note scribble detailing irregularities in the voting and tabulating for
CORRECTIONS
Any erroneous reflection upon the character, standing or reputation of any person, firm or corporation which may appear in the pages of the Hays Free Press will be corrected upon being brought to the attention of the publisher.
these two candidates. Alleged cheating cannot be condoned, no matter which party the unAmerican slime work for, right? For that matter, if such massive fraud occurred as the rejected presidential candidate says, all seats for any elected office should be vacated until such time as each ballot can be verified. It stands to reason people would not only falsify their ballots for President; if they are going to risk going to federal prison they would certainly do it up big and falsify their votes for every office up and down the ballot. Because of Mr. Trump’s insinuation, every ballot is now in question. Hundreds of thousands of illegal voters and thousands of local officials, county officials, poll watchers and vote count watchers across the country who we trusted with election security were all in cahoots! Clearly we must grasp the deviousness of the American people, as does our soon to be former President. We must throw the vot-
DEADLINES
ing process into complete disarray so that we don’t have to hear the will of the people. That’s what any self-respect-
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ing banana republic would do. Jeff Kaufmann Buda
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Page 4
NEWS
TCEQ Lawsuit Continued from pg. 1
qualified expert witnesses clearly: showed compliance with the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards; established that the environment would be protected; and showed that notice was sufficient. Under the standard of review applicable to this case, the city asserts that the TCEQ order should not have been reversed. “As I mentioned when we heard the news of the District Court’s decision, we are confident in our ability to move forward,” said Dripping Springs Mayor Bill Foulds, Jr. “We are confident that our appeal to the Third Court of Appeals will confirm that the city is doing everything in its power to accommodate the wastewater needs of our growing community in the most environmentally sensitive manner possible, and that our permit will stand.” The city says it has taken great effort in negotiating contracts with developers who will take the treated effluent and reuse that water to irrigate green spaces instead of using potable water or ground water as an irrigation source. “Dripping Springs and our efforts could be used as a model for other communities,” the mayor said. “Instead, SOS refuses to acknowledge our efforts to do the right thing. Rather than get behind us and encour-
“We are confident that our appeal to the Third Court of Appeals will confirm that the city is doing everything in its power to accommodate the wastewater needs of our growing community in the most environmentally sensitive manner possible, and that our permit will stand.”
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • November 18, 2020
NOTICE OF RUNOFF ELECTION (AVISO DE ELECCIÓN)
–Bill Foulds, Mayor of Dripping Springs
age other permit applicants within the state to make the same efforts Dripping Springs is making, it is fighting us and forcing us to spend unnecessary and additional tax dollars to obtain and defend our permit.” The appeal process to the Third Court of Appeals is expected to take between 6 months to a year.
STEM at HCISD Continued from pg. 1
“I try to give them ideas on how to do STEM in their classroom even if you’re a language arts teacher, you might not think about ways that you can do STEM.” Education in the STEM fields can ultimately prepare students for post-high school careers and college, Campbell explained. “These opportunities are
great for kids to get those soft skills that employers are looking for,” Campbell told the Hays Free Press/ News-Dispatch. “Kids are working together in teams, solving problems, thinking critically and thinking outside of the box. Those are all really good skills. The earlier we start them, definitely the better off they are going to be.”
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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • November 18, 2020
NEWS
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Police Blotter The following is a tally of all calls made to law enforcement within Hays County between Nov 6th - Nov 12th, 2020.
Below is a sample of events reported by law enforcement from Nov 6th - Nov 12th, 2020. The location is where the event was reported or responded to and may not necessarily be where the event occured.
911 Investigation ..................................................................................84 Accident ................................................................................................43 Accident Fleet.........................................................................................0 Accident Hit and Run ...........................................................................12 ACO Abandoned Animal ........................................................................0 ACO Barking ...........................................................................................2 ACO Bite Case ........................................................................................3 ACO Cruelty Neglect ..............................................................................2 ACO Deceased Animal ...........................................................................4 ACO Follow Up .....................................................................................10 ACO Information Call..............................................................................4 ACO Injured / Sick ................................................................................17 ACO Loose Livestock ...........................................................................32 ACO Other...............................................................................................1 ACO Stray .............................................................................................20 ACO Unrestrained Animal ......................................................................1 ACO Vicious Animal ...............................................................................8 ACO Wildlife..........................................................................................15 Alarm Bank .............................................................................................0 Alarm Business .....................................................................................31 Alarm Residental ..................................................................................34 Alcohol Violation .....................................................................................2 Assault .................................................................................................39 Assist EMS/Fire ....................................................................................30 Assist Outside Agency .........................................................................12 BMV.........................................................................................................6 Burglary Building ....................................................................................9 Burglary Residence ................................................................................6 Business/Industrial Contact...................................................................3 Cancelled Without Assignment .............................................................0 Child Safety Incident ..............................................................................0 Citizen Assist/Service Call ...................................................................78 Civil Matter............................................................................................17 Code Compliance ...................................................................................4 Community Contact .............................................................................33 CPS Referral ...........................................................................................4 Crime Prevention ....................................................................................3 Damaged Property ...............................................................................10 Death Investigation ................................................................................9 Drug Offences.........................................................................................1 Fireworks ................................................................................................2 Forgery/Fraud .........................................................................................8 Harassment/Stalking ............................................................................12 Identity Theft...........................................................................................2 Illegal Dumping .......................................................................................1 Inpersonating ..........................................................................................0 Information............................................................................................30 Law Enforcement .................................................................................10 Lost / Found Property ............................................................................9 Mental Health .......................................................................................22 Missing Person/Runaway ......................................................................5 Noise Complaint ...................................................................................38 Other .....................................................................................................10 Patrol/Premise Check ........................................................................226 Reckless Driving ...................................................................................58 Recovery Stolen Property ......................................................................0 Robbery ..................................................................................................1 Sex Offender Registry ............................................................................1 Supplement/Follow Up.........................................................................67 Suspicious Activity ...............................................................................76 Test ..........................................................................................................3 Theft/Stolen ..........................................................................................12 Threat ......................................................................................................5 Traffic/Roadway....................................................................................55 Traffic Stop..........................................................................................502 Trespass ................................................................................................12 Violation of Order....................................................................................1 Warrent Service ......................................................................................3 Weapon .................................................................................................20
Date/Time 11/6/2020 8:41 11/6/2020 17:17 11/6/2020 18:10 11/6/2020 20:25 11/6/2020 16:15 11/6/2020 21:40 11/6/2020 22:17 11/6/2020 22:17 11/6/2020 18:31 11/6/2020 10:22 11/6/2020 8:08 11/6/2020 10:42 11/7/2020 4:06 11/7/2020 11:04 11/7/2020 15:58 11/7/2020 16:00 11/7/2020 16:26 11/7/2020 16:54 11/7/2020 19:34 11/7/2020 19:40 11/7/2020 21:01 11/7/2020 2:34 11/7/2020 8:12 11/7/2020 17:28 11/7/2020 18:48 11/7/2020 19:18 11/7/2020 23:20 11/7/2020 20:18 11/7/2020 22:29 11/7/2020 18:05 11/8/2020 2:46 11/8/2020 5:27 11/8/2020 8:49 11/8/2020 11:43 11/8/2020 14:35 11/8/2020 17:42 11/8/2020 19:15 11/8/2020 21:16 11/8/2020 10:14 11/8/2020 14:26 11/8/2020 17:23 11/8/2020 21:55 11/8/2020 23:17 11/8/2020 19:39 11/8/2020 7:47 11/9/2020 14:05 11/9/2020 15:01 11/9/2020 15:51 11/9/2020 18:22 11/9/2020 18:46 11/9/2020 18:56 11/9/2020 19:49 11/9/2020 22:36 11/9/2020 14:43 11/9/2020 15:09 11/10/2020 17:29 11/10/2020 7:22 11/10/2020 11:13 11/10/2020 19:44 11/10/2020 10:59 11/10/2020 15:11 11/11/2020 5:17 11/11/2020 8:31 11/11/2020 18:34 11/11/2020 20:48 11/11/2020 9:59 11/11/2020 10:20 11/11/2020 11:49 11/11/2020 15:33 11/11/2020 18:37 11/11/2020 19:06 11/11/2020 20:44 11/11/2020 23:32 11/11/2020 9:39 11/11/2020 10:36 11/11/2020 9:23 11/12/2020 1:35 11/12/2020 1:06 11/12/2020 5:25 11/12/2020 5:25 11/12/2020 5:25 11/12/2020 23:39 11/12/2020 22:44 11/12/2020 18:55
Type Accident Accident Accident Accident Assault Assault Assault Assault Fireworks Harassment Threat Threat Accident Accident Accident Accident Accident Accident Accident Accident Accident Assault Assault Assault Assault Assault Assault Fireworks Harassment Threat Accident Accident Accident Accident Accident Accident Accident Accident Assault Assault Assault Assault Assault Harassment Threat Accident Accident Accident Accident Accident Assault Assault Assault Harassment Harassment Accident Assault Assault Assault Harassment Harassment Accident Accident Accident Accident Assault Assault Assault Assault Assault Assault Assault Assault Harassment Harassment Threat Assault Accident Accident Accident Accident Accident Accident Accident
Location ELDER HILL RD, DRIFTWOOD, TX 78619 W US 290/LEDGE STONE DR, AUSTIN, TX 78737 W US 290/HERITAGE DR, AUSTIN, TX 78737 COTTON GIN RD/CAMINO REAL, KYLE, TX 78640 UHLAND RD, SAN MARCOS, TX 78666 IH 35, BUDA, TX 78610 N IH 35, BUDA, TX 78610 N IH 35, BUDA, TX 78610 GREAT OAKS DR/W MCCARTY LN, SAN MARCOS, TX 78666 CLIFFVIEW DR, WIMBERLEY, TX 78676 WINTERS MILL PKWY, WIMBERLEY, TX 78676 PAINTBRUSH, SAN MARCOS, TX 78666 RR 12/ELLIS RD, DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX 78620 RR 12/WOODCREEK DR, WIMBERLEY, TX 78676 TRAUTWEIN RD, AUSTIN, TX 78737 BLISS SPILLAR RD, MANCHACA, TX 78652 RR 12, WIMBERLEY, TX 78676 POSEY RD/HUNTER RD, SAN MARCOS, TX 78666 SAVAGE LN/RIVER RD, WIMBERLEY, TX 78676 RR 12/MARIPOSA RANCH RD, DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX 78620 NUTTY BROWN RD/W US 290, AUSTIN, TX 78737 OLD SAN ANTONIO RD, BUDA, TX 78610 UHLAND RD, SAN MARCOS, TX 78666 WINDRIDGE DR, KYLE, TX 78640 WOODROSE, SAN MARCOS, TX 78666 AIRPORT HIGHWAY 21, SAN MARCOS, TX 78666 KAI VISTA DR, KYLE, TX 78640 TOM SAWYER RD, DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX 78620 UHLAND RD, SAN MARCOS, TX 78666 OAK MEADOWS, SAN MARCOS, TX 78666 N CANYONWOOD DR/OAKWOOD LN, DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX RR 3237/SMITH CREEK RD, WIMBERLEY, TX 78676 SAWYER RANCH RD/W US 290, DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX 78620 OLD KYLE RD, WIMBERLEY, TX 78676 W US 290, DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX 78620 BLUE JAY ST, BUDA, TX 78610 ROGER HANKS PKWY, DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX 78620 HUNTER RD, SAN MARCOS, TX 78666 WOODROSE, SAN MARCOS, TX 78666 MCGREGOR LN, DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX 78620 OWL HOLLOW RD, SAN MARCOS, TX 78666 CREEKS LANDING DR, KYLE, TX 78640 MCGREGOR LN, DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX 78620 RIVER RD, WIMBERLEY, TX 78676 LARIAT LN, DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX 78620 IH 35, BUDA, TX 78610 HEB BUDA 35 FM 2001, BUDA, TX 78610 RIVER RD, SAN MARCOS, TX 78666 BEBEE RD, KYLE, TX 78640 E US 290, DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX 78620 RR 12, WIMBERLEY, TX 78676 TREASURE TROVE PATH, KYLE, TX 78640 WHITETAIL RUN, AUSTIN, TX 78737 W FITZHUGH RD, DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX 78620 W US 290, AUSTIN, TX 78737 TX 204 SB STAG HORN PASS, KYLE, TX 78640 IH 35, BUDA, TX 78610 IH 35, BUDA, TX 78610 HIGH RD, KYLE, TX 78640 RR 165, DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX 78620 W RR 150, KYLE, TX 78640 DEER LAKE RD, WIMBERLEY, TX 78676 MAIN ST, BUDA, TX 78610 W RR 150/ARROYO RANCH RD, KYLE, TX 78640 SERENE HOLW, BUDA, TX 78610 W GOFORTH ST/S CEDAR ST, BUDA, TX 78610 HIGH RD, KYLE, TX 78640 N IH 35, SAN MARCOS, TX 78666 ANDREWS XING, KYLE, TX 78640 BLACK BEAR CT, DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX 78620 LONGHORN LOOP, KYLE, TX 78640 PRAIRIE WIND DR, KYLE, TX 78640 TALLEY LOOP, BUDA, TX 78610 GOFORTH RD, KYLE, TX 78640 CYPRESS FAIRWAY VLG, WIMBERLEY, TX 78676 UHLAND RD, SAN MARCOS, TX 78666 W RR 150, KYLE, TX 78640 GRAEF RD/NIEDERWALD STRASSE, TX GRAEF RD/NIEDERWALD STRASSE, TX GRAEF RD/NIEDERWALD STRASSE, TX W US 290/HOLDER LN, DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX 78620 IH 35, KYLE, TX 78640 HAYS BUS BARN HUNTER RD/CENTERPOINT RD, SAN MARCOS, TX 78666
Agency HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO BPD HCSO BPD HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO BPD HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO BPD BPD HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO BPD BPD HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO BPD HCSO BPD BPD HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO BPD HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO BPD
Page 6
SPORTS
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • November 18, 2020
Hays CISD athletes sign letters of intent TRISTA STRASSER – VOLLYEBALL
PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM Senior classmates, Ryan Rubio (77) blocks for Ty Pruett who had 73 all-purpose yards, and scored a touchdown on a pass reception from quarterback Matthew Tippie.
Texans tame Tigers in bi-district playoff STAFF REPORT
Opportunistic defense, paired with consistent offensive play Friday guided the Wimberley Texans to a 27-6 bi-district playoff win over the Smithville Tigers, advancing the team to the second round. Wimberley (9-2) will play Hondo (10-1) in an area round playoff matchup Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Southwest Legacy Stadium in Van Ormy. Defense was Wimberley’s calling card as the Texan “Code Red” unit
forced four total Tiger turnovers in the contest. That included a fumble recovery from Walker Fields, as well as interceptions by Dylan Kincaid, Nathan Simpson and Canyun Staton. Meanwhile, Texan quarterback Matthew Tippie and the Wimberley offense capitalized on the strong defensive play. Wimberley quickly leapt out to a 13-0 first quarter lead, which held through halftime. The Texans added two more unanswered scores in the third frame before Smithville tallied six
points in the final quarter. Tippie went 20 of 31 for 267 yards and a touchdown with an interception. Texan running back Moses Wray rushed for 96 yards on 19 carries and had a pair of scores, while Kerrick Lai had 45 yards on 10 rushes for a score. Seven Texans recorded at least one catch with Wray leading the way with 62 yards on one reception. Wide receiver Jaxson Watts finished with 59 yards receiving on three catches and Simpson had seven grabs for 52 yards.
M-I-Z! Z-O-U! Will be the battle cry next fall for Hays High senior volleyball middle blocker Trista Strasser after she signed her Letter of Intent to play at the University of Missouri at Columbia! Strasser, a multi-sport athlete who competes in both volleyball and girls basketball, put ink to paper during a Nov. 11 National Signing Day ceremony at Bales Gym. Missouri is a Division I volleyball program, currently ranked No. 8 in the AVCA Collegiate Volleyball poll, that plays in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Joining Strasser were family and friends, along with Hays High head volleyball coach Ashley Davis and head girls basketball coach Danny Preuss. Over the course of her three year varsity career at Hays, Strasser has accumulated numerous honors including being named to the 25-6A first team in 2019, as well as her selection to the 2020 American Volleyball Coaches’ Association (AVCA) All-Region team.
LILY GUEVARA – BASKETBALL
The Super CenTex (Central Texas) region will be where Hays High senior basketball player Lily Guevara calls home next year. On Nov. 11, Guevara signed her letter of intent to continue her basketball career at the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor in Belton. UMHB is a Division III school that plays in the American Southwest Conference (ASC). Joining Guevara in a National Signing Day ceremony was the Hays High girls basketball coaching staff, led by head coach Danny Preuss, and many of Guevara's teammates and friends. Guevara, who began her fourth year at the varsity level this week, has earned numerous postseason accolades including being named as a first team selection to the 2019-20 25-6A All District team. During her junior campaign, Guevara became one of a handful of Hays High girls basketball players to eclipse the 1,000 point barrier.
Baker
Cooper
Zapata
CHANCE BAKER, JOSH ZAPATA, TYLER COOPER – BASEBALL
Central Texas will continue to be the home for a trio of Hays High senior baseball players after they signed their National Letters of Intent to play at the collegiate level. Hays High infielder Chance Baker, pitcher Tyler Cooper and outfielder Josh Zapata all participated in a National Signing Day ceremony held at Bales Gym. Nov. 11 is the first day for student-athletes in most sports to sign their letters of intent to play at the next level. Baker, a two-year letterman with the Hays baseball team, signed on to play at Baylor University in Waco, a member school of the Big XII Conference. Cooper, a pitcher and three-year letter winner, signed with Texas State University in San Marcos, which plays in the Sun Belt Conference. Zapata, a two-year letterwinner, signed to play at Navarro College in Corsicana, which plays in the Southwest Junior College Conference in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). Joining the trio were numerous family members, fellow teammates and Hays High head baseball coach James Howard.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DRIPPING SPRINGS ISD Left to right are Madyson Torres, Ally Beck, Sam Miethke, Charleigh Phipps, Cameron O’Banan, Brennan Frickel, and Charles Hunt.
Seven Dripping Springs seniors announce college commitments On Nov. 11, seven Dripping Springs High School seniors announced their commitments to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. Baseball players Brennan Frickel and Cameron O’Banan, basketball player Ally Beck, lacrosse player Charles Hunt, golfer Samantha Miethke, soccer player Charleigh Phipps, and softball player Madyson Torres signed National Letters of Intent. Below is information on each student-athlete.
ALLY BECK, BASKETBALL, TRINITY UNIVERSITY (SAN ANTONIO) A four-year varsity letterwinner, Ally Beck was named to the All-District First Team as a sophomore. Twice that year she earned all-tournament honors. After a junior-year injury, she has been chosen as a team captain this year. Beck holds the school record for the most three-pointers in a game (6), and sank a total
of 76 treys that season. In her career, she has averaged 11 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 assists and one block per game. She is the daughter of Jennifer and Michael Beck. Coach: David Norris.
plans to major in business. Coach: Chris Payne.
CHARLES HUNT, LACROSSE, VMI (VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE)
Charles Hunt has committed to further his academic and athletic BRENNAN FRICKEL, career as a Keydet at the BASEBALL, UNIVERSITY OF Virginia Military Institute HOUSTON (VMI) where, upon graduBrennan Frickel has ation, he will commission earned three letters as the as a second lieutenant in Tigers’ shortstop and has the United States Army. been a leader both offenCharles is a two-sport sively and defensively for varsity athlete lettering the Tigers. He started all 40 in basketball in his junior games in 2019, helping lead and senior seasons and the Tigers to the regional in lacrosse all four years. quarterfinals. Brennan hit Charles began his lacrosse .302 as a sophomore and career as the JV team Most led the team in both douValuable Player before bles and home runs. He has being called up to varsity played summer ball with and has been a three-year the Lonestar Baseball Club. starter. He has been a Texas The son of Amie and Chris Top 99 All-Star and a Best Frickel, Brennan has been of Texas All-Star while involved with the Unified leading the Tigers. He is the Champions program at son of Emily Manoguerra DSHS and also coaches and Dean Hunt. Coach: Bill youth baseball with the Cafferata. Dripping Springs Youth Sports Association. He LETTERS OF INTENT, 11
PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM
Wimberley High runners take 3rd in Region IV The Wimberley High School girls cross country team finished 3rd as a team at the 4A-Region IV meet in Corpus Christi to qualify for the state meet. Scoring for the team were: Jasmine Cante (22nd overall), Haley Hall (26th), Isabella Franchione (38th), Julia Rennels (44th), and Madison Anderson (46th). Sunny Jones and Risa Espinoa also ran at the meet. The state meet is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 24 at Round Rock's Old Settlers Park. Back row, left to right, are Assistant Coach Brinton Nute, Jasmine Cante, Isabella Franchione, Haley Hall, Madison Anderson, Julia Rennels, Head Coach Lacey Lambert; front row, left to right, are: Alexis Howell, Risa Espinoa, and Sunny Jones.
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Page 7
Smartest outlaw makes a dumb mistake
D
etermined to succeed where his predecessor had failed, Texas Ranger Capt. Lee Hall arrested King Fisher on five counts of murder on Nov. 19, 1877. Had the smartest outlaw in the Lone Star State finally run out of luck? Seven years earlier, Fisher entered the state penitentiary to do a five-year stretch for housebreaking. But the governor took pity on the 16 year old inmate and granted him a full pardon after four months behind bars. None too happy to see the teenaged troublemaker back on the streets so soon, Goliad authorities kept a close eye on the budding badman. Knowing the slightest slip-up would land him back in prison, the youth went west in search of a fresh start. Fisher found just that in the no-man’s-land between the Nueces and the Rio Grande, where the wild inhabitants lived by their wits and trigger fingers. As a cowboy, he learned to outthink and outshoot the competition, Mexican bandits that preyed on the isolated cattle ranches. By the mid-1870’s, he was
ishly fired in his direction, he grabbed the assailant’s Texas gun and killed all three. In another fabled fracas, History Fisher single-handedby Bartee Haile ly slew four more foes. Braining the first with a branding iron, he shot beating the rustlers at their the rest before they could own game and building a clear leather. It did not private empire known as take many such episodes “King Fisher’s Territory.” for him to rank among the The King was the picfastest guns in Texas. ture of frontier success. Fisher hobnobbed Always dressed fit to kill, with the high and mighty he sported the finest linen cultivating the friendship shirts and tailor-made of politicians and even a chaps with a crimson future dictator. Prior to waist sash. Wearing a seizing power in Mexico, buckskin jacket with gold Porfirio Diaz often dined embroidery, he topped off with the border boss in the expensive wardrobe Piedras Negras across with a white sombrero also the river from Eagle Pass. trimmed in precious metal Fisher’s connections with and featuring a gold snake influential officials time hatband. and again foiled efforts to On his hips Fisher bring him to justice. carried a matching pair of But Capt. Leaner silver-plated six-shooters McNelly could not be with ivory handles. More bought or bullied, and in than mere ornaments, the June 1876 he arrested nine pistols enabled the ammembers of the Fisher bidextrous gunfighter to gang in a raid on the Pendispense death with both dencia. Tying the prisoners hands. to their saddles for the ride Although Fisher felt to Eagle Pass, the Ranger bloodshed was bad for warned Fisher’s new bride business, he never backed that any attempt at rescue away from a fight. He once would result in the death caught a trio of Mexicans of her husband. stealing a horse from his But McNelly was upcorral. After one thief fool- staged by a slick lawyer,
who secured the release of his clients before they set foot in jail. After turning Fisher loose, the captain offered him a few choice words of wisdom. “You’ve won every bout with the law up to now,” conceded McNelly, “but finally you’ll lose one and that one will be for keeps. You could make a good citizen. You’d also make a nice corpse.” Ironically, Capt. McNelly beat the outlaw to the hereafter, when he died of tuberculosis the next September. The Ranger that took his place continued the campaign to clean up the border badlands by filing 21 separate charges, including five for murder, against the best-dressed outlaw. Fisher was in and out of court for six years but eventually beat every rap. While a guest of the taxpayers for five months in the Bexar County Jail, he resolved to turn over a new leaf and to become a legitimate rancher. So complete was the conversion that he sold his interest in a saloon and regularly attended religious revivals. The sheriff at crime-infested Uvalde asked Fisher to lend a hand, and within
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reason there is a higher failure rate this year compared to last year is because of the increase in virtual learners. “We didn’t get to train kids in person,” McDaniel said. “We had to train them for virtual learning, virtually and that was a real challenge for the first three weeks. Our virtual failure rate is higher than our in-person failure rate.” Parents are obligated to embrace the challenge of their children attending school during a pandemic, either virtually or in person. Hays CISD is hosting a training on Thursday, Nov. 19; the training will help parents navigate Schoology, the learning management system, and Teams, where student’s grades and attendance are monitored. McDaniel advises parents to be more interactive when their child is struggling with their schoolwork. “They can sit down with their child, start accessing those assignments and make sure their child knows where to access those things and how to access those lessons,” McDaniel said. “They can reach out to their teacher, ask the teacher for support and what
support they can get from the campus to help their child.” Advisory and homeroom periods within the district are used to help students navigate Schoology, according to McDaniel. Students are given additional support for time and stress management, independent learning skills, asking for help and learning how to be a self-advocate. “You have to be an advocate for yourself in this new environment,” McDaniel told the Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch. “The teacher isn’t there to see you every day in person to recognize when you may be struggling.” Hays CISD recently updated the 2020-2021 academic calendar to implement asynchronous/ virtual days for students each month. “Grading, answering emails, instructional planning; it takes a lot more time for teachers than normal,” McDaniel said. “We’ve tried to identify one day a month where it’s going to be asynchronous only instruction to give teachers additional time to grade, instructional plan and communication with parents.”
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McMahon’s comment that naming the road after Martin Luther King would unite the community more than divide it. “The speaker [Laura McMahon] also mentioned to us last time that using this particular name a sign of unity and inclusion in regards to the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. did for the nation as a whole in regards to providing everybody to have access to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness,” Westbrook said. As for the other names, Silvestre S. Herrera was a World War II hero who received the Medal of Honor from President Truman because of his role in WWII against German troops. Herrera was not a resident of Kyle but of El Paso. White Drive would be named after Dr. J.H. White who was Kyle’s first city physician from the early 20th century. The committee agreed they would need to add in the full name, if it can be found, for the road name to be considered or else it would be controversial as just “White Drive.”
their honor and on cue cut down the famous gunslingers with a barrage of bullets. Many Texans mourned the untimely passing of King Fisher and cursed the cowards who nipped his new life in the bud. Not everyone, however, shared that sentiment. For years the mother of a fugitive killed by the sure-shooting deputy appeared at the Uvalde cemetery on the anniversary of her son’s death. She would build a fire over the remains of King Fisher and dance triumphantly on his grave.
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road name at the Monday, Nov. 9 meeting. “The name Rebel Road has a very controversial connotation, it’s not welcoming to the city of Kyle and the diverse community,” McMahon told the committee. “Changing the name to Dr. Martin Luther King would be symbolic to the existing name and it would bring the community together. Dr King was a minister; an advocate for equality, inclusion, justice and non-violent peaceful protest.” While Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard is one of the names moving forward, committee member Anthony Davis questioned the suggestion as it relates to the city of Kyle. “Isn’t there already a thousand Martin Luther King, Jr. anything in the United States, including the ones already in Austin and San Antonio,” Davis told the committee on Monday, Nov. 16, “This has nothing really to do with Kyle.” In Hays County, the only city to have a road named after Martin Luther King is San Marcos. Chair Vanessa Westbrook referenced
months the deputy was in charge after his host ran afoul of the law he was supposed to enforce. The reformed rustler was assured of election when voters went to the polls in 1884. During a visit to Austin in March of that year, Fisher bumped into fellow gunman Ben Thompson, who as usual was in the mood to party. Although he rarely drank, on this occasion Fisher imbibed in a daylong binge which ended late that night in San Antonio. A sober Fisher would have never agreed to step inside the very gambling house, where Thompson had killed the proprietor two years before. Associates of the dearly departed arranged an ambush in
See solution on page 8
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Page 8
COMMUNITY
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • November 18, 2020
OBITUARIES FIELD
protective and shielded them from the troubles of On Sunday life and the world. He would morning, guide his children through November hard times, helping them 8, 2020 at to persevere, instilling in the age of them a strong work ethic 79, Luther dominated by integrity. Van Field, Luke was a private person who went by “Luke”, died and was very selective and entered the presence about whom he let into of the Lord. Born in Austin, his inner circle. He always on May 26, 1941 in East said that he cherished his Austin, to Amy Pauline relationship with his family Guinn "Polly" and Perry and did not need others in Alton Field. Born into a his life. working-class family, he had Luke was a dedicated a tough childhood growing firefighter with the city up in Austin which led him of Austin. He retired a to be a quiet, self-reliant, battalion chief in 1997 honest and humble man. from the Austin Fire Luke married and had Department after 29 two children: Marilyn and years of service to his Perry. He divorced and community. Throughout raised his two children his life, Luke displayed a on his own. He said that dry and sometimes goofy he was so very grateful to sense of humor which raise his kids. Luke was could only be described as loyal and dedicated to hilarious. His last words, his children and later his said to his anesthesiologist, grandchildren. He was very “Hey, if this goes south,
don’t worry about it.” Other than his sense of humor, he was known for his strong sense of integrity, and dedication to his family. He loved UT football, watching every game he could with his daughter Marilyn. They often joked, if cut, Luke would bleed Burnt Orange. When someone would share that they were an Aggie, he would gently respond, “I’ll pray for you”. Luke leaves behind his daughter, Marilyn Hammack and her husband James, his son, Perry Field and his significant other,
Cory Frances Perez, his grandchildren Tiffany Reynolds and her husband Josh, Kody Hammack, Jacob Hammack and Joshua Hammack. Graveside services were held Nov, 13 at Austin Memorial Park in Austin. Please keep Luke’s family and friends in your prayers as they heal from their sudden loss. Please visit www. Harrellfuneralhomes.com to share a fond memory, photograph or condolence with Luke’s family on his online memorial site.
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Sudoku Solution
ASSEMBLIES OF GOD
CHURCH OF CHRIST
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Faith Assembly of God 1030 Main St., Buda
Buda-Kyle Church of Christ 3.5 miles south of Buda on FM 2770
Monte del Olivar Christian Center 2400 FM 150 E., Kyle
BAPTIST
Southern Hills Church of Christ 3740 FM 967, Buda
First Baptist Church-Buda 104 San Marcos St., Buda
The Connection Church 1235 S. Loop 4, Buda
EPISCOPAL
Antioch Community Church Old Black Colony Rd., Buda
First Baptist Church-Kyle 300 W. Center St., Kyle Hays Hills Baptist Church 1401 FM 1626, Buda
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
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Baptist Church of Driftwood 13540 FM 150 W. CATHOLIC Santa Cruz Catholic Church 1100 Main Street, Buda
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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
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St. Paul’s United Methodist Church 7206 Creedmoor Rd., Creedmoor
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St. John’s Presbyterian Church 12420 Hewitt Ln., Manchaca
Iglesia Israelita Casa de Dios 816 Green Pastures Dr., Kyle
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First Presbyterian Church 410 W. Hutchison, San Marcos, TX 78666
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First Baptist Church
A loving & caring Southern Baptist Church 104 S. San Marcos Street, Buda Buddy Johnson, Pastor • 295-2161 Sunday School...........................................9:30 a.m. Morning Worship....................................10:45 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study/Youth Activities...6:00 p.m. AWANA’s (Wednesday)..........................6:00 p.m.
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Kingdom United Christian Church 100 Madison Way, Buda
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Completed & Perfected Faith Church Tobias Elementary Cafeteria, FM 150, Kyle
St. Anthony Marie Claret Church 801 N. Burleson, Kyle
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Classifieds Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • November 18, 2020
Page 9
PUBLIC NOTICES
EMPLOYMENT
DIRECT CARE COUNSELORS Provide positive role modeling, structure, and supervision to adolescent boys. No exp. required, We train comprehensively. Pay starting at $12 per hour for flexible 8 & 16 hr shift schedules. Health/life/dental insurance after 60 days. Min. requirements: Must be 21 yrs old, HS/GED, clean TDL, clean criminal history, pre-employment TB skin test, and drug screen. Growing (20+ year old) non-profit organization. www.pegasusschool.net. Call (512)432-1678 for further information.
CAREGIVER/HOUSE KEEPER URGENTLY NEEDED
This is a live-out position. Work from Tuesday through Friday. $750 weekly. Childcare and light housekeeping. Must be able to interact with children, speak English, and non smoker. MUST HAVE REFERENCES AND BE RESPONSIBLE. If interested you can reach Miss Grace at exportpottery11 @gmail.com
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TEXAS STATEWIDE ADVERTISING NETWORK
CITY OF BUDA BUDA, TX RFP 20-008 BOND ELECTION FACILITATION SERVICES ADVERTISEMENT FOR PROPOSALS Sealed Proposals, pursuant to Local Government Code Chapter 252, will be received for Bond Election Facilitation Services by the City of Buda, 405 E. Loop Street, Buda, Texas until 2:00 PM local time on December 17, 2020. Immediately thereafter, the bid proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Multi-Purpose Room 1034 within Buda City Hall located at 405 E. Loop Street, Building 100, Buda, Texas. The City of Buda seeks written proposals from qualified firms to provide pre-bond facilitation and processing services for a possible Municipal General Obligation Bond Election slated for November 2021. The Scope of Work includes facilitation of discussions with a bond advisory commission, analysis of potential capital projects, solicitation of public feedback, and presentations to elected and appointed governing bodies of the City of Buda. It is the intent of the City of Buda to select a single consultant to accomplish all the services outlined in this Request for Proposals. The Issuing Office for this Solicitation is the City of Buda - Finance Department, 405 E. Loop Street, Building 100, Buda, Texas 78610, Attn: Rosemary Esparza, Purchasing Manager; purchasing@ci.buda.tx.us. Prospective Proposers may examine the Bid Documents at the Issuing Office, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or copies of the Bidding Documents may be
obtained from the Procurement Website as described below. Proposal documents may be viewed and accessed online through the Procurement Website as described at http://ci.buda.tx.us/137/ Purchasing. The City of Buda has partnered with BidNet as part of the Texas Purchasing Group and posts bid opportunities to this site. The documents are made available for the sole purpose of obtaining Bids for completion of the Project and permission to download does not confer a license or grant permission or authorization for any other use. Authorization to download documents includes the right for Bidders to print documents for their sole use, provided they pay all costs associated with printing or reproduction. Printed documents may not be re-sold under any circumstances.
All official notifications, addenda, and other documents will be offered only through the Procurement Website. The Procurement Website may be updated periodically with Addenda, meeting summaries, reports, or other information relevant to submitting a Bid for the Project.
NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SUBDIVIDE An application has been filed with HAYS COUNTY to subdivide 15.819 acres of property located at along S. Old Stagecoach Road, Kyle, TX 78640. Information regarding the application may be obtained from Hays County Development Services (512) 393-2150. Tracking number: PLN-1527-PC.
PUBLIC NOTICES, 10
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice is hereby given in accordance with the terms of the provisions of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code that Hwy 21 Investments LLC d/b/a Camino Real C-Store has filed application for a Wine and Beer Retailer’s Permit. Said business to be conducted at 12970 Camino Real, Kyle, Hays County, TX 78640. OWNER: Navid K. Karedia, Manager; Karim Karedia, Manager; and Riyaz Kadiwal, Manager
TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
NOTICE OF DISTRICT PETITION TCEQ INTERNAL CONTROL NO. D-07302020-050 PETITION. M/I Homes of Austin, LLC, an Ohio limited liability company and Meritage Homes of Texas, LLC, an Arizona limited liability company (Petitioners) filed a petition for creation of Buda Municipal Utility District No. 1 of Hays County (District) with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The petition was filed pursuant to Article XVI, §59 of the Constitution of the State of Texas; Chapters 49 and 54 of the Texas Water Code; 30 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 293; and the procedural rules of the TCEQ. The petition states that: (1) the Petitioners holds title to a majority in value of the land to be included in the proposed District; (2) there are no lienholders on the property to be included in the proposed District; (3) the proposed District will contain approximately 168.883 acres located within Hays, Texas; and (4) all of the land within the proposed District is within the corporate limits of Buda. By Ordinance No. 2020-12, passed and adopted on June 2, 2020 the Buda, Texas, gave its consent to the creation of the proposed District, pursuant to Texas Water Code §54.016. The territory to be included in the proposed District is set forth in a metes and bounds description designated as Exhibit “A” and is depicted in the vicinity map designated as Exhibit “B,” both of which are attached to this document. The petition further states that is the proposed district will design, construct, acquire, maintain, extend, finance, and issue bonds for : (1) a water works and sanitary sewer system for domestic and commercial purposes; (2) works, improvements, facilities, plants, equipment and appliances helpful or necessary to provide more adequate drainage for the District, and to control, abate and amend local storm waters or other harmful excesses of waters; (3) such other additional facilities, systems, plants and enterprises as are consistent with all of the purposes for which the District is created and; (4) the design, acquisition, construction, financing, and issuance of bonds for roads and improvements in aid of roads. According to the petition, a preliminary investigation has been made to determine the cost of the project, and it is estimated by the Petitioners that the cost of said project will be approximately $32,053,148. However, the financial analysis in the application was based on $40,220,000 ($22,760,000 for water, wastewater, and drainage plus $17,460,000 for roads). CONTESTED CASE HEARING. The TCEQ may grant a contested case hearing on this petition if a written hearing request is filed within 30 days after the newspaper publication of this notice. To request a contested case hearing, you must submit the following: (1) your name (or for a group or association, an official representative), mailing address, daytime phone number, and fax number, if any; (2) the name of the Petitioners and the TCEQ lnternal Control Number; (3) the statement “I/we request a contested case hearing”; (4) a brief description of how you would be affected by the petition in a way not common to the general public; and (5) the location of your prorperty relative to the proposed District’s boundaries. You may also submit your proposed adjustments to the petition which would satisfy your concerns. Requests for a contested case hearing must be submitted in writing to the Office of the Chief Clerk at the address provided in the information section below. The Executive Director may approve the petition unless a written request for a contested case hearing is filed within 30 days after the newspaper publication of this notice. If a hearing request is filed, the Executive Director will not approve the petition and will forward the petition and hearing request to the TCEQ Commissioners for their consideration at a scheduled Commission meeting. If a contested case hearing is held, it will be a legal proceeding similar to a civil trial in state district court. INFORMATION. Written hearing requests should be submitted to the Office of the Chief Clerk, MC-105, TCEQ, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, TX 78711-3087. For information concerning the hearing process, please contact the Public lnterest Counsel, MC-103, at the same address. General information regarding TCEQ can be found at our web site http://www.tceq.texas.gov/. Issued: October 23, 2020 See Exhibits A&B, next page
Page10
PUBLIC NOTICES
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • November 18, 2020
PUBLIC NOTICES TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL EQUALITY, CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
EXHIBIT A
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • November 18, 2020
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11
Page 11
Letters of Intent Continued from pg. 6
NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF HAYS CAUSE: 18-2234
By virtue of an Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 22nd District Court of HAYS County, Texas September 28,2020, in cause numbered 18-2234, styled Hometown Kyle Homeowners Association, Inc. versus Marshall A. Carrell And Julia R. Carrell on a judgment rendered against versus Marshall A. Carrell And Julia R. Carrell; I did on October 19, 2020, at 9:30 a.m., levy upon as the property of Michael Morales the following described real property: LOT 28 BLOCK “E”, OF HOMETOWN KYLE SUBDIVISION, PHASE 2, A SUBDIVISION IN HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 12, PAGE 111, PLAT RECORDS OF HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS AND KNOWN LOCALLY AS 136 CATALPA COVE KYLE, TEXAS 78640. On December 1, 2020, being the first Tuesday of the month, between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M.,
beginning at 10:00 a.m., at the Hays County, at the South Door, 712 Stagecoach Trail of the Courthouse of the said County, in the City of San Marcos, Texas, I will sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the right, title and interest of Marshall A. Carrell And Julia R. Carrell in and to the real property described above. Dated at Kyle, Hays County, Texas, October 19, 2020. Michael Torres Constable, Pct. 2 Hays County, Texas 5458 FM 2770 Kyle, Texas 78640 by Patrick Chasse, Deputy Notice to Bidders: You are
buying whatever interest, if any, the Debtor has in the property. Purchase of the Debtor’s interest in the property may not extinguish any liens or security interests held by other persons. There are no warranties, express or implied, regarding the property being sold, including but not limited to warranties of title, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Notice to Judgment Debtor: If there is any property, real or personal, you want to point out for levy in lieu of the above described property, you must contact this office immediately.
SAM MIETHKE, GOLF, CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY
Team in 2019 after starting in 35/40 games and helping lead the Tigers Samantha (Sam) Mito a regional quarterfinal ethke is the current capappearance. That spring tain of the Lady Tiger golf he led DSHS in batting team and ranks among average, RBI, and stolen the top five all-time bases. Cameron, who female golfers at DSHS twice has earned acain both 18- and 36-hole demic all-district honors, scoring. She placed third also has been a starter for individually at the 2019 the Tiger football team District Championships and has participated in with a low round of 78, track. A long-time memleading DSHS to the team ber of the Longhorn Basetitle. Sam has multiple ball Club, Cameron is the top-10 finishes at tourna- son of Lisa and Roy O’Baments, including two top- nan. He plans to major in five placements over her business management. two-year varsity career. Coach: Chris Payne. She earned academic all-district honors as well. CHARLEIGH PHIPPS, The daughter of Sonja SOCCER, TEXAS LUTHERAN Keen and John Miethke, UNIVERSITY Sam participates annually Charleigh Phipps is with her church’s youth a four-year letterman mission trip, as well as other community service who has earned academic all-district honors activities. She plans to major in business. Coach: every season at DSHS. The Lady Tigers’ goalJason Wahlers. ie, she was a key part of the 2019 team that CAMERON O’BANAN, competed in the state BASEBALL, UNIVERSITY tournament and finished OF TEXAS as state semi-finalists. In A three-year letterthe 2020 COVID-shortwinner as a pitcher and ened season, Charleigh centerfielder, Cameron allowed just two goals O’Banan was named to in 22 games. When the the All-District Second season was cancelled,
DSHS was 21-1 overall and 14-0 in the district and was ranked second in the state. Charleigh has been a football manager for four years and is the lead football manager this season. She is the daughter of Kristen and Steven Phipps. Coach: Bailee Perrine.
MADYSON TORRES, SOFTBALL, MASSACHUSETTS COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS Madyson is a one-year letterwinner who will be competing for the starting position as catcher. In last year’s COVID-shortened season, Madyson’s early statistics included a home run, two RBI and a .154 batting average. She also played summer softball with the Austin Texas Twisters and was part of three local tournament championships. The daughter of Candace and Eugene Torres, Madyson was invited to and played in the Triple Crown Select All-Star Game in Colorado. She plans to major in Sports Medicine. Coach: Wade Womack.
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Page 12
HISTORY
Hays Free Press • November 18, 2020
Presidential turkey pardon, a tradition that began with Lincoln in 1863 BY TOM EMERY
Each year just before Thanksgiving, the President ceremoniously pardons a turkey, a light-hearted moment in his otherwise grueling schedule. The tradition is traced to Abraham Lincoln, who wrote a pardon at the behest of his youngest son, Tad, in 1863. Though the origin is debated, many researchers believe that Lincoln was the first to bestow a Presidential pardon on a turkey, thus saving it from the dinner table. The reprieve, though, was actually issued
Two turkeys are normally chosen for the ceremony, one serving as an alternate, to stand in if the first bird cannot fulfill the duties. In 2008, Bush pardoned the backup, Pumpkin, after the top turkey, Pecan, came down sick the night before the ceremony.
at Christmas. In late 1863, the Lincolns received a turkey as a gift, and though the bird was intended for Christmas dinner, nine-year-old Tad, an animal lover, had other ideas. He made a pet of the bird, which he named Jack,
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and taught the bird to follow him around the White House grounds. On Christmas Eve, the President tried to tell his son that the bird would become the family dinner. Upset, Tad reportedly cried, “I can’t help it. He’s a good turkey, and I don’t want him killed.” Lincoln gave in and wrote out a pardon on a card, which he handed to his son to appease him. “Tad was begging for the turkey’s life,” said Dr. Wayne Temple, an accomplished Lincoln scholar who recently retired as Deputy Director of the Illinois State Archives in Springfield. “Lincoln was always looking for something to amuse the children, so he pardoned the turkey.” The President’s playfulness reflected other episodes with his children. In 1861, he had written a pardon for a soldier doll, also named Jack, that Tad and older brother Willie (who died the next February) had sentenced to death. In 1997, Bill Clinton referenced Lincoln’s story in ceremonies to pardon a sixty-pounder named Willis. George W. Bush also made reference to Lincoln’s pardon in 2001. “Lincoln is probably the only President with the sense of humor to pardon
a turkey,” laughed Temple. “Other Presidents have been more serious-minded, but that’s how Lincoln could be.” Some of Lincoln’s successors have shown less inclination. After President Obama’s first turkey pardon in 2009, one commentator found that the chief executive “did not seem all that thrilled with his role”. Seven years before, when a female turkey – a thirty-pound gobbler named Katie – was pardoned for the first time, G. W. Bush absentmindedly twice called the bird “he.” While many researchers credit Lincoln as the first President to issue a turkey pardon, others cite Harry S. Truman, who was the first to receive a gift bird from the National Turkey Federation in 1947. However, officials at the Truman Presidential Library in Missouri have found no evidence of any
pardons given by Truman to a turkey. His successor, Dwight D. Eisenhower, ate each of the birds given to him during his eight years in office. Four days before his assassination in 1963, John F. Kennedy offhandedly said of a 55-pound gift turkey, “we’ll let this one grow.” The first President on record to deliver a pardon was Ronald Reagan in 1987, allegedly to draw attention from reporters’ questions on the Iran-Contra affair. No turkeys were spared the following year, but in 1989, Reagan’s successor, George H.W. Bush, instituted the pardon as an annual rite. Two turkeys are normally chosen for the ceremony, one serving as an alternate, to stand in if the first bird cannot fulfill the duties. In 2008, Bush pardoned the backup, Pumpkin, after the top turkey, Pecan, came down sick the night before
the ceremony. In recent years, reprieved turkeys have been sent to various locations in Virginia, including George Washington’s estate at Mount Vernon and a place in Fairfax County called Frying Pan Park. From 2005-09, the turkeys were flown first-class to Disneyland to serve as grand marshals of Disney’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Today, the annual ceremony to pardon the turkey usually lasts a few minutes and provides a prime photo opportunity for the President and members of his family. The White House frequently invites children to join the ceremony, adding to the holiday festivities. Tom Emery is a freelance writer and historical researcher from Carlinville, Ill. He may be reached at 217-710-8392 or ilcivilwar@yahoo.com.
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