DECEMBER 15, 2021 SWING’N SUCCESS
90-CARD CHALLENGE
Hot Texas Swing Band awarded 2021 Album of the Year by International Western Music Association.
Kyle woman connects to celebrities, new friends through birthday card challenge.
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Vol. 42 • No. 12
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Buda assault, death inquiry continues
DSISD special education audit underway
STAFF REPORT
BY MEGAN WEHRING
BUDA — An investigation continues after a man was found dead and a woman was injured in Buda last month. At approximately 6:10 p.m. Nov. 20, Hays County Sheriff deputies responded to Quarter Avenue in Buda on a report of a person down/injured. Deputies found a female bleeding from a wound to the abdomen. A male subject, deceased, was also found at the scene. The female is recovering from a gunshot wound, according to deputy Bruce Harlan, and autopsy results for the male are pending. Harlan said the incident seems to have been a domestic issue and there is no danger to the public. Harlan did not release the name of the deceased nor of the woman recovering from injuries.
DRIPPING SPRINGS — After discovering two necessary policies were missing, the Dripping Springs ISD’s (DSISD) special education department will endure an audit. During the Dec. 13 meeting, the DSISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved the new audit to be conducted by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) and the installation of the two policies. The special education department is currently in the process of a Texas Education Agency (TEA) audit that focuses on compliance and documentation through the inspection of policies and procedures, according to board documents. In addition to the TEA audit, DSISD will undergo a complete Special Education Program Review by TASB that will focus on the full scope of special education services and responsibilities, according to board documents. The last review of this nature was conducted in 2016.
New tax credits make health insurance more affordable BY BRITTANY ANDERSON More savings and lower cost health insurance coverage plans may be possible because of a bill passed in March 2021. Under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, more people than ever qualify for help in paying for health coverage. Most people currently enrolled in a Health Insurance Marketplace plan may qualify for more tax credits, and lower health insurance
TAX CREDITS, 10
PHOTO BY BRITTANY ANDERSON
Buda dentist to operate pediatric mobile dental clinic
BY BRITTANY ANDERSON Many rural communities do not have reliable access to dental care. But a Buda-based pediatric dentist and a local nonprofit healthcare organization are working to combat this in Central Texas, starting in Caldwell County. Dr. Alexandra Otto, D.D.S., and her husband Tim own and operate Kids Tooth Team, whose goal is to “elevate the quality and expand the availability of children’s oral healthcare in Texas.” Otto said that she and Tim had a dream of being able to help kids in communities have “incredible dental care in clean, safe facilities” — and after identifying there was such a need for this in the area, they were put in touch with Dr. Shailee Gupta, D.D.S., of St. David’s Foundation (SDF). SDF is the largest charity-based mobile dental program in the country. They operate a fleet of nine mobile dental vans that offer free dental care to over 10,000 students at high-needs elementary schools in three Central
In spring 2022, the mobile clinic will begin operating out of Caldwell County, whose patient-todentist ratio is 1,680:1, double that of the state average. Dr. Otto said that they are currently in the process of selecting the school in the county the clinic will “pilot.”
Texas counties and six school districts and charter school systems. After nearly two years of work, Kids Tooth Team’s mobile clinic made its first appearance on Dec. 8 in front of its office where Otto, her team members and staff from SDF were
present to celebrate the “transfer of the keys” and tour the van. SDF’s donation of the van includes two dental operatories with full dental chair systems, a panoramic x-ray machine and dental office equipment totaling more than $1 million. “To be able to partner with such an incredible organization to expand the access to care for those who need us the most is so inspiring and incredible,” Otto said. In spring 2022, the mobile clinic will begin operating out of Caldwell County, whose patient-to-dentist ratio is 1,680:1, double that of the state average. Otto said that they are currently in the process of selecting the school
in the county the clinic will “pilot”. From there, they will choose a classroom or grade to work with, and families will be able to opt-in to participate. Otto said that providing this service to schools will help “break down some of those barriers” for students who are unfamiliar with dentists and dental care. “We want it to be a school-based dental home for these children, so kids who don’t have access to a dentist — this would be their dental office,” Otto said, adding that most things she can do in the regular office she is able to do in the van, including
MOBILE DENTAL, 10
‘That’s your workforce’: Hispanic population growth boosts economy BY MEGAN WEHRING HAYS COUNTY — Hispanics make up 40% of the population in Hays County and that number continues to grow every year. As one of the fastest growing counties in the U.S., Hays County’s total population grew by more than 80,000 residents in the last decade to 241,067 in 2020, according to census data, and Hispanics account for 40.1% of that. “Hays County, Central Texas, is the go-to place where people want to be,” said J.R. Gonzales,
Statistics courtesy of New American Economy
executive vice chair of the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC), “with the advantage between right here on the I-35 corridor and being in-between
TEXAS HISTORY
Boy from Abilene cotton patch sure could coach.
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Austin and San Antonio. The growth of this area [is phenomenal].” Living in Hays County has become the answer for some, as it looks more promising to commute to and from Austin
for work. “Since we have so many people moving into this area not only as residents, but also new businesses coming
HISPANIC WORKFORCE, 10
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DSISD AUDIT, 2
Santa IS coming to Kyle BY MEGAN WEHRING KYLE — Santa will be visiting Kyle neighborhoods before Christmas. The Kyle Police Department (KPD) will be partnering with the Kyle Parks & Recreation Department to host Santa rides this year. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Dec. 13 through Dec. 15, families will be able to wave and see Santa as he rides through designated neighborhoods. “This is something that we as a city decided to take on,” said Aimee Garcia, recreation programmer, “because the people in Kyle are looking forward to seeing Santa riding through Kyle.” Santa will be stopping by the northeast quadrant, southeast quadrant and the west side of Kyle, Garcia said. Specific neighborhoods, routes and a tracker to follow along will be updated on the city’s website. “We found that last year when the Parks & Recreation Department picked up the rides due to COVID,” said director Mariana Espinoza, “it really brought a lot of Christmas cheer to the residents and to the children.”
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2022 HCISD bond proposal on horizon BY BRITTANY ANDERSON posed May 2022 bond
A four-item bond package focusing on the continued growth of Hays CISD is being considered for 2022. HCISD board members discussed the potential bond during the Dec. 13 board meeting, unanimously approving to continue the bond development process and to hold public forums regarding the Facilities and Bond Oversight Committee (FBOC) recommendations. Beginning in August 2021, the FBOC met to discuss the need for a future bond election. At the Dec. 1 board meeting, the FBOC reached a consensus for a pro-
totaling approximately $115 million. The four items being proposed for the bond include an academic support center, construction for elementary school #16, design fees for elementary school #17, and 55 school buses. The academic support center would move all administrative personnel to one location and enable a Live Oak Academy expansion. The package calls for ES #16 to be a 900-student school and to increase elementary school capacity to 13,109 with an expected completion date of August 2024.
2022 HCISD BOND, 5
Incumbent Smith files for Pct. 4 seat SUBMITTED REPORT BY CANDIDATE
he said. “I have fought alongside DRIPPING SPRINGS our men — Hays County Comand wommissioner Walt Smith en of law announced he is seekenforceing reelection to the ment and position of Precinct 4 won in commissioner in the SMITH 2022 Republican primary the face of massive election. proposed budget cuts. Smith was first electWe have worked hard to ed as commissioner for ensure our first respondPct. 4, which includes the majority of Dripping ers have the equipment and personnel to meet Springs, Driftwood and the needs of our boomBuda, in 2018. ing population.” “It’s been a privilege Over the past 3 years, representing the peoSmith led the effort to ple of Pct. 4 and over establish the first Conthe last three years I servation Development have focused on mainTitle for any county in taining the culture and the state to ensure open community of our area spaces are preserved and while addressing the he fought for the expanever growing public safety, infrastructure and sion of park and open spaces throughout the transportation needs,”
Former school board member Bryant announces for Pct. 5 JP SUBMITTED REPORT BY CANDIDATE
ways been important to Sandra and Sandra Bryant is she has excited to announce her served on candidacy for the office of Hays County Justice of the Board of Hays the Peace, Precinct 5. Caldwell A former two-term Hays CISD School Board Women’s BRYANT Center, Trustee, Bryant believes and numerous organithis is the right moment to enter politics again — zations such as the Buda but, as a peacemaker and Lions Club, Buda Police Foundation, Summer not just as a politician. Bryant is committed to Pointe HOA and Keeping Communities Connectserving our community. She served two terms on ed. Bryant believes that a the Hays CISD School justice of the peace must Board of Trustees. She believes that our children be fair to all parties. Her educational background are our future, and she in both law enforcement has continued to work for them in many organi- and a master’s degree in zations including serving counseling provide her with the necessary founon numerous PTAs and dation to apply sound now as president of the judgement in making the Hays CISD Council of decisions that will affect PTAs. Being involved in people’s lives. Bryant our community has al-
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • December 15, 2021
county. He’s maintained a focus on veterans and mental health services, working closely with our veterans throughout Hays County. Smith has consistently supported law enforcement and first responders and worked to expand their abilities to face the challenges in our county. Smith has led or worked on major transportation improvements in the county such as RM150, FM967, FM1826, FM 1626, US290, and RR12, replacement of low-water crossings, the new Trautwein Intersection, and the Sawyer Ranch Rd. mixed-use pedestrian path connecting Sycamore Springs Elementary and Middle Schools to the surrounding communities.
Smith has been named a two-time finalist for the Dripping Springs “Hometown Hero” and “Small Businessperson of the Year” awards, is an instructor of Leadership Dripping Springs, chaired the DSISD Education Foundation Educator Outreach Committee, was named “Lion of the Year”, served as the fundraising chairman for Christmas on Mercer, and served on a number of boards. He coached baseball, softball and basketball at DS Youth Sports Association and is known by teachers for having cooked over 5000 pancakes for them over the last 3 years. Smith and his wife Kelly live in Driftwood and have three daughters attending public school in Dripping Springs.
2021
would be a justice of the peace who listens carefully to people’s concerns and gives deliberate consideration to everyone. Bryant understands that the office of justice of the peace is not simply about wearing a black robe and sitting on the bench, handing down decisions, and conducting marriage ceremonies. In Hays County, our justices of the peace have a tradition of serving our community in many different ways. Bryant has the courage and compassion to serve as your Justice of the Peace. Bryant hopes she can gain the support of voters in her new endeavor to serve our community in a new role. Sandra is married to Ray Bryant and they attend Vertical Chapel.
DECEMBER 9 - 12 & 16-19, 2021 HISTORIC STAGECOACH PARK
ci.buda.tx.us/trailoflights
DSISD Audit
Continued from pg. 1 “The reason we are suggesting TASB is because of the depth of their audit,” said Nadine Hogan, director of special services. “They would do things such as meeting individually with administrators, campus stakeholders, doing surveys so looking at some of that qualitative data from the staff that work with our students, in addition to observing our classrooms.” Under the new policies, teachers will be required to complete annual training on educating students with dyslexia. Also, when a child moves from early childhood intervention (ECI) to early childhood special education services (ESCE), the district will develop an individualized education program (IEP) by the child’s
The district is expecting to receive feedback from TEA audit as late as January 2022.
and also for our own sake. But I feel we as a board need to talk about putting some better systems in place or how we are doing reviews and audits in the future. The TEA audit will be completed prior to the TASB review, Hogan said. third birthday. The district is expecting to While it was a unanireceive feedback from TEA mous vote to approve the as late as January 2022. audit, board member SteFeedback by TASB on fani Reinold said the district staffing practices and needs to be proactive beworkload analysis will be fore an issue occurs within available by late February a specific department or 2022, in time for the Spring the district as a whole. budget process, and the “It seems like whenever rest of the audit would be there is a problem in our completed in April. district,” Reinold said, “we “In the end, it’s to make do an audit of that departsure that all kids are having ment as some sort of way to their needs met,” said Dr. show some transparency, Mary Jane Hetrick, board good will to the community president.
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Opinion
QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Making sure that we have health equity is a fundamental tenet of how we look at everything,” Berger said. “That means that individuals, whether they have insurance or not, have the capacity to receive healthcare that they need, especially young people.” –Dr. Edward Burger, St. David’s Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer. Story on page 1.
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • December 15, 2021
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Uber here, Uber there Crow’s Nest by Clint Younts
With the holidays lurking around the corner, some of y’all might be heading to grandma’s house in some far away land like Nebraska. You brave souls might’ve opted to fly the unfriendly skies instead of spending the holidays stuck in traffic on I-35. And once y’all get to your destination, you’ll have to empty your life savings and rent a car unless you have some relative nice enough to come fetch you at the airport. Or you can use an Uber. For y’all who don’t travel further than the Dairy Queen, you’ll probably never use an Uber. I thought the same way until I agreed to accompany my wife on a lengthy trip to North Carolina. Ten days of parking at the airport was going to cost more that what the car is worth. And since we had to be at the airport at the butt-crack of dawn, nobody we know was willing to drop us off. When my wife suggested we take an Uber, I was a bit hesitant until I realized it would save us a bunch of money. So, early one Sunday morning, long before the rooster wipes sleep goobers from its eyes, a very nice SUV crept down our driveway and picked us up. I was expecting a driver who was more experienced at steering a camel that a Chevrolet, but this guy was an Austinite. His driving skills were superb, especially in the chaotic drop-off area at the airport. My one and only experience with Uber was pleasant, but like fingerprints and cow patties, no two Ubers are alike. I have heard many good reports of Uber rides, but I have heard a few horror stories, too. Just because my Uber driver was just fine and dandy doesn’t mean your driver will be as good. So I thought I should give y’all some tips on using Uber. Here are a few things you don’t want to hear from your Uber driver. Thanks to Covid restrictions, I didn’t have to take an eye exam and I finally passed the driver’s test. Is that mailbox still stuck on my bumper or did it finally fall off? My last passenger told me she had lice. Ain’t that a hoot! Death to infidels! Crap! My pet cobra just crawled out of its box and slithered beneath the seat. Y’all don’t see him, do ya? Dude! I passed my drug test yesterday. Don’t know how. I reckon I should warn you that I am color blind and a little hard of hearing, so if you see a red light, shout real loud. I can’t recall if I took my narcolepsy medicine this morning. Hey, if we happen to get pulled over by the cops, pray he doesn’t ask to look in the trunk. Y’all have any ideas how to get bloodstains out of Corinthian leather? Do you like my air freshener? You can’t even smell that doobie I was smoking just before I picked you up. If you’re wondering, I tested negative for Covid this morning. But unfortunately, I tested positive for TB. A couple more fares like this one and I can finally get new brakes for this bad boy. I bet y’all didn’t even notice that I’m not wearing pants. And one more thing else you don’t want to hear from your Uber driver: Just think, last week I was in prison for kidnapping, and thanks to a technicality, I’m now out and driving folks to the airport. Uber can take the country boy to the airport, but can’t take the country out of the boy. We all wonder how his wife deals with him. crowsnest78610@gmail.com
What should happen if abortions return to states? To say there’s a lot riding on the U.S. Supreme Court’s eventual ruling in a case challenging Mississippi’s restrictive abortion ban is a galactic understatement. If, as currently appears the case, the court effectively topples Roe v. Wade, the 1973 precedent that declared a constitutional right to abortion, regulation of the practice would return to the states — a nightmare scenario if ever there was one. As many as two-dozen states could move to ban abortion if the high court gives them the green light. Experts believe some states, such as California and Pennsylvania, would become havens for people seeking reproductive care, while others would become reproductive healthcare deserts, putting the lives of millions of pregnant people at risk. But, according to one Pennsylvania attorney, the practical realities of abortion rights reverting to the states are much more complicated and more nuanced. In a recent op-ed published by the Legal Intelligencer, an industry trade paper, attorney Howard J. Bashman, an appellate lawyer from Montgomery County in suburban Philadelphia, argues that a decision overturning Roe and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, its 1992 adjunct, “will present numerous
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CORRECTIONS
Guest Column by John L. Micek
issues of fairness rarely encountered in the judicial process.” If it does toss Roe, Bashman argues that the justices should confront these fairness issues “head-on” by “[decreeing] that all laws having the effect of outlawing or restricting abortion in a manner contrary to Roe and Casey that were in effect when Dobbs is decided will remain unenforceable because they were contrary to governing precedent when enacted.” And the nation’s highest court should go one better by “[specifying] that the earliest any law having the effect of outlawing or restricting abortion in a manner contrary to Roe and Casey would be allowed to take effect is after all the legislators who voted to enact that law, and the governor of the state who signed the law, were elected to their positions after the court’s ruling in Dobbs had issued,” Bashman wrote. So, for instance, since voters choose the entire U.S. Senate over six years, with a third of seats on the ballot every two years,
the earliest that the federal government could pass a law “having the effect of outlawing or restricting abortion in a manner contrary to Roe and Casey would be in 2029.” Under such an approach, Bashman continued, Mississippi’s existing law would be declared unconstitutional, and the state could not move on a new statute until its entire state House and Senate were re-elected after any high court ruling. Undertaking such an action would be unprecedented, but would recognize that the high court has traditionally moved to expand individual rights, rather than “sometimes expanding and other times contracting,” them, Bashman wrote. Unspoken in Bashman’s piece is the reality that such an action would also turn already contentious political races into the equivalent of demolition derbies, as the Big Two parties, and their voters, mobilized by a seismic issue, vied for control of statehouses and the halls of Congress. That’s particularly true of battleground states, such as Pennsylvania, which was determinative to President Joe Biden’s 2020 win, and helped hand the U.S. House to Democrats in 2018. For the last seven years, Pennsylvania’s Democratic governor, Tom Wolf,
and his veto pen, have stood as a bulwark against repeated Republican attacks on abortion access. Wolf, who has served the constitutional maximum of two terms, will leave office in January 2023. State Attorney General Josh Shapiro, currently the only Democrat running for the party’s nomination, has vowed to continue that policy, upping the ante in an already competitive contest for an open seat. In his op-Ed, Bashman, remains silent on the political implications of any such move on abortion, says he doesn’t see any other way for the court to proceed. “Ordinarily, the court will merely postpone those issues for another day,” he wrote. “But here, if the court in fact decides to overrule Roe and Casey, the best course is for the court to address those issues head-on in a manner that is most fair to all concerned.” That conclusion will most certainly not cheer people who can get pregnant, but it does give them a fighting chance. An award-winning political journalist, John L. Micek is Editor-in-Chief of The Pennsylvania Capital-Star, a brand-new news venture that covers Pennsylvania politics and government honestly and aggressively.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
A little kindness goes a long way This story begins with a man losing his wife of 43 years to cancer. We had built our retirement home here in Hays County. We had qualified our home for Homestead and Old Age (65-Older) exemptions. I removed my wife from the house title at the Hays County appraisal office after her death, which I was advised to do and after I recieved our/my Hays County 2021 Tax statement, I realized the exemptions were removed. So I went to appraisal
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DEADLINES
office and resigned for my exemption on Nov 12, 2021. A few days later, I phoned the Tax Office. Was told that I do not get my exemptions this year. Pay in full? During my brief polite conversation I could detect stress in her voice and the background sounds were stressed. I did not get my exemption issue solved for this tax year, but more concerning is the stress due to understaffing which effects more than retail and fast food places. The tax office is short
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handed and takes time to educate and hire more staff. I realize I had every reason to be upset at the tax office, but so do a lot of other people, and they are and they show it. I then apologized for her condition in the work place. We need to let them know, we do appreciate them. And my point in all this is to just be patient. If you’re having troubles, the person you’re talking to on the other end of the phone is probably having troubles too and a little kindness might make
LETTERS GUIDELINES
things run a little smoother. But still, something worth considering is with the increase of population and buildings going up in Hays County, a different system needs to be put in place. A half cent Sales Tax – Not Property Tax – would get more money for the schools in Hays County. I still would like my deductions though please. Thank You. Respectfully Charles Rhea Buda
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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • December 15, 2021
PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM
Hot Texas Swing Band awarded 2021 Album of the Year BY WAYLAND D. CLARK The International Western Music Association (IWMA) honored Hot Texas Swing Band as a winner and nominee during the awards ceremony hosted in Albuquerque, NM. The band won the 2021 Cowboy/Western Swing Album of the Year for its latest album Devil on My Tail and was nominated for 2021 Duo or Group of the Year. The album hit #1 on Western Way’s Cowboy/Western Album chart and #2 on the Western Swing Album chart. Two of the band’s previous albums, Ain’t Dead Yet and Off the Beaten Trail, both reached #1 on the Western Swing Album chart. Bandleader and bassist Alex Dormont of Hot Texas Swing Band (HTSB) said the band was thrilled and honored to receive the award. “We’re very proud of Devil on My Tail and our original music we created together during the challenging times musicians faced over the last couple years.” The latest record features seven original songs by Dormont and one by guitarist Rick McRae and other cuts including songs by Johnny Gimble, Howard Vincent and Enno Morricone and was recorded in Drip-
Alex Dormont, a long time resident of Dripping Springs has recently been living the life of some of his previous albums and songs, such as the albums Off the Beaten Trail and Ain’t Dead Yet...
too. The band played at Luckenbach Dance Hall recently for three and a half hours and it was the first time he’d worn a cowboy hat since surgery. And he’s finished six new songs and writing more that will be on a new HTSB album to be recorded when he’s ping Springs at The Zone to relearn how to walk. On ready, hopefully next year. Recording Studio and is several calls made to the Hot Texas Swing Band’s engineered by Pat Manhospital after getting out performers top the list ske. “Thanks to IWMA DJs of ICU Dormont would in a collection of select around the world for the answer his cell phone, musicians out of Austin’s airplay. We’re grateful for “Ain’t Dead Yet” and often live music scene such their support of Western played a ukulele and sang as McRae, Cat ClemSwing Artists and for all to callers, hospital nurses ons, JD Pendley, Selena the musicians keeping our and staff. On one occasion Rosanbalm, Liz Morphis, long and vibrant musical the caller asked, “Can Ryan Neuhauer, Billy tradition alive and thrivpeople in the hospital Curtis, Steven Vague, ing.” hear you playing and Joey Colarussio and with Dormont, a long time singing?” Dormont’s reply, Dormont’s songwriting resident of Dripping “I hope so.” they combine to tip their Springs, has recently been Approaching the age hats to western swing, living the life of some of of 68, Dormont is slowly honoring past traditions his previous albums and but steadily getting back of artists like Bob Wills songs, such as the albums on “the beaten trail.” The and Asleep at the Wheel, Off the Beaten Trail and music has his fans waltzwhile intensely applying Ain’t Dead Yet, and its title ing and two-stepping, rockabilly, Latin beats and track of the same name. In but faith, his wife Grace, original material pleasJuly he got off the beaten family, friends, fans, a lot ing fans and critics with trail when a brain tumor, of determination and his energetic live shows and removed in 2013, grew love of music has kept recordings. Indeed, “Ain’t back to a size causing a Dormont moving forward dead yet.” seizure and collapse at a by taking one day and Playing for almost local show at Hill Country step at a time. “There a decade, there have Senior Activity Center. haven’t been any big leaps been a dozen or so other Hospitalized for weeks or great strides to write accolades and awards after two surgeries, one about,” he posted in a for HTSB. Find out more to remove the benign recent email, “just slow about Hot Texas Swing tumor and another to but steady steps of progBand, the awards, percover part of the skull, the ress as I get back on my formers, up coming gigs formerly active life-long feet more and more every and their music at hottexmusician was bound to a day.” Dormont has been asswingband.com. wheelchair and has had making musical progress
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ready to deal with the crime that always DRIFTWOOD – David accomPuryear, an experienced panies former prosecutor and growth. judge, today announced I look his campaign for Hays forward to County Criminal District partnering PURYEAR Attorney. For nearly four decades, Puryear has built with state and local law enforcea proven record of dedicated public service at the ment to ensure that those who commit crimes in trial and appellate levels, Hays County are swiftly giving him an unrivaled understanding of, and ex- and successfully brought to justice. Crime victims perience in, the criminal should know that we will justice system. “I am running for Hays doggedly pursue justice for them and criminals County Criminal District Attorney because our rap- should know this isn’t idly growing county needs Travis County.” David Puryear began a leader who has extenhis legal career in 1983 sive experience in the as a criminal prosecutor criminal justice system with the Travis County and who can effectively lead an office of prosecu- Attorney’s Office, rising to become head of the tors,” said Puryear. “This criminal trial division. is no longer a quiet rural He then served as first county. We’re the fastest assistant to the elected growing county in the county attorney for five country and need to be
years, managing the daily operations of an office of more than 155 employees. He also served as an interim Travis County justice of the peace in 1989. He was first elected to office in 1990 as judge of Travis County Court at Law No. 6, where he presided over some 25,000 cases across eight years. Following that, he was appointed as deputy director of the Special Crimes Division of the Office of the Attorney General by Attorney General John Cornyn, where he supervised a team of lawyers in the investigation and prosecution of large-scale felony crimes. In 2000, he was elected to the Third Court of Appeals, serving three terms, from 2001-2018, where he authored more than 2500 court opinions. Learn more at www. PuryearForHays.com and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • December 15, 2021
Page 5
90 Card Birthday Challenge proves fruitful and rewarding It all began when two daughters Pam and Melinda and a granddaughter Lucinda decided to set a goal of getting 90 birthday cards for their mother and grandmother, Charlotte Clayton of Kyle, who turned 90 in November. Since they couldn't have a party due to the ongoing pandemic, they contacted family, friends, celebrities she liked, businesses she frequented, previous schools she attended, government officials, and a local Austin news station she was a fan of. It quickly grew to become a history of their mother’s life. It was the magic of hearing the excitement in people’s voices who wanted to participate in a person that maybe they have never met to help spread the joy of their mother’s special day. The response was overwhelming. Everyone were willing to participate. A friend of a friend from Las Vegas heard of the challenge and sent 10 greetings to try to meet the goal. Businesses sent gift cards, certificates and gifts. Blue Bell Ice Cream
Charlotte Clayton received 152 cards from many celebrities including Joe Biden as wells as friends and family.
awarded her the Cream of the Crop Award. Clayton got birthday greetings from President Biden, city of Kyle officials and the mayor, Kyle PAWS Animal Shelter, city officials and her former employer of Lake Jackson where she resided for more than 50 years. Stephen F. Austin University created a special birthday card from 1950-1953 yearbook photos and sent alumni swag. Her family, the Claytons, are the descendants of Nicholas J. Clayton, a prominent architect of many buildings in Texas including St. Mary's Cathedral and The Main Building, Old Red on St. Edward’s University in Austin. St. Edward’s University president with staff sent a personalized
OBITUARIES
historical birthday greeting about the construction of Old Red. Celebrities Pete Nelson from Tree House Masters and Chip and Joanna
Gaines from Magnolia Network also sent their well wishes. Hand-crafted greetings and cards sent with love filled the mailbox daily.
A total of 152 birthday wishes were sent. Both daughters and granddaughter agreed it was a fun challenge to work on and they accomplished
more than their goal. It showed why they loved her so much and everyone helped them celebrate another decade of her life.
about spending dollars on academic growth and student growth,” Severance said, adding that HCISD is looking at an “elementary school worth of kids entering into the district every year” for the next 10 years. Board member Merideth Keller said that she would like a “full facility report” in Spring 2022 so they can see the full scope of work that each campus may need, and reiterated that district employees should be the ones to bring needs and wants to the committee — not the other way around. Keller also expressed her disappointment in the fact that only 14 committee members voted
for the items to place on the bond. The committee has 28 voting members, although two spots are currently vacant. Each board member appointed four voting committee members. Severance said that a few of the FBOC meeting dates had been moved, and they had faced challenges with people RSVPing to both in-person and online meetings. Still, he said, good work has been accomplished with the commitment they have. The board will host public forums regarding the bond in January 2022 and must call for an election by mid-February 2022.
2022 Hays CISD Bond Continued from pg. 1
PHILLIPS Philip Randolph Phillips 82, of Dripping Springs, Texas passed away December 9, 2021 at his home. We will miss his joking and sense of humor. He is survived by his daughter, Diane Phillips of the home, his son Stephen Phillips of Inman, SC, a nephew James Owens of Enoree, SC, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren and friends Doug Becker of Austin and Dawn Sheffield of Wimberly. He is predeceased by his father,
Warren Phillips, Sr, his mother Jeannie Phillips, his brother Warren Phillips, his sister Mary Lou Shenkel, his wife Irene Phillips, and a son Donald Phillips. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday, December 17, 2021 at Harrell Funeral Home Dripping Springs, 100 Heritage Dr., Austin, TX 78737. Funeral services will follow 11 a.m. at Harrell Funeral Home. Burial will be in Pursley Cemetery, Dripping Springs. Condolences may be sent to: www. harrellfuneralhomes. 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
And, of the 55 school buses, 20 would be for growth and 35 would be for replacement. Each item was ranked on a scale of one to seven, with four being neutral. Out of the 14 voting committee members, the academic support center ranked 6.71, ES #16 construction ranked 6.86, ES #17 design fees ranked 6.79 and buses ranked 6.14. Changes to the parking lot at Hays High School only ranked a 2.57 and was not placed on the bond. FBOC member Jessica Bedwell said the parking situation is not bad enough to do something about it on this bond, and that trying to address
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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
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Texas Crossword, from page 8
it now will ultimately impact other programs on campus, namely athletics and fine arts. FBOC chair Byron Severance also said that based on demographics, an updated parking lot would not be needed until 2023 or 2024. Severance said that through hours of work, countless in-person and conference call meetings and campus walkthroughs, the items chosen for the bond are what they felt was of utmost importance for the district right now. “There’s a lot of other things we could have looked at, but I felt like we needed to garner some trust in the community
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
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A loving & caring Southern Baptist Church 104 S. San Marcos Street, Buda Buddy Johnson, Pastor • 295-2161 Sunday School...........................................9:30 a.m. Morning Worship....................................10:45 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study/Youth Activities...6:00 p.m. AWANA’s (Wednesday)..........................6:00 p.m.
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Kingdom United Christian Church 100 Madison Way, Buda
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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • December 15, 2021
Hays CISD approves principal for new elementary school BY BRITTANY ANDERSON Final touches are being put on Hays CISD’s 15th elementary school — opening in the Sunfield subdivision of Buda in August 2022 — including its name, attendance zone and principal. During the HCISD board meeting on Dec. 13, board members unanimously approved David MacRoberts as the principal of the upcoming
elementary school. MacRoberts is the current principal at Bluebonnet Elementary School in MACROBERTS Bastrop ISD. He has more than two decades of school teaching and leadership experience, including serving as a special educa-
tor, elementary math and science teacher, technology specialist, assistant principal at elementary and secondary levels and as an elementary principal in Alamo Heights and New Braunfels ISDs. Additionally, he has experience opening up campuses. “My vision is to serve as an instructional leader that works collaboratively with parents, students, teachers and district leadership to foster a profes-
sional learning community that empowers students to reach their fullest potentials,” MacRoberts said. “I am thrilled to be joining the families and community of Hays CISD. I look forward to assembling a talented team of staff members who are ready to serve our families, inspire our students and create a space where great things are happening for all our children.” During the meeting,
board members also heard the first reading of the elementary school’s suggested name, Sunfield Elementary, put forth by the HCISD Naming Committee. The committee received public feedback for name suggestions, and ‘Sunfield Elementary’ made up nearly half of the suggestions. The board will vote on the name during the next meeting in January. Additionally, the board
unanimously approved the elementary school’s adopted attendance zone map put together by the Attendance Boundary Rezoning Committee, a seven-person committee empaneled by board members. The map had its first reading during the board meeting in November and was met with no concerns. A map of the new attendance zone can be found at www.hayscisd.net/rezone.
PHOTO BY WAYLAND D. CLARK, WFOTOS.COM
Tiger wrestler Thrasher comes out on top in Thursday match Dripping Springs’ Jaycub Thrasher (L) clutches the hand of a Smithson Valley opponent to try and break the ankle hold. Thrasher’s valiant effort earned
come from-behind points but fell short of a win in the match Dec. 9 at Tiger Gym. The Tigers have had three State Champions in Wrestling, Jonah
Ribera in 2013, Luke Hodsden 2015 and 2016, and Chase Warden 2019 and 2020. State Championship matches are Feb. 18-19 at the Berry Center in Cypress, TX.
Toys For Tots
The U.S. Marines and Dripping Springs High School (DSHS) JROTC loaded more than 20 boxes of new toys for Toys for Tots on Dec. 9 at Dripping Springs High School.
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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • December 15, 2021
Page 7
Boy from cotton patch sure could coach Stamford won the battle of the Bulldogs on Dec. 21, 1956, beating Brady 26-13 for their thirty-second victory in a row and second straight Class 2A state championship. Forty-two-year-old Gordon Lenear Wood had accomplished what most high-school football coaches achieve only in their dreams. But he would prowl the sidelines for 29 more seasons and collect a record nine state titles. The youngest of eight children was born into cotton-patch poverty in 1914 and grew up on hardscrabble land around Abilene. Chores always came first, even before education, causing the baby of the brood to miss the first three months of every school year. Young Gordon played in the first football game he ever saw. The seventh grader took the chant “fight team fight” too literally and on every snap of the ball punched the opponent he was assigned to block. But the future gridiron genius had to overcome the objections of his father, who had an even lower opinion of sports than book learning. After three years of begging, the elder Wood finally gave in and
Texas History by Bartee Haile
allowed him to go out for football at Abilene High. The catch was that the boy could not shirk his responsibilities around the farm. The workload at home on top of football practice, studies and the long bus ride to and from school soon overwhelmed the youngster. Although he never again put on the pads in high school, Gordon found time for basketball and track and excelled at both. His speed attracted the attention of a coach at Hardin-Simmons, one of Abilene’s three church colleges, who decided to take a chance on the eager farmboy. Starting out with a partial scholarship, Gordon earned room and board with his gutty performance on the football field, basketball court and cinder track. He even boxed for his alma mater winning 30 of 33 bouts. By the time he received his diploma in 1938, Gordon Wood knew he wanted to make a career of
coaching at the high-school level. In his first job at the Panhandle community of Spur, he was an assistant football coach, in charge of basketball and track, taught classes and drove a bus. When the head football coach retired after the 1939 season, Wood jumped at the chance to take his place. The school board offered him the position but ended up giving it to a more experienced applicant. Two counties to the east at Rule, the head coaching job was going begging and with good reason. The high school had lost its last 20 football games. That did not matter to the 26-year-old, who only wanted the opportunity to prove himself. Wood did not have a storybook beginning as a head coach. His undermanned squad lost eight of ten in 1940 and showed only slight improvement the next year with a record of three wins, three losses and two ties. The high point of the 1941 campaign for the struggling coach was a 27-point upset of Spur, the school that spurned him. World War II cut short Wood’s stay at Rule. When he returned to civilian life in 1945, it was as principal, math teacher, bus driver
Gordon Lenear Wood
and all-sports coach at Roscoe near Sweetwater. Wood taught the Fighting Plowboys the new Wing-T formation, his bread-and-butter offense for the next four decades. His Roscoe elevens went 16-2-2 before he moved on to Seminole not far from the New Mexico line. With the invaluable assistance of Morris Southall, who would spend 31 years at his side, Wood turned Seminole High into a district champion in 1947 with nine regular-season triumphs. After the victory total slumped to six in 1948 and then to four in 1949, he relinquished the reins to
Southall and tried his luck at Winters, which wound up a single-season stopover on his way to Stamford. It was with the Bulldogs that Wood took a giant step into the elite coaching ranks. The whole pigskin world sat up and took notice, when his Stamford teams rolled to 80 wins in seven seasons, including a phenomenal streak of 35 that produced backto-back state titles, while losing a grand total of only six games. By 1958 high schools from every corner of the Lone Star State were beating down Wood’s door. Victoria won the bidding
war for his services, but the West Texan was never happy on the Gulf Coast. He bemoaned the lack of passion for the sport he loved and after two so-so seasons, at least by his lofty standards, went home for good. The rest is well-known history. In his inaugural season at Brownwood, Wood took the 1960 Lions, who had advanced to the playoffs once in 40 years, to the 3-A finals and won. He did it three more times that decade, twice in the 1970s and one last time in 1981. In Gordon Wood’s 26 years at the helm, Brownwood won 82 percent of its games and tasted defeat on average just twice per season. The boy from the cotton patch retired at the end of the 1985 season with more career victories (396) than any other high school football coach anywhere in the twentieth century. Last chance to order Bartee’s books for Christmas at the special 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 15, 2021
Classifieds PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Notice is hereby given that original Letters of Administration for the Estate of Harry Thomas Hunsucker, Deceased, were issued on December 13, 2021, in Cause No. 21-0342-P, pending in the County Court at Law, Hays County, Texas, to: Kimberly Kay Brandl. 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 13th day of December, 2021. By: /s/ M. Elizabeth Raxter M. Elizabeth Raxter Attorney for Kimberly Kay Brandl State Bar No.: 24050084 705 State Park Rd. Lockhart, Texas 78644 Telephone: (512) 3986996 Facsimile: (512) 668-4501 E-mail: eraxter@tx-elderlaw.com
PUBLISHED NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to all interested persons that the City of Creedmoor, Texas purposes to change zoning of the property of a tract or parcel of land containing 56.972 acres and 21.962 acres situated in the William P Corbin League Survey, Abstract No 159, Travis County, Texas. 134 acres situated in the Elijah Caples League Survey No 7 Abstract No 155, Travis County, Texas. Zoning change from AG use to PUD. City of Creedmoor Council will meet on January 20, 2022 at the Creedmoor City Hall at 12513 FM 1625 Creedmoor, Texas at 7:00 pm. All persons interested in the above have the right to appear and be heard. By the order of the City Council of Creedmoor, Texas, Robert R.Wilhite Administrator
CITATION BY PUBLICATION THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF HAYS
To all persons interested in the Estate of Donnie Bonham, Deceased, Cause No. 21-0428-P, in the County Court at Law, Hays County, Texas. The alleged heir(s) at law in the above-numbered and entitled estate filed an APPLICATION TO DETERMINE HEIRSHIP AND FOR APPOINTMENT OF DEPENDENT ADMINISTRATOR in this estate on the 13th day of October, 2021, requesting
that the Court determine who are the heirs and only heirs of Donnie Bonham, Deceased, and their respective shares and interests in such estate. The Court may act on this Application at any call of the docket on or after 10:00 A.M., on the first Monday next after the expiration of ten (10) days, exclusive of the day of Publication, from the date this citation is published, at the Hays County Government Center in San Marcos, Texas. All persons interested in this case are cited to appear before this Honorable Court by filing a written contest or answer to this Application should they desire to do so. To ensure its consideration, you or your attorney must file any objection, intervention, or response in writing with the County Clerk of Hays County, Texas on or before the above noted date and time. Applicant's Attorney: Barbara J. Lipscomb 2500 Bee Cave Road, Building II, Suite 150 Austin, TX 78746 (512) 28-8355 Given under my hand and the seal of said Court at the office of the Hays County Clerk in San Marcos, Texas on this the 3rd day of December, 2021. Elaine H. Cárdenas County Clerk, Hays County, Texas 712 S. Stagecoach Trail, Suite 2008 San Marcos, Texas 78666 By Diana Wall, Deputy
NOTICE FOR REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
Sealed Qualifications will be received by the City of Buda Finance Department until 2:00 p.m. January 28, 2022, for “RFQ 22-005 – Bond Program Management Services”. The Request for Qualifications may be obtained from the Purchasing Manager at the Buda Municipal Building, 405 E. Loop St., Buda, Texas 78610, at https://ci.buda.tx.us/purchasing, and through www. texasbidsystem.com. The City intends to select one or more qualified Consultants to perform bond program management services related to the City of Buda’s $89.66 million 2021 bond package. The approved bond includes $73.57 million for Proposition A – Transportation and $16.09 million for Proposition B – Parks and Recreation. Qualified Consultants may submit conforming statements of qualifications for Proposition A, Proposition B, or a combined statement of qualifications for both Propositions A and B. The selected Consultant shall provide bond program management duties and responsibilities to include general coordination and
management, design consultant management and oversight, manage communications, and bond financial management and oversight. The selected bond program manager will provide routine reports and updates to the City Council, City Manager, City Staff, and to a resident Bond Oversight Committee. ADDRESS AND MARK ENVELOPE: “RFQ 22-005 Bond Program Management Services” TO: Purchasing, City of Buda, 405 E. Loop St., Buda, Texas 78610. TO BE OPENED: 2:00 p.m. January 28, 2022.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Myrna Sharon Arnold, Deceased, were issued on December 13,2021, in Cause No. 21-0448-P, pending in the County Court at Law No. TWO, Hays County, Texas, to: Asia Monique Arnold. 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: John Hall Attorney at Law 130 Hall Professional Center Kyle, TX 78640 DATED the 13th day of December, 2021. e/s/ John Hall John Hall Attorney for Asia Monique Arnold State Bar No.: 08759880 130 Hall Professional Center Kyle, TX 78640 Telephone: (512) 2686425 Facsimile: (512) 268-5404 E-mail: johnhall@lawyer.com
PUBLIC NOTICE
By order of the Hays County Commissioners Court, notice is hereby given that on Tuesday, December 21, 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: ESTABLISHING A “NO PARKING” ZONE ALONG BOTH SIDES OF BLISS SPILLAR ROAD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER SONG DRIVE & THE END OF THE ROAD.
NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SUBDIVIDE
An application has been submitted with HAYS COUNTY to subdivide 0.885 acres of property located at 750 FM 2001, Buda, Tx 78610. Information regarding this application may be obtained from Hays County Development Services (512) 393-2150. Tracking number: PLN-1854-NP
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 20-1647, 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.
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- 268-2141 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.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Hays CISD is requesting proposals for CSP #18-
112106VL Hays High School Theater Lighting Project. Proposals will be accepted until 12-17-2021 at 2:00 p.m. local time. A Pre-proposal meeting will be held on 12-02-2021 @ 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.
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 15, 2021
Page 9
Classifieds PUBLIC NOTICES
Texas Commission on environmenTal QualiTy
NOTICE OF RECEIPT OF APPLICATION AND INTENT TO OBTAIN WATER QUALITY PERMIT AMENDMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of Leah Mae Allen, Deceased, were issued on December 13, 2021 under Docket No. 21-0459-P pending in the Hays County, Texas, County Court at Law to Carol A. Lindsey and Don-
PERMIT NO. WQ0014824001
APPLICATION. Arrowhead Ranch Utility Company LLC, 6310 Capital Drive, Suite 130, Lakewood Ranch, Florida 34202, has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to amend Texas Land Application Permit (TLAP) No. WQ0014824001 to authorize relocating the Final Phase drip fields. The domestic wastewater treatment facility and disposal area are located one mile southeast of the intersection of Arrowhead Ranch Boulevard and U.S. Highway 290 West, in Hays County, Texas 78620. TCEQ received this application on August 11, 2021. The permit application is available for viewing and copying at Dripping Springs Community Library, 501 Sportsplex Drive, Dripping Springs, Texas. 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 the exact location, refer to the application. https://tceq.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=db5bac44afbc468bbdd d360f8168250f&marker=-98.115833%2C30.191666&level=12 ADDITIONAL NOTICE. TCEQ’s Executive Director has determined the application is administratively complete and will conduct a technical review of the application. After technical review of the application is complete, the Executive Director may prepare a draft permit and will issue a preliminary decision on the application. Notice of the Application and Preliminary Decision will be published and mailed to those who are on the county-wide mailing list and to those who are on the mailing list for this application. That notice will contain the deadline for submitting public comments.
na L. Tanner. Claims may be presented in care of the attorney for the estate, addressed as follows: Representative, Estate of Leah Mae Allen, Deceased c/o John H. Gilliam John H. Gilliam Law Office 302 W. Martin Luther King Dr.
EMPLOYMENT
San Marcos, Texas 78666 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 Dec. 14th, 2021. John H. Gilliam By: /s/ John H. Gilliam Attorney for Applicant
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 STATEWIDE ADVERTISING NETWORK
PUBLIC COMMENT / PUBLIC MEETING. You may submit public comments or request a public meeting on this application. The purpose of a public meeting is to provide the opportunity to submit comments or to ask questions about the application. TCEQ will hold a public meeting if the Executive Director determines that there is a significant degree of public interest in the application or if requested by a local legislator. A public meeting is not a contested case hearing. OPPORTUNITY FOR A CONTESTED CASE HEARING. After the deadline for submitting public comments, the Executive Director will consider all timely comments and prepare a response to all relevant and material, or significant public comments. Unless the application is directly referred for a contested case hearing, the response to comments, and the Executive Director’s decision on the application, will be mailed to everyone who submitted public comments and to those persons who are on the mailing list for this application. If comments are received, the mailing will also provide instructions for requesting reconsideration of the Executive Director’s decision and for requesting a contested case hearing. A contested case hearing is a legal proceeding similar to a civil trial in state district court. TO REQUEST A CONTESTED CASE HEARING, YOU MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS IN YOUR REQUEST: your name, address, phone number; applicant's name and proposed permit number; the location and distance of your property/activities relative to the proposed facility; a specific description of how you would be adversely affected by the facility in a way not common to the general public; a list of all disputed issues of fact that you submit during the comment period and, the statement "[I/we] request a contested case hearing." If the request for contested case hearing is filed on behalf of a group or association, the request must designate the group’s representative for receiving future correspondence; identify by name and physical address an individual member of the group who would be adversely affected by the proposed facility or activity; provide the information discussed above regarding the affected member’s location and distance from the facility or activity; explain how and why the member would be affected; and explain how the interests the group seeks to protect are relevant to the group’s purpose. Following the close of all applicable comment and request periods, the Executive Director will forward the application and any requests for reconsideration or for a contested case hearing to the TCEQ Commissioners for their consideration at a scheduled Commission meeting. The Commission may only grant a request for a contested case hearing on issues the requestor submitted in their timely comments that were not subsequently withdrawn. If a hearing is granted, the subject of a hearing will be limited to disputed issues of fact or mixed questions of fact and law relating to relevant and material water quality concerns submitted during the comment period. 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. INFORMATION AVAILABLE ONLINE. For details about the status of the application, visit the Commissioners’ Integrated Database at www.tceq.texas.gov/goto/cid. Search the database using the permit number for this application, which is provided at the top of this notice.
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AGENCY CONTACTS AND INFORMATION. Public comments and requests must be submitted either electronically at http://www14.tceq.texas.gov/epic/eComment/, or in writing to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Office of the Chief Clerk, MC-105, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087. Please be aware that any contact information you provide, including your name, phone number, email address, and physical address will become part of the agency's public record. 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.tceq.texas.gov/ goto/pep. Si desea información en Español, puede llamar al 1-800-687-4040. Further information may also be obtained from Arrowhead Ranch Utility Company LLC at the address stated above or by calling Mr. John Brian at 941-388-0707. Issuance Date: December 3, 2021
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Page 10
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • December 15, 2021 Across 1) Chocolatey-themed Christmas celebration in Buda Dec. 22 — (Blank) Jingle 4) Buda Trail of (blank) continues Dec. 16 and 19 8) First name of Buda woman who received 152 birthday cards on her 90th birthday 10) Last name of woman running as Democrat for Hays County Pct. 3 Commissioner spot 11) Holiday icon to visit Kyle, thanks to the Kyle Police Department and Kyle Parks and Recreation. 12) Former HCISD school board member who just announced running for Pct. 5 Justice of the Peace 14) Statewide advertising network that brings you ads from all over the state of Texas. See page 9. 16) (Blank) Ranch Utility Company has issued a notice of receipt of application and intent to obtain water quality permit amendment with the TCEQ. See public notices.
Hays County Local Crossword Puzzle
Down 2) Last name of Buda dentists operating mobile pediatric dental clinic. 3) Also known as a Texas stop sign. Dairy (Blank) 4) Middle name of coach that led the Stamford Bulldogs to their 32nd victory in a row in Class 2A state championship. See Texas History. 5) Vice chair of the Texas Association of Mexican American Chamber of Commerce as well as executive director of the Buda Chamber of Commerce 6) Last name of band leader and bassist of Hot Texas Swing Band 7) Dripping Springs High School and the U.S. Marines helped collect more than 20 boxes of Toys For (Blank) 9) Acronym for Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce 13) Austin (Blank) FCU is offering home equity loans as low as 2.75% 15) Former prosecutor and judge who just announced his run for Hays County District Attorney
ANSWERS
14) TEXSCAN 16) ARROWHEAD
5) GONZALES 6) DORMONT 7) TOTS 9) TAMACC 13) TELCO 15) PURYEAR
www.HaysNewsDispatch.com
Down 2) OTTO 3) QUEEN 4) LENEAR
HaysFreePress.com
www.
Across 1) COCOA 4) LIGHTS 8) CHARLOTTE 10) ZINN 11) SANTA 12) [BRYANT
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Hispanic Workforce Continued from pg. 1
in, it’s great for growth,” Gonzales said. “But the effect of the economy has driven the housing market up [to the point] where it’s becoming more and more difficult for people to be able to afford rent or buy their own homes. As a result, Hays County and some of the more rural areas of Texas are growing due to the fact that Austin is just getting bigger and more unaffordable.” More than 390,000 Hispanics are active in the
More than 390,000 Hispanics are active in the labor force in the Austin metro area which makes up 30.7% of the total labor force labor force in the Austin metro area which makes up 30.7% of the total labor force, according to New American Economy research. In addition, Hispanics own 29.4% of small businesses in Texas, the Small Business Administration stated.
“The purse, the Hispanic buying power or contribution to the economy, is continuing to grow,” Gonzales told the Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch. “It’s the highest ever. Without the Hispanic population actively working, our whole economy can implode.”
with a joint annual income of $160,000. While they previously would have paid $1,650 a month for the cheapest plan through HealthCare. gov, under the new law, the government will subsidize the family $1,600, leaving them with a payment of only $50. “In the last several years, people have done alternative plans that aren’t ACA (Affordable Care Act) qualified, or don’t cover pre-existing conditions, to keep costs down,” Nemetz said. “They may not even be aware of these new tax credits that are available.” The change to the credits allowed in the ACA came about because of the American Rescue Plan which was passed by the U.S. House on March 10 by a vote of 220-211. One Democrat voted against the plan with all Republicans. President Joseph Biden signed that law March 11, 2021, which made the health insurance plans more affordable through the Marketplace due to the tax credits allowed under the American Rescue Plan. Nemetz said he advises people who did not get a tax credit in the past should recheck if they are
eligible under the Affordable Care Act. “I would encourage anyone who has looked at alternative options like Christian Healthcare Ministry plans, indemnity plans or short-term plans to lower costs for the ACA market because they didn’t qualify for a credit before, to see if things have changed for their circumstances,” Nemetz said. Anyone wanting to check if they qualify for the new tax credits can check their income range at www.healthcare.gov/ lower-costs, or can contact a broker like Nemetz to see what options are available. Additionally, Texas’ Open Enrollment — the yearly period where people can enroll in a health insurance plan for the next calendar year — will be available through Jan. 15 for coverage that will begin Feb. 1. Outside of the Open Enrollment Period, those seeking healthcare insurance can enroll in a plan if they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period; eligibility for this includes certain life events such as getting married, having a baby or losing other health coverage.
Tax Credits
Continued from pg. 1 premiums after these new savings. While anyone can buy health insurance through other sources, the only way to get a premium tax credit is through the Marketplace. According to healthcare.gov, the amount of a premium tax credit depends on an individual’s estimated 2022 household income entered on the Marketplace application. If the income changes or the insured adds or loses members of the household, the premium tax credit is likely to change. Those applying through the Marketplace can choose to apply some or all of this tax credit to the monthly insurance premium payment. Ron Nemetz, insurance broker and owner of Nemetz Insurance Services in Buda, said that people who made more than 400% of FPL (federal poverty level) — $69,680 per year — were previously not eligible for any subsidy. Now, for example, Nemetz said a family of two 62-year-olds living in Hays County would be eligible for more than $1,000 per month of assistance in paying for a plan, even
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cleanings, sealants, fillings and small operative procedures. Texas Predental Society has more than 200 predental students that will be able to help with the volunteer and labor hours in the van. Tim Otto said that while they eventually want to run the van full time, that requires funding, so operating the van will be contingent upon donations for now. “We’re all fortunate to be in the position we’re in;
to do this for our community,” Otto said. “What an incredible opportunity for all of us. It’s going to affect so many lives outside of the direct scope of what we’re doing here.” At the heart of Kids Tooth Team and SDF is the desire to help kids stay healthy, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Dr. Edward Burger, SDF’s Chief Executive Officer, said that lack of nutrition, vision care and dental care are three of the
largest causes that impede the education of young people. “Making sure that we have health equity is a fundamental tenet of how we look at everything,” Burger said. “That means that individuals, whether they have insurance or not, have the capacity to receive healthcare that they need, especially young people. To have this facility be available and accessible is going to be really meaningful.”
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1