December 2, 2020 News-Dispatch by Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch

DECEMBER 2, 2020 RUNOFF

FOOD-A-THON

A runoff election for the Kyle Mayor seat this weekend.

Buda Chamber looking for talent for Dec. 5-6 12-hour Zoom food drive.

–See Below

–Page 12

News-Dispatch

75¢

HaysNewsDispatch.com

Vol. 41 • No. 9

Serving Hays County, TX

Hays County to aid with rent, bills COVID and kids: BY SAHAR CHMAIS

Hays County residents who have been affected by COVID-19 will be receiving financial relief soon. Judge Ruben Becerra approved assistance for mortgage, rent, utility and childcare. Residents can have access to this type of finan-

cial aid if they can prove that they have lost their job, experienced job reduction or are unable to work due to COVID-19. The COVID-19 Relief Program was administered by Hays County and Blanco River Regional Recovery Team. Funds will range between $500 to $5,000;

money allocation will be evaluated on a need-basis. The county will partner with community-based organizations, using COVID-19 funds, to help extend the aid to Hays County residents. “I am so very thankful that our Emergency Management Team and county staff

created this opportunity to assist our residents during this difficult time,” Becerra said. “Our community has come together to help those who need it most.” The county will accept applications until Dec. 22, 2020. A link will soon be posted on the county’s website.

Lighting up for the holidays

Truths and myths BY SAHAR CHMAIS Children and COVID-19 experiences differ slightly from the relationships between adults and COVID-19, but these differences have caused a lot of confusion leading some to believe that there is a bubble around kids that protects them from the disease. Even more, there have been people who believe that children cannot spread the virus to adults. Dr. Donald Murphey, a pediatric infectious disease M.D. at Dell Children’s Hospital, helps create an understanding on how the virus reacts in children, how they spread it and

Just because most children, especially those of younger age, have not had a lot of trouble with the virus it does not mean there have not been severe cases. what parents can do. Murphey’s bedside manner broke through during the video conference call; while he

COVID & KIDS, 2

Buda tree festival is newest effort to help businesses BY SAHAR CHMAIS

PHOTO BY CYNDY SLOVAK-BARTON

T’is the season

When the calendar flips to December, you can be sure that local city crews are out putting together displays. But with COVID-19 pandemic regulations, many of the area’s city events are being fashioned for drive-by viewing as well as walking enjoyment. Whether in Kyle, Buda, Dripping Springs or Wimberley, there are sights to be seen. See more about local holiday events on page 5. Vendors will be out for concessions at Buda’s holiday festivities and tree festival and Wimberley and its Market Day will have lots of vendors. In Dripping Springs, stores along Mercer Street will be open for holiday shopping. In Kyle, the official tree lighting ceremony will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2. Above, Kyle city employees work madly to put together a giant ribbon tree – straight from France – in coordination with other lights and displays being put around the square. The lighting ceremony will be held Wednesday night, Dec. 2, and the lights will be on every evening during the holiday season. Right, Mercer Street in Dripping Springs is also being lit up, with the help of donations from local businesses and citizens.

PHOTO BY CATHY JONES OF DRIPPING SPRINGS VISITORS BUREAU

Coming Up Runoff Election for Kyle Mayor Saturday

Early voting in the Kyle mayoral election runoff between Travis Mitchell and Linda Tenorio continues through Friday. Wednesday and Thursday times are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Voting locations are Kyle city hall, Kyle fire station on Bunton Creek Road, and the Hays County Pct. 2 office on FM 2770. Election day is Dec 8, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the above polling locations.

Wimberley Market Days The Wimberley Lions Club’sMarket Day will be this Saturday in Wimberley from 7 a.m.-

GIVING BACK

Learn how you can help those in need this season.

–Page 4

4 p.m. at the Wimberley Lions Field on FM 2325. Hundreds of vendors are expected to show their unique items. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, face masks are mandatory and social distancing will be observed. Wimberley Lions look forward to seeing you there.

Buda Farmers Market The Downtown Buda Farmers Market at Buda Mill & Grain continues to be your local source for fresh organic baked goods, vegetables, meats and more. They are open every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dripping Springs Farmers Market

Come out every Wednesday to the Triangle in downtown Dripping Springs from 3 to 6 p.m. for fresh, organic vegetables, hand-made crafts and many more local products.

Buda continues to find new ways to light up the city for the holidays – and this time it is doing it for a cause. The coronavirus pandemic has financially crippled many small businesses across the U.S. and Buda is no exception, so the city has decided to step in to help its local stores. While Buda’s leadership has found many ways to prevent businesses from closing down shop by funding programs, this time the city is taking a new approach. Buda Main Street Program has partnered with the Downtown Buda Merchants Group, launching a fundraiser to help keep downtown businesses open this holiday season while creating a joyous ambience. The month-long Buda Festival of Trees will showcase a trail of decorated trees in the

The monthlong Buda Festival of Trees will showcase a trail of decorated trees in the midst of the Historic Downtown Buda. Families and groups will donate and decorate a tree which will surround the big tree in Greenbelt Park. midst of the Historic Downtown Buda. Families and groups will donate and decorate a tree which will surround the big tree in

FESTIVAL OF TREES, 8

I-35 shuts down as New Braunfels woman found dead on freeway KYLE – The Kyle Police Department is investigating the death of a New Braunfels woman found Sunday along Interstate 35. According to police, 20-year-old Angelica Hicks, who was staying with friends in Kyle, was observed by passing motorists walking alone toward the Center Street Bridge and standing near the edge looking

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

over prior to her death. The Kyle Police Department received a call at 9:54 a.m. reporting her body had been found. Police say there is no indication of foul play, but a cause of death is pending an autopsy that was ordered by Hays County Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 Beth Smith. This investigation is ongoing.

Page 2

NEWS

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • December 2, 2020

Mental health hospital discussion slowed by COVID STAFF REPORT Bringing a mental health hospital to Hays County remains a goal of County Judge Ruben Becerra who has been meeting with experts in

the mental health field. According to a Nov. 20 news release, such a facility has “long been a priority” for Becerra, but his focus was shifted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In a press release the

county said that such a facility would “support our health care system, our criminal justice system, economic development and ultimately, all residents of Hays County.”

Becerra’s meeting was to be with community leaders, mental health stakeholders from the Hill Country Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Center and leaders from other

counties who have been successful in bringing a mental health hospital to their jurisdictions. The Hill Country Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Center is

affiliated with Scheib Mental Health Centers, which is headquartered in Kerrville. According to its website, it maintains service coordination offices in Val Verde and Uvalde counties.

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COVID & Kids Continued from pg. 1

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(Chinese): al 1-877-320-1235 Y0040_GHHHXCRTE_21_M H0028-037-000-2021 KIDSDENTALSMILES.COM Seton Hays Medical Office Building ，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1-877-320-1235 (TTY :711) 。 contagious. Kids don’t large, they are not really Y0040_GHHHXCRTE_21_M disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion. English: ATTENTION: H0028-037-000-2021 get the infection as often. sick, according to MurIf you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are When they get infected H0028-037-000-2021 ATENCIÓN: Si available to you.Y0040_GHHHXCRTE_21_M Call 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). Español (Spanish): they are not as sick; they habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Y0040_GHHHXCRTE_21_M probably don’t have as H0028-037-000-2021 Llame al 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). 繁體中文 (Chinese): 注意：如果您使用繁體中文 much virus and therefore ，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1-877-320-1235 (TTY :711) 。 cannot spread as much.” That being said, Murphey did not say that kids cannot spread the disease, they just are not the main source. These Y0040_GHHHXCRTE_21_M H0028-037-000-2021 results also differ depending on the age of the child. Studies show that children aged 15 and older can spread COVID-19 more easily than younger kids, and some studies suggest children as young as 12 years can also spread the virus, Murphey added. Schools with younger children and daycares have not been a large Mixed Fruit Medley culprit in the spread. “Kids have gotten WAS $29.99 back to school and we have more information now that we didn’t have before,” Murphey said. “By and large, those kids are doing well and those communities are doing well.” Another consideration for Murphey is that younger kids need school; he does not think it is a good option for kids to miss a year of school. He said that if parents are * able, they should preserve in-person school. Just because most These healthy, hand-picked, snack size fruit are specially nurtured and treasured for their ultra-sweet

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Opinion

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “We have families whose parents are unemployed or they are having a difficult time this year. A couple years ago, it was about the flood and this year it’s COVID. There will always be something that drives the need higher and higher every year.” –Angie Mendez, Hays CISD Community Relations Director. Story on Hays Angel Tree, pg. 4

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • December 2, 2020

Page 3

Thankful for 2020 to end Crow’s Nest by Clint Younts

Well, Thanksgiving is over, and I am attempting to flatten the curve after my diet was shattered like a whisky bottle thrown on a rock pile. I’m not accepting the final tally of all the calories I took in from those slices of pie, and I demanded a recount, but the results are final. Numbers don’t lie. Some folks might argue the benefits of eating so much pecan and apple pie, as I may have ingested the past few days, but I am a firm believer in medical science. If my doctor advises me to eat more nuts and fruit, well, dadgummit, I am going to follow his recommendation. As I sit here on my porch, salivating at the thought of a turkey and cranberry sauce sandwich, I still have a warm feeling in my heart and a big smile on my face that has lingered since Thanksgiving Day. Okay, the warmth might be acid reflux from all the sweet taters I consumed, but the smile is legit. Since my family all reside here on the ranch, we have been able to stay semi-isolated and currently virus-free, and we were able to share Thanksgiving dinner with each other, a real blessing. Don’t worry, we took precautions. I was making a huge mess eating the sweet potatoes until my wife told me to remove my mask. Now, perched in my Nest, waiting for lunchtime to approach, I have made a list of everything I am thankful for. It’s not easy due to the hardships and disappointments many have endured this year, but there are some bright slivers of light shining through those dark clouds. Allow me to share my list with all y’all. I’m thankful that this pandemic has prevented me from getting trampled to death by going shopping with my wife on Black Friday. I’m thankful that I can now watch TV without seeing countless political ads spewing twisted facts and negativity like a busted pressure pump at a sewage treatment plant. I’m thankful that the season will soon be over for the Dallas Cowboys and I can stop yelling at my TV set. I’m thankful there are significantly more people in this country who can recognize bovine excrement and were willing to go out and clean it up. I’m thankful for all the people who are taking this pandemic seriously and wearing a mask so we can go sit on the patio of our favorite restaurants and eat a fine meal. I am thankful there are health care professionals and scientists who have always known this virus is a big deal, and have worked vigorously to battle this plague. I’m thankful I didn’t have to go to the stores this past October and hear Christmas music. I’m thankful for those brave folks who kept store shelves stocked so we can keep our own shelves stocked. I’m thankful for inheriting enough land to allow me to wander aimlessly outdoors without violating the stay home mandate. I’m thankful for having techno-savvy kids to help me do that Zoom thing so I can visit with friends, family and even doctors. Believe me, annual exams are a lot less stressful without hearing the snap of a latex glove behind your back. Most of all, I’m thankful for being healthy enough to be with my family during these troubling times, eating delicious food, sipping cold beverages and laughing at silly grandchildren. Oh, one more thing. I’m thankful that I kept a pair of sweatpants that allowed me to eat two plates of turkey, dressing and taters and still have room for pie.

Barton Publications, Inc. News tips: news@haysfreepress.com Opinions: csb@haysfreepress.com 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640 www.haysfreepress.com 512-268-7862 Publisher Cyndy Slovak-Barton News Editor Anita Miller Reporters Megan Wehring, Sahar Chmais Columnists Bartee Haile, Pauline Tom, Clint Younts Proofreaders Jane Kirkham

Production Manager David White Production Assistant Elizabeth Garcia Office Manager Arlene Monroe Circulation/Classifieds David White, Arlene Monroe Distribution Kimberlee Griffon

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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

CORRECTIONS

Finding community

Anita Miller’s column on her struggles with depression was touching. Her honesty and expression of pain speak to what many people feel in 2020. A pandemic, political disagreements, financial struggles, financial mountains to climb are just a few of the issues that affect us. This painful year takes me back to 1973: the worst - and perhaps the best year in my life. My husband Aart and I were living in Kyle in a house on Burleson Street. I was co-editor of the Hays County Citizen with Juan Palomo, a predecessor of the Hays Free Press owned by Bob and Wynette (Tutta) Barton. Aart was working for Community Action Agency, starting a drug abuse hotline and a weatherization program. In August 1973 we were working on the Citizen from our office in downtown Kyle, rushing against deadlines. On a late Sunday afternoon we took a break at the Kyle Cafe. Bob Barton came in around 4 pm. He stared at me with an odd look in his eyes. “I have some bad news, Melissa,” Bob said. “Aart’s been hurt in an accident. He’s been taken to Brackenridge Hospital.” Tutta drove me to the hospital. At the emergency room, the medics let us into the treatment room for a moment. I barely recognized Aart—his head was scalped, his neck was in a brace and they were working on him frantically. I realized it was him when I saw his prominent nose. “Should we take him somewhere else?” Tutta

thought Aart was gone — until he opened his eyes and said, “I’m okay.” Robbie flagged down cars passing by and waited by Melissa for the ambulance. Millecam At the hospital, we sat in the waiting room as asked the doctor, stricken the hours ticked by. As the by the old hospital. “Where word spread among our would you take him?” the friends, they assembled doctor retorted. “He can’t with Tutta and me. Eighbe moved. He might not teen people came for the make it. Don’t touch him.” night. We retreated to the waitAround 2 a.m. the ing room. doctors came to talk with Aart had been riding his us and explain his injuries. bicycle with our friends The first, sixth and seventh Jack Elder and Jack’s vertebrae in his neck were brother Rob. Highly skilled broken, the spinal processbicyclists who loved to es cracked off. They put roam the countryside, the a foot long metal pin in three were peddling along Aart’s femur. They stitched Staples Road when a drunk up his perforated stomach driver came flying around and torn scalp. a curve. The neurosurgeon told Aart had stopped at the us later that he’d seen only side of the road to wait for one previous neck injury Jack and Robbie, who was like this where the patient just 16, to catch up. survived—and he, the The car hit Aart, snapdoctor, was that patient. ping his left femur and He’d broken his neck in a tossing him into the ski accident. windshield. The antenna Jack came with me to perforated his stomach. the intensive care unit. I The collision with the asked him to stand behind windshield broke his neck me in case I fainted. I in three places. The shatdidn’t. tered glass sheared the skin In the weeks to come, a and hair from the top of his loving community surhead. rounded us. My parents Then Aart flew off the came from Ohio to help. As car into a ditch and the Aart miraculously began driver sped away. his recovery, we realized Jack, a Vietnam vetthe power of love, the poweran, medic and former er of skilled medical care, Peace Corps volunteer, the power of family and assessed the situation and community. told Robbie to stay with I had to call Aart’s parAart while he raced to San ents —in the Netherlands. Marcos to call for help. Jack H.Y. Price, owner of San also spotted the car that hit Marcos Telephone CompaAart. The man was arrested ny, set up an international for DWI. He told his family call for me in his office. I he had hit a deer. don’t think I could have At the scene, a highway called from my home—or patrolman showed up and afforded the cost in the

Guest Column

days before the internet. Over the next two years, Aart recovered slowly from his injuries. The last procedure was removing the pin from his leg. The man’s liability insurance paid Aart $10,000 the next spring. Should we spend it traveling the world, we asked ourselves? No. We put a down payment on a house, where we live 46 years later. We realized the awesome healing power that comes when people reach out to others in distress and show compassion. We never left Hays County because of the people who lifted us up. The greatest treasures of our life arrived in the next decade with our daughter Kris and son Josh. We have much to learn from the chaos of 2020. We are as vulnerable as our neighbors. Our political opposites share the angst, the anger and the fear we have. COVID-19 doesn’t take sides - the 266,000 people dead in the U.S. come from many walks of life. We are at a pivotal time. As a nation. As a community. As a friend. As a family. We can reach out. Give to organizations that help people find food, shelter, childcare and employment. We can support struggling local businesses. We can heal—even against the odds. We can listen to science and medical experts. We can wear masks, social distance and take COVID tests. We can listen. We can express our views to community leaders—and offer support. We can be here for each other. Finding community can heal our souls.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR BLAME TO GO AROUND These days, most people seem more interested in political name-calling than productive dialogue (cue “Time to stand up and be heard” by Mary Barrows in the Nov. 25 Hays Free Press). However, I’m stubborn by nature so I couldn’t resist responding to some of Ms. Barrows’ political wanderings. I actually agree with Ms. Barrows’ assertion that this is a divisive and dangerous time in our country’s history, but the blame doesn’t lie with the Republican party,

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.

DEADLINES

or the Democrats for that matter. No, the fault lies with each and every one of us. Why? Because we’re more interested in being heard than listening. We’d rather blame the other side than listen to rational thought and respond with kindness and respect. We’ve allowed our politicians and judges to abuse their power in ways that compromise the checks and balances envisioned by our forefathers. We’ve allowed our children to be taught that the United States is a nation of racists founded on outdated, inherently unfair

• The deadline for display advertising and any contributed news copy is 5 p.m. Friday the week prior to publication. • The deadline for Letters to the Editor and classified word advertising is noon Monday the week of publication, though we encourage readers and advertisers to observe the Friday deadline.

principles. We’ve allowed the media to tell us what to think and who to blame instead of just reporting the facts and allowing us to form our own opinions. Yes, it truly is a dangerous time. Over the weekend, I attended the Nimitz World War II museum in Fredericksburg. Wow! What a great reminder of our country’s noble and glorious history. Are we a perfect nation? Absolutely not. But I’m so thankful to live in this great nation, warts and all. In regard to President Trump and his supporters, could it be that they are

LETTERS GUIDELINES

not fascists and Nazis after all? Maybe they are just red-blooded Americans who deeply love this country, its principles, and its institutions and who see the alternative as threatening the most precious tenants of our society. Maybe they support President Trump because they appreciate his America-first agenda and because they have a disdain for and a distrust of life-long politicians and big media. Maybe they’re not so bad after all. I’d certainly like to think so. Jason Gibert Buda

We welcome locally written letters to the editor on timely topics of community interest. We ask that you keep them to about 350 words in length and that you not indulge in personal attacks on private individuals. Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity. All letters should be signed by the author and include a daytime phone number where the author can be contacted for verification. Letter writers are limited to one letter per month. Letters can be emailed to csb@haysfreepress.com.

Page 4

NEWS

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • December 2, 2020

Hays Angel Tree sparks the season of giving for families BY MEGAN WEHRING

HAYS CISD — Opening presents tucked under the Christmas tree and eating a spread of a homecooked meal may be in store for some families this holiday season — for others, it may be a little more barren. Hays CISD is hoping to help families in need by providing the Angel Tree program, a tradition that many look forward to every year. Hays CISD coordinates an Angel Tree by pairing employees, local businesses, churches and other organizations with families in the district. This year particularly is a challenge for families who have been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. “We have families whose parents are unemployed or they are having a difficult time this year,”

“We have families whose parents are unemployed or they are having a difficult time this year. A couple years ago, it was about the flood and this year it’s COVID. There will always be something that drives the need higher and higher every year.”

JILL L. Dual Credit Student

MANTHURS O. UT Transfer Student

CALEB C. Harvard Transfer Student

MARICELA P. Small Business Owner

ROOSEVELT G. Cyber Security Student

HAMAILA Q. Jewelry Designer

–Angie Mendez, community relations director

said Angie Mendez, community relations director. “A couple years ago, it was about the flood and this year it’s COVID. There will always be something that drives the need higher and higher every year.” While the district provided gifts for more than 100 families last year, Mendez explained that the list continues to grow. “We do have some households that have more than one family who

is living in that household,” Mendez said. “We also include siblings that are not in school yet and maybe a soon-to-be mom is included, but it’s mainly for the students.” Those interested in adopting a student and their family can contact Mendez at angie.mendez@hayscisd.net or call 512-268-2141. Gifts need to be wrapped and delivered to the campus counselor by Dec. 14.

Giving back with plasma during COVID pandemic BY SAHAR CHMAIS

Convalescent plasma has been used as a treatment for many infections, including coronaviruses such as SARS, and have yielded positive results in healing patients. This method is being applied for COVID-19, but scientists are still unsure how effective it is for this virus. What scientists know is that convalescent plasma, which containes COVID-19 antibodies, is not harmful, so it has been approved as one of the methods for treating COVID-19 patients. In Central Texas, We Are Blood, is the facility that draws convalescent plasma to distribute to hospitals and doctors in the area. “We do not have a full understanding of the effectiveness,” said Nick Canedo, vice president of community engagement at We Are Blood. “But at the same time we know of the treatment options, it is very safe in that there are no side effects. That’s why physicians and hospitals are saying we should use it to give patients any relief we can. We’ve heard, anecdotally, it’s effective -- especially effective if used early.” We Are Blood has given approximately 1,500 doses of convalescent plasma; this number may soon exponentially expand. Canedo said that if Central Texas continues to experience a spike in hospitalizations, they will use the convalescent plasma straight from regular blood donations of those who have COVID-19 antibodies. On Oct. 28, We Are Blood started testing all blood donations for antibodies, even donors who have never been tested for COVID-19 before. But due to limited appointments, We Are Blood only reaches out to individuals with higher levels of antibodies in their plasma to see if they can donate. Removing convalescent plasma is a more rigorous, time consuming process which needs special machines, making it more difficult to ask for more donations. Blood donations usually take about 15 minutes, said Canedo, but giving blood plasma takes over an hour. David Sergi, a lawyer in San Marcos, said he enjoys the process and has already donated three times. When he goes in, he can usually read a book or zone off of social media and other technology. As for the feeling, Sergi likens it to being hooked up to an IV. “I actually really enjoy

it,” Sergi explained, “my right arm is hooked to the machine and with my left arm, I have to read a book or just think. No phones. I tried using my phone the first time and kept dropping it.” The process to give convalescent plasma takes longer than giving blood because the donor is hooked up to a machine that separates the blood platelets from the blood, then puts blood back into the donor’s system. This allows donors to donate plasma more frequently, every 28 days, while blood donations are allowed every 56 days.

While Sergi has already donated three times, he plans to continue going as much as he can. “I would say as far as I’m concerned, it’s almost an obligation to give back,” Sergi told the Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch. “Those of us lucky enough to survive and do well, we ought to be able to give.” We Are Blood only has three locations to donate: South Austin, Central Austin and Round Rock. They are working on mobilizing the machine to drive around to other parts of Central Texas and give more people a chance to donate.

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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • December 2, 2020

NEWS

Page 5

Mercer Street will get lit thanks to donations BY MEGAN WEHRING

DRIPPING SPRINGS — The twinkling lights that drape the shops and trees on Mercer Street will come back this year with the help of donations from the Dripping Springs community. The Dripping Springs Visitors Bureau (DSVB) started the Light Up Historic Mercer Street Campaign in 2018 to create the seasonal displays that many people adore. The organization is grateful for the consistent support from local businesses and hopes the community will continue to “donate to help spread hope, joy, and holiday spirit during these trying times,” according to the

DSVB website. The DSVB has raised $16,000 this year, including the matching $5,000 from the city, to fund the campaign. Any additional funds will go towards next year’s holiday season. For years, Dripping Springs residents faced the challenge of traveling to surrounding cities to view Christmas light displays that were absent in their hometown. The Lions Club was in charge of decorating for many years until the DSVB stepped in to help out. “The Lions Club has historically done some decorating in Dripping Springs,” said Pam Owens, president of the Dripping Springs Visi-

A Virtual Tree Lighting ceremony will take place at dusk on Facebook Dec. 5, giving every resident the opportunity to spend time with their family in the safety of their home.

tors Bureau. “The tree of lights and hanging garland. But there were no other businesses or decorations in general in our downtown and all the surrounding towns have quite a few.” The DSVB hired a local company, LUX Lighting, to light the historic buildings and local businesses along Mercer Street. The Home Depot also provid-

Winter wonderland experience coming to downtown Wimberley BY MEGAN WEHRING WIMBERLEY – Strolling down the streets of downtown Wimberley, sipping on hot cocoa and listening to live music performances are the highlights of the Winter’s Eve festival in December. Events throughout the year have been canceled or changed to a virtual setting because of concerns surrounding the coronavirus pandemic; as for the city of Wimberley, the show must go on. “You do have to enjoy the holidays even during a pandemic,” said Jeanne Anne Cope, president of the Wimberley Merchants

This year will bring a more casual, all-day event on Dec. 12 from noon to 8 p.m from the Cypress Creek Bridge to the Blanco Bridge in downtown Wimberley. Association. “It’s been a long year and we need to have a little uplift.” Wimberley Winter’s Eve has typically been a night full of holiday shopping, enchanting seasonal lights, live music, a visit from Santa and raffles. This year will bring a more casual, all-day event on Dec. 12 from noon to 8 p.m from the Cypress

Creek Bridge to the Blanco Bridge in downtown Wimberley. Individual musicians will play throughout the day so attendees can still enjoy the sound of Christmas while walking along the square, visiting the shops and restaurants. “It’s just live music scattered through the

WINTER WONDERLAND, 8

ed decorations this year. “It’s kind of been a community-wide effort,” Owens said. “It makes everyone feel good that we have the lights on downtown.” While the DSVB has decorated downtown Mercer this year, online contributions, checks to the Visitors Bureau at 509 Mercer Street or mail donations to P.O. Box

206, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 are still accepted for next season. Dripping Springs residents can also feel the spirit of the season by attending the 16th Annual Christmas on Mercer Street event on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. to 5

p.m. Arts, crafts, business vendor booths and even holiday carols will make an appearance. Though Santa will not be at the event to stay safe and socially distanced before Christmas, children can drop off a letter in the provided mail box.

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Police Blotter The following is a tally of all calls made to law enforcement within Hays County between Nov 22nd - Nov 27th, 2020.

Below is a sample of events reported by law enforcement from Nov 22nd - Nov 27th, 2020. The location is where the event was reported or responded to and may not necessarily be where the event occured.

911 Investigation ................................................................................164 Accident ................................................................................................37 Accident Fleet.........................................................................................1 Accident Hit and Run ...........................................................................14 ACO Abandoned Animal ........................................................................0 ACO Barking ...........................................................................................1 ACO Bite Case ........................................................................................5 ACO Cruelty Neglect ..............................................................................4 ACO Deceased Animal ...........................................................................2 ACO Follow Up .......................................................................................7 ACO Information Call..............................................................................1 ACO Injured / Sick ..................................................................................7 ACO Loose Livestock ...........................................................................17 ACO Other...............................................................................................2 ACO Stray .............................................................................................11 ACO Unrestrained Animal ......................................................................1 ACO Vicious Animal ...............................................................................8 ACO Wildlife............................................................................................5 Alarm Bank .............................................................................................2 Alarm Business .....................................................................................49 Alarm Residental ..................................................................................24 Alcohol Violation .....................................................................................0 ASP Referral ...........................................................................................0 Assault .................................................................................................39 Assist EMS/Fire ....................................................................................13 Assist Outside Agency .........................................................................12 BMV.......................................................................................................16 Burglary Building ....................................................................................3 Burglary Residence ................................................................................2 Business/Industrial Contact...................................................................2 Cancelled Without Assignment .............................................................0 Child Safety Incident ..............................................................................0 Citizen Assist/Service Call ...................................................................59 Civil Matter..............................................................................................8 Code Compliance ...................................................................................1 Community Contact .............................................................................37 CPS Referral ...........................................................................................2 Crime Prevention ....................................................................................8 Damaged Property .................................................................................9 Death Investigation ................................................................................9 Drug Offences.........................................................................................5 Fireworks ................................................................................................3 Forgery/Fraud .........................................................................................9 Harassment/Stalking ..............................................................................8 Identity Theft...........................................................................................0 Illegal Dumping .......................................................................................3 Inpersonating ..........................................................................................0 Information..............................................................................................9 Law Enforcement ...................................................................................5 Lost / Found Property ............................................................................7 Mental Health .......................................................................................20 Missing Person/Runaway ......................................................................2 Noise Complaint ...................................................................................19 Other .......................................................................................................7 Patrol/Premise Check ........................................................................253 Reckless Driving ...................................................................................66 Recovery Stolen Property ......................................................................1 Robbery ..................................................................................................0 Sex Offender Registry ............................................................................4 Supplement/Follow Up.........................................................................64 Suspicious Activity ...............................................................................71 Test ..........................................................................................................4 Theft/Stolen ..........................................................................................25 Threat ......................................................................................................4 Traffic/Roadway....................................................................................38 Traffic Stop..........................................................................................304 Trespass ..................................................................................................9 Violation of Order....................................................................................0 Warrent Service ......................................................................................1 Weapon ...................................................................................................9

Date/Time 11/22/2020 7:42 11/22/2020 8:07 11/22/2020 15:29 11/22/2020 18:04 11/22/2020 0:38 11/22/2020 3:16 11/22/2020 3:16 11/22/2020 3:49 11/22/2020 8:28 11/22/2020 9:50 11/22/2020 16:24 11/22/2020 18:08 11/22/2020 18:40 11/22/2020 21:28 11/22/2020 21:31 11/22/2020 21:34 11/22/2020 22:52 11/22/2020 23:40 11/22/2020 2:55 11/22/2020 12:30 11/23/2020 5:39 11/23/2020 12:41 11/23/2020 14:44 11/23/2020 16:08 11/23/2020 16:08 11/23/2020 19:26 11/23/2020 21:22 11/23/2020 20:51 11/24/2020 5:07 11/24/2020 7:58 11/24/2020 8:46 11/24/2020 8:55 11/24/2020 9:47 11/24/2020 11:14 11/24/2020 11:14 11/24/2020 12:09 11/24/2020 13:13 11/24/2020 13:19 11/24/2020 19:49 11/24/2020 21:28 11/24/2020 17:32 11/24/2020 22:12 11/24/2020 16:14 11/25/2020 2:38 11/25/2020 10:39 11/25/2020 16:16 11/25/2020 16:54 11/25/2020 17:08 11/25/2020 17:36 11/25/2020 19:37 11/25/2020 23:31 11/25/2020 11:37 11/25/2020 17:58 11/25/2020 20:34 11/25/2020 20:34 11/25/2020 11:04 11/25/2020 18:38 11/25/2020 20:20 11/25/2020 12:41 11/25/2020 20:37 11/25/2020 21:02 11/26/2020 17:38 11/26/2020 21:57 11/26/2020 10:08 11/26/2020 21:47 11/26/2020 22:01 11/26/2020 23:54 11/26/2020 5:13 11/26/2020 11:38 11/26/2020 18:12 11/26/2020 18:14 11/26/2020 15:26 11/27/2020 13:54 11/27/2020 21:04 11/27/2020 4:42 11/27/2020 10:10 11/27/2020 11:51 11/27/2020 15:22 11/27/2020 16:15 11/27/2020 18:05 11/27/2020 22:58 11/27/2020 23:41 11/27/2020 23:55 11/27/2020 15:28

Type Accident Accident Accident Accident Assault Assault Assault Assault Assault Assault Assault Assault Assault Assault Assault Assault Assault Assault Death Investigation Death Investigation Accident Accident Assault Assault Assault Assault Assault Death Investigation Death Investigation Accident Accident Accident Accident Accident Accident Accident Accident Accident Assault Assault Harassment Harassment Threat Accident Accident Accident Accident Accident Accident Accident Accident Assault Assault Assault Assault Harassment Harassment Harassment Threat Threat Threat Accident Accident Assault Assault Assault Assault Death Investigation Death Investigation Fireworks Fireworks Harassment Accident Accident Assault Assault Assault Assault Assault Assault Assault Assault Assault Death Investigation

Location W RR 150, DRIFTWOOD, TX 78619 IH 35 EXIT 223 NB DENISE ELLEN DR, BUDA, TX 78610 NUTTY BROWN RD/SIGNAL HILL RD, AUSTIN, TX 78737 RAILYARD DR, KYLE, TX 78640 OVERPASS RD, BUDA, TX 78610 OVERPASS RD, BUDA, TX 78610 WINDY HILL RD/CHERRYWOOD, KYLE, TX 78640 PANORAMA DR, DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX 78620 UHLAND RD, SAN MARCOS, TX 78666 W GOFORTH ST, BUDA, TX 78610 OLD SAN ANTONIO RD, BUDA, TX 78610 OVERPASS RD, BUDA, TX 78610 HUNTER RIDGE RD, SAN MARCOS, TX 78666 TRINITY HILLS DR 2105, AUSTIN, TX 78737 CLARK BROTHERS DR, BUDA, TX 78610 W US 290/N COLLEGE ST, DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX 78620 LAKESIDE DR, WIMBERLEY, TX 78676 CERRO VISTA DR, SAN MARCOS, TX 78666 CHAMPIONS CIR, WOODCREEK, TX 78676 HUGO RD, SAN MARCOS, TX 78666 ROGER HANKS PKWY, DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX 78620 STONEFIELD TRL/IH 35 FRONTAGE RD, BUDA, TX 78610 UHLAND RD, SAN MARCOS, TX 78666 EVES NECKLACE DR, BUDA, TX 78610 HIGH RD G, KYLE, TX 78640 MOONLIT MEADOW PATH, KYLE, TX 78640 BUZZARD HIGH RD, WIMBERLEY, TX 78676 COTTON GIN RD, KYLE, TX 78640 SAWYER RANCH DARDEN HILL RD, DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX 78620 RR 12/OLD OAKS RANCH RD, WIMBERLEY, TX 78676 SH 80/N OLD BASTROP HWY, SAN MARCOS, TX 78666 OVERPASS RD/ROYSTON RD, BUDA, TX 78610 UHLAND RD, SAN MARCOS, TX 78666 IH 35 FRONTAGE RD/MAIN ST, BUDA, TX 78610 SIEBERT DR/E RR 150, KYLE, TX 78640 E US 290, DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX 78620 RR 12/WIMBERLEY SQ, TX RR 12, WIMBERLEY, TX 78676 OLDHAM ST, WIMBERLEY, TX 78676 GREEN ACRES DR, WIMBERLEY, TX 78676 HIGH RD, KYLE, TX 78640 PLAINVIEW RD, WIMBERLEY, TX 78676 SPRING RD/GORDON RD, SAN MARCOS, TX 78666 RR 12/AVENIDA HIGH VW, DRIFTWOOD, TX 78619 W US 290 A, DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX 78620 IH 35, BUDA, TX 78610 HEB BUDA 35 RR 1826/NUTTY BROWN RD, AUSTIN, TX 78737 HUNTER RD, SAN MARCOS, TX 78666 SH 80/MILITARY DR, SAN MARCOS, TX 78666 POSEY RD/S OLD BASTROP HWY, SAN MARCOS, TX 78666 WILDFLOWER WAY, WIMBERLEY, TX 78676 S CANYONWOOD DR, DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX 78620 N FM 1626, BUDA, TX 78610 N FM 1626, BUDA, TX 78610 REDWOOD RD 17b, SAN MARCOS, TX 78666 WILLOW CREEK CIR, SAN MARCOS, TX 78666 LILAC WAY, KYLE, TX 78640 GUSTAF TRL, KYLE, TX 78640 MORNINGMIST CT, SAN MARCOS, TX 78666 RELIANCE DR, BUDA, TX 78610 IH 35, BUDA, TX 78610 LIVE OAK DR, MOUNTAIN CITY, TX 78610 FLITE ACRES RD, WIMBERLEY, TX 78676 HUCK FINN TRL, DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX 78620 SUNNY RIDGE DR/HIGH RD, KYLE, TX 78640 PRAIRIE WIND DR, KYLE, TX 78640 WILLIAMSON RD, KYLE, TX 78640 RIPPLE ROCK LN, BUDA, TX 78610 JACOBS WELL RD, WIMBERLEY, TX 78676 SHUBERT LN/NIEDERWALD STRASSE, KYLE, TX 78640 TALLEY LOOP, BUDA, TX 78610 HILLIARD RD/LIME KILN RD, SAN MARCOS, TX 78666 E GOFORTH ST, BUDA, TX 78610 MATHIAS LN, KYLE, TX 78640 INDIAN BLANKET, SAN MARCOS, TX 78666 OLD RED RANCH RD D, DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX 78620 CRESTHILL CSWY C, KYLE, TX 78640 RED BIRD TRL, KYLE, TX 78640 NUTTY BROWN RD C, AUSTIN, TX 78737 OVERPASS RD, BUDA, TX 78610 GREENFIELD RD b, KYLE, TX 78640 DUCHESS PASS, KYLE, TX 78640 S SUNSET CANYON DR, DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX 78620

Agency HCSO BPD HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO BPD HCSO HCSO HCSO BPD BPD HCSO HCSO HCSO BPD HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO BPD HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO BPD HCSO BPD HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO BPD HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO BPD HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO BPD BPD HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO BPD HCSO BPD HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO HCSO

Page 6

SPORTS

Hays keeps Jags on the ropes Twenty-point outbursts in both the first and third frames proved beneficial for the Hays girls basketball team Nov. 23 as it cruised to a 63-19 win over the Johnson Jaguars in the first varsity level meeting between the two programs. Haysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; win, mixed with a victory over Elgin Nov. 24, pushed the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s win streak to four games. Meanwhile, Johnson, which started the season 4-0 and cracked the Texas Girls Coaches Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top 25 girls basketball poll, has now dropped its last four contests. Right, Hays High senior Lily Guevara (32) collects a rebound over Johnson Jaguar Taylor Snyder. Below, Multiple players look on as Johnson Highâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Reagan Harris (bottom) scraps with Hays Highâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Trista Strasser for a loose ball on the floor.

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch â&#x20AC;˘ December 2, 2020

Tiger football overpowers Johnson Jaguars 44-24 Coming Up

BY SEAN ALLEN

After Johnson added 10 more points on BUDA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Aided by a the board in the fourth The Dripping Springs stingy run defense for quarter, Dripping Tigers host the Seguin most of the game Friday, Springs closed the conMatadors (6-2, 5-1) Thursday at Tiger the Dripping Springs Titest with a touchdown Stadium at 7:30 p.m. gers (8-2, 6-0) defeated pass from Novosad to to determine the 12the Johnson Jaguars (6wide receiver Noah 5A, Division I district 3, 4-2) 44-24 to remain Lawyer. champion. Johnson perfect in district play. Novosad completed will be on the road The Tigers sped out to 20 of 33 passes for 256 playing against the a 17-0 lead highlighted yards and four touchNew Braunfels Canyon by a 42-yard touchdown downs. O'Banan hauled Cougars (8-1, 5-1) on pass from sophomore in four receptions for 49 Friday at 7:30pm with a playoff berth on the line. yards and a touchdown quarterback Austin Novosad to junior running with Lawyer sharing the back Preston Alford and the Tiger lead to 24-7. load on seven catches The Jags countered an Alford 58-yard touchfor 94 yards. Alford ran four minutes later with down run. 19 times for 137 yards Johnson battled back a two-yard touchdown with a touchdown on run by Ybarra, cutting in the second quarthe ground and added Dripping Springs lead to two receptions resulting ter when sophomore 24-14 and recapturing running back Ethan in two touchdowns. Ybarra snagged a 7-yard momentum for JohnMedina completed son. touchdown pass from 14 of 27 passes for 117 But a turnover on a sophomore quarterback yards and one touchbad snap on Johnsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jesse Medina, cutting down while throwing next offensive drive althe Tiger lead to 17-7. for two Interceptions. lowed the Tigers to seize Junior wide receiver Dripping Springs responded right back in momentum for good. Rich Kelly logged 59 the third quarter with an The turnover kickstarted yards on five receptions. 11-yard touchdown pass a 14-unanswered-point Ybarra scored three run by the Tigers, which touchdowns on the from Novosad to senior pushed the Tiger lead to night with two coming wide receiver Cameron Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Banan, which pushed 38-14. on the ground.

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Ramseys go head to head, Lobos prevail A two game skid came to a close for the Lehman Lobos Nov. 23 as they outlasted the Munday Mogulettes 3931 in a pre-Thanksgiving non-district tilt at the Lobo Den. The contest featured a father against son narrative as Lehman Lobo head coach Brock Ramsey faced off against his son, Richard, who was the head coach of Mundayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s girls team. Above, a Munday Moguletteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shot attempt was vigorously denied by Lehman Lobo Grace Duray in the first half of the Nov. 23 game. Below, a pair of Munday Mogulettes couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t keep Lehman Lobo Emma Power (25) from hauling in a rebound during the first half.

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on the coronavirus, officials in Bastrop with ty, where Deanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Counbody was found, hoping that by that time, the criminal justice system and jury trials will have returned to normal. If the trial does take place in February 2022, it will mark seven years since Deanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s body was found in a Bastrop parking lot. The case has experienced a number of delays, notably when Clark fled to Indonesia soon after his relationship with Dean came to light.

their attempts to secure COVID-19 testing materials early in the pandemic. He directed his vitriol

gation. Other material had also been recently reported by news organizations including the statewide nonprofit Texas and the nationalTribune investigative organization Pro Publica.

JUDGE INVESTIGATION,

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SEPTEMBER 23, 2020 BUDA COUNCIL

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Trial date set for murder suspect of KPD employee A trial date in February 2022 is anticipated for Freddie Lee Smith, one of two men Austin Police Officer VonTrey Clark, 32, hired kill his 29-year- to old pregnant girlfriend, Samantha Dean, in 2015. Dean was a victims services coordinator for DEAN the Kyle Police Department and Clark, who was the father of her unborn child, pleaded guilty capital murderto in exchange for a life sentence in December 2019. The third man, CLARK Kevin Watson, is awaiti i

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An investigation the Texas Attorney by eralâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office into GenCounty Judge Hays Ruben Becerraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dealing ing COVID-19 regardtests the ire of the judge drew this weekend.

BUDA

SEPTEMBER 30, 2020

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Amid controvers y, school districts allow BLM attire BY SAHAR CHMAIS

Black Lives A San Antonio ter school teachercharMatter is not was recently fired for wearing considered a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Black Lives Matterâ&#x20AC;? mask. Although a political Hearts Western Great Hills statement, deemed this message inappropriate and those who for a teacher to wear, neither Hays stand behind Consolidated Independent School District it believe it is not Wimberley Independent a humanitarian School District views on the has similar one. matter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nothing in the Hays CISD dress code,â&#x20AC;? Hays CISD strives to be an Tim Savoy, chief wrote inclusive and safe nications officer commuronment for all. enviat Hays The disCISD, â&#x20AC;&#x153;would trict believes prohibit that the least staff or students possible restriction, in wearing apparel from terms of dress code, is the facemasks, with including most conducive the Black Lives either ing people the to allowfreedom to LGBTQ logos Matter or or insignia. BLM ATTIRE ALLOWED,

Lawsuit to remo ve county judge still in limbo BY ANITA MILLER â&#x20AC;&#x153;Baselessâ&#x20AC;? was a local attorney the word u d

erra can continue on behalf of Hays his work County without these di t

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • December 2, 2020

SPORTS

Page 7

Fourth quarter surge propels Hays football into playoffs STAFF REPORT

Texans triumph over Sinton to reach state quarterfinals PHOTOS BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM Above, Nathan Simpson (11) screams with excitement in the end zone after scoring a touchdown on a 63-yard pass from Wimberley quarterback Matthew Tippie to give the Texans a 21-14 lead over the Sinton Pirates at halftime. The final score was 35-14, Texans. Below, Wimberley’s Chris Schatte slips a tackle by Sinton on a rain soaked field at Converse Judson High School to score one of his two touchdowns in the game.

STAFF REPORT CONVERSE – Four total turnovers forced by the Wimberley Texan defense made the difference for the program as it cruised to a 35-14 regional quarterfinal playoff win over the Sinton Pirates on a soggy afternoon at Rutledge Stadium. Wimberley advances to take on longtime district foe Geronimo Navarro Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Boerne High for the Region IV, 4A Division II crown and the right to play in the state semifinals Dec. 11-12. The Texans' Code Red defense forced three Sinton interceptions in the contest with Jaxson Watts, Canyun Staton and Kerrick Lai all recording a pic each. Texan John Boyle also recovered a fumble in the contest. On offense, Wimberley was guided by quarterback Matthew Tippie who

was nearly perfect by going 14 of 16 for 238 yards and three touchdowns. Texan running back Moses Wray ran the ball 18 times for 113 yards in the game and Chris Schatte finished with 74 yards on

10 carries and two rushing scores. On the receiving end, Texan wide receiver Nathan Simpson caught the ball 5 times for 71 yards and a touchdown and wide receiver Ty Pruett

had three catches for 45 yards and a touchdown. Friday's contest between Wimberley and Navarro will mark the fourth time in the past two seasons the programs have played one another.

BUDA – While it took some effort to get there, the Hays High football team on Friday officially became playoff bound. A 21-point Hays High blitz – 15 of those points scored in the final quarter – catapulted the program to a come-from-behind 21-14 victory over the Bowie Bulldogs. Hays’ win qualifies the team for the 2020 6A, Division II playoffs, which begin Dec. 11-12; it also is the program’s fourth straight trip to the playoffs in as many years. The path toward playoff qualification proved difficult early on as Bowie, which needed a victory to squeak into the postseason itself, leapt out to a commanding 14-0 second quarter lead. Guiding the Bulldogs was wide receiver Jason Gaines and Noah Camacho who helped Bowie amass 251 total yards of offense on the night. A 19-yard second quarter field goal and a 24-yard third quarter field goal, both kicked by Thomas Skrovan, helped Hays cut Bowie’s lead to 14-6 going into the final frame. Hays’ offense, led by quarterback Durand Hill, wide receiver Michael Boudoin and running back Austin Sanchez, continued the comeback with a sixplay, 47-yard scoring drive early in the fourth

quarter, capped off by a Hill 13-yard touchdown run. A successful two-point conversion tied the score at 14-14. Aiding the drive was a Bowie penalty that wiped out a Bulldog punt that would have pinned Hays deep in its own territory. Armed with momentum, Hays’ defense stood firm and limited Bowie’s offense in the final minutes. That included a critical interception by Hays defensive back Chris Bruce, one of two interceptions Bruce snagged on the evening. Bruce’s pick set up an eight-play, 51-yard Hays go-ahead scoring drive that ended with a 15yard touchdown run by Nate Green, which gave the team a 21-14 lead. Hays’ defense stepped up from there and shut down Bowie in the final minutes for the victory. Hill went 3 of 13 for 56 yards passing and rushed for 72 yards on 15 carries with a touchdown. Sanchez ran the ball 20 times for 80 yards, while Boudoin rushed for 34 yards. Hays’ Will Agnew led the team with 35 yards on one reception in the game. Meanwhile, Hays limited Bowie quarterback Diego Tello to 145 yards passing, one touchdown and three total interceptions. With the victory, Hays will finish third in 26-6A and will be the district’s top seed in the Division II playoffs.

Subscribe to the Hays Free Press or the News-Dispatch PHOTOS BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM Dripping Springs’ players and fans celebrate a 3-0 win over Alamo Heights, 25-18, 25-15, and 25-21, in the Region IV quarterfinals at Canyon High School last Friday for their eighth consecutive sweep and nineteenth win of the season.

Tigers earn 8th consecutive sweep with win over Alamo Heights STAFF REPORT NEW BRAUNFELS – Twelve kills from sophomore Mackenzie Plante Friday carried the Dripping Springs Tigers to a straight set Region IV quarterfinal win over the Alamo Heights Mules. Dripping Springs moves on to the regional semifinals where they squared off against the McAllen Bulldogs Tuesday in the first round of the Region IV tournament. The Tigers’ victory over Alamo Heights proved cathartic, helping them exorcise their 2019 Regional Final loss to the Mules, which prevented the Tigers from reaching state last season. Aiding Plante was sophomore Ava Williamson who scored 10 kills

in the match, along with sophomore Natalie Arnold who had five. In addition, the Tigers scored seven aces in the match and finished with a .304 hitting percentage. On defense, senior Nicole Herbert had 18 digs while Ryann Frontera finished with a double double with 11 digs and 20 assists. Tiger head coach Michael Kane attributed the team’s success to continued confidence and improved play throughout the course of the season. A tough district slate in 2020 also proved beneficial for the Tigers as well. Kane said playing against two of the “best teams in the state” in Alamo Heights and New Braunfels Canyon during district play also paid dividends.

“This is a great win over a great team with great players,” Kane said after the win over Alamo Heights. “But it’s not our goal. Our goal isn’t come here to win a regional

quarterfinal. We take each game one at a time and our goal is reach the state tournament. We have to get through great teams like Alamo Heights. And we did.”

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STATE NEWS

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • December 2, 2020

NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE

Researcher spotlights ‘invisible incentives’ The Texas Enterprise Fund took a hit for lack of transparency in a new research paper from the National Freedom of Information Coalition. The paper by journalist Steve Miller is titled “Invisible Incentives: How Secrecy Impedes Evaluation and Accountability of Economic Development Subsidies.” Part of the paper spotlights the Texas Enterprise Fund, which the Legislature created in 2003 to provide taxpayer money to companies in exchange for the promise of jobs. “But in numerous cases, the money has been paid and the companies left shortly after the deal was completed, taking the jobs with them,” the paper’s author writes. “The public rarely hears of it, and the money spent is rarely recouped, although because of the opacity surrounding the TEF, it’s difficult to discern if any financial recovery by the state is achieved.” The problem is the same across most states, according to the paper, which concludes with this recommendation: “Opening the records, fully, is the best start to handing the decision to the public.” Renae Eze, Gov. Greg Abbott’s spokesperson, responded in a statement to the researcher’s asser-

in the coming days,” Gov. Greg Abbott tweeted Capital Sunday, sharing a Wall Street Journal news story Highlights about United Airlines by Chris Cobler operating charter flights to position doses of Pfizer Inc.’s COVID-19 vaccine tions. for quick distribution if “When he first enthe shots are approved by tered office in 2015, regulators. Gov. Abbott established Earlier, Abbott and procedures to ensure the the State Department protection of taxpayer of Health Services anmoney and transparency nounced their guiding in the spending process, principles of vaccine including changing the distribution. Texas will Texas Enterprise Fund initially allocate vaccines requirements to be perbased on the following formance-based, meaning criteria: these companies must • Protecting health care first meet their contracted workers. job requirements before • Protecting frontline any state money is paid workers. out,” she stated. “Com• Protecting vulnerable panies must also remain populations who are at and maintain those jobs greater risk. for an extra year on the • Mitigating health ineqcontract period. If a comuities. pany falls short, it will be • Data-driven allocations held accountable to the using the best available hardworking people of scientific evidence and Texas through provisions epidemiology. that enable us to clawback • Geographic diversity our grant.” that considers access in urban and rural communities. • Transparency with the public.

Plans for first vaccinations

$1 billion less

Two key Texas funds received about $1 billion less this year because of the economic downturn, state Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced. The State Highway Fund and the Rainy Day Fund each received more than $1.1 billion in the annual transfer of severance tax money, Hegar said. That’s about $500 million less for each fund than a year ago. The transfer amounts are based on crude oil and natural gas production tax revenues in excess of 1987 collections. If either tax generates more revenue than the 1987 threshold, an amount equal to 75 percent of the excess is transferred. In November 2014, voters approved a constitutional amendment allocating at least half of the severance taxes to the Rainy Day Fund, with the remainder going to the State Highway Fund for use on nonTexas A&M researchtoll highway construction, ers announced a breakmaintenance and rightthrough in fighting agriof-way acquisition. cultural plant diseases. The economic con-

Texas is preparing to distribute the COVID-19 vaccination to medical staff and other first responders later this month. “Texas is ready to distribute these vaccines

Other festivities will live on this year. Gift basket drawings will begin at 7:30 p.m. Donations were made by businesses in the Wimberley Merchants Associations to craft 10 gift baskets that will be in the drawing, according to Cope. If an attendee goes through eight of the shops to get stamps, they will receive a free ticket to enter the drawing for one of the baskets. The holiday season is among us – undoubtedly, it’s been a difficult year for all and it’s time to ring in the new year. Cope said people need to take advantage of these kinds of events during trying times and “come early and take your time to enjoy the day.”

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Festival of Trees Continued from pg. 1

Greenbelt Park. This celebration depends on families and small groups donating $25 between now and Dec. 10. Participants receive a plaque and an entry to win downtown prizes based on multiple categories. Once the festival is over, participants will retrieve their trees to reduce waste. “Normally during this time of year, Main Street and the Merchants Group are planning events like the Holiday Sip & Stroll and Cocoa Jingle that are designed to bring friends closer together

and boost sales in the 4th quarter for businesses,” said Maggie Gillespie, Buda Main Street Program manager. “During a time of COVID, we are looking for creative new ways to give businesses the extra boost they need while also keeping the heart of the community in the minds of our residents and visitors.” All funds from this festival will go toward small businesses in Historic Downtown Buda. Spots are limited; participants are asked to sign up ahead of time through the city’s website.

See solution on page 10

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Chris Cobler is a board member and past president of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas. He welcomes email at ccobler@texaspress.com.

Sudoku puzzle courtesy of www.4puz.com

square,” Cope said. “It’s all open air. There are also restrictions as to how many customers can be in shops at the same time, so be patient and enjoy the music if you have to wait to enter a business.” Attendees can expect performances by: Jake Sims, Frank Iarossi, Nikole Isakson, John Cavender, Jon Paramentier, Monte Good, Carmen Elise, Marvin Bottera, Devan Jones, The Latin Dukes, Brenda Varne, Grant Ewing, Texas Renegade, Jerialice Arsenault, Lee Baker and Heather Wiley. While the city tried not to stray too far from its traditional holiday celebrations, it still needs to abide by COVID-19 restrictions; food vendors and Santa visits will not be available at the event.

Billion-dollar breakthrough?

Kranthi Mandadi, a Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientist and associate professor in Texas A&M’s Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, has been working on developing new biological technologies. Mandadi and his team are based at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Weslaco. The diseases cause billions of dollars of damage each year. The U.S. citrus industry alone would save $3 billion a year through control of just one of these diseases – citrus greening. Additionally, the pathogen that causes Pierce’s disease in grapes is the No.1 threat to the $1 billion wine industry in Texas. The new technologies allow scientists to better study the pathogens and combat them.

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Winter Wonderland Continued from pg. 5

traction associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and recent volatility in oil prices contributed to the transfer amounts being lower than the $1.66 billion each fund received in fiscal 2020, Hegar said. “The Rainy Day Fund and the State Highway Fund are critical pieces to ensure Texas’ continued economic strength,” Hegar said. “The State Highway Fund is a key funding source for the transportation infrastructure that is fundamental to our economy, and the importance of maintaining a healthy Rainy Day Fund to help weather unforeseen economic downturns has never been more clear than it has been in recent months.” With this most recent transfer, the new balance of severance taxes will be about $10.7 billion.

See solution on page 10

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • December 2, 2020

HISTORY

Page 9

‘Waco Wonder’ first All-American Texan

espite the ravages of the cancer that would take his life in two months, Ben Lee Boynton made the long and difficult trip to Boston for his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame on Dec. 4, 1962. The triple threat hero was born in 1898 to a Waco judge and his wife. Although a four-sport (football, basketball, baseball and track) star, he truly excelled on the gridiron. Known around his hometown and ultimately the state as “The Waco Wonder,” he dominated Texas high school football in the second decade of the twentieth century. The only schoolboy standout, who could hold a candle to Boynton, was Bo McMillin of Fort Worth’s Northside High. When the two finally met in the state finals, a standing-room-only throng watched the evenly matched elevens battle to a 6-6 tie with Ben Lee and Bo scoring touchdowns for their respective teams. When the time came for Boynton to choose a

for the 1917 season. His teammates already knew Texas first-hand from practices just how exceptional he History was. by Bartee Haile Boynton more than lived up to his advance billing leading Williams college after graduation in to its first undefeated 1916, everyone presumed season. Against Cornell, he would pick one of the he brought the Ephs back charter members of the from a ten-point deficit newly formed Southwest for a 14-10 triumph over Conference. But Boynton the national champions realized that the backfrom two years earlier. water association could He scored the go-ahead not provide a national TD on an unbelievable showcase for his dazzling run that started with him talents and opted instead trapped behind the line to go back east. of scrimmage, somehow After a thorough breaking free and outrunsearch, he settled on ning the entire Cornell Williams College in New team to the end zone. Hampshire. Barely a Two Saturdays later, blip on today’s national Boynton again made pigskin map, the Ephs the all-important differ(yes, that’s what they are ence in a hard-fought called!) held their own battle against Columbia. against top-ranked teams He kicked a field goal including representatives to put Williams on the of the Ivy League, the scoreboard and threw powerhouse conference a 50-yard pass for the of a century ago. touchdown that sealed Ineligible for varsity the victory. competition as a freshFollowing a tie with man, like all first-year stu- Wesleyan, the only blemdents in those days, Boyn- ish on the Ephs’ perfect ton was elected captain record, Boynton contribbefore he even suited up uted all three TD’s in the

finale versus Amherst. During the exciting course of Boynton’s rookie season, students and fans gave him a new nickname. “The Waco Wonder” became “The Purple Streak,” the primary school color. He was also named to the International News Service All-America team, a first for a native Texan and the first of many such honors to come. After appearing in the 1918 season opener, Boynton was called up for military service in World War I. But he was back at Williams in time for the 1919 campaign. Meanwhile, Bo McMillin was having quite the career himself at Centre College. He, too, had left the Lone Star State for greener gridirons taking with him five other high school stars to the tiny Kentucky college with an enrollment of 300. With their Texas nucleus, the Praying Colonels blossomed into the giant killers of college football. In 1920 McMillin and company had given Harvard, the undefeated Rose

Bowl champs, the shock of their lives playing The Crimson dead-even before running out of steam in the second half. Moments before the opening kickoff in the 1921 rematch, McMillin in his strong Texas drawl advised the referee to pay close attention saying something to the effect of “you’re not going to believe your Yankee eyes.” When the final gun sounded, the Harvard faithful could not fathom what they had seen. Only a single touchdown had been scored, and that was by Bo McMillin on a 32yard scamper that left the Crimson crowd speechless. Ninety-nine years later, Centre’s unthinkable conquest is still rated as the biggest upset in college football history. Boynton had already moved onto what passed for professional football the previous season. He had been at his very best his senior year, leading all eastern collegiates with 141 points in a mere seven contests. And along the way he was hailed as an All-American by nearly

everybody who produced the imaginary lineups. Boynton risked life and limb for four years in the National Football League, which was having chaotic growing pains after its creation in 1920. The two teams he played for say a lot about the struggling state of the league. The Frankfort Yellow Jackets and Buffalo All-Americans soon disappeared. However, in the opinion of his peers and historians, the Texan ranked second only to Jim Thorpe as the greatest pro player of the period. Ben Lee Boynton may have lived longer, if he had skipped that trip to Boston in 1962. But “The Wonder” and “The Flash” refused to let cancer keep him from receiving in person one last honor: the first Texan inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Perfect Christmas gift! All of Bartee’s five books for special price of just $20.00 each. Mail your check to Bartee Haile, P.O. Box 130011, Spring, TX 77393.

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Page10

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • December 2, 2020

OBITUARIES GRUNDY

animals. Donna spent much of her time with Donna her dog, Dooney, which Lynn Hunt was constantly by her Grundy, side. Donna’s Macaw a woman bird, Basil and her turtle, who loved John Wayne, brought her to laugh, much joy for many years. loved Oh, the stories Donna animals, could tell about her bird and dearly loved her and turtle. Local readers family and friends, died might remember when this week. Before COVID the turtle John Wayne hit the area, her laugh escaped, was picked up could be heard through- and adopted by then-San out Buda as she met with Marcos Mayor Daniel friends at local establish- Guerrero, who later ments. returned it to the Grundy Donna Hunt Grundy of household. John Wayne Buda died on Friday, Nov. was an escape artist. 27, 2020 after a very brief Donna also had a pasbattle with pancreatic sion for sea turtles and cancer. She was born on loved to go to the sunrise Nov. 8, 1958 to parents release of the baby sea Don and Deloris Hunt in turtle at the Padre Island San Angelo. Donna was National Seashore. When the oldest of three chiltheir boys were young, dren, her siblings being Donna and Scott loved brother Dean Hunt and traveling with them sister Deanne Wohleking. to Mexico and having Donna lived in San adventures in mountains Angelo, Austin, Laredo, and several state and Richmond and most national parks. recently, Buda. Donna worked at JK, Donna married Scott Inc. in Houston as an acGrundy on March 17, countant for 20 years. Jan 1984 in Austin at the Koehn was her employer, Hyde Park Christian but more importantly, Church. Together, Donna Jan was Donna’s most and Scott had two sons, dear and trusted friend. Robert Hunt Grundy and Donna had so many Robert Collin Grundy. wonderful friends that She graduated from she kept in contact with Lake View High School in over the years. San Angelo in 1976 and She also mentored later earned a degree in young women, giving Accounting. them jobs that ended Donna had many up helping them later passions but some of her in their careers. Those most cherished things young women are now in this world were her adults and scattered

across Texas with tales of their own about Donna and her boys. Donna is preceeded in death by her husband Scott Grundy, her in-laws Robert and June Grundy. Survivors include her two sons Robert Hunt Grundy (Chrissy) of San Marcos and Robert Collin Grundy of Buda. Donna had one grandson, Scott Grundy. Other survivors include her parents Don and Deloris Hunt of San Angelo, her brother, Dean Hunt (Ruth) of San Angelo, and her sister Deanne Hunt Wohleking of San Angelo, two nephews Tailor Hunt and Cameron Hunt, both of San Angelo, Texas and a niece Katie Wohleking of San Angelo. Due to Covid concerns, a memorial service is pending. Suggested donations in Donna’s name can be made to the American Cancer Society or Sea Turtle Inc., South Padre Island, Texas.

LOGAN Nancy Cullen Logan, 81, of Kyle died peacefully on November 15, 2020. Nancy was born Jan. 11, 1939 in Austin to Clarence Cullen and Maribel Buaas Cullen. At a very young age, her family moved to the

Buda area where she graduated from Buda High School. She married the love of her life, Jesse Logan, who is left to cherish her memory after celebrating 63 years of marriage. Nancy loved spending time with her family, friends, watching birds (especially hummingbirds at their feeder), flowers (mostly her roses), cards, a good game of Mexican train or Uno, square dancing, trips to the coast with her family and friends, horse racing, trips to casinos, and just loved life in general. She worked for the state of Texas and then for the IRS for several years in data management and later for Austin Independent School District, retiring as bookkeeper. She was active in Buda United Methodist Church for many years. Among what she counted as her greatest accomplishments were the three children she and Jesse were blessed to share together: sons, Kelly Logan and Christopher Logan (husband Fred Cummins) and daughter Joan Logan (partner Renee Villeneuve). Nancy is also survived by grandchildren Christopher Kyle Logan (wife Rebecca) and Cullen Logan (wife Vanessa) and one great-grandchild Laurel Logan. Nancy is also survived by brothers Pat Cullen (wife Sher-

ri) and Frank Cullen (wife Renee), nieces and nephews and many other close relatives and friends. Her real life’s work was looking after her family and being a loving wife, daughter, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, send donations made in memory of Nancy to American Parkinson Disease Association, or to the charity of your choice.

YOUNG On Nov. 24, 2020, Vanessa Moschell Young, a loving wife, died prematurely at 55 years of age. She was born Dec. 4, 1964 in Richmond, Indiana. She was the youngest of six children. She excelled as captain of her high school drill team (the Devilettes) and had a love of dance. After high school, Vanessa attended Texas A&M University, where she met her husband, Craig, and many other cherished friends. Vanessa worked for a string of

law firms before managing her husband’s firm. She also enjoyed working as a fitness instructor. She was devoted to her dogs and chickens. She and her husband enjoyed their many travels, especially the many A&M games over the years. They were approaching their 35th wedding anniversary. She resided for many years in the Kyle/ Wimberley area. Vanessa was preceded in death by parents Louise Edward Moschell Jr. and Eleanor Pauline Moschell, two brothers Douglas Edwin Moschell and Bruce Meredith Moschell. She is survived by her loving husband of 35 years Craig Young, one brother Louis Edward Moschell III (Kim) and two sisters Victoria Lynn Ryder (Tim) and Sharon Kathleen Kenny (Bob), along with 18 nieces and nephews. Being the youngest of her siblings, she developed a unique bond with her many nieces and nephews. Her service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Pennington Funeral Home in San Marcos.

Full-Circle Aftercare Fast. Simple. Safe. Keeping you safe by simplifying the next steps after a loss. The staff at Harrell Funeral Homes provide each family we serve with aftercare help. You can stay safe at home, and we will help you complete all the non-legal tasks and notifications over the phone in as few as 1 to 3 days.

She wants to stay in touch Get your student an online subscription for just $3.50/month paper@haysfreepress.com or go online:

HaysfreePress.com or HaysNewsDispatch.com

Buda, Texas • 15300 S. IH-35 • 312-1615

Debbie Thames, Agent 251 N. FM 1626, Bldg. 2, Ste. C, Buda, Texas 78610 312-1917

Sudoku Solution

Come worship with us ASSEMBLIES OF GOD

CHURCH OF CHRIST

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

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

The Connection Church 1235 S. Loop 4, Buda

EPISCOPAL

Antioch Community Church Old Black Colony Rd., Buda

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

Sudoku Puzzle, from page 8

Center Union Baptist Church Goforth Rd., Buda Primera Mision Bautista Mexicana Kyle

Texas Crossword Solution

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

Texas Crossword, from page 8

512-268-8200 HarrellFuneralHomes.com

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 Buda United Methodist Church San Marcos & Elm St., Buda Kyle United Methodist Church Sledge & Lockhart St., Kyle

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

Journey United Methodist 4301 Benner Rd, Kyle, Tx

CHRISTIAN

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church 7206 Creedmoor Rd., Creedmoor

Mission Fellowship Church 200 San Marcos Street, Buda

Spring Water! Privately owned From local springs FREE DELIVERY 1ST 20 GAL. FREE

Vertical Chapel 400 Old Post Road, Kyle A Fountain of Life Church 302 Millenium Dr. Kyle

Friendly, Courteous Service

Fellowship Church at Plum Creek 160 Grace Street at 2770, Kyle

Call 1-866-691-2369

Word of Life Christian Faith Center 118 Trademark Drive, Buda

BUDA

Por Tu Gracia Fellowship 701 Roland Lane, Kyle

DRUG STORE

203 Railroad Street Downtown Buda Pharmacy 312-2111 Fountain 312-2172

PENTECOSTAL Mision de Casa de Oracion S. Hwy. 81, Kyle New Life Sanctuary Kyle Science Hall Elementary 1510 Bebee Rd. PRESBYTERIAN

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

Driftwood United Methodist Church RR 150 at County Road 170

First Presbyterian Church 410 W. Hutchison, San Marcos, TX 78666

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.

www.hayshills.org 1401 N. FM 1626

Pure Texas

New Covenant Community Church 1019 Main Street, Buda (in Dance Unlimited)

St. John’s Presbyterian Church 12420 Hewitt Ln., Manchaca

Adult (including an 8:30 a.m. early bird class), teen, children’s classes * Children’s worship Professionally-staffed nursery & pre-school

Providing you with your most important local news for Kyle, Buda and surrounding communities

Kingdom United Christian Church 100 Madison Way, Buda

Manchaca United Methodist Church FM 1626 & Manchaca Rd., Manchaca

9:30 a.m. Classic Service 10:45 a.m. Contemporary service

Hays Free Press

Completed & Perfected Faith Church Tobias Elementary Cafeteria, FM 150, Kyle

New Life Christian Church 2315 FM 967, Buda

Baptist Church

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Trinity United Chuch of Niederwald 13700 Camino Real, Hwy. 21, Niederwald

METHODIST

Hays Hills

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Your Hometown McDonald’s

McDonald’s of Buda 15359 IH-35, Ste. B • P.O. Box 1364, Buda, TX 78610

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Sunset Canyon Baptist Church 8:45 AM

Sunday Morning

11:00 AM

Sunday Worship

5:45 PM

Wednesday Meal

6:30 PM

Wed TouchPoint SCBC Preschool Children Ministries Youth Ministries Family Ministries

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4000 E. HWY 290

Classifieds

Page 11

GARAGE SALE

Opportunities Include: Landscape Workers, CDL Drivers, Wash Technicians, Mechanics, Labor Positions and more.

Visit our website www.texasdisposal.com/careers to view and apply! For more information call 512-329-1778

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NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Sealed bids will be received by the Finance Department at the City of Buda until 1:00 p.m., January 15, 2021, for “IFB 21-003-Project Area 1A”. Invitations for Bids may be obtained from the Purchasing Manager at the Buda City Hall Building, 405 E. Loop St., Buda, Texas 78610 or go to www.texasbidsystem.com. The City of Buda will receive sealed lump sum and unit price proposals for a single prime contract in the Office of the City Administrative Assistant until 1:00 PM, January 15, 2021 for “IFB 21-003 Project Area 1A.” A Pre-Bid meeting will be held on December 17, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. in the City’s Multi-Purpose Room (1034) in the Municipal Complex. The City of Buda will open the sealed bids in the Multi-Purpose Room (1034) in the Municipal Complex. The scope of work includes the construction of earthen channels, bridge class box culverts, traffic control, erosion and sediment control, and site restoration. A portion of the work is in the Texas Department of Transportation right-of-way and, therefore, Texas Department of Transportation prequalification is a

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE INTENTION TO ISSUE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT REVENUE BONDS (6 CREEKS PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Kyle, Texas, will convene at the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 100 W. Center Street, Kyle, Texas 78640 at 7:00 p.m. on December 15, 2020, and, during such meeting, the City Council will conduct a hearing on whether to issue special assessment revenue bonds to provide public improvements in connection with the 6 Creeks Public Improvement District Improvement Area #1 Project in an approximate amount not to exceed $4,420,000 and the 6 Creeks Public Improvement District Improvement Area #2 Project in an approximate amount not to exceed $6,465,000. The City is authorized to issue special assessment revenue bonds without an election pursuant to Section 372.024, Texas Local Government Code, as amended. No provision is made for a petition or an election in connection with such special assessment revenue bonds. The special assessment revenue bonds, if issued, will be payable from the special assessments on the property in Improvement Area #1 and Improvement Area #2 of the 6 Creeks Public Improvement District. Travis Mitchell Mayor, City of Kyle, Texas

PUBLIC NOTICES, 12

CITY OF KYLE, TEXAS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE LEVYING ASSESSMENTS ON PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN IMPROVEMENT AREA #2 OF THE 6 CREEKS PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT Road, as more particularly described by a metes and bounds description available at Kyle City Hall located at 100 W. Center Street, Kyle, Texas 78640 and available for public inspection. The map provided with this notice and in the description of the District available at City Hall indicate the location of Improvement Area #2 within the District. All written or oral objections on the proposed assessment within the District will be considered at the public hearing. A copy of the Assessment Roll which Assessment Roll includes the assessments to be levied against each parcel in Improvement Area #2 of the District, is available for public inspection at the office of the City Secretary, 100 W. Center Street, Kyle, Texas 78640.

REB

R EL D

CH R

ECOA

STAG

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT a public hearing will be conducted by the City Council of Kyle, Texas on December 15, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. at City Council Chambers, City Hall, 100 W. Center Street, Kyle, Texas 78640. The public hearing will be held to consider proposed assessments to be levied against the assessable property within Improvement Area #2 of the 6 Creeks Public Improvement District (the "District") pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 372 of the Texas Local Government Code. The proposed Authorized Improvements to be undertaken include street improvements, water improvements, sanitary sewer improvements, storm drainage improvements, detention/water quality ponds, wastewater treatment plant capacity payment, lift station and force main, park and trail improvements, and entry, walls CENTER ST and landscaping improvements. The total LOCATION MAP • NOT TO SCALE costs of the Authorized Improvements that are allocable to Improvement Area # 2 are $10,975,000. The boundaries of the District include approximately 858.70 acres of land generally located south of RM 150, west of N. Old Stagecoach Road, and north of Cypress

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BID NOTICE

The Plum Creek Conservation District (PCCD), Lockhart, Texas is requesting sealed bids from qualified, responsible bidders for REPAIRS to Floodwater Retarding Structure Site 23 at Lower Plum Creek Watershed in Caldwell County, Texas. One award for all items will be made. Performance time is 68 calendar days. Estimated price range is between $100,000 and $250,000. Major items of work are: 20 lin. ft. ductile-iron pipe; 1,159 tons rock riprap; and 1 Job/ Lump Sum: structure removal 6” drainpipe and fence, pollution control, construction surveys, mobilization and demobilization, removal of water, contractor quality control, and site preparation. PCCD reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids. A 5 percent bid guarantee is required. The successful bidder will be required to furnish performance and payment bonds. Invitation for Bids (IFB) documents will be available electronically beginning December 3, 2020. Complete IFB documents and a Plan Holders Registration Form / Terms & Conditions may be viewed and downloaded at no charge from the Plum Creek Conservation District website: http://pccd. org/ and click on Job Bids tab and then the IFB No. PCCD-21-LPCW23Repair-01. Contact Daniel Meyer (512) 398-2383 if you have problems downloading documents. No printed copies of the IFBs will be distributed to interested parties, but a printed copy is available for viewing at the PCCD office. Sealed bids will be received on December 17, 2020, at PCCD office, 1101 W. San Antonio Street, Lockhart, Texas 78644 until 1:00 p.m. local time. Electronic, facsimile, and telegraphic bids will not be considered. A Pre-bid Conference and Site Showing will be held on December 9, 2020 beginning

at 10:00 a.m. at the PCCD office. COVID-19 Alert: PCCD may make every attempt to hold Pre-bid Conference and Bid Opening outdoors. If an activity must be held indoors, anyone entering the PCCD office building is encouraged to follow guidelines of the CDC for social distancing to the extent possible, face masks, and personal hygiene, and by entering, represent to PCCD that they are aware of CDC recommendations to avoid the spread of the Virus and, to the extent possible, are compliant with the recommendations; that they are not having symptoms of the Virus as described by the CDC and/or the Texas Department of State Health Services; and have not knowingly been in contact with others who have such symptoms.

TEXAS DISPOSAL SYSTEMS

requirement for bid eligibility for this project. The City of Buda will conduct a Pre-Bid meeting via “Go To Webinar Ð Registration URL https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3715701001219497227 and use Webinar ID: 405616-979. ADDRESS AND MARK ENVELOPE: “IFB 21-003-Project Area 1A” TO: Purchasing Manager, City of Buda, 405 E. Loop St., Buda, Texas 78610. TO BE OPENED: 1:00 p.m., January 15, 2021.

CO A

EMPLOYMENT

Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Shirley Mozelle Wantland, Deceased, were issued on November 23, 2020, in Cause No. 20-0310P, pending in the County Court at Law #2 of Hays County, Texas, to: Michael Steven Walker. All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. c/o: David Glickler Attorney at Law 130 Hall Professional Center Kyle, TX 78640 DATED the 30th day of November, 2020. /s/ David Glickler David Glickler Attorney for Michael Steven Walker State Bar No.: 00787549 John A. Hall & Associates, P.C. 130 Hall Professional Center Kyle, TX 78640 Telephone: (512) 268-6425 Facsimile: (512) 268-5404 E-mail: glick@johnhalllawfirm.com

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.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

SALE! 317 CRADDOCK AVE. SAN MARCOS, TX. Collectibles: NASCAR, Barbie, Vintage Dolls, Coca Cola, Vintage Clothing, Antiques, Saturday, Dec. 5, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

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DIRECT CARE COUNSELORS

PUBLIC NOTICES

OLD

EMPLOYMENT

IH 3 5

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • December 2, 2020

Page 12

NEWS

Hays Free Press • December 2, 2020

Saturday food-a-thon a go in Buda BY MEGAN WEHRING

BUDA – The COVID-19 pandemic has left many community members in need, now more than ever. The Buda Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a 12-hour Zoom-A-Thon food drive to help lift the burden. Inspired by the Jerry Lewis telethon, this food drive will be streamed using Zoom and social media. While it takes a village to put together this kind of event, the BACC is looking for volunteers

“If there is anybody out there who plays an instrument, does a hula hoop, can bounce on one leg and touch their nose at the same time — we’ll put them on. We’ve got 12 hours to fill (of the food-a-thon)!” J.R. Gonzales, BACC’s executive director

and local talent acts to perform. Volunteers and interested talent acts can sign up online. “If there is anybody out there who plays an instrument, does a hula

hoop, can bounce on one leg and touch their nose at the same time — we’ll put them on,” said J.R. Gonzales, BACC’s executive director. “We’ve got 12 hours to fill!”

Originally planned for Nov. 21, the Zoom-A-Thon is now slated for Dec. 5 at 12 p.m. through Dec. 6 at midnight at the Central Texas Veterans Center at 100 Houston Street. For those wishing to donate to the Food-Raiser, the BACC is requiring people to remain in their vehicles and place donated items in their car trunks or truck beds. Volunteers will be wearing gloves and masks to ensure everyone’s safety. “Our hope is to get larger businesses and corporations donating,

but this is also coming from the people — friends and neighbors,” Gonzales explained. “It’s the Buda thing to do. We’re a community that helps each other out in a time of need.” Residents and visitors

PUBLIC NOTICES FROM PAGE 11 NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Public sale to satisfy lien. Sale at 1626 SelfStorage, 1740 S. FM 1626, Buda. December 11th. 9:00 AM. Property from Amber Leonard's unit contains household items. Sale to highest bidder.

NOTICE FOR QUALIFICATIONS

Sealed Qualifications will be received by the Finance Department of the City of Buda until 2:00 p.m. January 8, 2021, for “RFQ 21-002 Facility Planning Services for the City of Buda Public Works and Parks Departments”. Request for Qualifications may be obtained from the Purchasing Manager at the Buda Municipal Building, 405 E. Loop St., Buda, Texas 78610 or go to www. texasbidsystem.com. The City intends to select a qualified facility design Consultant to perform a facility needs assessment, planning, and schematic site design for possible expansion of the current Public Works and Parks facilities and to evaluate the need for a new site. The project involves analysis of the existing site located at 525 Garison Rd., Buda, Texas, and the evaluation of future facility needs of the Public Works Department to evaluate possible future expansion to more efficiently utilize the current site. The Consultant will also evaluate the growth projections of the Public Works Department to determine if and when a new site may be needed to meet the department’s needs. The Consultant will prepare a final report that includes departmental growth projections and analysis of

facility and space needs of the Public Works and Parks Departments for the next 10, 25, and 50 years. The report will also include a draft schematic design and planning level budgets to reconfigure and expand the current site as well as to develop a new site for the future. The Consultant will conduct interviews with City staff to understand the future space needs of the department and will evaluate the configuration and facilities of other similar Central Texas cities. The Consultant shall plan for the required meetings with staff and presentations to the City Council necessary to complete this project by the end of April 2021. ADDRESS AND MARK ENVELOPE: “RFQ 21002 Facility Planning Services for the City of Buda Public Works and Parks Departments” TO: Purchasing Manager, City of Buda, 405 E. Loop St., Buda, Texas 78610. TO BE OPENED: 2:00 p.m. January 8, 2021.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Hays CISD is Requesting Proposals for RFP #25112001JO Screen Printing & Embroidery Services. Proposals will be accepted until 01-14-2021 at 2:00 p.m. local time. Specifications are available in the Hays CISD Purchasing Office (512-268-2141 ext. 46035) between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Proposal responses must be submitted on the Public Purchasing website https:// www.publicpurchase. com/ by the date and time indicated above. Late Proposals will not be accepted after time and date

can also attend Holiday Market in the Park, located in downtown Buda, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m Saturday, Dec. 5. There will be a variety of local vendors, downtown merchants, farmers, musicians and antique dealers.

HAVING VISION PROBLEMS? IT COULD BE CATARACTS

SPECIALIZING IN:

listed above. Late proposals will not be accepted after time and date listed above. The Hays CISD Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and/or all proposals and waive all formalities in the proposal process.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Pursuant to Chapter 59 of the Texas Property Code, TJO 10 X 10 Management, Ltd managing properties listed below will hold a public auction of property being sold to satisfy a landlord’s lien. The sale will begin on or about the time indicated at www.selfstorageauction. com. Property will be sold to highest bidder for cash. Deposit for removal and cleanup may be temporarily required. Seller reserves the right to reject any bid and to withdraw property from sale. Property may be sold by the space. Property being sold includes contents in spaces of following tenants, with brief description of contents in each space. Wednesday, December 16, 2020, 12:00 pm Kyle Premier Storage @ 19580 IH 35, Kyle, TX 78640 www.SelfStorageAuction. com Anna Hernandez: misc. items. Manuel Maldonado: misc. items. Deborah McGraw: misc. items. Ricky Narro: misc. items.

The notice to the Permanent Guardian of the Person and Estate with Full Authority may be delivered at the following address: c/o Barnes Lipscomb Stewart & Ott PLLC Attorneys at Law Rollingwood Center 2500 Bee Cave Road Building II, Suite 150 Austin, Texas 78746 All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. Dated the 23rd day of November, 2020. /s/ Ellen P. Stewart Ellen P. Stewart Attorney for Guardian

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NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE is hereby given that original Letters of Guardianship for the Person and Estate of James Allen Bertelsen, an Incapacitated Person, were issued on November 23, 2020, in Cause No. 20-0026-G, pending in the County Court at Law of Hays County, Texas, to: Andrew Lester Bertelsen.

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