December 8, 2021 News-Dispatch

DECEMBER 8, 2021 CHICAGO

SHINE ON

Dripping Springs High School Theater performs Broadway hit.

PEC hosts Home Holiday Lights contest, deadline Dec. 12.

– Page 6

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HaysNewsDispatch.com

Vol. 42 • No. 11

Serving Hays County, TX

Dripping Springs ISD audit report on hold

BY MEGAN WEHRING

DRIPPING SPRINGS – Changing personnel, short review time caused Dripping Spring ISD’s board of trustees to disapprove an audit report.

After receiving the final draft less than an hour before the Nov. 23 discussion, the DSISD trustees voted to disapprove the

Winter averaging is upon us For all Dripping Springs wastewater customers, winter averaging is upon us.

Your water consumption throughout December, January, & February will directly affect your wastewater rate update in April 2022.

Please be sure to watch your consumption during these months. This is an important time to check for any dripping faucets, leaking toilets, and broken irrigation pipes. We recommend you limit irrigation or turn off your irrigation systems altogether.

The auditors detected the cause of the misstatements in the report as accounting staff leaving the district, thus creating a delay in the financial statement close process, and errors were not detected timely as new personnel were still learning the procedures.

annual financial audit report for the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2021.

School districts were given a deadline to file their annual financial

reports with the Texas Education Agency (TEA)

by Saturday, Nov. 27.

“The auditors’ delay in delivering the final report created a very compressed

timeline for the district to review,” said Jennifer Edwards, executive director of communications for DSISD, “and the board to approve the report in

order to make the TEA deadline, especially given the Thanksgiving holiday since district offices were closed.”

While the district

acknowledges that there were significant deficiencies at the end of the 2020-21 fiscal year, DSISD disagreed with Weaver and Tidwell, L.L.P.’s findings of material weaknesses in internal controls.

“The district’s strong financial standing speaks

DSISD FINANCIAL AUDIT, 10

on Mercer

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW REGARDING THE CITY’S WASTEWATER MEASUREMENTS: A typical residential account has 1 wastewater LUE assigned to the property; this may vary – contact the city if you are unsure about the LUE’s you have for your property.

A commercial account may have more than 1 LUE assigned to the property; this may vary – contact the city if you are unsure about the LUE’s you have for your property.

Usage allotted: 1 LUE is measured based on consumption of 6,450 gallons per month (215/ day) – any property that exceeds this amount is subject to paying excess usage fees.

PHOTOS BY DAVE WILSON, WWW.DAVEWILSONPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

Holiday tradition returns

Dripping Springs most prominent holiday event was back in full swing this year. Christmas on Mercer attracted neighbors far and wide Saturday for the arrival of Santa, live music, food and great fall weather. See page 10 for more photos.

No more Nutty Brown as we knew it

STAFF REPORT After 20 years of live music in the Hill Country, owners of the Nutty Brown Cafe concluded their era with final performances Nov. 26 and 27. The two-night send-off performances included Pat Green and Kevin Fowler on Friday night and Randy Rogers Band, Stoney LaRue and Roger Creager on Saturday.

Over the past two decades, the amphitheater has hosted thousands of acts including Merle Haggard, Dwight Yoakam, Ice

TEXAS HISTORY Texas president talks peace with Mexico.

– Page 7

Cube, Hank Williams Jr., Dierks Bentley, Gary Clark Jr. and Blake Shelton.

Investors behind Nutty Brown Amphitheater are busy developing a venue in Round Rock at the former McNeil Park, with a planned 2022 opening. The new concept is expected to have a larger capacity than the former location, featuring a wide variety of genres.

H-E-B owns the property where the amphitheater currently sits and is expected to build a store there.

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.

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Page 2

Kyle to apply for grant ahead of winter weather

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

Kyle is taking extra precautions in the event of severe winter weather.

During the regular city council meeting on Dec. 6, council unanimously approved two resolutions to select an engineer and a grant writer to assist with the city’s application to the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP).

The grant program is related to the FEMA-DR-4586 (Severe Winter Storms) disaster declaration, declared on Feb. 19, 2021 across Texas during Winter Storm Uri. The program is intended to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures in communities and reduce the loss of life and property after a major disaster declaration.

Both resolutions state that the city and its residents sustained “significant damages” as a result of Uri, and that the repair and/or replacement of damages, and other projects as eligible, is of vital

The grants will provide backup generators for the city’s critical water and wastewater sites – which include wells and lift stations – to help mitigate the effects like those of the last winter storm.

importance.

Julie Crookston, Assistant Director of Public Works, said the grants will provide backup generators for the city’s critical water and wastewater sites – which include wells and lift stations – to help mitigate the effects like those of the last winter storm.

Crookston said that because there is a lot of “red tape” involved with these applications, the grant writer would assist in organizing the information that’s needed, along with writing and submitting the grants.

And, depending on how many the city is awarded, the writer would also ensure that the city is staying in compliance with the grants and help administer them once they are received.

“When we were reaching out to TDEM,

they recommended that we apply for three or four grants and separate them out, because that will increase our chances of at least being a warded at least some of them,” Crookston said.

The council selected Traylor & Associates as the administrative consultant for the grant application preparation, project administration and project-related management services, and KSA Engineers Inc. as the engineering firm for application preparation and project implementation, should awards be funded.

Council members Yvonne Flores-Cale, Michael Tobias and Robert Rizo also all praised the public works department for being proactive in helping to prevent another disaster in Kyle due to winter weather.

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • December 8, 2021

School threat in HCISD unfounded

BY BRITTANY ANDERSON A photo of a threat that was initially believed to be towards Hays CISD schools circulated on social media on Dec. 6.

In the photo, the person threatened a shooting and a bombing, but the school allegedly targeted was not specified.

School administrators were notified shortly after the social media post by members of the community and law enforcement officers began investigating the credibility of the threat.

In an email sent to parents of students in every school in the district, Hays CISD chief communications officer Tim Savoy said that the current status of the investigation is that the threat has not produced evidence that the original post has anything to do with HCISD

Hays CISD chief communications officer Tim Savoy said that the current status of the investigation is that the threat has not produced evidence that the original post has anything to do with HCISD campuses, but that they “treat each potential threat as real.” campuses, but that they “treat each potential threat as real.”

Hays High School principal David Pierce said in an email to parents that while the school takes all threats very seriously, the post appears to be “a post, of a post, of a post” and that the threat is not specific to any HCISD school.

However, as a precaution and to show solidarity, Pierce said there would be an increased law enforcement presence on campus on Dec. 7.

Pierce also thanked everyone who alerted administrators in the district of the post, as well as law enforcement officers for investigating.

“Seeing these types of posts and learning about them is both scary and frustrating,” Pierce wrote.

“And, even though they seem to be occurring with more frequency in recent months, I want you to know that we are not desensitized to them. Each one is treated with equal vigor and gravity.”

2021

DECEMBER 9 - 12 & 16-19, 2021 HISTORIC STAGECOACH PARK

State-of-the-art swim center coming to Kyle STAFF REPORT

KYLE — Kyle Economic Development announced Dec. 3 that a state-of-the-art swim center is coming to town.

Nitro Swimming hosts swim lessons and competitive swim teams in an indoor, climate-controlled center. The center will be located in a 40,000 square-foot building on the east side of FM 1626, north of Kohlers Crossing. They are expected to break ground in January 2022, and a grand opening is slated for late 2022.

The center will feature two pools — an instructional pool and Olympic-sized competition pool — as well as indoor deck space and a climate-controlled viewing

area. It will also have the capability to host various swim meets with approximately 400-500 athletes and room for spectators.

The instructional pool will be 25 yards long and have five lanes with overflow gutters and two filtration systems, including a UV filter.

The competition pool will have 24 lanes of “short course” (25 yards) and 10 lanes of “long course” (50 meters), with custom starting/racing platforms, an electronic timing system and scoreboard with full read-out of the racing lanes.

Nitro Swimming has become the leading swim lessons provider in the Austin area, as well as a top competitive swim team, since its formation in 2006. The company is

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a partner of the Special Olympics of Central Texas, and the facilities are often utilized for water rescue training for law enforcement and emergency first responders and by local scout troops for certification needs.

“We are excited to have a business like Nitro Swimming join our growing and thriving business community,” Kyle Economic Development Director Diana Blank-Torres said. “They are bringing a unique industry of destination recreation, as well as a top-tier swim safety center to our region that will further strengthen our local economic diversity.”

For more information, go to www.nitroswim. com.

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Opinion

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Seeing these types of posts and learning about them is both scary and frustrating. And, even though they seem to be occurring with more frequency in recent months, I want you to know that we are not desensitized to them. Each one is treated with equal vigor and gravity.”

–Hays High School principal David Pierce. Story on page 2.

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • December 8, 2021

Page 3

EDITORIAL

Hays CISD trustee selection process needs review

Congratulations are in order for the new Hays CISD Trustee Dr. Esmeralda Pérez-González, who takes over for Willie Tenorio.

Tenorio had served on the board for many years – since 2009 – including time as vice president and president of the board of trustees.

Tenorio turned in his letter of resignation on Wednesday before Thanksgiving, as he moved out of his district. Tenorio was representative of Single Member District (SMD) 2. On Dec. 1, a notice was sent out and was published on the Hays Free Press website. The notice said that the board would accept Tenorio’s resignation and appoint a trustee to fill out the term until the May 2022 election.

Pérez-González was named at a special called meeting on Thursday, Dec. 2, and was quickly voted in. The sole purpose of the meeting was to accept Tenorio’s resignation letter and to find a replacement.

But with the resignation having just been publicized the day before, it left very little time for anyone else interested in the position to come before the board.

No mistake, Pérez-González is quite qualified, as she has 40-plus years of experience in the education field.

While filling the vacancy with Pérez-González is quite legal by appointment, there seems to have been a rather quick turnaround in appointing the new trustee. In other words, Tenorio’s letter of resignation had JUST been turned in, and already the existing trustees knew who they wanted to vote for.

A bit of background:yes, trustees have resigned in the past. Willie Tenorio himself actually replaced Joe Munoz on the board. Shaun Bosar was also an appointed trustee.

The late Ralph Pfluger was appointed to fill out a position.

The thing is that Tenorio and Bosar were interviewed by the board after the open position was publicized and applications were accepted by the school district. They were not the sole applications for the position. Pfluger was appointed by the board in a quick turnaround vote when Patti Wood was president of HCISD board.

Both ways are quite legal, though Tenorio pushed to always accept applications for any open position when he was on the board.

Tenorio could easily have served on the board under the holdover provision of the law that would allow him to serve until a special election was held or applications were taken to allow more people to get a chance at joining the board of trustees.

District personnel said that the trustees thought it best to have someone fill the position immediately who lived in SMD2, since Tenorio had already moved. They considered the holdover provision as a last resort, though this district has done that several times in the past.

Pérez-González and her husband both attended the Dec. 1 meeting and she had a typed acceptance speech in both English and Spanish.

It’s almost like the trustees had already discussed who they wanted to replace Tenorio, had chosen and informed Pérez-González and voted her in quickly.

That’s not the open transparency that Hays CISD is always saying it wants to project.

In the future, it would behoove the board to make positions available to all citizens, allow a bit of time for other citizens to put their names in the hat and not just choose someone without an interview process.

Again, Pérez-González will make an excellent truste; she seems to already be friends with several of the current school board members.

But transparency means opening up the process – even if it means you have to wait more than a few days to choose a new board member.

How about a newspaper subscription for Christmas?

My access to news narrowed dramatically when I was 10 years old.

My mother’s boss passed away, so I no longer got to peruse his morning paper.

And, despite my protestations about prying the funnies from my cold, ink-stained fingers, family budget cuts meant my father could no longer splurge on the evening paper.

I still had the local gossip grapevine, radio newscasts and TV anchor David Brinkley. But cutting back to just the Sunday edition of print journalism left a vexing information void during the Nixon/Apollo/counterculture era.

And, oh, the taunting from the family dog! (“Look what I did on the carpet! Good luck rolling up that console TV!”) By the fact that you’re encountering this column, I know I’m preaching to the choir. But I feel compelled to double down on reminding you that a newspaper subscription makes a thoughtful Christmas gift.

Perhaps there are shut-

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

Production Manager David White

Don’t get left behind.

Reporters Megan Wehring Brittany Anderson

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Keep up to date with Hays County’s best local news sources. SendOffice formManager or call today.

Columnists Arlene Monroe BarteeHays Haile, & Travis counties: 1 year for $42 Circulation/Classifieds Clint Younts Call 512-268-7862 orDavid emailWhite, paper@haysfreepress.com Proofreader Arlene Monroe Jane Kirkham Distribution Kimberlee Griffon

Tyrades

by Danny Tyree

ins on your friends list who have begrudgingly dropped their newspaper because of the proverbial “fixed income.” You could reopen their window on the world. (They could then yell out the window the more nuanced “You kids get off my lawn – or I’ll have to call the landscaper who advertised in the classifieds!”)

On the other end of the age scale, there’s no need to talk down to teens and preteens. A newspaper will help them prepare for their civics class, learn more about the town’s entertainment venues and discover how people other than social media influencers live. Give them the gift of knowledge. (Granted, you don’t have to share the knowledge that you almost blew a bundle on naming a fragment of space junk after them.)

A newspaper can be a

college student’s comforting tether to their old stomping grounds. It can be a way for a newlywed couple to put down roots and become a contributing part of the community.

I know. I know. Many people in their 20s and 30s dismiss traditional newspapers as a quaint relic, but a positive attitude can make the gift a welcome surprise. Vinyl records are becoming “hip” again, so why not get ahead of the curve with the appreciation for the coolness of newspapers? (No charger needed!

No searching for free wi-fi!)

Even if not every hometown story is life-changing for young couples, they can bond by making fun of standard headlines such as “Zoning board recognizes local merchant.” (“Yeah, sure, I thought I recognized Mike! That awful haircut threw me off. Remind me to send the Codes Department after Ralph’s Barber Shop.”)

Those who are young and disdainful of the power structure should

embrace local journalism as a way to Stick It to The Man. Seriously, if you hear a reporter claiming, “I got into journalism to get rich,” his next words will be “and to locate my wife, Empress Josephine!

Sacre bleu! Did you find that straitjacket in our advertising insert?”

Blogs and Facebook groups have their place, but a finite newspaper provides a priceless measure of closure.

The same cannot be said for the time-draining pop-up ads, clickbait and rabbit holes that are characteristic of online surfing. (“Speaking of which, do you know the 16th-century Dutch word for ‘rabbit hole’? Well, actually – whoa! Is it already Wednesday?”)

10-year-old me says, “Think about it. Consider gift subscriptions.”

And also, “Santa, a tape recorder would be loads of fun for President Nixon!”

Danny Tyree welcomes email responses at tyreetyrades@aol.com and visits to his Facebook fan page “Tyree’s Tyrades.”

One size fits all!

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• Newsroom phone: 512-268-7862 • E-mail: news@haysfreepress.com • Mail: 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640

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.

• 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.

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

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • December 8, 2021

City of Kyle celebrates 25 Days of Christmas PHOTOS BY BRITTANY ANDERSON

The city of Kyle will offer fun activities at City Square Park through Dec. 25.

Music Mondays: Join the city of Kyle Parks and Recreation Department in celebrating the 25 Day of Christmas starting with Music Mondays.

On Monday, Dec. 13, from 5 to 9 p.m., there will be free photo opportunities with Santa. There will also be vendors.

On Monday, Dec. 20, alongside the vendors, there will be lights and holiday music playing for you and your loved ones to enjoy!

Taco Tuesdays: On the first three Tuesdays in December from 5 to 9 p.m. there will be vendors, lights and holiday music.

Winter Wonderland Wednesdays: On Wednesdays from 5 to 9

p.m., professionaly shot photos with Santa will be available in addition to vendors, lights and holiday music.

Thursdays: Professional holiday photos from 5 to 9 p.m. in addition to vendors, lights and holiday music.

Festive Fridays: Live music starts Fridays at 6 p.m. You can also get professional holiday pictures taken in addition to vendors, lights and holiday music.

Social Media Sundays: To take part in the festivity, stop by the park 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and take pictures of you and your loved ones and share it with the hashtag #KyleParksandRecreation.

You will also have the opportunity to get professional Santa photos and enjoy the vendors, lights and holiday music.

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PEC Home holiday lights contest deadline is Dec. 12

BY MEGAN WEHRING

Deck your home with all things festive and you could win the Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) Home Holiday Lights Contest.

Winners of the second-annual competition could earn up to a $500 bill credit and bragging rights. Last year, Kyle resident Bill Edgel took home the gold with his red home

topped with twinkly lights.

Contestants need to submit a photo of their display before Dec. 12.

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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • December 8, 2021

Page 5

OBITUARIES BECKER William Henry Becker, age 88, of Kyle, Texas was called to his eternal resting place on Friday, November 26, 2021, after a brief fight with leukemia, at his residence, surrounded by his son and daughter.

William was born on June 5, 1933 in Dallas, Texas to Frances (Springmann) and Henry Becker. He was the third of 11 children. William attended Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas and graduated in 1953. He was a member of the Cathedral Club in Dallas where he met the love of his life.

He married Elaine Elizabeth Jenkins on September 27, 1958 in Dallas. He worked by his wife’s side as owner of the Preston Center Pet Shop, from 1971 to 1991. After the pet shop was closed, William worked for other small companies before retiring in 2013 in Kyle. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and was a devout Catholic. He enjoyed spending time with his family, friends and pets, working in his garden, making Rosaries, and volunteering at his local church.

He is survived by his daughter Julie Becker of Kyle, his son William Patrick Becker of Dallas, his 5 grandchildren Jacob Cloud, Alexis Becker, Christiana Becker, Elizabeth Becker, and Lilly Becker, and his 5 siblings, Rosemary Schell, John Becker and wife Rosemary, Fred Becker and wife Mary, Teresa Batto and husband Bernard, and Clara Jernigan and husband David. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elaine Elizabeth Becker, his parents, sister, Martha Teresa Becker, brother, Father Francis Becker, brother, Herman Becker, brother-inlaw, Richard Schell, sister, Martha Mary Grupa, brother, Father Robert Becker, and brother-in-law, Michael Grupa.

Family will receive friends from 5 -7 p.m. on Monday, December 13, 2021 followed with a Rosary at 7 p.m. at Harrell Funeral Home in Kyle.

Funeral Mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, at St.

Anthony Marie de Claret Catholic Church in Kyle, with Father Joseph Daheim officiating. Burial will follow on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at Sparkman/Hillcrest Cemetery in Dallas, for immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org, the American Heart Association, www.heart.org, and/or St. Anthony Marie de Claret Catholic Church in Kyle, Texas, www.samckyle.org/give.

BORTHWICK Mary Borthwick was born on June 19, 1932, in Binghamton, New York to Anna Katharine Anderjack Sanders and Joseph Talamo. She passed away November 26, 2021, in Arvada, Colorado at age 89.

Mary met Harry Walter Borthwick in Binghamton and they married in San Antonio, Texas on April 15, 1950, and raised five children in Buda.

She was a kind, generous, loving mother to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was always happiest when they were with her. The Christmas season was her favorite time of year. She loved making cookies with the kids and her specialty was kolaches. Her family has many fond memories of eating these delicious treats right out of the oven.

She is survived by her children Marian Loep and husband James, Dawn Edwards and husband Gregg, Harry Borthwick and wife Paula, Kathy Kaskie and husband Pete and daughter-in-law Sherri Tibbe. She is preceded in death by her husband of 54 years Harry Walter Borthwick and son Robert James Borthwick. She leaves behind 15 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Mary held many jobs throughout her lifetime including working in a shoe factory, as a carhop, at Adams Extract, Tracor, and had her own house cleaning business. She worked hard, but always found time for her beloved animals – especially dachshunds. She leaves

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behind Ariel, a long-haired dachshund, who has been her steady companion for many years.

Hobbies included cooking, collecting cookbooks, gardening, shopping, watching Johnny Depp movies, crocheting, sewing, and coloring. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and trying out new recipes on them. She hated being idle.

A celebration of life and spreading of her ashes will take place next year in the summer in Colorado.

in constant constitutional crises and under looming court deadlines to fix its broken school finance system.

House Speaker Pete Laney was determined to get the job done, so he appointed Libby to Chair of the House Public Education Committee and handed her the reins.

Adept at herding cats, Libby brought legislators together in a marathon House session to pass the “Robin Hood” school finance bill in 1993.

It met constitutional muster and serves as the basic framework for public school funding to this day.

LINEBARGER The next day her picElizabeth Ann Linebargture, arms raised in victory, er was born November 29, 1947, in Sinton, Texas. Libby, appeared above the fold in every major state newspaper. a force of Many friends called to connature like no gratulate her on her achieveother, left us ment, but more than a few, on December knowing Libby’s penchant 1, 2021, barely for sartorial excellence, exmore than a claimed “Horizontal stripes? day after her What were you thinking, 74th birthday. wearing horizontal stripes?”

And while The Governor who signed each of us who knew her is the bill into law was Ann heartbroken at her passing, Richards, who was elected every single one of us has in 1990 during Libby’s first a story about Libby – or, term. Ann turned to Libby more likely, several stories during that race for policy – that will keep us laughing through the tears for years to input and to serve as a surrogate on the road. So Libby come. loaded up the Suburban with She laughed heartily, campaign literature, yard loved mightily, befriended signs, other elected officials, for life, and was always in helpers, and an occasional charge. Even before she was Richards family member, diagnosed with lung cancer stumping all over the state in 2015, she handed down instructions for her obituary, on Ann’s behalf.

She and Ann shared a funeral service, memorial love of big hair and Aquaservice, and burial. She kicked cancer’s ass, and tried Net, so Libby didn’t hesitate when she got the opportulike hell to beat idiopathic nity to replicate the Texas pulmonary fibrosis, a devastating terminal illness. But Monthly cover featuring Ann in all-white leather while illness conquered her body, in the end, she was still motorcycle garb astride a in control, and she approved gleaming white motorcycle for a fundraising event. this message.

They ratted the tar out of Libby catapulted out Libby’s hair and patted baby of Gregory-Portland High powder all over it to make it School as Valedictorian, snow white. The result was already well on the road to an uncanny resemblance, a lifetime full of significant not quite twins, but close! accomplishments and a Ann never hesitated pattern of deep, long-lasting to help Libby out, either, friendships. She always felt appearing at endorsement the one “C” she made in college was grossly unfair, as events or to serve as the chief roaster at any campaign the rest of her grades were straight A’s – from elementary fundraiser. Libby knew she’d get a great turnout if Ann school through the master’s degree she earned from Tex- Richards was on the bill.

For Libby, though, the joy as A&M, Corpus Christi. wasn’t just in these accomLibby was particularly proud of the three terms she plishments; it was in the journey itself, especially served in the Texas House when the road was marked of Representatives from by good stories, good 1989-1995, a time when friends, well-placed profanithe Texas Legislature was

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Texas Crossword, from page 8

went by, the thing she loved most about her children was the grandchildren they provided her. All 11 of them.

“Grammer” became an enormous part of each of their lives, and she often repeated Ann Richards’ quip that “grandchildren are our reward for not strangling our kids when we had the urge”. She especially loved teaching Italian to grandson Sam, not excluding a bit of profanity because, perché diavolo no? And she loved teaching them to cook, to read, to accessorize, to travel, and to live life to its fullest.

“Always accessorize” wasn’t a fashion concept for Libby as much as an unbreakable law.

Her grandchildren needed to know that.

With this village of a family, Libby never got the concept of cooking for one or two – she cooked for an army, or she cooked for nobody. Along with endless food comes endless dishes, and Libby literally washed away her fingerprints cleaning up through the years. She didn’t know this until she tried to get a Global Access pass, and for a moment considered the possibility of a new career – untraceable criminal. But thought the better of it.

Libby was preceded in death by her father and mother, WC and Violet Andrews; her brother, Chris Andrews; and son, Wesley Linebarger.

She is survived by her husband, Dale Linebarger; five children: Roger Linebarger, (Heather), Rebekkah Linebarger (Chris Mock), Brent Bockholt (Susan), David Linebarger (Gina Valerio) and Annie Linebarger (Jason Jones); 11 grandchildren; her sister, Susie Andrews; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends too numerous to count.

Libby’s many friends and family will gather for a celebration of her life on Friday, December 10 at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 1201 Lavaca, Austin TX, followed by a reception at the Linebarger home.

Like a force of nature, she roared through our lives, leaving behind good times, good memories, good works, and boundless laughter. And we are all the better for it.

Ciao, bella! Grazie per le risate.

Come worship with us

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Sudoku Puzzle, from page 8

ty, much laughter, and more than a few “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas”-type moments.

She was a driving force of the Steel Bluebonnets (from her legislative days), the Bad Girls Emmaus Prayer Group (post-legislature), the Corpus Crew of high school girlfriends she held dear for decades, Dominoes with the Dames, and her legion of friends. And there were stories from all of them.

Like the time she charged the hotel bar tab to her room for the Steel Bluebonnets at the Texas Democratic State Convention in Fort Worth, the trouble being she was not staying at that hotel. And nobody could remember what hotel it was. So the next day Libby was lamenting about how some poor guest in room 618 got stuck with a $200 bar tab on their hotel bill when, all of a sudden, State Representative Ernestine Glossbrenner piped up and said “I wondered where that charge came from!” She had already paid it, reasoning that it was the work of a good Democrat celebrating at the convention. What are the odds? Everybody got a good laugh over it and, of course, Libby made good on the tab.

Libby left the Legislature to concentrate on her family.

Make no mistake about it, family was always the most important thing to Libby, starting with her “person”, Dale, to whom she was married for 47 years. On their Vegas honeymoon they won enough money in a keno game to make a down payment on a house, and those became her magic keno numbers for years.

They raised a blended family with six kids, and together worked to build Dale’s law practice into the blockbuster success it was.

Early on they ate 7-11 hot dogs at the office for dinner and Libby learned to keep the books while holding down a full-time job in education and still putting those kids to bed on time. And later, when she was running for office, she managed to balance campaigning and block-walking and still getting supper on the table and the kids off to school.

She took endless pride in the accomplishments of her children, and never tired of sharing news about what they were up to. And as time

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Page 6

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • December 8, 2021

PHOTOS BY MOSES LEOS III/HAYS CISD

PHOTOS BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM Nightclub sensation Velma Kelly, played by Hannah Olsen, who killed her philandering husband, makes her first appearance on the stage along with cast members in Dripping Springs High School Theatre’s production of Chicago this past weekend, Dec. 2-4.

Chicago It’s curtain call for Velma Kelly (L) and Roxie Hart, played by Hannah Olsen and Camila Gutierrez, two murderesses who wind up in prison but were never convicted in the long running Broadway play Chicago. This production of the Dripping Springs Theatre is directed by Christine Williams Hathcock.

Lehman alumnus among Power 5 conference football champions

Hays CISD Ag Mechanics build 150 picnic tables for district

Four years ago, Lehman High School alumnus Tyler Henderson etched his mark in Lobo history when he signed to play at Baylor University, becoming one of the first student-athletes from the school to compete at a Division I football program.

This past weekend, Tyler made history once again as he became one of the first Hays CISD alumni to win a Power 5 conference football

Over the past few weeks, Hays CISD Agricultural Mechanics students at Hays High, Johnson High and Lehman High quite literally made the cut as they constructed numerous wooden picnic tables for use at all of the district campuses.

This project was the inspiration of Hays CISD Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright, who presented the idea of crafting picnic tables for outdoor

and his Baylor Bears teammates secured the 2021 Big XII football championship with a thrilling 21-16 win over Oklahoma State at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. In addition to the outstanding accomplishment on the field, Tyler is equally excelling in the classroom as well.

This past season, Tyler was named as a First Team selection to the Big XII Conference All-Academic Team.

Tyler Henderson

championship.

On Saturday, Tyler

learning and more to the Hays CISD School Board. Helping to make this project possible was the Lowe's in Kyle who assisted by providing discounted materials to complete this project.

When all is said and done, 150 total tables will be constructed by the Hays CISD Ag Mechanics students.

Johnson High Ag Mechanics built 66 tables and Hays and Lehman high Ag Mechanics will

build 42 tables each. Ultimately, each of the district's 25 campuses will receive six picnic tables for use in their outdoor classroom spaces and/or added eating areas at the middle and high schools.

Coordinating this effort was the Hays CISD Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department, led by Director Suzi Mitchell, and CTE Workforce Development Coordinator Joe Henderson.

Thank you for another great year!

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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • December 8, 2021

Page 7

Texas president talks peace with Mexico Speaking behind closed doors on Dec. 10, 1839, Mirabeau Lamar shared a startling secret with the Republic Congress. Texas’ second president informed legislators that for the past seven months he had been working to make peace with Mexico.

When Sam Houston passed the reins of government to his rival in December 1838, the new chief executive did not think a truce was in the cards. The Mexicans seemed dead-set on retaking the liberated province and punishing the San Jacinto victors.

But inside information from south of the border changed Lamar’s mind.

According to well-informed friends, the ousted rulers of Texas were treading water in a sea of crisis. Plagued by pockets of rebellion throughout the huge country and embroiled in a major confrontation with the French, Mexican leaders just might be open to mending fences.

In fact, several credible sources quoted senior officials as saying that under the dire circumstances the time was right to come to terms with the Texans.

For Lamar, who opposed

Texas History

by Bartee Haile

merger with the United States, the unexpected news was music to his ears. Texas could never realize its sovereign destiny so long as relations with Mexico remained hostile.

For the momentous mission Lamar chose Barnard Bee, the secretary of state whose bags were already packed for Washington. The diplomat grudgingly accepted the undercover assignment, but his heart clearly was not in it.

Lamar instructed Bee to negotiate and, if possible, to sign a peace treaty based upon two key conditions: recognition of Texas independence and the Rio Grande as the international boundary. If the Mexicans continued to insist upon drawing the line at the Nueces, Bee was authorized to offer $5 million for the disputed land between the two rivers.

Although the envoy received his orders in February 1839, he did not

reach Veracruz until early May. By then the golden opportunity was gone because the Mexicans had appeased the French and temporarily quelled the scattered revolts.

The uninvited Texan could not even obtain permission to go ashore.

Bee gladly took no for an answer and sailed back to New Orleans only to find a letter from the Mexican secretary of war waiting for him. In an abrupt aboutface, the minister wrote that his government was willing to listen to the Lone Star proposal.

To Bee’s relief, he did not have to make the return trip. His place was taken

by James Treat, a longtime resident of Mexico sympathetic to Texas. During December 1839, while Treat was in transit, President Lamar finally took Congress into his confidence.

The announcement caught the lawmakers completely by surprise.

The secrecy surrounding the negotiations had not sprung a leak, and Lamar was considered the least likely person in the whole Republic to advocate peaceful coexistence with Mexico. The congressmen gave his bold plan their

wholehearted endorsement.

Treat arrived in Mexico City on Dec. 11, 1839, the day after Lamar’s hushhush huddle with the legislature. But again the timing was bad. Furious that scores of Texans had recently crossed the Rio Grande to take part in a short-lived uprising, the Mexicans were in no mood to talk reconciliation.

Treat wisely kept a low profile until Lamar publicly warned his countrymen against sticking their noses in Mexico’s business. This shrewd gesture opened the door for Treat, who was soon welcomed by Canedo, the Mexican foreign minister.

After breaking the ice at their initial meeting, the two diplomats had a frank exchange. Canedo listened attentively as Treat explained the proposed treaty and described the complex course the negotiations had to follow.

Four tedious months later, Treat was elated to learn that the matter at last had been referred to the Mexican Congress. But the capital was suddenly rocked by street riots, which diverted attention from the impending pact.

Meanwhile, President Lamar was running out of patience. Telling Treat to take a tougher stand, he sought to strengthen his bargaining position by sending the Texas navy for a chip-on-the-shoulder cruise off the Mexican coast.

Frightened and offended by the intimidating tactic, the Mexicans retaliated by giving the emissary the silent treatment. James Treat headed back to Texas in November 1840 but did not live to report his failure in person to Lamar. He died aboard ship in the Gulf of Mexico.

The prospect of peace perished along with Treat.

For the remainder of his presidential term, Lamar

bared his teeth by openly aiding Mexican rebels and attempting to annex New Mexico with the ill-fated Santa Fe Expedition.

Years of diplomatic shadowboxing ultimately culminated in the fullscale bloodletting known as the Mexican War. How many lives would have been spared on both sides of the border if Mirabeau Lamar had succeeded in burying the hatchet?

Order Bartee’s books at the special Christmas price of $20.00 each. Mail your check to Bartee Haile, P.O. Box 130011, Spring, TX 77393 for “Depression Desperadoes,” “Murder Most Texan,” “Texas Boomtowns,” “Unforgettable Texans” and “Texas Entertainers.”

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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • December 8, 2021

Classifieds PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Michael Wayne Whalin, a/k/a Michael W. Whalin, a/k/a Michael Whalin, Deceased, were issued on December 2, 2021, in Cause No. 21-0425-P, pending in the County Court at Law No. 1, Hays County, Texas, to Christopher Wayne Whalin, a/k/a Christopher Whalin, a/k/a Christopher M. Whalin, a/k/a Christopher Michael Whalin as Independent Executor.

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.

Estate of Michael Wayne Whalin, a/k/a Michael W. Whalin, a/k/a Michael Whalin Christopher Wayne Whalin, a/k/a Christopher Whalin, a/k/a Christopher M. Whalin, a/k/a Christopher Michael Whalin, Independent Executor c/o Greg Johnson, Attorney at Law Farrell & Johnson, PLLC 1000 MoPac Circle Austin, Texas 78746 Telephone: (512) 3232977 Facsimile: (512) 7081977 gjohnson@txelderlaw.com Dated the 6th day of December, 2021. /s/ Greg Johnson Greg Johnson Farrell & Johnson, PLLC 1000 MoPac Circle Austin, Texas 78746 Telephone: (512) 3232977 Facsimile: (512) 7081977 e-mail: gjohnson@ txelderlaw.com

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of GLORIA JACOBS were issued on December 3, 2021, under Docket No. 21-0442-P, pending in the County Court of Hays County, Texas to GARY CRAIG JACOBS. Claims may be presented in care of the attorney for the Estate addressed as follows: Estate of GLORIA JACOBS c/o Jonathan S. Connor Blazier, Christensen, Browder & Virr, P.C. 3410 Far West Blvd., Suite 385 Austin, Texas 78731 All persons having claims against this Estate, which is currently being administered, are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribe by law.

Dated this 7th day of December, 2021.

Blazier, Christensen, Browder & Virr, P.C. Jonathan S. Connor Attorney for the Estate

CITY OF BUDA LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to the City of Buda Charter, Article III, Section 3.11(D)

Ordinances, that the Buda City Council, at its regular meeting on December 7, 2021, adopted an ordinance amending Appendix A of the Code of Ordinances entitled Fee Schedule (Exhibit “B” Art. A4.00(c) Building & Development) of the municipal government of the City of Buda for the fiscal year October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022; providing for penalties for failure to comply with such ordinance(s); providing for publication; and, providing for an effective date. By: Mayor Lee Urbanovsky.

Attest: Alicia Ramirez, City Clerk. (full text is available in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 405 E. Loop Street, Building 100, Buda, TX, during business hours and on www.ci.buda.tx.us.)

NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF HAYS CAUSE: 20-1647

By virtue of an Order of Sale issued by the clerk of the 274th District Court of HAYS County, Texas, October 14, 2021, in cause numbered 201647, styled POST OAK ONE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. versus Fernandez, Freddie and Fernandez, Melissa M. on a judgment rendered against Fernandez, Freddie and Fernandez, Melissa M. ; I did on November 30, 2021,at 2:30 p.m., levy upon as the property of Fernandez, Freddie and Fernandez, Melissa M. the following described real property: Lot 19, Block W, of Post Oak Subdivision, Phase 2, A Subdivision in Hays County, Texas, according to the map or plat of record in Volume 12, Page 138 of the Plat Records of Hays County, Texas more commonly known as 267 Atlantis, Kyle, TX 78640 (“Property”) On January 4, 2022, being the first Tuesday of the month, between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M., beginning at 10:00 a.m., at the Hays County, at the South Door, 712 Stagecoach Trail of the Courthouse of the said County, in the City of San Marcos, Texas, I will sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the right, title and interest of Fernandez, Freddie and Fernandez, Melissa M. in and to the real property described above.

Dated at Kyle, Hays County, Texas, November 29, 2021.

Michael Torres Constable, Pct. 2 Hays County, Texas 5458 FM 2770 Kyle, Texas 78640

by Patrick Chasse, Deputy Notice to Bidders: You are buying whatever interest, if any, the Debtor has in the property. Purchase of

the Debtor's interest in the property may not extinguish any liens or security interests held by other persons.

There are no warranties, express or implied, regarding the property being sold, including but not limited to warranties of title, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

Notice to Judgment Debtor: If there is any property, real or personal, you want to point out for levy in lieu of the above described property, you must contact this office immediately.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is hereby given that original Letters of Administration for the Estate of Leigh Ann Thompson, Deceased, were issued on December 3, 2021, in Cause No. 21-0013-P, pending in the County Court at Law, Hays County, Texas, to: James Franklin Stone.

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: M. Elizabeth Raxter Attorney at Law 705 State Park Rd. Lockhart, Texas 78644 DATED the 5th day of December, 2021.

By: /s/ M. Elizabeth Raxter M. Elizabeth Raxter Attorney for James Franklin Stone State Bar No.: 24050084 705 State Park Rd. Lockhart, Texas 78644 Telephone: (512) 398-6996 Facsimile: (512) 668-4501 E-mail: eraxter@txelderlaw.com

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Vivian Orndorff McDonald, aka Vivian Baker, Deceased, were issued on November 10, 2021, in Cause No. 21-0349-P, pending in the County Court at Law No. 1, Hays County, Texas, to: Brian Lee Baker.

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: Brad Wiewel Attorney at Law 1601 Rio Grande St., Ste. 550 Austin, TX 78701 DATED the 8th day of December, 2021.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Kent Henry Beffort, Deceased, were issued on October 25, 2021, in Cause No. 21-0373-P, pending in the County Court at Law No. 1, Hays County,

Texas, to: Janice Eileen Beffort.

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.

Janice Eileen Beffort c/o: Ryan V. Vickers, Attorney 121 Hall Professional Center, Suite A Kyle, TX 78640 DATED the 25th day of November, 2021 Ryan V. Vickers Attorney for Janice Eileen Beffort State Bar No.: 24079518 121 Hall Professional Center, Suite A Kyle, TX 78640 Telephone: (512) 262-0232 Facsimile: (512) 268-5404 E-mail: rvv@glicklawtx. com

NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SUBDIVIDE

An application has been submitted with HAYS COUNTY to subdivide 67.29 acres of property located at along the eastside of Dacy Ln. & Suffield Dr., Buda, TX 78610. Information regarding the application may be obtained from Hays County Development Services (512) 393-2150. Tracking number: PLN-1781-NP.

HAYS CISD IS REQUESTING PROPOSALS

Hays CISD is Requesting Proposals for RFP #25112101AS Sign Language Interpreting Services.

Proposals will be accepted until 01-05-2022 at 2:00 p.m. local time. Specifications are available in the HCISD Purchasing Office (512- 2682141 ext. 46035) between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Proposal responses must be returned to the HCISD Purchasing Office 21003 IH 35, Kyle, TX 78640, by the date and time indicated above. Late Bids will be returned unopened.

The HCISD Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and/or all bids and waive all formalities in the bid process.”

Please note the Hays District Administration Offices will be closed December 20th - December 31st 2021.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SUBDIVIDE

An application has been submitted with HAYS COUNTY to subdivide 198.75 acres of property located at the terminus of Tuscany Drive, Driftwood, TX 78619. Information regarding the application may be obtained from Hays County Development Services (512) 393-2150. Tracking number: PLN-1864-NP

NOTICE OF CHANGE OF AN OFFICIAL DESIGNATED DISTRICT OFFICE AND MEETING PLACE TO THE RESIDENTS AND TAXPAYERS OF HAYS COUNTY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT NO. 1 AND TO ALL OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS:

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Directors (“Board”) of Hays County Development District No. 1 (hereinafter called “District”), at a meeting of said Board held on November 9, 2021, adopted a Resolution Amending The District’s Meeting Places Outside and Inside the Boundaries of the District and Reaffirming the Offices and Additional Meeting Places of the District (the “Resolution”). The District established an additional meeting place outside its boundaries at 5701 West William Cannon, Austin, Texas 78749.

The offices and other meeting places of the District previously approved remain the same.

A copy of the Resolution is on file at the office of the District, 2929 Allen Parkway, Suite 3150, Houston, Texas 77019.

BID NOTICE

The Plum Creek Conservation District (PCCD), Lockhart, Texas is requesting sealed bids from qualified, responsible bidders for REHABILITATION to Floodwater Retarding Structure Site 21 at Plum Creek Watershed in Caldwell County, Texas.

One award for all items will be made. Performance time is 573 calendar days. Estimated price range is between $5,000,000 and $10,000,000. Major components of the work are: • Remove existing principal spillway inlet, and abandon in place the 30-inch diameter conduit by grouting.

• Replace the existing principal spillway with a new principal spillway inlet riser, 42-inch-diameter conduit, impact basin, and outlet channel.

• Abandon the existing earthen auxiliary spillway using a closure section of new embankment fill with a maximum height of approx. 10 to 11 feet.

• Construct a new roller compacted concrete (RCC) overtopping auxiliary spillway structure and outlet works.

• Raise crest of existing embankment approx. 4.7 feet and flatten downstream embankment slope.

• Install a foundation/embankment drain system.

• Install rock riprap wave protection on the upstream embankment slope.

• Other items of work include sprigging, irrigation, construction surveys, removal of water, topsoiling, fencing, geotechnical instrumentation, pollution control, mobilization and demobilization, and contractor quality control.

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 9, 2021. 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: https://pccd.org/ and click on Job Bids tab and then IFB No. PCCD-22-PCW21Rehab-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 January 19, 2022, at PCCD office, 1101 W. San Antonio Street, Lockhart, Texas 78644 until 10:00 a.m. local time. Electronic, facsimile, and telegraphic bids will not be considered. A Pre-bid Conference and Site Showing will be held on January 6, 2022, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the PCCD office.

COVID-19 Alert: Anyone entering the PCCD office building is encouraged to follow guidelines of the CDC. By entering those attending will 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.

The Texas Crossword and Sudoku Puzzle sponsored by

DeMasters - Daniel Insurance Agency, Inc. Serving Hays County since 1983 “Call us for all of your insurance needs” Angie Dahl

Wimberley: 512-847-5549 or 512-847-9325 Dripping Springs: 512-858-4608

Sudoku puzzle courtesy of www.4puz.com

See solutions on page 5

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • December 8, 2021

Page 9

Classifieds PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE FOR REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

Sealed Qualifications will be received by the Finance Department of the City of Buda until 2:00 p.m. January 19, 2022, for “RFQ 22-004 City of Buda Broadband Study”.

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 Consultant to assist the City of Buda in assessing current broadband service options available within the City. The purpose of the broadband study is to explore ways to expand broadband service options in the City of Buda that increases private competition, provide customers with different options, and increase service reliability and speeds while lowering costs. The study will analyze potential barriers to expansion by service providers and opportunities for the City to provide broadband as a utility.

The Consultant shall plan for the required meetings with staff and key stakeholders and provide presentations to City Council as necessary to complete this project.

ADDRESS AND MARK ENVELOPE: “RFQ 22-004 City of Buda Broadband Study” TO: Purchasing, City of Buda, 405 E. Loop St., Buda, Texas 78610. TO BE OPENED: 2:00 p.m. January 19, 2022.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SUBDIVIDE

An application has been submitted with HAYS COUNTY to subdivide 29.495 acres of property located at along Campo Del Sol Parkway, Buda, TX 78610. Information regarding the application may be obtained from Hays County Development Services (512) 393-2150. Tracking number: PLN-1858-NP.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SUBDIVIDE

An application has been submitted with HAYS COUNTY to subdivide 17.608 acres of property located at along Campo Del Sol Parkway, Buda, TX 78610. Information regarding the application may be obtained from Hays County Development Services (512) 393-2150. Tracking number: PLN-1857-NP.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SUBDIVIDE

An application has been submitted with HAYS COUNTY to subdivide 25.911 acres of property located at along Campo Del Sol Parkway, Buda, TX 78610. Information regarding the application may be obtained from Hays County Development Services (512) 393-2150. Tracking number: PLN-1856-NP.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SUBDIVIDE

An application has been submitted with HAYS COUNTY to subdivide 16.470 acres of property located at along Campo Del Sol Parkway, Buda, TX

NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SUBDIVIDE

An application has been submitted with HAYS COUNTY to subdivide 34.503 acres of property located at along Campo Del Sol Parkway, Buda, TX 78610. Information regarding the application may be obtained from Hays County Development Services (512) 393-2150.

Tracking number: PLN1861-NP.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SUBDIVIDE

An application has been submitted with HAYS COUNTY to subdivide 26.027 acres of property located at along Campo Del Sol Parkway, Buda, TX 78610. Information regarding the application may be obtained from Hays County Development Services (512) 393-2150. Tracking number: PLN-1859-NP.

78610. Information regarding the application may be obtained from Hays County Development Services (512) 393-2150. Tracking number: PLN-1862-NP.

REQUEST FOR BIDS

Hays CISD is requesting proposals for CSP #18112106VL Hays High School Theater Lighting Project.

Proposals will be accepted until 12-17-2021 at 2:00 p.m. local time. A Preproposal meeting will be held on 12-02-2021 at 10:00 a.m., Central Admin Building Annex A, 21003 IH 35, Kyle, TX 78640. Specifications are available in the HCISD Purchasing Office (512-2682141 ext. 45092) between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Bid responses must be returned to the HCISD Purchasing Office, Valerie Littrell, 21003 IH 35, Kyle, TX 78640, by the date and time indicated above.

Late Bids will be returned unopened. The HCISD Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and/or all bids and waive all formalities in the bid process.”

PUBLIC NOTICE

By order of the Hays County Commissioners Court, notice is hereby given that on December 21st, 2021 at 9 a.m. in the Hays County Courthouse, 111 E. San Antonio Street, the Hays County Commissioners Court will hold a public hearing to consider: Henderson Subdivision, Lot 2-A, Cancellation.

ADMINISTRATIVELY COMPLETE APPLICATION Aqua Texas – Bliss Spillar, (2611 FM 2325 Wimberley, Texas 78676) filed a Production Permit application on June 24, 2021, with the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (District) to withdraw up to 6,000,000 gallons of water annually from a new Lower Trinity well that was drilled in June 2021. The well will be used to provide water supply to the Bliss Spillar Water Supply System. The requested pumpage volume is commensurate with an estimate of reasonable demand for the intended use and upon approval, would be required to comply with drought curtailments and provisions for a Historic Trinity Production Permit. The well is located in Hays County at Copperleaf Drive, Manchaca, TX (30°8’34.15” N 97°52’48.74”W).

Publication of this notice was published on December 3, 2021, in the San Marcos Daily Record which began a 20-day public response period for which comments, written formal protests and requests for a public hearing will be accepted by the District. The comment period will end December 22, 2021. Parties interested in formally participating in a hearing on a contested application should refer to District Rule 4-9.13. For further information, please contact the District, 1124 Regal Row, Austin, Texas 78748, (512) 282-8441, bseacd@bseacd. org. You may also contact the applicant’s representative, Brian Robinson of Aqua Texas at 512-667-4520.

EMPLOYMENT

TRAVEL TRAILER

DIRECT CARE COUNSELORS Provide positive role modeling, structure, and supervision to adolescent boys. No exp. required, We train comprehensively. Pay starting at $12 per hour for flexible 8 & 16 hr shift schedules.

Health/life/dental insurance after 60 days. Min. requirements: Must be 21 yrs old, HS/GED, clean TDL, clean criminal history, pre-employment TB skin test, and drug screen. Growing (20+ year old) non-profit organization. www.pegasusschool.net.

Call (512)432-1678 for further information.

WANT TO BUY Travel trailer or fifth wheel, even if repairs are needed.

Trailer must have title.Cell 346-244-8907.

TEXAS DISPOSAL SYSTEMS

TDS IS NOW HIRING! Find your career with us.

TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Opportunities Include: Landscape Workers, Welder, CDL Drivers, Temporary Special Event Workers, Mechanics, and more.

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

Sign-On Bonus Available* *Certain positions

COMBINED

NOTICE OF RECEIPT OF APPLICATION AND INTENT TO OBTAIN A WATER QUALITY PERMIT (NORI) AND

NOTICE OF APPLICATION AND PRELIMINARY DECISION FOR TPDES PERMIT FOR MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER NEW

PROPOSED PERMIT NO. WQ0015869001 APPLICATION AND PRELIMINARY DECISION. Meritage Homes of Texas, LLC, 8920 Business Park Drive, Suite 350, Austin, Texas 78759, has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for a new permit, Proposed TCEQ Permit No. WQ0015869001, to authorize the disposal of treated domestic wastewater at a daily average flow not to exceed 78,800 gallons per day via subsurface area drip dispersal system with a minimum area of 18.09 acres of non-public access land. This permit will not authorize a discharge of pollutants into waters in the State.

TCEQ received this application on March 11, 2020.

This combined notice is being issued to correct the daily average flow, the size of the irrigation area, and contact information stated in the NORI.

The wastewater treatment facility and disposal site will be located northeast of the intersection of Highway 290 and Ranch Road 12, in Hays County, Texas 78620.

The wastewater treatment facility and disposal site are located in the drainage basin of Onion Creek in Segment No. 1427 and in the drainage basin of Barton Creek in Segment No. 1430 of the Colorado River Basin. This link to an electronic map of the site or facility’s general location is provided as a public courtesy and not part of the application or notice. For exact location, refer to application. https://tceg.maps.arcgis. com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=db5bac44afbc468bbddd36of816825of&mark er=-98.0828%2C30.1999&level=12 The TCEQ Executive Director has completed the technical review of the application and prepared a draft permit. The draft permit, if approved, would establish the conditions under which the facility must operate. The Executive Director has made a preliminary decision that this permit, if issued, meets all statutory and regulatory requirements. The permit application, Executive Director’s preliminary decision, and draft permit are available for viewing and copying at Dripping Springs City Hall, 511 Mercer Street, Dripping Springs, Texas.

MAILING LIST. If you submit public comments, a request for a contested case hearing or a reconsideration of the Executive Director's decision, you will be added to the mailing list for this specific application to receive future public notices mailed by the Office of the Chief Clerk. In addition, you may request to be placed on: (1) the permanent mailing list for a specific applicant name and permit number; and/or (2) the mailing list for a specific county. If you wish to be placed on the permanent and/or the county mailing list, clearly specify which list(s) and send your request to TCEQ Office of the Chief Clerk at the address below.

All written public comments and public meeting requests must be submitted to the Office of the Chief Clerk, MC 105, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, TX 78711-3087 or electronically at www14.tceg.texas.gov/ epic/eComment/ within 30 days from the date of newspaper publication of this notice.

INFORMATION AVAILABLE ONLINE. For details about the status of the application, visit the Commissioners' Integrated Database at www.tceg.texas.gov/goto/ cid. Search the database using the permit number for this application, which is provided at the top of this notice.

AGENCY CONTACTS AND INFORMATION. Public comments and requests must be submitted either electronically at www14.tceq.texas.gov/epic/eComment/, or in writing to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Office of the Chief Clerk, MC-105, P.0. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087. Any personal information you submit to the TCEQ will become part of the agency’s record; this includes email addresses. For more information about this permit application or the permitting process, please call the TCEQ Public Education Program, Toll Free, at 1-800-687-4040 or visit their website at www.tceg.texas.gov/goto/pep. Si desea información en Español, puede llamar al 1-800-687-4040.

Further information may also be obtained from Meritage Homes of Texas, LLC at the address stated above or by calling Mr. Keith E. Young, P.E., at 512-583-2609.

Issuance Date: November 4, 2021

ESTATE SALE

Page 10

Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • December 8, 2021

DSISD Financial Audit Continued from pg. 1

on Mercer

more completely to its financial health than oversights that occurred during a period of transition,” the district’s response letter stated.

A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control, where there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the entity’s financial statements will not be prevented, or detected and corrected on a timely basis, according to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Misstatements were identified by the auditors in general account balances.

“The material adjustments to individual funds included approximately $7.5 million of expenditures that should have been recorded in the Capital Projects,” the auditor’s financial statement findings stated, “and a net approximate $92,000 of revenues and expen-

December 4, 2021

ditures in a Special Revenue Fund for textbooks received.”

The auditors detected the cause of the misstatements as accounting staff leaving the district, thus creating a delay in the financial statement close process, and errors were not detected timely as new personnel were still learning the procedures.

DSISD recognizes that the pandemic and turnover in key positions stretched the office’s remaining staff.

“Cases of COVID within the business office and community division over COVID policies put pressure on operations,” the letter stated. “The district had three different superintendents and two Chief Financial Officers during the course of the school year. The end-of-year close and audit began with the exit of two key business office staff (CFO and Director of Finance), who left the district on their own accord in the

middle of the process.”

As a corrective action plan, DSISD has hired a director of finance and assistant superintendent for finance and operations, while also engaging a certified public accountant (CPA) with school district experience to help with the process.

District administration will come back to the board with proposals for review of the audit at a later date; a date for the follow-up has not been confirmed.

It could be after the new year, Edwards said.

“The team is working through that in order to meet the requirement as soon as possible,” Edwards said. “It is not on the agenda for the December meeting so I think January would be the earliest presentation but that is not confirmed.”

To view the current audit report and full corrective action plan, please visit the district’s website.

PHOTOS BY DAVE WILSON WWW.DAVEWILSONPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

Happy Holidays Wishing you and yours peace, joy, and good health throughout this holiday season and in the year to come. And remember, we are always here for you … days, nights, weekends, and holidays.

— Your ARC family

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DeMasters-Daniel insurance agency DeMasters Daniel Insurance has been serving the Hill Country since 1983 as an independent insurance agency providing personal and commercial insurance products. Let our office help you shop your insurance coverage. Our staff is committed to deliver personalized service to each and every client. Look for upcoming agent introductions.

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107 E. Summit Dr, Wimberley • 512-847-5549 102 Fitzhugh Rd, Dripping Springs • 512-894-2286