November 30, 2022 News-Dispatch

News-Dispatch

New apartments coming to Dripping Springs

BY MEGAN WEHRING

DRIPPING SPRINGS

– Wayfinder Real Estate broke ground on a 241-unit multi-family community at 13059 Four Star Boulevard, Austin. The location was formerly the home of Trudy’s Four Star restaurant.

Lookout, scheduled to open in late 2024, is said to provide a more affordable alternative to owning a single-family home in the Dripping Springs area that has seen its population double over the last decade.

“Dripping Springs has long attracted young families due to its excellent schools and small-town charm in the middle of

DSISD collects coats for kids

BY MEGAN WEHRING

DRIPPING SPRINGS – To help children keep warm, some Dripping Springs ISD campuses are collecting coats.

Coats for Kids partners with Jack Brown Cleaners, iHeartRadio and KVUE to collect and distribute coats to Central Texas children up to 18 years old in need. This year, Rooster Springs Elementary is supporting Coats for Kids to help make a difference by holding a coat drive through Dec. 2.

Drop-off locations include Rooster Springs Elementary, Cypress Springs Elementary, Dripping

Public defender’s office gets green light

BY MEGAN WEHRING

HAYS COUNTY – The longawaited public defender’s office (PDO) is moving forward in Hays County.

On Nov. 22, the Hays County Commissioners Court unanimously approved an agreement between the county and Neighborhood Defender Service, Inc. (NDS), though the contract was originally supposed to be ready in August. The $11,282,910 (or about $2.256 mil. annually) contract is effective through Sept. 30, 2027, but can be renewed for another five-year term.

In August 2021, the court allocated up to $5 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to create a PDO.

Now, the remainder of the funding will need to be budgeted. The contract states that if the court

fails to appropriate funding for the agreement for the following fiscal year, the county may terminate the contract after giving NDS a 60-day notice of the terminated contract.

NDS will be assigned up to the equivalent of 1,434 misdemeanor cases annually over the term of the contract for years two through five, according to the contract, where a misdemeanor counts as one misdemeanor case and a felony counts as 1.87 misdemeanor cases. The caseload will be prorated for the partial, first year of the contract.

Cyrus Gray III, a former inmate of the Hays County Jail, was incarcerated for nearly five years pretrial.

“The time inspired me to advocate for men and women who unfortunately, are and have been experiencing the same thing I

DSHS sophomore speaks at TEDx

BY MEGAN WEHRING

DRIPPING SPRINGS

– Eben Sebastian, a sophomore at Dripping Springs High School (DSHS), was one of 14 speakers and the only teenager selected for the TEDx event held on Sept. 24 in Harker Heights.

TEDx is a grassroots initiative, created in the spirit of TED’s overall mission to research and discover “ideas worth spreading.” TEDx brings the spirit of TED to local communities around the globe through events organized by passionate

The News-Dispatch Barton Publications, Inc. The News-Dispatch (USPS 011-401) published weekly by Barton Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 339, Buda, TX 78610. Periodicals postage paid at Buda, TX 78610 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Barton Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 339, Buda, TX 78610. ISSN#1087-9323

individuals who seek to uncover new ideas and share the latest research in their local areas that spark conversations in their communities. More than 3,000 events are now held annually.

Sebastian, 15, talked about how taste influences the way we experience food and how it impacts our daily life in his presentation, “Is Taste a Blessing Or a Curse - Adapting ESG to Ourselves.”

To watch the presentation, visit https:// www.youtube.com/ watch?v=9ptn-TS2zFM.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Design of the new Lookout apartments in Dripping Springs.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Eben Sebastian, a sophomore at Dripping Springs High School was one of 14 speakers selected for the TEDx event.

Coats for Kids is accepting new and gently used coats through Dec. 2.

Hays County Food Bank tackles food insecurity

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

HAYS COUNTY — Food insecurity in our community is a year-round problem, but during the holidays when many are gathering with loved ones around big tables of food, this problem can be exacerbated.

The Hays County Food Bank (HCFB), which serves all of Hays County, is always on a mission to help feed families and erase the stigma associated with needing food assistance.

The numbers are staggering: so far in 2022, HCFB has served more than 122,000 people with nearly 940,000 pounds of food distributed.

Now, with the colder months among us, combating food insecurity by providing access to assistance is needed more than ever. Recently, HCFB’s 16th Annual Turkeys Tackling Hunger campaign saw 1,500 households in need receive a Thanksgiving meal of turkey, plus sides and fresh produce.

“There was a greater need this year for sure,” said Iris Tate, communications coordinator for HCFB. “We opened registration later this year, but we still filled our max capacity of 1,500 pretty quickly. The need is definitely higher now, even more than during the peak of the pandemic, just with the rising costs of everything.”

While Turkeys Tackling Hunger is the food bank’s

only “holiday” themed event, Tate said that the food bank will continue with its regular distribution schedule throughout Christmastime and into the New Year; the food bank will also be at Budafest on Dec. 3.

Tate encouraged the community to get into the holiday spirit and put together their own food drives with their organizations, churches, gyms or apartment complexes. She noted that monetary donations can be tax-deductible and just $1 can help provide three meals.

Donations to the food bank also benefit its “last mile sites,” or entities like schools, churches and shelters who hold their own micro-distributions.

Currently, the food bank is working with 22 last mile sites, which helps to extend its reach to even more community members in need.

Of course, initiatives like this wouldn’t be possible without the hundreds of community members who come far and wide to support the food bank, whether it's through monetary or food donations or volunteering their time to collect or distribute food.

“We have great volunteer support,” Tate said. “An overwhelming amount came [to Turkeys Tackling Hunger] and were able to experience the joy of handing out meals. Our clients are super appreciative, and we

try to make it a fun celebration … We’re really grateful for the continued support from our donors, volunteers and partners. We quite literally could not do it without the community’s

County program seeks donations for the holidays

STAFF REPORT

HAYS COUNTY — The Hays County Brown Santa program has started its annual drive for money, food and toys to assist families in need in Hays County.

The program consists of volunteers from the Hays County Sheriff’s Office and members of the community. Last year, hundreds of families were given assistance in food and/or toys throughout Hays County through the program.

Monetary contributions in the form of a check or money order can be made payable to “Hays County Brown Santa” and mailed to 102 Wonder World Drive #304-564, San Marcos, TX 78666.

Venmo and Square app payments are also accepted; more information is on the Hays County Brown Santa Facebook page. Contact Lt. Dennis Gutierrez at (512) 393-7877 regarding cash donations.

Toy donations are being accepted for all age groups up to 16 years of age. Donated toys can be dropped off to one of the locations below, or arrangements can be made for pickup.

• Kyle: Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace Beth Smith office; RBFCU

• Buda: Pct. 5 Justice of the Peace Lucinda Doyle office; RBFCU; Falcon International Bank; Triple Elevation Custom Creations

• Dripping Springs: Pct. 4 Hays

County offices; RBFCU; SouthStar Bank

• Wimberley: Pct. 3 Justice of the Peace Andy Cable office; ACE Hardware

• San Marcos: HCSO; Southside Community Center; RBFCU; Austin Telco Federal Credit Union; the Edward Jones office on San Antonio Street

Unwrapped toy donations are due by Dec. 9. Wrapped toy donations are due Dec. 12. Toys will be wrapped at 120 Stagecoach Trail in San Marcos on Dec. 10 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and on Dec. 12 and 13 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m; volunteers are needed, and children are welcome to help in the warehouse as well.

The San Marcos and Kyle Police Departments have Blue Santa programs so any families residing within those city limits must apply with them for assistance.

All other families residing within Hays County can pick up applications at one of the following locations listed below (toy donations may also be dropped off here).

The deadline for accepting applications is Dec. 8 at 5 p.m.

• Kyle: Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace Beth Smith office

• Buda: Pct. 5 Justice of the Peace Lucinda Doyle office

• Dripping Springs: Pct. 4 Hays County office

• Wimberley: Pct. 3 Justice of the Peace Andy Cable office

• San Marcos: Hays County Sheriff’s Office; Southside Community Center

support. We’re so grateful to continue those relationships.”

For more information on how to donate, volunteer or receive assistance (including finding a food distribution schedule or

getting help to sign up for food stamps), visit the Hays County Food Bank’s website at www. haysfoodbank.org or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ HaysFoodBank.

County court approves community cat policy

BY MEGAN WEHRING

HAYS COUNTY – Hays County is working to address issues stemming from the presence of community cats.

On Nov. 22, the Hays County Commissioners Court approved an interim community cat management policy to move toward the recommendations of a feasibility study conducted by Team Shelter USA.

Assistant General Counsel Jordan Powell presented the following revisions to the draft resolution, which is provided to the court and the public in the backup agenda documents, recommended by animal advocacy advisor Sharri Boyett.

• Add ‘and may or may not possess discernible identification’ to the fifth paragraph: “Community cats shall be defined as any free-roaming cat that may or may not be socialized”

• Erase ‘ear-tipped and’ from the seventh paragraph: “In line with the ideals of the City and the Animal Shelter the County desires to exempt Community Cats that are ear-tipped and sterilized from any

COATS, from page 1

Springs Elementary, Dripping Springs High School, Walnut Springs Elementary and any Austin area Jack Brown Cleaners.

Other ways to participate include donating $20 to the effort online at www. jlaustin.org/coats by clicking “DONATE” or text GIVEATX to 243725. Those interested can

licensing, stray, abandonment, or at-large provisions directed toward owned animals”

• Remove ‘home’ from the final paragraph: “Hays County supports the practice of returning Community Cats to their original home locations and in furtherance of such practice, Community Cats shall be exempted from licensing, stray, abandonment, and at-large provisions”

Boyett said that she wanted the word ‘home’ to be clarified in the different sections of the policy.

“Approving this will allow us to help with the release of those cats that are in our shelter at this time,” Judge Ruben Becerra said.

Commissioner Lon Shell said that the county followed up with the Sheriff’s Office to make sure everyone is on the same page. He added that the county is still waiting for the city of San Marcos to finalize its ordinance before the ordinance revisions go back to the commissioners court for final approval.

“In the interim, I believe this policy will function the way we intended,” Shell said.

also purchase a coat off the gift registry at https://www.myregistry. com/wishlist/coats-forkids-coat-drive-juniorleague-of-austin-austintx/3409327/giftlist.

Each year, more than 450 Junior League of Austin (JLA) volunteers and 2,000 volunteers participate in the acquisition, sorting, and

distribution of coats.

The dedicated support of local groups, businesses, schools and individuals helps Coats for Kids serve the children and families of Central Texas each winter, according to JLA.

For more information about the JLA 36th annual Coats for Kids, visit https://www.jlaustin.org/ coats/.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

During Hays County Food Bank’s 16th Annual Turkeys Tackling Hunger campaign held at ACC’s Hays campus, 1,500 families in Hays County were able to receive a Thanksgiving meal.

Brand infuses culture into coffee

Line expands into 40+ stores in Texas

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

For Jessica Taylor, coffee has long been a vehicle of connection — her coffee brand blends this idea of connectivity with culture and delicious flavors for a unique caffeine experience.

Taylor founded Ezra Coffee in 2021. The idea originally started off as a “passion project” stemming from her childhood memories of drinking coffee with her sister and grandparents in Texarkana.

Into adulthood, Taylor would often roast beans and come up with different flavors at home for fun. At one of her annual parties celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day, one of her friends tried a cup and suggested she sell it.

While she considered her coffeemaking as something she and her sister enjoyed doing together “on the side,” Taylor got to work sending out Google surveys to her friends to get feedback on blends she created, testing the waters to see if it would be a viable business venture

or remain a hobby.

“I have a lot of friends that say, ‘I don’t like coffee; it’s too bitter, it’s too strong, it’s too acidic,’” Taylor said. “I went to a local coffee house and they were telling me about things and I was understanding that different [blends] provided different notes and flavor profiles.”

“Growing up, my grandparents drank Folgers or Maxwell or whatever it was they had in the house. So it wasn’t until I started traveling around that I started noticing there were different notes,” Taylor continued. “One thing I wondered was, ‘Well, if I mix these two, what kind of flavor would this give me?’ So you’ll notice that all of Ezra uses mixed-origins. We don’t have any single-origin blends. We wanted to create a good, balanced flavor of a couple of different flavor notes.”

All six of Ezra’s blends are all allergenfriendly. Her sister has a soy and nut allergy and is lactose intolerant, which challenged Taylor to flavor her blends in a

See COFFEE, page 4

The holidays and GERD

Warning signs and tips for prevention

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Another Thanksgiving has passed and Christmas is coming up, which means for the next several weeks many of us will continue to indulge in all kinds of holiday treats, but these can sometimes cause some intestinal discomfort that is common, but preventable.

GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, or the tube connecting the mouth and stomach. This backwash can irritate the lining of the esophagus, causing symptoms like a burning sensation in the chest, sour tasting backwash and upper abdominal pain. It sounds scary, but is actually incredibly common. Dr. Rajesh Shah of Baylor Scott & White says that GERD is an “umbrella term,” encompassing other issues like acid reflux, heartburn and regurgitation.

Fried, fatty or spicy foods along with alcohol and caffeine are often consumed at an all-time high during the holidays, but unfortunately, can contribute to GERD symptoms. These, combined with overeating/eating large portions and lying down shortly after eating, can exacerbate symptoms.

Dr. Shah noted that there are some warning signs of being predisposed for GERD: experiencing abnormal heartburn, food getting caught or stuck when swallowing, experiencing unusual weight loss, vomiting, or if there is a history of family intestinal problems, like esophagus cancer or stomach cancer.

Experiencing acid reflux and heartburn more than twice a week may indicate GERD, but even a one-off experience — like around the holidays — can bring

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had,” Gray said. “Courtappointed attorneys are overloaded with cases and have such a lack of resources that the expectation of adequate fair defense seems impossible.”

Many offenders would go three months to a year without hearing or seeing court-appointed attorneys, Gray pointed out in public comments.

"With such a lack of resources and overload of cases, the fault is not entirely on the courtappointed attorneys," Gray said.

"It is the system in whole. Having a public defender’s office will create much needed relief. To reduce the workload will allow our courtappointed attorneys to focus on the cases that they do have.”

Gray added that the majority of those incarcerated are pretrial detainees, therefore, considered innocent until proven guilty.

“A public defender’s office provides a sense of relief and resources

needed to expedite these cases,” Gray said.

Gray is appreciative of the county’s efforts in the creation of a PDO – this will be his first Thanksgiving spent with his family since 2017.

“I’m sorry we failed you as a county,” Judge Ruben Becerra responded to Gray’s comments. “I will continue to fight

for you and everyone else that’s voiceless in our community. I’m grateful that the Lord gave me four more years to represent the broken, vulnerable and voiceless, whatever they look like and wherever they live.

I will do my very best to continue to push so that you and your experience is not wasted.”

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Jessica Taylor, founder of Ezra Coffee.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Judge Ruben Becerra (left) stands with Cyrus Gray III (second from right) and his parents after the commissioners court approved the creation of a public defender’s office.

County Pet Resource Center in the works

BY MEGAN WEHRING

HAYS COUNTY – Austin Pets

Alive! has been chosen to run the Pet Resource Center.

The Hays County Com missioners Court awarded a request for proposals contract to Austin Pets Alive! and autho rized staff and general counsel to negotiate a contract on Nov. 22. Earlier on Sept. 27, the court

approved a request for propos als for an organization to assist with the creation, development and operation of a Pet Resource Center.

“I have long envisioned this center, working with a variety of animal advocates and organizations to get one step closer to a holistic, centralized Pet Resource Center that also addresses human social ser

vices, which will be paramount to supporting our underserved community,” said Judge Ruben Becerra in a Facebook post.

“With Austin Pets Alive! and Hays County at the helm, our pets are one step closer to this new reality.”

Austin Pets Alive! was found ed in 1997 by attorney James Collins and his then-wife Judy Ford as an all-volunteer ad

vocacy group to help increase homeless companion animal lifesaving. The organization is not your average animal shelter; it pioneers innovating lifesaving programs designed to save animals most at risk of euthanasia.

A contract will be brought back before the commissioners court to approve and finalize the contract award.

GERD, from page 3

way that didn’t need any milk-based additives.

“I wanted to come up with flavors that were specific to the African American diaspora,” Taylor said.

“One thing that I really enjoy is sweet potatoes and candied yams

… More importantly, I enjoyed the story behind how the yams came from Ghana, West Africa to the United States and how Dr. George Washington Carver used them,” referencing Ezra’s Candied Yams blend.

In terms of picking the flavors, notes and beans, Taylor said that a majority of the beans come from Ethiopia and Kenya, with Ethiopian beans being the base for many of the blends.

The whole brand comes together with its messaging: honoring Black history and figures while wrapped in beautiful Ghanaian Adinkra symbology packaging.

Taylor explained that Ezra’s blends are named after significant events and individuals “within our collective American history,” focusing on historic Black activists and Black culture.

Her personal favorite blend, 64th & Tulsa, highlights the presidential signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and reflects on Tulsa’s Black Wall

Street. Other blends include Lorde Baldwin, honoring Audre Lorde and James Baldwin, and King Malcolm, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King and Malcom X. Cognac-infused blend Le Grand Duc 1928 pays homage to Eugene Ballard and the Toasted Southern Pecan blend remembers enslaved horticulturist Antoine who domesticated the pecan in Louisiana.

“It’s our progression through darkness,” Taylor said. “With Ezra, I really wanted it to be when people are drinking our coffee or when they’re looking at the packaging, they can leave and say, ‘Wow, I didn’t know that.’ We want them to leave saying they know something different, not just a story rooted in adversity and hardship, but to celebrate the different things that we may not always hear about and celebrate the stories of amazing people.”

Taylor also comes from a background of diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education. She found a way to incorporate these, along with her teaching experience, into the company.

“Ezra means, ‘he who helps them in Hebrew,” she said. “We use a portion of our proceeds to provide scholarships to students who are attending four year institutions.

This year, we provided scholarships to students attending Howard University, Alabama State University and Southern University.”

As far as overcoming the feat of getting her coffee on store shelves, Taylor said that expanding into H-E-B felt aligned with her purpose of remaining faithful and intentional with her brand’s mission and potential partnerships.

“They [H-E-B] weren’t the only ones who reached out, but I really felt a connection with them,” Taylor said. “Our goal is always to expand into more stores, but that will be determined by H-E-B and their team in terms of where we will be placed next. So, you know, people have to go out, shop us, and let people know they want us there so we can actually grow to those spaces,” adding that there are goals to expand offerings in terms of flavors and into products like K-cups.

Locally, Ezra Coffee is available at H-E-B in Pflugerville, Elgin and several San Antonio locations. Visit www.ezracoffeeco.com to purchase, find more information on Ezra’s story or flavors or to join their subscription list and receive monthly blends either chosen by you or an Ezra team member for a surprise. Ezra Coffee is also available online at Target.

discomfort. Be sure to enjoy all of your holiday treats this year, but if you feel reflux or heartburn coming on, there are a few tips and tricks to help:

• Everyone loves a post-holiday meal nap, but doing so could cause GERD symptoms. Try to avoid lying down within two to three hours of eating; when you are ready to sleep, opt for sleeping at an incline to lessen any symptoms.

• Be mindful of your food portions and avoid eating too much within a short period of time.

• Look for over-the-counter medicine like antacids, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or Histamine-2 (H2) blockers to help relieve any symptoms. If symptoms persist or worsen, Dr. Shah suggests seeking help from a gastroenterologist.

LOOKOUT, from page 1

the Texas Hill Country,” said Mac McElwrath, Wayfinder co-founder.

“With home prices already out of reach for many households and interest rates rising, more people than ever are looking to rent but few apartments are available.”

Directly across U.S. 290 from the Belterra development, Lookout will have apartment

options with one, two and three bedrooms and townhomes. The community will feature nearby restaurants including local favorites The Switch, Pieous, Torchy’s Tacos and Spoon + Fork. A 103,000-square-foot H-E-B grocery store is under construction and scheduled to open less than a mile east of Lookout next year.

Wimberley Texans advance with 64-6 win over Jarrell

Texans (13-0) to face Lago Vista (10-3) in quarterfinals

BY WAYLAND D. CLARK

CEDAR PARK — The Texans (13-0) move on to the next round and will face 4A District 13 oppo nent Lago Vista (10-3) in the quar terfinals on Friday, Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Hutto Memorial Stadium.

Wimberley won 31-28 when the two teams met on Oct. 28 during the regular season.

On Friday, quarterback Cody Stoever completed 14 of 17 passes for 262 yards and six touchdowns to take the win over Jarrell (6-7).

Stoever also rushed for 48 yards with a touchdown and backup quarterback Dane Hennessee had

a pair of touchdown runs.

Noah Birdsong led receivers with 4 receptions for 128 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Lane Patek had two catches for touchdowns totalling 69 yards and Cayden Heatly had two receptions for 38 yards and a touchdown. Tru Couch also had a touchdown reception.

Wimberley totaled 334 yards passing and 95 yards rushing.

Gage Tumlinson made 8 of 9 PATs. Owen O’Neal recovered a fumble and Hanson Collie recovered two fumbles with one returned 85 yards for a touchback on Jarrell’s PATs attempt.

Come worship with us

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

Goblin,

PHOTO COURTESY OF JULIE ALBINI

Wimberley senior Dane Hennessee runs to square on a quarterback keeper midway through the fourth quarter last Friday night at Gupton Stadium in Cedar Park. The Texans (13-0) defeated Jarrell (6-7) 64-6 in the 4A Region IV D2 Semifinal and will face district opponent Lago Vista (10-3) in the quarterfinals on Friday, Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Hutto Memorial Stadium.

Kayley Goldsmith, DVM H Elizabeth Garriott, DVM H Michelle Kurkowski, DVM 6300 FM 1327 (East of I35 and Creedmoor) Austin, TX 78747 Give us a call at 512-385-0486

PAWS Shelter of Central Texas is a non-profit, no-kill shelter operated primarily on donations and adoptions. 500 FM 150 E, Kyle, TX • 512 268-1611 • pawsshelter.org All animals are fully vaccinated, spay/neutered, microchipped and dewormed.

Lola, 7-year-old, American Staffordshire Terrier mix, Female: Lola is loved by many - staff, volunteers, and fosters. In fact, we don’t think Lola’s ever met a person she hasn’t liked. This older lady is hoping for a home where couch snuggles, naps, and chill days are often. Lola won’t turn down a nice long walk though! She is housebroken, will stay in a crate, and is great with young children.

4-month old, Domestic Shorthair mix, Female: Goblin is the confident leader of her roughand-tumble pack! When not playing, she loves being cradled on her back while staring into your eyes and purring. She is often referred to as a purr machine and pulls out her “turbo purr” when in close proximity to anyone! Goblin loves all kinds of people!

Committed to your pet’s health since 1978

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

SAN ANTONIO — The Dripping Springs Tigers (12-1 overall, 7-1 district) are headed to the Region IV-6A D1 championship after shutting out the Harlingen Cardinals (12-1 overall, 5-0 district) at the Alamodome on Friday (45-0).

Only a handful of Texas high school football teams get the privilege of playing football in December, and for the Tigers, that’s some thing incredibly special for them.

“When you get to play a game in December it feels really good. There’s not many that get to do it every year and a lot of times it’s the same people,” said Ga len Zimmerman, Dripping Springs head football coach.

The Tigers scored early in the first quarter after Novosad hit junior wide receiver Kyle Koch who ran for 23 yards into the end zone. Senior wide receiver Walker Wright kicked the

extra point, and the Tigers were ahead 7-0.

Koch has been a key player for the Tigers all season long, and the Har lingen game was no excep tion as Koch contributed three touchdowns.

The game was over when Harlingen’s junior quarter back Randy Morales's pass was intercepted by senior defensive end Nathan Prehar, who took it all the way to the endzone for a 15-yard return to extend the Tigers’ lead 27-0.

Prehar couldn’t believe what had just happened. “Getting the touchdown was very surreal,” Prehar said.

Just the day before, Prehar’s grandfather had asked him why he didn’t have a touchdown yet and made him promise him that he would get a touch down in the Harlingen game.

“That touchdown was for my grandfather,” Prehar said.

Shortly after, the crowd went wild while being

completely in awe after Wright jumped up for a one-handed catch to close out the first half, which was a part of a route that he and Novosad have been working on all season.

At the start of the third quarter, Wright kicked a 25-yard field goal that in creased Dripping Springs’ lead to 38-0. The Tigers scored another touchdown in the fourth quarter and sent the Cardinals back to the Valley scoreless.

Despite the Tigers' nearly perfect record, they still need to work on some things like turnovers, dropped passes, sacks and unnecessary penalties.

“There [are] just some things we can clean up a little bit with execution on some of that stuff,” Zim merman said.

But the Tigers’ playoff journey is far from over as they will travel to Cedar Park’s Gupton Stadium to meet the Austin Vandegrift Vipers in the fourth round of playoffs on Saturday.

Tiger named MVP

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The Dripping Springs Tigers volleyball team brought home the UIL State Championship trophy as 6A champions on Saturday, Nov. 19. This is the third UIL State Championship for the Tiger volleyball team. Senior Mackenzie Plante (middle) was named the 6A championship match MVP.

PHOTO BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Junior wide receiver Kyle Koch (No. 6) runs into the endzone for a Tiger touchdown while his teammate senior Walker Wright (No. 7) hypes up the crowd.

PHOTO BY ALBERT SANCHEZ

Tiger wide receiver Kyle Koch (No. 6) gets the handoff and tries to avoid Cardinal Ray Castillo (No. 10) as junior Jacob Ponton (far right) blocks defender Sterling Tomlin (No. 31).

PHOTO BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

A pack of Tigers takes down a Cardinal.