MAY 20, 2020 ADOPT A GRAD
PLAN A, B & C
DSHS class of 2020 embarks on new virtual celebration.
Hays CISD works on return plan for students next year.
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Hays Free Press © Barton Publications, Inc.
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Vol. 126 • No. 8
HaysFreePress.com
Serving Buda, Kyle and Northeast Hays County, TX
Buda rallies to support restaurant owner in wake of stroke
County gets update on COVID-19 testing initiatives BY ANITA MILLER
COVID-19 TESTING, 4
County may still try to establish Public Defender’s Office BY ANITA MILLER Hays County may make one final attempt at establishing a Public Defender’s Office. Though a “priority” decline has expired, the Commissioners Court on Tuesday indicated that the Criminal Justice Commission may initiate a request for funding from the Texas Indigent Defense Commission following their scheduled meeting May 28.
DEFENDER’S OFFICE, 2
BY SAHAR CHMAIS When the owner of Beijing Bistro, Eddy Martinez, suffered a stroke three weeks ago, Buda businesses and residents proved to his family that people stand together in times of need. This event has drained the Martinez family, who are trying their best to keep their family’s livelihood. “We have had a lot of support since Eddy has a lot of friends and family members,” said Janette Martinez, Eddy Martinez’s youngest child. “We have
PHOTO BY ANITA MILLER
Authorities are still investigating the cause of an early-morning fire that swept through a home on Overlook Mountain Road in Buda on May 15. Buda Fire Chief said 48-year-old Janie Zapata was found unresponsive inside, and was pronounced dead at Ascension Seton hospital in Kyle.
Buda woman dies in house fire Authorities are still investigating the origin of a fire that tore through a suburban Buda home on May 15, killing a woman identified as 48-year-old Janie Zapata. The Buda Fire Department and EMS respond-
ed around 6:20 a.m. to the fire in the 400 block of Overlook Mountain West. Arriving fire crews found the home fully engulfed with flames and smoke visible from all sides and the roof, according to a press release.
Fire Chief Clay Huckaby said Zapata was found unresponsive during an interior search. “She was transported to the hospital where she was pronounced deceased,” Huckaby said. The fire was con-
tained at approximately 8:30 a.m. with assistance from Kyle and Manchaca firefighters. The origin of the fire is being investigated by the Hays County Fire Marshal’s office in conjunction with the BFD.
HELPING EDDY, 4
2020 PEC Board of Directors election runs May 20-June 12
A night to remember:
When the Blanco became a wall of water BY ANITA MILLER
“Never was and never will be,” Pct. 2 CommisIt’s been nearly five sioner Mark Jones reyears now since the night called. Jones was among many in Hays County will the searchers who poked never forget. through the muck and After a rainy beginning debris piles looking for to May 2015, an estimated victims. Of the eight peo13 inches or so fell near ple in the vacation home, the headwaters of the only Leighton’s father, Joe Blanco River on May 23, McComb, survived. He pushing it to levels no one was found badly injured had ever seen before – a dozen or so miles below and when the wall of wa- Wimberley. The family’s ter some 40 feet high hit Labrador was miracuWimberley early on May lously found safe in a tree. 24, it swept a whole house The bodies of three and the three families other people who had who had rented it for the been separately swept Memorial Day weekend away in low-water crossinto the raging stream. ings added to the death Over the course of the toll. ensuing days and weeks, Jones and his family 10 bodies were recovered were attending a graduin or near the Blanco from ation party in a home on as far as 30 miles away. the river in Wimberley One, that of a six-year-old on Saturday, May 23. “We girl, Leighton McComb, started hearing the calls was never found. that the Blanco River was
PEC Board of Director voting begins May 20, for members in districts 2, 3 and 4. Early voting will remain open through June 12. By voting in PEC’s annual board election, members get to weigh in on leaders who will represent their interests at the cooperative. The following board candidates are running for positions in districts 2, 3 and 4, whose names are listed in the order they will appear on the ballot, determined by a random drawing. The district 4 race is being held to fill a vacancy, and the winner of that race will serve a two-year term.
HAYS FREE PRESS FILE PHOTO
Debris from people’s homes lined the banks of the Blanco River following the May 2015 flood.
on the rise,” he remembered. Jones, his wife and daughter left, but not before warning their hosts. However, the warnings were disregarded. “They almost lost their lives,” he said of the family in
whose home the party had occurred. “They had to cut through fences. Water got into the second floor of the house.” Though areas in north-
FLOOD OF 2015, 8
DISTRICT 2:
• Emily Pataki
Local barbecue joints impacted by meatpacking shortage BY CAMELIA JUAREZ You may have noticed a rise in meat prices at the grocery store or that Wendy’s has sold out of hamburgers; soon you will notice local barbecue joints raising their prices to stay afloat. “We have to raise prices too. I don’t want the customer to think we’re
just jacking up the prices. We’re doing what we have to, to stay open,” Pitmaster for Milt’s BBQ in Kyle John Murray said. In the past few weeks the cost of brisket has nearly doubled, so Murray is warning customers that prices will continue to fluctuate in the future.
MEAT SHORTAGE, 10
GO REBS
Lady Rebel basketball players make academic all-state.
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INDEX
The directive from Gov. Greg Abbott pushed back Hays County’s efforts to get bilingual information out about testing for the COVID-19 virus, commissioners and County Judge Ruben Becerra learned on Tuesday Tammy Crumley, director of Countywide Operations, gave an update on testing and outreach efforts. Of the 1,300 tests originally made available to the county Health Department, 312 have been used and 988 remain. Additionally, Premier Urgent Care has conducted 273 tests. Thirty nine have been conducted by the health department and 17 through Live Oak Partners. Crumley said the health department had gotten
PHOTO BY MOSES LEOS III
COVID-19 Count……… Obituaries……………… Police Blotter…………… School News……………
2 7 8 9
DISTRICT 3:
• Kari French • Mark Ekrut
DISTRICT 4: • • • • • •
John Murray, pitmaster for Milt’s BBQ, said the cost of brisket has nearly doubled in the past few weeks, so he is warning customers that prices will continue to fluctuate in the future.
Service Directory…… Public Notices……… Classifieds…………… Sports…………………
Lee Leffingwell Kip Averitt Travis Cox Kathi Thomas Joe Pool Dan Strack
For instructions on how to vote, PEC members can visit pec.coop/voting. To access candidate bios and videos, visit pec.coop/ elections. Election results will be announced on June 16.
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NEWS
Hays CISD working on Plans A, B and C to kick off next year’s education “A normal start to school would be ideal in a perfect world, but, unfortunately, we’re not in a perfect world right now. So, we are probably looking at some type of hybrid model.”
BY SAHAR CHMAIS As the next school year approaches, districts and teachers are having to make back-to-school decisions they have never made before. Walking into unknown territory, Hays CISD has planned out at least three scenarios as to how its schools will run. “A normal start to school would be ideal in a perfect world,” said Tim Savoy, chief communication officer for Hays CISD, “but, unfortunately, we’re not in a perfect world right now. So, we are probably looking at some type of hybrid model.” Schools across the U.S. are already discerning the possibilities of what reopening schools will be like in terms of curriculum and attendance. With the instability of COVID-19 infection numbers and limited knowledge on the virus, the decision will be difficult. Educators have to keep safety in mind, but they also want to ensure students get sufficient education, which has been challenging to achieve through homeschooling. Catching students up for the next year will also pose its own difficulties on teachers. Superintendent Dr. Eric Wright said he will be meeting with the reopening task force in the next two weeks to develop a cohesive plan and look at intersessional options. He told the Hays CISD Board of Trustees he wants to have something in place by the end of June so people can plan accordingly. So far, the district has openly discussed three plans. The first is a normal start to school. Another option is a hybrid model where part of the students attend classes in-person for part of the week, then do another part at home. This model rotates two or three groups of students in staggered days and times. The final option would be to continue at-home learning. As for summer school, Gov. Greg Abbott said schools may begin teaching in-person courses, starting June 1, while limiting class size to 11 students. Wright said the district has pretty much committed to having virtual summer school. If in-person summer school picks up, Wright worries about bus transportation for students, where social distancing is difficult to achieve. “We do think we will be in a place in August to al-
–Tim Savoy, HCISD chief communication officer
low at least a portion of our students in the buildings,” Savoy told the Hays Free Press. “We bus about 12,000 of our 21,800 students. So, our concerns regarding social distancing are not just in the classroom spaces, but also on the school buses.” Educators have many factors to consider for this upcoming year. Students of the same grade level will have educational discrepancies when returning next school year – an issue that teachers have to fix. During the Hays CISD Board of Trustees meeting, Wright said the advisory group is looking at ways to catch kids up, which could be through tutorials, interventions or an extended year option. Extending the year would most likely be tacked onto the end of the 2020-2021 term, keeping children in school an extra 30 days. “Students will still need to have mastered prior grade concepts before they can truly dive into the material for their new grade levels,” Savoy said. “So, teachers will be spending much of the first part of 2020-2021 bringing students up to speed.” This task comes with its own challenges because students will come back with different pockets of knowledge, and some may have even caught up with all their at-home work. Heather Russell, third grade teacher at Carpenter Hill Elementary school, said she worries about those who are all caught up. “I feel like that is a small minority and they may be overlooked,” Russell explained. “The kids who are ready don’t need to be remediated.” Students were let out of school two months ago, missing a time where they would have received a little more education plus a time to recap everything they learned throughout the year. They have missed these opportunities, and with the summer break coming up, they will forget even more information. The gaps of knowledge come from different places, Russell said. Some students may have little access to internet and devices, perhaps because they
have one device to share amongst three students, or because they do not have strong internet connection in their areas. Then there are those who have working parents who cannot fully tend to their children’s education. There are cases where parents simply cannot help teach their children because they do not know how to do eighth grade math, for example. Russell foresees child behavior as an upcoming issue teachers will have to deal with. She said behaviors may be out of control, but does not blame this on the parents or even the students. The fact of the matter is students will be out of school for five months where they have had less structure, more screen time and less activities to participate in. Behavior and discrepancies in education are not Russell’s only concerns. Looking ahead, she is afraid some schools might give less attention to the arts, social studies and science in order to put their focus on what is generally considered essential education – reading and math. If this is how schools will function, Russell said she wants no part of it and would rather retire. Often, it is these courses that bring happiness to the students and drive them through the school day, she added. She hopes that during these difficult times of catching students up on their education that school administrations will act in grace. Throughout the at-home learning period, teachers and parents have also been bearing the brunt. In order to catch students up, teachers have to know the curriculum from the previous year. Russell said she is happy that she has been paired with a second grade teacher, who will be able to help her figure out the material her future students missed out on. She hopes that other teachers get a similar opportunity, or at least that schools arrange a similar setup where teachers can work together to under-
SCHOOL PLAN, 10
Defender’s Office Continued from pg. 1
“There is still opportunity if the commission wishes to move forward,” Pct. 1 Commissioner Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe said. The commission hasn’t met since October, and Ingalsbe acknowledged the affect of the COVID-19 virus. “I don’t believe anybody anticipated we’d be in the situation we’re in now,” she said, mentioning the holidays and then the coronavirus. “We maybe could have done better.” Still she said, the court has been taking actions in keeping with its desire to improve the criminal justice system including hiring an additional bond officer and creating a Magistration Office, working with the Texas Indigent Defense Council (TDIC) on getting an Indigent Defense Coordinator. “We supported the creation of a mental health court,” she said, and commissioned a study to look at the benefit of arrestees having representation the first time they see a judge.
“The commission wanted time for those things to evolve, to see if there was some good progress. We have done quite a few things. I know there is more to do.” Pct. 3 Commissioner Lon Shell added that since the coronavirus hit, many inmates have been released from Hays County Jail, and that some lessons learned in that process might also apply postCOVID-19. He also took issue with the fact County Judge Ruben Becerra requested the TDIC study how a Public Defender’s Office might look like and cost, rather than the commission making the request. “There are over 20 members of the commission and everyone has an opinion and each opinion is valued,” he said. “The next meeting will be very important. We will see what direction the commission wants to take it after that.” Shell also noted that already, the county spends some $2 million annually
indigent defense and even if established, a Public Defender’s Office would not be able to handle all indigent cases. Walt Smith, precinct. 4 commissioner, said he believes the system now in place functions pretty well. Young attorneys looking forward to making huge salaries in the future “every so often get to represent indigent defendants. I think that levels the playing field for a lot of defendants.” Smith also expressed concern that the commission wasn’t consulted before Becerra commissioned the study. “We put a lot of thought into who should be on that commission and why … hearing from them would have been nice.” The study looked at the particulars of the office handing 15 or 50 percent of indigent cases. Among other things, it said that while its creation would be expensive up front, the county would save money after a few years.
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • May 20, 2020
Hays County COVID-19 Statistics • as of May 19 Confirmed cases
Deaths
Active Cases
3
81
238
Currently hospitalized
5
3030
2525
2020
1515
1010
55
00
0-9 yrs 0-9 yrs
10-19 yrs 20-29 yrs 30-39 yrs 40-49 10-19 yrs. 20-29 yrs. 30-39 yrs. 40-49 yrs yrs. 50-59 50-59 yrs yrs. 60-69 60-69yrs yrs. 70-79 70-79yrs yrs. >80 > 80yrs yrs. Active
250
Total
Added cases
220
238 235
Confirmed cases
200
Active cases
180
Total hospitalizations
204 203 199 195
Total deaths
200
140 150
140 135 127 125 121 117 109 103
120 100 100 80
40 50
20 0 011
0
3 02
5 02
6 01
7 01
13 9 11 02 02 02
82
147
93 89
167 165 165 160 152
91
81 76 75 7069 65 656867 5961 59 58 54 54 50 47 42 414343 38 32 34 28 24 16 1618 1214141414 14 10 10 1010 8 8 7 5 7 7 6 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 2 2 2 1 2 1 4 1 4 1 12 1 1 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 77
60
221 219
183 176
Current hospitalizations
160
214 209
7881 6867
1415151616 8 5 5 5 5 5 5 4 1 1 1 10 12
7776 7273
6567
7274 6769
19202020 2020 1618 12 9 5 5 5 77 8 64 4 4 4 21 2 3 1 1 1 1 2 4
2324
8081
2526 14
35 4 32
4 3 5 33
13 -M ar 15 -M ar 17 -M ar 19 -M ar 21 -M ar 23 -M ar 25 -M ar 27 -M ar 29 -M ar 31 -M ar 2Ap r 4Ap r 6Ap r 8Ap r 10 -A pr 12 -A pr 14 -A pr 16 -A pr 18 -A pr 20 -A pr 22 -A pr 24 -A pr 26 -A pr 28 -A pr 30 -A pr 2M ay 4M ay 6M ay 8M a 10 y -M ay 12 -M ay 14 -M ay 16 -M ay 18 -M ay
Page 2
Woodcreek
Active
Woodcreek
Total
Wimberley Wimberley
Uhland Uhland San San Marcos Marcos Niederwald Niederwald Mountain City Mountain City Kyle Kyle Hays Hays Drip. Springs Dripping Springs Driftw ood Driftwood Buda Buda Bear Creek Creek Bear Austin* Austin
00
10 10
20 20
30 30
40 40
50 50
Visit www.HaysFreePress.com or www.HaysNewsDispatch.com for all the latest Hays County News
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Opinion
QUOTE OF THE WEEK “The two holidays I worry about are Memorial Day and Halloween ... I take my phone to bed and I don’t sleep well.” –Mark Jones, Hays County Commissioner, Pct. 2. Story, pg. 1.
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • May 20, 2020
Page 3
Bringing back some kind of normal Hip Czech by Cyndy Slovak-Barton
I
t’s tough to think ahead and figure out what the new normal will be. The FED chair is predicting 25% unemployment before this COVID-19 pandemic is over, a vaccine is in the works but not going to be ready for many months for the mass public, there is uncertainty about whether colleges will have classes in person, online or a combination of the two. But Hays CISD is trying to give the 2020 graduates of Live Oak Academy, Hays High and Lehman High some kind of normal. These students will certainly have a lot to remember when they have left for college and jobs. They probably will remember 2020 with some kind of anxiety, as will the general public. They will remember the self-quarantining. They might even consider face masks as the new normal. But a sense of normalcy will be retained as the graduates will get a chance to walk the stage to get their diplomas. And Hays CISD officials should be congratulated on trying to give students some kind of ceremony, even if some in the public cringe at the thought of a large gathering. Hays CISD had Strahan Coliseum reserved for the event, as has been the case now for many years. The district even delayed graduation there, but Texas State University cancelled all events at the college coliseum. Now graduation for HCISD seniors is being delayed until June 25-26. The event will be held at Shelton Stadium, as was done at least six to seven years ago. There will be restrictions – only two people for each graduate will be allowed in the Shelton Stadium stands, and everyone will have to strictly follow rules about distancing while waiting for graduates to walk the stage. Others wanting to watch the event can see it online, as HCISD is going to live-stream graduation. Hays CISD is also publishing dedicated webpages listing each graduate, and giving out congratualtory yard signs. The Hays Free Press, as it has done in years past, will be printing its Graduation Edition, which parents will be able to pick up at the graduation event, and subscribers will receive in the newspapers. It makes good reading while waiting for festivities to begin, and parents put in so many baby photos that it has become a keepsake over the years. With all of these things happening together for graduation 2020, we all gather together to try bring about some kind of normalcy for these students. In the meantime, stay safe, wear your mask, wash your hands and stay away from each other. We certainly don’t want these graduation events to be a petri dish for a local outbreak.
GRADUATION LOCATION:
• Shelton Stadium, Hays High campus
TIMES AND DATES:
• Live Oak Academy, 10 a.m., June 25 • Hays High, 8 p.m., June 25 • Lehman High, 8 p.m., June 26
SENIOR DAY:
Seniors can pick up caps and gowns, graduation cords, yard signs and letter jackets May 26. Each campus will have its own plan for pickup.
Hays Free Press Barton Publications, Inc. News tips: news@haysfreepress.com Opinions: csb@haysfreepress.com 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX 78640 www.haysfreepress.com 512-268-7862 Publisher Cyndy Slovak-Barton News Editor Anita Miller Sports Editor Moses Leos III Reporters Camelia Juarez, Sahar Chmais Columnists Bartee Haile, Pauline Tom, Clint Younts Proofreaders Jane Kirkham
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Definitely not normal
T
his COVID-19 plague continues to wreak havoc all over the world. Besides inflicting illness among millions and killing thousands, this pandemic has also caused financial hardship for many people. I could type for hours, filling two, maybe three paragraphs with mind-numbing facts about the pandemic, but I like to focus on the positive. I’m a glass halffull kind of guy, one who always has more beer to fill that glass once it runs dry. So instead of harping about all the devastation this virus has caused, I am going to shine a light on good things that have arose since that stupid bat was tossed into a wok. Due to the stay-athome recommendations and shut-downs, we have been able to enjoy massive amount of quality time with our spouses. Who hasn’t heard “We don’t spend enough time together” ever since you returned from your honeymoon? Well, once this virus is gone, we won’t be hearing this phrase for another decade or so. Look at all the money we have saved by not filling our gas tanks every week. I think the gasoline in my truck is from
Crow’s Nest by Clint Younts
the fill-up I got when I ran to buy beer for my Superbowl party. Unfortunately, all that money we saved went to paying for home delivery from the liquor store. Oh, our flowerbeds had never looked prettier. After years of neglect and getting peed on every morning, what once was a bed of sickly weeds and ant mounds the size of elephant crap is now a beautiful, weed-free bed of blooming flowers and neatly trimmed shrubs. Thanks, coronavirus for allowing us the time to do yard work. This quarantine has also enabled many women to acquire a new skill. After viewing Youtube videos, a number of wives and mothers have learned how to cut men’s hair. My wife gave me a fine trim last month, and now you can barely see the scar from having my ear surgically reattached. I’m now sporting Bo Derek braids until I replenish my blood supply. During this extended quarantine, we’ve also
been able to catch up on our favorite Netflix show, along with every other show on Netflix. There are still a few more episodes of Green Acres I need to see before we switch over to Hulu and see what’s showing there. There is something else that we may have for some time long after this pandemic is over. Thanks to this virus, we have several new phrases to add to our vocabulary, like “pandemic”. Before the coronavirus arrived, I had never heard of a pandemic. Oh, I’ve read about several epidemics like those from polio and smallpox, but never a pandemic. What the heck is a “novel virus”? I thought it was Michael Crichton book. And has anyone heard of PPE before all hospitals are in dire need of this since March? I thought PPE was medical jargon for a urine test. “Flatten the Curve”. I’ve heard doctors and scientists talk about us needing to flatten the curve before we can go back to restaurants and bars again. Heck, that’s where I got this curve below my sternum, and now I’m supposed to flatten it? “Unprecedented Times” is another term
I keep hearing. I’m not sure when this started but I believe it began soon after Trump’s inauguration. And how about “Uncertain Times” I hear frequently this in radio ads. Some teenage girls experience this term in those minutes after peeing on a stick. “Social Distancing” is a new term we all use, but folks have practiced that around me for years. Not sure why. The term I really dislike is “the New Normal”. I’m not real sure what the old normal was. Sure, we’ve had to change many of our daily routines due to this pandemic, but we are always adapting to new ways. Times are changing. They have since the beginning of time. Today’s “normal” will be obsolete in a few years. As for me, I am far from normal. Perhaps that’s why I see so much social distancing around me. Clint Younts works with his cattle and makes sure his grandchildren know all about the ranch. But as for social distancing from him? Maybe his girls could explain it. Really. crowsnest78610@gmail. com
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NEWS
Page 4
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • May 20, 2020
COVID-19 Testing Continued from pg. 1
68 calls regarding testing – which is only available after people displaying symptoms or believing they have been exposed are screened – and of that, a dozen callers never followed through. The county is poised, Crumley said, to participate in the state’s contract tracing program, which is scheduled to go live on May 22.
When pressed for details by Pct. 1 Commissioner Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe, Crumley said she hadn’t actually undergone training for tracing but had attended a webinar on the software required. Ingalsbe also asked about the progress of producing flyers in English and Spanish and suggested that school
campuses where meals are being distributed might be a good place to post them. “We haven’t got them printed yet,” Crumley replied. “The governor’s requirement to test nursing homes kind of took over at the end of last week.” She added the flyers will be printed this week. Pct. 2 Commissioner
Mark Jones inquired about the fact Kyle has always led the county in the number of positive cases, but Crumley didn’t have an answer. Likewise, she said she could not answer Pct. 3 Commissioner Lon Shell’s question about how many people were tested in Wimberley and Dripping Springs during an opportunity on Mother’s
Day. Crumley said she has not received results of the tests, which were conducted y the National Guard. “The volume of tests at their lab has overwhelmed them,” Crumley said. “We don’t even have a list of individuals tested to reach out to them,” for contact tracing purposes. County Chief of Staff
and Emergency Services Coordinator Alex Villalobos specifically addressed the governor’s directive and the mobilization of county fire and EMS personnel. Overall, he said, it went well, however there were issues with people wearing protective gear in the heat. “I’m sure they will refine it and get it done.”
munity help by creating a GoFundMe page. They also BARBECUE BENEFIT FOR EDDY MARTINEZ welcome donations and There will be a benefit to help defray medical costs letters for Eddy Martinez at for Eddy Martinez, owner of Buda’s Beijing Bistro, as he the restaurant. recovers from a stroke. Many restaurant busiThe benefit will be held on Thursday, May 21, from 11 ness owners did not wait a.m. until sold out of BBQ chicken, sausage, rice, beans, for these opportunities to tortillas and bottled water, all for $15 a plate. It will be offer help, instead, they held in front of Reliable Automotive and Beijing Bistro, extended their services as 3420 FM 967, Buda. soon as they heard about the stroke. Janette Martinez said that her father’s sothat contribute to the diffi- in Texas, the state with the ciable and giving personculties of Eddy Martinez’s most uninsured residents. ality is the reason so many situation – it is not just a The lack of health insurpeople have reached out to story about a stroke. Over ance caught up to Martithe last few weeks, the Mar- nez, where his first night at help. She recalls her father frequently giving customers tinez family has dealt with the hospital cost $13,000. free beer, food and wings. the financially burdensome Janette Martinez said His friendly manner is healthcare system. His they have not been able to the reason why everyone hospitalization also showed keep track of the costs, but knows him well, includthe family the struggles of when he needed to move ing the EMTs who rushed being ill during the corona- from the hospital to the him into the ambulance, virus pandemic. And all of rehabilitation center, they the nurses who worked the moments that added had to make a good faith with him, business owners up to Eddy Martinez’s payment of $3,000. The and members of the Buda stroke proved the bitterfamily scrambled to come Chamber of Commerce. sweet journey of achieving up with this amount and Still, the stress of his the American Dream. have a mountain of debt work was a major cause of Beijing Bistro has been waiting for them. his stroke, Janette Martinez operating in Buda for Adding insult to injury, five years, but five years his family has not been able said. She explained that he barely got three hours of before that, Eddy Martinez to visit Eddy Martinez or opened another location. see him due to coronavirus sleep at night. He would go to bed very late planning And prior to that, which hospital regulations. The for the next day and wake resolves the mystery of why family has been talking up before dawn to get a a Mexican man operates a to him through the room head start. In a way, staying Chinese restaurant, Eddy phone, but they do not in the hospital and rehabiliMartinez worked at Chihave a full grasp on his renese-food restaurants for covery or health condition. tation center has given him a necessary break, added 30 years. Janette Martinez said only Janette Martinez. Eddy Martinez has been her mother and brother “Hopefully we will set building his American have clearance to ask about it up so he is less stressed Dream for a long time, his health, but even then, by work,” Janette Martinez since he moved to the U.S. they are not getting ansaid. “He has been talking at the age of 15. He has swers from the doctors. about taking a vacation to helped secure his family Due to the high cost of financially, but he could medical care, the family de- Las Vegas. He has never not afford health insurance cided to reach out for com- taken a vacation except for
seeing family members, because having a business, they always need him 24/7.” The work for the Martinez family does not end when their father comes back home because he will need constant monitoring. Still, Eddy Martinez is eager to come home and check in
on his work, but will have to stay at the rehabilitation center for a few more weeks, said his daughter. Until then, Janette Martinez hopes that she can train her older sister or someone else to take over the management position so she gets to go back to her university next semester.
Helping Eddy Continued from pg. 1
other restaurant owners asking if we need help and customers always asking how he is. We even have friends and family members who have started to sell food in order to raise donations for his medical bills.” The first people waiting in the line to help were Martinez’s daughters, who put their lives on hold to keep their father’s business afloat. Not only have they had to emotionally deal with the news of their father’s stroke, but they had to reconfigure their lives to keep the business operating. Although his two daughters are working tirelessly, they still feel like they are falling short; Eddy Martinez had so much of the business plan in his head that his daughters have to slowly extract information from him to make sense of it all. They have managed to keep the business open for to-go and delivery orders, but they have not caught up enough to provide dinein services. Janette Martinez, 25, had to welcome an unwanted option into her future’s equation. She can either continue pursuing her Bachelor’s degree at Texas A&M University in College Station, or she has to put the semester on hold, jeopardizing her university career, so she can stay in Buda to manage the restaurant. There are many culprits
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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • May 20, 2020
Page 5
Adopt a graduating senior:
Dripping Springs class of 2020 embarks new virtual celebration BY CAMELIA JUAREZ
parents to coordinate and eagerly get involved. Inside many closets As of now, more than across the country, an 170 seniors had received unworn graduation cap goodies from the parents and gown hangs taunting of old classmates, former the class of 2020. elementary school teachFortunately, those grad- ers and members of the uation suits can be worn community who just love by seniors at Dripping to spread smiles. Springs High School on “It’s so cool to see June 19 during a social posts of people in the distance graduation area reconnecting. The ceremony, but it’s still not parents of kids who were what they expected. friends in the second With limited ways to grade are reconnectcelebrate this milestone, ing and adopting each the Dripping Springs other’s kids. They haven’t community used Facetalked in years, but came book to make seniors feel together for this,” Lawspecial in ways that had rence said. never been seen before Soon the “DSHS Class the coronavirus pandem- of 2020 Senior Adoption” ic. was full of pictures of In March, local resiseniors next to their care dent Dorothy Lawrence packages, college spirit launched the “Adopt a gear, handmade cards Senior” campaign on and a lot of Chick Fil-A local Dripping Springs gift cards. Facebook group pages. Traditional pompous She asked parents to graduation celebrations post some information were traded for the entire about their graduating Dripping Springs comsenior, such as plans after munity coming together high school and high to make the Class of 2020 school accomplishments. feel accomplished. Then other members of Lawrence, who is the the community could mother of small children, adopt a senior and give said she took the initiative them a little treat to make to remind seniors that that senior feel special. they aren’t alone in this It didn’t take long for celebration.
THE COMMENT SECTIONS WERE LOADED WITH HEARTFELT REMARKS. We were lucky to meet you way back when you taught Taylor in 2nd grade and I love how our paths keep crossing through kids and lacrosse. Thanks again for surprising him, it really made him feel special during this crazy time. Your kind gesture and knowing it came from people who have loved him and watched him grow means so much! Y'all are the best!! I don’t think those of you that have adopted a senior - fully understand the impact / joy it brings to the kids . Many of you don’t even know these kids and are showing them love- empathy- support- kindness -It has gone a long way .... especially with my senior. SUBMITTED PHOTO
As of now, over 170 seniors had received goodies from the parents of old classmates, former elementary school teachers and members of the community who just love to spread smiles.
“When I look back at senior year, those last six weeks I felt like I owned the school and I know this isn’t what they have been dreaming about, but this is something unlike ever before. I hope they feel the love of the community,” Lawrence said. Lawrence has sent and continues to send hand-written cards to
each participating senior. She has also sent Cameo videos, a service that pay celebrities to give personal congratulations to people. So far Tamara Green, who plays George Washington in the Broadway musical “Hamilton”, sent a personal message to a student interested in musical theatre. Lawrence shared the
The driveway was decorated so cute! She was so happy when she drove up. Thank you for making her feel special! Cameo video with the News-Dispatch because his message rings true not only for Dripping Springs graduates, but everyone who needs to be reminded that dreams aren’t cancelled. In the meantime, seniors can pick out their outfits for a graduation with social distance measures, according to a
press release. Graduation will take place at 8:30 p.m. June 19. Tickets will be required. “In order to meet the requirement of 25 percent capacity, each DSHS graduate will be permitted four total guests. The ceremony will be streamed live for those who are unable to attend,” according to the press release.
Dripping Springs High School student-athletes earn Academic All-State honors The Texas High School Coaches Association announced its 2020 academic all-state teams for spring sports. In the sports of soccer, baseball, softball, tennis, golf and track, 30 senior Dripping Springs Tigers participating in spring sports were honored. To qualify for all-state rec-
ognition, seniors must have an overall gradepoint average of 93 or higher and be in good standing with his or her team. There are four levels of distinction: Elite, First Team, Second Team and Honorable Mention. Baseball had the most students honored with nine, including three
at the Elite level: Adam Burnett, Bryce Fitzpatrick and Jason Fitzpatrick. Joshua Malcolm earned a spot on the Academic All-State First Team, while Tyler Thrasher and Tyler Wolff earned second-team honors. Matt Gustafson and Zach Tjelmeland received honorable
mention. Seven tennis seniors were recognized: Thane Johannsen as an Elite selection, Keith Cox and Owen Tuohy receiving first-team honors, Tyler Cave and Katherine Farber earning second-team recognition, and Matthew McBurney with honorable mention.
Five members of the DSHS girls soccer team received honorable mention on the Academic All-State list: Emma Jones, Caroline Luttrull, Nadia Pineda, Chloe Sansalone and Taylor Waters. In softball, four Tigers were recognized: Elite honoree Brooke Rum-
mel, first-teamer Ashley Rummel, and honorable mention selections Mikayla Kanetzky and Ryleigh Needham. Boys soccer was represented by Elijah Sass on the Academic All-State Second Team, and Jackson Evans and Juan Galindo receiving honorable mention.
DSHS senior athletes sign Letters of Intent
Christopher Cohen, Track, The Master’s University (Santa Clarita, Calif.) Christopher Cohen is a two-year varsity letterwinner for both cross country and
track. His specialty in track is the 800 Meters. This past fall, he was part of the statequalifying Tiger cross country team. Christopher’s parents, Jody and Mike Cohen, are both alumni of The Master’s University. Coaches: Ben Reid, Marisa Tuzzi. Logan Crank, Lacrosse, Rockhurst University (Kansas City, Missouri) A strong team leader, Logan Crank was a fouryear starter for the Dripping Springs lacrosse team. As a senior, Logan Crank was voted team captain by his peers and coaches. Logan earned all-district honors at his long stick midfielder position as a junior. He is the son of Elizabeth Crank and John Crank. Coach: Bill Cafferata. Elizabeth Jones, Soccer, Concordia University (Austin) A four-year varsity letterwinner, Elizabeth was named to the All-District First Team and the All-Region
Peanut Butter is a male, 5-year-old Shepherd mix. Wherever you go, Peanut Butter will stick to you, he loves people and being a companion. He knows all kinds of commands and tricks that he would love to show off for you. Give him a pool to splash in and you’ll be his favorite person forever. Peanut Butter does well with most other dogs and walks well on leash.
First Team at goalie as a sophomore. She then earned honorable mention on the All-District Team as both a junior and a senior. Elizabeth, who also earned Statesman Player-of-the-Week honors once, allowed only two goals in her senior season. When the season was cut short by the coronavirus pandemic, the Lady Tigers had secured the district title and were headed to playoffs. Elizabeth is the daughter of Lupita and Robert Jones. Coach: Bailee Perrine.
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Miracle Gray, Cheer, Tarleton State University Miracle Gray is a twoyear varsity letterwinner for both game day cheer and competition cheer. This past January she competed at the UIL Spirit State Championships where she helped her team earn the designation “State-Qualified Cheer Team.” The daughter of John and Karis Gray, Miracle plans to major in kinesiology at Tarleton State. Coach: Carissa Puls.
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Four more Dripping Springs High School seniors have signed national letters of intent to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. Track athlete Christopher Cohen, lacrosse player Logan Crank, soccer player Elizabeth Jones and cheerleader Miracle Gray have announced their commitments in recent weeks. Combined with student-athletes in the Class of 2020 who had signed on National Signing Days held earlier this school year, 27 seniors have now committed to continuing their playing careers at the collegiate level. Those recently signing include:
Loki is a male, neutered solid black cat. His owner passed away, leaving him homeless. Within seconds of meeting Loki, we were reduced to puddles of love and adoration. Loki is special. Although nervous about his new home, he will never turn down cuddles. In fact, he will come sit right next to you, lean into your body, and soak up all the love you give.
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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • May 20, 2020
Third deadliest tornado devastates Sherman, Texas Texas History by Bartee Haile
By the next afternoon, authorities had confirmed the passing of 65 citizens all of whom had been killed instantly or died within minutes. Another 58 were being treated in the local hospital for a wide range of injuries, many life-threatening, while an undetermined number were recovering in private homes. The final death toll may have been as high as 75 or 80. If that is the case, the Sherman tornado of 1896 was the third deadliest in Texas history behind Goliad in 1902 and Waco in 1953, where twisters killed an identical number of Texans - 114. Sherman turned out to be just the first stop of an historic “super storm” that unleashed 38 confirmed tornadoes across nine states in the central U.S. over a span of 14 days. Two hundred and fifty-five perished in
East St. Louis alone, and the grand total of 484 fatalities could have filled a graveyard. Mattie East was the blind daughter of a former minstrel, who had inherited her mother’s gift for music. She wrote and often sang a song about the Sherman tragedy that included this verse: “We heard the crash of timbers, of buildings falling down./ Distressing screams of victims, oh, what a dreadful sound./ It would melt the hardest heart to hear them loudly cry./ ‘Oh, God, have mercy on me. Is this my time to die?’” Bartee’s book “Texas Entertainers: Lone Stars in Profile” is full of actors, singers and writers all Texans! Order your signed copy by mailing a check for $26.30 to Bartee Haile, P.O. Box 130011, Spring, TX 77393.
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In a scene straight out of The Wizard of Oz, the twister picked up another house and carried it at an altitude of 30 feet to the other side of town before returning it to earth undamaged. The family that went along for the amazing ride suffered only bumps and bruises. Like all tornadoes, the Sherman twister had its share of odd occurrences. Here’s just a sample: A piano was found covered by a rug and in perfect playing condition. A dead snake was wrapped tightly around a limb in one of the few trees still standing. A thin splinter pierced six full cans of lye like a shish kabob. A display cabinet custom-made for photographs landed intact in a field more than halfway to Denison, the nearest town. The funnel cloud was on the ground for 28 miles. The path of destruction that began five miles southwest of Sherman ended in the farmland north of town. Lifeless bodies were everywhere. In streets covered by uprooted trees and every kind of debris imaginable. In creeks where unconscious victims drowned in the shallow water. And, of course, in what was left of more than 50 demolished homes. The gruesome chore of identifying the dead was made even more difficult by the condition of the corpses. In one heart-rending instance, a husband examined the battered face of a woman three times before he finally recognized her as his missing wife.
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olunteers, cash donations and emergency supplies continued to pour into Sherman on May 22, 1896 a full week after a terrible twister destroyed much of the North Texas town and took dozens of lives. Four years shy of the twentieth century, the community within spitting distance of the Red River was home to 7,500 people, a sixth of the present-day population. The seat of Grayson County was named for Sidney Sherman, a hero of the Texas Revolution, not the Union general who laid waste to Georgia. The fatal funnel first appeared over Denton and Pilot Point late Friday afternoon on the 15th of May but did not touch down until it reached the outskirts of Sherman at a little before five o’clock. Without the early alarm system of today, the unsuspecting populace had no warning of the imminent danger. H.L. Piner presented a gripping if somewhat over-the-top account of the worst day in local history in his book Sherman’s Black Friday. As the professor told it, the violent vortex made landfall five miles southwest of the city limits and announced its presence with a deafening “death-dealing blast” that could be heard for blocks. “The horrible calamity swept across the city with overwhelming suddenness. Many were prostrated at the news, more at the sight of the disaster. The living suffered the agonies of the dying.” Frightened parents grabbed their children and headed for the family storm shelter. Shop owners and their customers in the downtown business district ducked for cover, while everyone in city hall rushed downstairs to the basement. As the storm cut a swath of destruction through residential neighborhoods, 400 students and staff at two women’s colleges huddled together in prayer. Mary Nash College, open since 1877, and North Texas Female College, which dated back to the Civil War decade, faced each other on opposite sides of the same street. By all rights, the sister schools should have been flattened. But at the last moment the F-5 tornado with its shrieking and swirling 250 mile-an-hour winds “zigzagged to the west” narrowly missing both educational institutions and leaving the schoolgirls and teachers to wonder for the rest of their lives why they were spared. Other inhabitants were just as fortunate. One lucky family was blown into the basement of their frame house scant seconds before the structure collapsed into kindling.
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Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • May 20, 2020
Page 7
What’s showing in your photographs these days?
L
oving Mountain City posted a photo of the first recipient of LMC’s Yard of the Week recognition, administered by Marjie Kelley. Congratulations to Mickey Vogel on Pecan. Mickey reported to Marjie that the gorgeous tall red flowers are wild, coming back each year. Patricia Porterfield commented, “The flowers are Standing Cypress and loved by hummingbirds.” Patricia Porterfield on Maple shared a photo of a lovely visitor to her yard, a Rose-breasted Grosbeak. The male is black and white with a rose-colored
Mt. City Montage by Pauline Tom
patch on his breast. Down on Live Oak Drive, my unique visitor this past week was a female American Redstart. The distinct feature I saw was yellow and black triangular markings on the wide-spread tail. Cathy Rudzinski assisted me with the identification while Wally was out walking and bird-watching. Should you see a walker
looking towards your house with binoculars, know that many in Mountain City birdwatch. Nowadays, birdwatchers are not making trips to birdwatch. Some, like The Rudzinski’s, have travelled all over the world birdwatching. Mayor Ralph McClendon photographed a pair of roadrunners atop their house. What a sight! And, what a good indication there’s a nest nearby. It’s quite a sight, too, seeing a roadrunner running down the center of a Mountain City street. Keep your eyes out. Laura Craig snapped a
photo on May 15 of justhatched Carolina Wrens. The nest is on her patio. Donna Helm and other who tried to see the Blue Angels fly over last Wednesday, looking from Mountain City, missed the sight. Laura Craig went to EVO and got great video. Karen Herrmann saw the sight from MOD Pizza. My phone camera was not in hand when I moved a trash bag containing some mulch over a bit onto the driveway. I called out to RonTom and he came running. Exiting a hole in the ground was a gorgeous little brown hairy arachnid,
I think a tarantula. Did you know some female tarantulas can live to be 30 years old in the wild? KissMe called out to me from the kitchen last week with an incessant bark and I came running. Sure enough, he was alerting me about a scorpion. The scorpion had tail curled upwards and “pinchers” raised outwards. Good dog, KissMe. Good dog. But, there was no way Our Great White Hunter with Red Spots could have helped with the next one we found. It was smack dab on our cooktop. The rain must have brought them in. We had three in less than 24
hours. Reports came from within Mountain City of over 5 inches of rain last week. Watch for rattlesnakes and coral snakes. Mayor Ralph killed a rattler in the yard of his mom, former mayor LaVerne McClendon. Keep your ears open. Rattlesnakes give a distinct warning. To make a nomination for Yard of the Week, visit the FaceBook page of Loving MountainCity. There you’ll find a form. I take tidbits by email, ptom5678@gmail.com (subject: tidbit.) Thanks! Love to you, Pauline
During this difficult time of abundant caution due to the Coronavirus, the gathering is limited to 40 people at the funeral home and 30 people at the cemetery. Social distancing is required. You may show your support by joining the “Hugs from Home” program located on Alfred’s memorial webpage where your message will be given to the family during the service to remind them of your love and support for them. To receive critical
updates about this service, and to join Alfred’s services via Live-stream, please signup from the following link: http:// funeralinnovations.com/ osignup/453783 We encourage you to reach out and show your support to the family during this difficult time. Additional ways you can show you care; send flowers directly to the family, view a tribute video from the family, or share a memory in the tribute section.
OBITUARIES BOCKRATH Mark Kalen Bockrath, born February 8, 1971 in Dayton, Ohio, passed away in his home in Buda, Texas, on May 15. A graduate from Carroll High School, he earned a degree from Ivy Tech in Indiana, which enabled him to travel the country doing work he loved. Mark was an avid motorcycle enthusiast, award-winning designer and creator who showcased his work through his company Mark Kalen Designs. Well known for his striking smile and largerthan-life, generous heart, he will be deeply missed by many. Mark is survived by his beloved wife Eleni, his daughter Cheyanne, five step-daughters Ariel, Kiara, Ava, Sabrina and Sian. In addition, he is survived by his mother Peggy, brother Sean, sister-in-law Sarah, two nieces Katelyn and Brooklynn and his sister Meredith. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to support the cost of this unexpected loss. Donations may be made to the family on his memorial webpage at www.harrellfuneralhomes.com. Join us in celebration of Mark’s life on Monday, May
25 for a time of visitation starting at 5 p.m., rosary service at 5:30 p.m. and funeral service at 6 p.m. all at Harrell Funeral Home, 1715 Kirby, Kyle, Texas. Private cremation services will follow. An Inurnment service for Mark will be announced at a later time with inurnment at Onion Creek Memorial Park, 11610 Chapel Ln., Austin, Texas. During this difficult time of abundant caution due to the Coronavirus, the gathering is limited to 40 people and social distancing and face masks are required. You may show your support by joining the “Hugs from Home” program located on Mark’s memorial webpage where your message will be given to the family during the service to remind them of your love and support for them. To receive critical updates about this service and to join his services via live-stream on Mark’s memorial webpage, please sign up from the following link: http://funeralinnovations.com/osignup/377359 We encourage you to reach out and show your support to the family during this difficult time. Additional ways you can show you care; send flowers directly to the family, view a tribute video from the family, or share a memory in the tribute section.
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he enjoyed the laid back culture of East Austin bar establishments. He is will be forever missed by his beloved wife Janie of 47 years, his children Phillip Orosco, Freddy Orosco Jr. and his wife Elizabeth, Michelle Orosco, Judy Erwin and her husband Tim, Nikki Orosco, Felicia Orosco, Daniel Orosco and his wife Laura, and honorary son Eric Gant; grandchildren: Phillip Jr., Ciara, Sara, Selena, Briana, Alfredo III, Joseph, Tracy, David, Nicholas, Tyler, Zachary, Matthew, Cristian, Daniel Jr, Alfredo, Franchesca and 15 great-grandchildren; brothers Edward “Lalo”, Richard and Ralph; sisters Janie, Dolores and Amelia; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other loving family and friends. Awaiting his Heavenly arrival were his mother Benita Orosco, brothers Phillip, Johnny and Antonio, sisters Susie, Linda, Patsy and Lupe. Join us in celebration of Alfred’s remarkable life on Wednesday, May 20 with a private family visitation from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. followed immediately by a Rosary service at noon. We will then reconvene at 2 p.m., graveside, Assumption Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum, 3650 S Interstate 35, Austin, Texas for his graveside and committal services
METHODIST Buda United Methodist Church San Marcos & Elm St., Buda Kyle United Methodist Church Sledge & Lockhart St., Kyle Journey United Methodist 4301 Benner Rd, Kyle, Tx St. Paul’s United Methodist Church 7206 Creedmoor Rd., Creedmoor
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The Connection Church 1235 S. Loop 4, Buda
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Antioch Community Church Old Black Colony Rd., Buda
Providing you with your most important local news for Kyle, Buda and surrounding communities
Completed & Perfected Faith Church Tobias Elementary Cafeteria, FM 150, Kyle Kingdom United Christian Church 100 Madison Way, Buda Mission Fellowship Church 200 San Marcos Street, Buda
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New Covenant Community Church 1019 Main Street, Buda (in Dance Unlimited)
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Vertical Chapel 5700 Dacy Lane (McCormick M.S.), Buda A Fountain of Life Church 302 Millenium Dr. Kyle
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Word of Life Christian Faith Center 118 Trademark Drive, Buda
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Por Tu Gracia Fellowship 701 Roland Lane, Kyle Trinity United Chuch of Niederwald 13700 Camino Real, Hwy. 21, Niederwald PENTECOSTAL Mision de Casa de Oracion S. Hwy. 81, Kyle New Life Sanctuary Kyle Science Hall Elementary 1510 Bebee Rd. PRESBYTERIAN
Manchaca United Methodist Church FM 1626 & Manchaca Rd., Manchaca
St. John’s Presbyterian Church 12420 Hewitt Ln., Manchaca
Iglesia Israelita Casa de Dios 816 Green Pastures Dr., Kyle
Driftwood United Methodist Church RR 150 at County Road 170
First Presbyterian Church 410 W. Hutchison, San Marcos, TX 78666
Elm Street & San Marcos
*Traditional Worship (Worship Center)-9 a.m. Sunday School (all ages)-10:00 a.m.
*Informal Worship (Worship Center)-11 a.m. Wednesday Evening (Chapel)-6:30 p.m.
Rev. Lisa Straus Office 295-6981 • www.BudaUMC.org
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Fellowship Church at Plum Creek 160 Grace Street at 2770, Kyle
New Life Christian Church 2315 FM 967, Buda
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Learn about our hugs from home program where people can send a hug and heartfelt message to be shared with the family during the service. We also offer virtual visitations and services so families and friends can celebrate and share their love.
First Baptist Church
Hays Hills
A loving & caring Southern Baptist Church 104 S. San Marcos Street, Buda Buddy Johnson, Pastor • 295-2161
Baptist Church
Sunday School...........................................9:30 a.m. Morning Worship....................................10:45 a.m.
8:30 a.m. Traditional service 9:45 a.m. Contemporary service 11:00 a.m. Blended service Adult, teen, children’s classes • Children’s worship Professionally-staffed nursery & pre-school
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Wednesday Bible Study/Youth Activities...6:00 p.m. AWANA’s (Wednesday)..........................6:00 p.m.
www.hayshills.org 1401 N. FM 1626
Nursery Provided www.firstbaptistbuda.com • fbcbuda@austin.rr.com
Page 8
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • May 20, 2020
Floodwaters destroyed crucial bridge and connectivity BY ANITA MILLER
it into broken chunks of concrete, severely Towering cypress trees hampering the ability of that had stood sentinel residents in southwestern along the Blanco River in areas of Hays County to Wimberley for centuries get where they needed to were no match for the go. When the bridge went, 40-foot or greater wall of it effectively increased a water that transformed commute of around 10 the stream into a torrent of minutes to 40 minutes or death and destruction on more. Memorial Day Weekend None of that sat well of 2015. with those elected to repBut the water took out resent that area, among more than trees. A bridge them then-Pct. 3 Commison Fischer Store Road also sioner Will Conley. fell victim. Though the In fact, Conley began structure spanning the talking with the Texas DeBlanco River had stood partment of Transportasince the 1990s with no tion (TxDOT) about what water ever encroaching could be done the Monday on it, the Memorial Day after. The hurry-up schedfloodwaters transformed ule put the project out for
Is it time to dam the Blanco River? BY ANITA MILLER Nine days after the catastrophic flooding on Memorial Day Weekend five years ago, the issue was raised in the Hays County Commissioners Court — can we dam the Blanco River? It had been talked about for years, Pct. 1 Commissioner Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe said in 2015, when the death and destruction the raging Blanco had brought May 23-24 of 2015 was still fresh in everyone’s mind. “It
DAM BLANCO?, 10
bids in just four months, with specifications that the new structure would be of the same height but would rest on supports designed to give it more strength and stability. The replacement bridge fell under TxDOT’s Bridge Replacement Program, by which the state provides 90 percent of the funding. Hays County’s share in this case came to $295,000. The bridge was an important connector for people on their way to work as well as for school buses, Conley pointed out at the time. Though he predicted it would be open by March of the next year it actually was rededicated on Feb.
The new bridge was also the site of one of the numerous newer, better river gauges installed in the wake of the catastrophic flood, equipped with a video camera, allowing real-time viewing of current conditions. 27, 2016. The new bridge was also the site of one of the numerous newer, better river gauges installed in the wake of the catastrophic flood – in fact, the gauge
even has a video camera, allowing real-time viewing of current conditions. The Fischer Store Road bridge was the biggest, but not the only, similar structure the floodwaters
destroyed. Also affected were the Post Road crossing of the Blanco between San Marcos and Kyle and the FM 150 bridge at Onion Creek in northern Hays County.
Flood of 2015: Looking back at a night to remember Continued from pg. 1
ern Hays County escaped the devastation wrought on Wimberley, San Marcos and points downstream, Jones recalled the willingness with which people from Kyle and Buda volunteered to be part of the search and recovery effort. Despite the stinking mud, swarms of fire ants, displaced snakes and sinkholes, volunteers probed every brush pile and drainage culvert — many operating on little or no sleep. Jones specifically remembers advising Kyle Fire Chief Kyle Taylor to “go home and rest,” as he had been at it for more than 24 hours without a break. “People were looking for days to try and help those victims,” he said. It was a wake-up call for many, even longtime residents. “The water had never gotten that high. People thought it wouldn’t happen,” Jones said, adding, “I don’t think anybody who lived through that will ever feel like that again.” In addition to flooding homes and businesses along the Blanco, the force of the water took out the Fischer Store Road bridge as well
as a low-water bridge on Post Road in San Marcos. The former, a priority for the interconnectivity of western parts of the county, was reopened in only nine months. Additionally, the bridge was one of several sites where newer, better flood gauges were installed to better alert residents of future incidents. Some of the gauges, like the one at that bridge, are even equipped with video so that people can see
rather that just imagine what conditions look like. “We’ve come a long way,” Jones said, referring to warning systems that have since been upgraded.” He cautioned, though, that those systems will only be effective if people pay attention. “The warning systems are all checked regularly to make sure they are operational. But we still have people going around barricades — people think it’s for everybody but them.
It doesn’t take much water to sweep a car or even a truck off the road. You’re not only putting yourself at risk, which is your choice, but you are also putting the first responders at risk. “We’re considered Flash Flood Alley in Hays County. I have not found a county that has more low-water crossings in the state, maybe the nation.” Because of the new gauges and other measures, Jones believes the county is
more resilient to flooding than it was five years ago, but also more wary. Six months after the May 2015 flood, the Blanco raged again in late October and two years prior, another Halloween flood had occurred. “The two holidays I worry about are Memorial Day and Halloween,” which is when three once-in-a-lifetime floods occurred in two years time. “I take my phone to bed and I don’t sleep well,” Jones said.
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Police Blotter The following is a tally of all calls made to law enforcement within Hays County between May 11 and May 17, 2020.
Below is a sample of events reported by law enforcement from May 11 through May 17, 2020. The location is where the event was reported or responded to and may not necessarily be where the event occured.
Civil Matter.............................................................................................10 Deliver Message......................................................................................1 Information.............................................................................................41 Property- Lost/Found/Imp......................................................................4 Sex Offender Registry.............................................................................1 Compliance Check..................................................................................1 Alarm Business......................................................................................40 Alarm Residential..................................................................................31 Animal Calls...........................................................................................84 Field Euthanasia......................................................................................1 Loose Livestock....................................................................................18 Assault - Aggravated...............................................................................2 Assault.....................................................................................................3 Assist EMS.............................................................................................11 Assist Fire Dept.....................................................................................13 Assist Outside Agency..........................................................................22 Burglary Building.....................................................................................2 Burglary Habitation.................................................................................2 Burglary Vehicle.......................................................................................7 Criminal Mischief.....................................................................................3 Illegal Dumping........................................................................................3 Environmental Crime...............................................................................1 Attended Death.......................................................................................5 Death Investigation.................................................................................2 Disorderly Conduct.................................................................................2 Disturbance Noise.................................................................................24 Disturbance Physical Fight...................................................................10 Disturbance Verbal................................................................................26 Child Custody..........................................................................................4 Narcotics/Information.............................................................................2 Alcohol Violation......................................................................................1 Fraud........................................................................................................6 Violation of Order....................................................................................3 Credit/Debit Abuse..................................................................................2 Harassment............................................................................................19 Threat.......................................................................................................6 Public Lewdness.....................................................................................1 Mental Health Follow Up.........................................................................7 Mental Health Invest...............................................................................4 Mental Health Transport..........................................................................2 Canine Search.........................................................................................4 Canine Training........................................................................................1 Drone Deployment..................................................................................2 Viol County Ordinance............................................................................1 Viol City Ordinance..................................................................................2 Missing Person........................................................................................2 Runaway..................................................................................................3 Public Assist..........................................................................................15 Community Contact..............................................................................47 Disabled Vehicle....................................................................................37 Foot Patrol...............................................................................................6 Close Patrol...........................................................................................84 Unsecure/Open Building.........................................................................1 Parental Discipline Assist........................................................................2 Flagged Down.........................................................................................4 Welfare Concern....................................................................................31 Suicidal Person........................................................................................5 Investigation............................................................................................5 Supplement...........................................................................................60 Suspicious Circumstances...................................................................25 Suspicious Person.................................................................................16 Suspicious Vehicle................................................................................42 Wanted Person........................................................................................5 Identity Theft............................................................................................3 Theft.......................................................................................................18 Unauth use Vehicle..................................................................................2 Vehicle Theft............................................................................................4 Accident Minor......................................................................................15 Accident Hit and Run............................................................................11 Accident Major/Injury............................................................................20 Accident Unknown..................................................................................3 Abandoned/Stored Vehicle.....................................................................8 Traffic Control/Direction..........................................................................6 Directed/Area Enforcement..................................................................89 Traffic Hazard.........................................................................................37 Attempt to Locate.................................................................................69 Parking Enforcement...............................................................................5 Traffic Stop...........................................................................................480 Trespassing/Unwanted.........................................................................17 911 Abandoned/Open.........................................................................275 911 Abon/Misdial/Open..........................................................................1 911 Hang Up............................................................................................1 Discharge Firearm.................................................................................12 Private Tow/Repo....................................................................................8 EMS Response........................................................................................1
Agency Activity
Date
Time
Location
HCSO
Harassment
05/11/2020
15:18:57
Emma Loop Austin
BPD
Theft
05/11/2020
18:52:49
Old San Antonio Rd Buda Walmart Of Buda
HCSO
Theft
05/11/2020
14:24:21
Indian Blanket San Marcos Regency Mhp
HCSO
Theft
05/11/2020
22:43:52
FM 2001 Buda Poco Loco FM 2001
BPD
Accident - Major/Injury
05/11/2020
13:59:47
Buda Exit 223 NB
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury
05/12/2020
0:28:06
Avenida High View Driftwood
HCSO
Burglary - Building
05/11/2020
14:56:44 6601
RR 3237 Wimberley
HCSO
Suicidal Person
05/11/2020
14:02:30
Pump Station Rd Wimberley
HCSO
Vehicle Theft
05/11/2020
16:59:28
RR 1826/W RR 150 Driftwood
HCSO
Burglary - Habitation
05/12/2020
21:20:30
Quail Run Buda
HCSO
Burglary - Vehicle
05/12/2020
16:34:51
Stella Gold St Buda
BPD
Burglary - Vehicle
05/13/2020
15:04:48
550 Old San Antonio Rd Buda Cracker Barrel
HCSO
Burglary - Vehicle
05/13/2020
7:23:56
Telegraph Trl/Hilliard Rd San Marcos
HCSO
Burglary - Vehicle
05/13/2020
20:33:52
Dacy Ln Kyle
BPD
Disturbance - Phys/Fight
05/12/2020
12:30:59
IH 35 FR Buda Chevron of Buda
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight
05/12/2020
19:25:23
Oak Hts Wimberley
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight
05/12/2020
19:57:51
Circle Dr Buda
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight
05/13/2020
0:58:51
Willow Terrace Kyle
BPD
Accident - Major/Injury
05/12/2020
12:05:02
Cabelas Dr/Main St Buda
BPD
Accident - Major/Injury
05/12/2020
18:54:59
Buda EXIT 223 NB
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury
05/12/2020
17:33:01
SH 80/N Old Bastrop Hwy San Marcos
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury
05/12/2020
18:26:54
Hillside Ter/Fm 2001 Buda
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury
05/13/2020
5:11:10
W RR 150 Driftwood Double Xing East
HCSO
Assault
05/13/2020
17:56:54
Uhland Rd San Marcos Hays County Law Center
HCSO
Suicidal Person
05/13/2020
11:30:03
Paintbrush San Marcos
HCSO
Burglary - Building
05/14/2020
15:16:30
650 RR 2325 Wimberley Market Days
HCSO
Burglary - Habitation
05/14/2020
10:45:02
Delta Tau Delta Frat House San Marcos
BPD
Burglary - Vehicle
05/14/2020
19:54:18
15570 IH 35 FR Buda Cabelas
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight
05/14/2020
2:39:24
Mathias Ln Kyle
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury
05/13/2020
12:45:20
N FM 1626/Lakewood Dr Buda
HCSO
Assault - Aggravated
05/14/2020
7:40:22
Palermo Dr San Marcos
BPD
Accident - Major/Injury
05/14/2020
10:56:42
S FM 1626/Coldwater Holw Buda
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury
05/14/2020
9:42:33
Camino Real Kyle
BPD
Accident - Major/Injury
05/14/2020
18:25:10
S FM 1626/Cole Springs Rd Buda
BPD
Accident - Major/Injury
05/16/2020
0:07:34
Buda Exit 223 NB
BPD
Accident - Major/Injury
05/16/2020
4:23:22
Buda Exit 219 NB
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury
05/15/2020
14:31:16
750 FM 2001 Buda
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury
05/15/2020
14:32:43
750 FM 2001 Buda
BPD
Burglary - Vehicle
05/15/2020
6:27:49
Main St Buda Candlewood Suites Of Buda
HCSO
Death Investigation
05/15/2020
19:04:05
Flagstone Trl Buda
HCSO
Vehicle Theft
05/15/2020
15:34:59
Guemal Rd Buda
HCSO
Death Investigation
05/16/2020
15:23:44
Dowitcher Cir Buda
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury
05/15/2020
14:55:39
8995 RR 3237 Driftwood Hays City Store
BPD
Assault - Aggravated
05/17/2020
2:08:57
Pompey Springs Ct Buda
HCSO
Assault
05/16/2020
10:20:44
Stagecoach Ranch Loop Dripping Springs
HCSO
Assault
05/16/2020
12:54:55
Dacy Ln Buda
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight
05/16/2020
20:22:33
High Rd Kyle
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight
05/16/2020
20:25:09
Green Acres Dr/Wayside Dr Wimberley
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury
05/16/2020
20:52:26
Glosson Rd/RR 12 Dripping Springs
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury
05/16/2020
21:27:52
S Old Bastrop Hwy San Marcos
HCSO
Missing Person
05/17/2020
0:37:27
Peak Ln Kyle
BPD
Suicidal Person
05/16/2020
6:45:50
690 Old San Antonio Rd Buda Walmart Of Buda
HCSO
Burglary - Vehicle
05/17/2020
11:42:54
Vans Holiday RV Park Dripping Springs
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight
05/17/2020
16:17:17
Four Star Blvd Austin
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight
05/17/2020
23:02:30
Cody Ln Kyle
HCSO
Disturbance - Phys/Fight
05/17/2020
23:08:44
Abbott Dr Austin
BPD
Accident - Major/Injury
05/17/2020
16:48:16
Main St Buda
HCSO
Accident - Major/Injury
05/18/2020
5:39:06
Belterra Dr/W US 290 Austin
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • May 20, 2020
Page 9
H
Welcome to Sage Spring Assisted Living Here, you’ll find a vibrant, welcoming senior living campus that is coupled with exceptional, personalized care in the heart of San Marcos. Our exquisite neighborhood strives to provide premier, tailored programming that will leave you feeling recharged, energized and stress-free. Our priority is to create a blend of relaxation, privacy, security and community for all our residents. Come and reap the luxurious rewards of Sage Spring Senior Living and embrace a celebration of life.
H OPENING SUMMER 2020 Call today to schedule a virtual tour.
H 800 Leah Ave San Marcos 78666 www.sagespringseniorliving.com 512-270-8668
Page 10
Meat Shortage
Dam Blanco
Continued from pg. 1
The demand for beef is high, so is the amount of beef available, but meat processing plants have closed their doors after hundreds of people tested positive for COVID-19. At least 38 meatpacking plants have ceased operations at some point since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, USA Today reported. The highest reported infection rate in Texas is tied to the JBS beef processing plant in Cactus, located in the Texas Panhandle. At least 159 coronavirus infections and one death have been associated with that outbreak. Often meatpackers stand shoulder to shoulder, a situation which becomes an incubator for the virus. As more meatpacking plants take necessary precautions to keep their employees, their families and surrounding communities safe, the meat supply has taken a huge hit. Since President Donald Trump’s executive order to reopen the meat processing plants, seven more meat processing plants have closed. The effects have finally trickled down to small businesses like Louie’s BBQ, located in Buda. “Our representative warned us that the price would go up next week, so we ordered brisket ahead of schedule to receive the current price before the price increased,” said Matt Carver, manager. Brisket is the primo product of barbecue joints, especially in Texas, but it’s been increasingly affected by the pandemic. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported 605,000 cattle were processed this time last year. This past week 425,000 cattle were processed, meaning a difference of 360,000 briskets, Texas
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • May 20, 2020
School Plan
Continued from pg. 1 Monthly reported. Carver said there was an increase of $1.50 per a pound in his latest order. “It doesn’t sound like a lot, but we order hundreds of pounds a week, so a dollar fifty cost adds up and we don’t see the price going down anytime soon,” Carver said. Unfortunately, the consumer is also being taxed with the sudden price increase. Carver originally charged $23 for Prime cut brisket, but will now charge $24 per a pound. They could have charged $25, but chose to take a fifty cent margin hit. “We can’t escape raising the price on customers. Raising the price might make customers second guess if they want to spend that much on brisket and lower the demand. It will be interesting to see more barbecue places get creative and offer specials,” Carver said. His competition is also raising their prices, so it is affecting barbecue joints unilaterally. Louie’s and other barbecue spots selling Prime meat are only now starting to feel the first wave of meat shortage. The restaurants and grocery stores selling Choice meat, a more widely used meat, are seeing prices double. That is why brisket at H-E-B, which usually ranges between two to three dollars a pound is now costing between four to six dollars a pound. It’s difficult to predict how long prices will increase, but Murray said local support will get him and his business through this rough patch. “Support your local barbecue joint and know that we’re trying to balance affordable meals and stay open. We’re feeling the price uptick as much as the customer is,” Murray said.
may be necessary to have those discussions again,” the longtime commissioner had suggested on June 2, 2015. The Blanco, which joins the San Marcos and then the Guadalupe, is only about 87 miles long but is the longest river in Texas with only one dam. As development in western areas of Hays County replaces more natural areas with pavement, downstream communities are even more at risk for devastating river rises. Ingalsbe’s comments were met with agreement by Bert Cobb, who was then county judge. He went further, envisioning several dams that would work to mitigate future events. While a series of watershed dams were built in the 1980s to protect the city of San Marcos, they retain water that comes down the watershed of Sink and Purgatory creeks, not the Blanco. Though there was discussion, nothing happened. In fact it took Hurricane Harvey’s destruction in Southeast Texas more than two years later to get the gears in motion. In advance of the November 2019 election on amendments to the Texas Constitution, southeast Texas State Rep. Dale Phelan, whose district suffered mightily because of Harvey, went on a speaking tour to encourage passage of Prop. 8, which allows for creation of a flood infrastructure fund though a one-time transfer of $793 million from the state’s rainy day reserve. Prop. 8 passed with widespread support. Its language reflected the fact that floodwaters do not respect political boundaries, and that regional cooperation and action are essential to making flood-prone areas more resilient in the fu-
Continued from pg. 2 ture. Phelan’s presentation fell on welcoming ears in Hays County, which experienced three 100-year floods in October 2013 and May and October 2015. Flash forward to the present day, communities are facing a June 15 deadline to apply for loans and grants from the Flood Infrastructure Fund (FIF) to put to uses like flood control, flood mitigation and drainage projects. The FIF is administered through the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), which is working in cooperation with the General Land Office and the Texas Division of Emergency Management to assist communities in determining the most appropriate flood-related
projects. As those plans are being developed, the TWDB has subdivided the state into 15 flood-planning regions based on watersheds. Hays County is one of 10 counties in the Guadalupe River Basin and among the most flood-prone, as areas of it are designated as “Flash Flood Alley.” Not only do regional efforts require that cities and counties focus their attention on areas outside their political boundaries, they also require time. To date, no concrete action has been taken toward any Blanco River mitigation projects; however, the TWDB will be discussing regional and state planning at its 9 a.m. meeting May 21.
stand what they need for their students. As for the stress parents have been feeling, she wants to let them know that they are doing a great job and hopes they do not feel anxious. “I have already felt the panic from some parents, some are feeling inadequate,” Russell said. “I have spent the last two months telling them that they are doing their best, their kids are doing their best and so am I, so give grace. I couldn’t imagine being a parent right now, having to teach my kids and work. That has to be so intimidating and frustrating.”
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How Are Pipelines Constructed? A Permian Highway Pipeline Project Update
Pipelines are constructed in accordance with strict regulatory and environmental standards and industry best practices. Underground pipelines are the safest and most efficient method of transporting energy products. 1. Clearing & Grading
6. Inspection & Coating
2. Trenching
7. Pipe Lowering
After the right-of-way (ROW) is carefully surveyed and staked, the ROW is graded. Top soil is carefully removed and segregated.
A wheel ditcher or backhoe digs the trench for the pipeline. The bottom of the trench is then padded with sand to cushion the pipe.
For quality assurance, technicians inspect the pipe coating prior to installation and also inspect all welds using x-rays. Each weld is then coated by a coating head. Sidebooms move together to gently lower the welded pipeline into the trench.
3. Stringing Pipe
8. Padding & Backfill
4. Field Bending Pipe
9. Hydrostatic Testing
5. Welding
10. Restoration
Each piece of pipe is laid on the ROW to ensure proper positioning prior to bending, welding and installation.
The pipe is bent, as needed, to accommodate elevation and horizontal changes.
The construction crew welds each section of pipe together into one continuous length.
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php_project@kindermorgan.com
The pipe trench is backfilled and graded.
The pipeline is filled with water and pressurized to ensure the pipe’s integrity and that it is fit for service. The pipe trench and land within the ROW are contoured and revegetated. The landowner may continue using the ROW for most purposes after restoration.
@PermianHwyPL
Hays Free Press • May 20, 2020
Page 11
Friends Foundation seeks Karen Kidd named new assistant volunteers to deliver meals superintendent at DSISD Thanks to volunteers and with the continued support of the community, in spite of the COVID-19 (coronavirus), The Friends Foundation continues its programs providing vital services to the elderly in the greater Dripping Springs area. Our Daily Bread™ provides meals, which are still being delivered on regular schedules. All precautions are being taken in food preparation and delivery as stated by the CDC to assure our clients and volunteers stay safe while continuing this service but there is a dire need of
volunteer drivers to deliver meals. The delivery schedule has five routes in Dripping Springs with volunteer opportunities for regular routes and subs too. The meals are prepared fresh locally and are delivered at noon on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Applications are available on the web site. Volunteer drivers must have: a vehicle in good operating condition, a valid state issued license to drive in Texas, insurance, a good driving record and pass a criminal background
check to qualify. To volunteer or if someone you know could benefit from this program please contact The Friends Foundation by email: info@thefriendsfoundation.org or call 512-592-1345. For additional information about this program and others benefiting the elderly or to make a donation visit The Friends Foundation website at www.thefriendsfoundation.org The Friends Foundation is an all-volunteer 501(c) (3) non-profit organization in Dripping Springs.
At a special meeting on May 11, the Dripping Springs ISD Board of Trustees approved Superintendent Todd Washburn’s recommendation of Dr. Karen Kidd as the district’s new Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Innovation. Kidd has been an educator for almost two decades and has spent nearly 11 years as a campus and central office administrator overseeing curriculum, accountability, assessment and professional learning. She comes to Dripping Springs following more than five years in Pros-
per ISD, where she is the director of Curriculum and Instruction after serving as director of KIDD Program Evaluation and Information Services. Previously she spent 12 years in Frisco ISD, serving as the district’s Testing and 504 Coordinator after three years as a Campus Instructional Facilitator. Kidd started her career as a classroom teacher in both Frisco ISD and
Richardson ISD, teaching multiple subjects and grade levels. "Karen is a student-centered, servant leader who builds meaningful, professional relationships by working collaboratively with staff, parents and the community," said Washburn. “Her curriculum and instruction experience in Prosper ISD, a high-performing, fast-growth district, makes her a great fit for our district and community." In her position at Dripping Springs ISD,
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Page 12
Employment
DIRECT CARE COUNSELORS Provide positive role modeling, structure, and supervision to adolescent boys. No exp. required, We train comprehensively. Pay starting at $12 per hour for flexible 8 & 16 hr shift schedules. Health/life/dental insurance after 60 days. Min. requirements: Must be 21 yrs old, HS/GED, clean TDL, clean criminal history, pre-employment TB skin test, and drug screen. Growing (20+ year old) non-profit organization. www.pegasusschool.net. Call (512)432-1678 for further information.
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
REQUEST FOR BIDS
Chapter 59 of the Texas Property Code hereby gives notice of public sale under said act to wit: This sale will be held June 5, 2020 at 2:30 PM on StorageAuction.com. The property in the storage unit(s) listed under tenant’s name is being sold to satisfy a landlord’s lien. The property contents of all storage unit(s) sold at this sale are purchased “as is” “where is” for CASH/CREDIT. Safe-n-Sound Self Storage reserves the right to refuse any bid or to cancel any public sale advertised. Announcement made the day of the sale takes precedence over any printed materials. PATRICIA GONZALEZ 10X15 NC Ð Toys, 10’ Ladder, Lamps, Bookcase, Bed with frame, Christmas decorations, Artwork, Garden Hose, Spreader, 3 truck tires, Boxes, Totes and Misc. items
AT&T Mobility, LLC is proposing to construct a new telecommunications tower facility located at 109 Via Verona, Buda, Hays, Texas. The new facility will consist of a 33-foot monopole telecommunications tower. Any interested party wishing to submit comments regarding the potential effects the proposed facility may have on any historic property may do so by sending comments to: Project 6120003204 - MB EBI Consulting, 6876 Susquehanna Trail South, York, PA 17403, or via telephone at (617) 909-9035.
LEGAL NOTICE
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • May 20, 2020
Public Notice
LEGAL NOTICE CAREGIVER Public Notice Notice of Public Hearing Public Notice NEEDED Application has been made the Hearing Texas NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO ALL Noticewith of Public Hiring personal care INTERESTED PERSONS, THAT: IS HEREBY attendant to assist Alcoholic Beverage NOTICE Commission for aGIVEN Wine TO andALL disabled female in Kyle. INTERESTED PERSONS, THAT: The City of30 Kyle shall hold Beer a publicRetailer’s hearing Approximately hours Permit (BG) by Driftwood Dugout, on a request by LC 2012 Investments, LP per week. Two people The City of Kyle shall hold a public hearing (Z-20-0057) to assign original LLCzoning to betolocated aton18992 150, 201, split hours Mon.-Fri. a requestFM by John H. Ste. Spooner Revocable approximately 15.48 acres of land from 7:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m., Trust (Z-20-0056) to assign original zoning Texas 78619. Members Agriculture Service District Hays County, Sat. 9 a.m.-4 ‘AG’ p.m. to Retail Driftwood, to approximately 179.33 acres of land from a n dflexibility t o a son s i gend n original zoning to Some Agriculture to Single Family are: Kelcee‘AG’ Whinery, member; approximately acresofofsaid land corporation from times. Call Benita12.25 @ Residential-Attached ‘R-1-A’ for property A g r i c u l t u rore send ‘ A G ’ t o Cameron M u l t i - F a m i lCox, y 512-350-6533 member; member; located Jamie off of E.Eveleigh, Post Road, just north of Residential-3 ‘R-3-3’ email with your info to for property located on Quail Ridge Subdivision, in Hays County, reyes.benita@gmail.com the southwest corner of Kohler’s CrossingHalverson, member. and Chad Texas. and I-35 Frontage Road, in Hays County, Texas.
The PlanningPublic and Zoning Commission may Notices recommend, and the City Council may consider, assigning any zoning district which is equivalent moreHearing restrictive. Notice of or Public
Notice is herebyhearing Given to will all interested persons, A public be held by that: the
ThePlanning City of Kyleand shall hold a public hearing on a request Zoning Commission on by Tuesday, LC 2012 Investments, LPat(Z-20-0057) June 9, 2020 6:30 P.M. to assign original zoning to approximately 15.48 acres of land from Agriculture ‘AG’ to Retail Service District and to assign A public will be 12.25 held acres by the Kyle original zoninghearing to approximately of land from City Council Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at Agriculture ‘AG’ toon Multi-Family Residential-3 ‘R-3-3’ P.M.located on the southwest corner of Kohler’s for 7:00 property Crossing and I-35 Frontage Road, in Hays County, Texas.
is planned as Commission a virtual meeting TheThis Planning and Zoning may recommend, andtaking the Cityplace Council consider, assigning any zoning atmay https:// district which is equivalent or more restrictive. www.cityofkyle.com/kyletv/kyle-10A public held by the Planning andbe Zonlive. hearing Shouldwill thebeCOVID-19 disaster ingrepealed Commission on Tuesday, 6:30 P.M. between the June date9,of2020 thisatnotice A public hearing by thehearing, Kyle Citythe Council and the datewill of be theheld public on Tuesday, June 16, 2020 at 7:00 P.M.
location will be at Kyle City Hall, 100 This is planned a virtualKyle, meeting taking place at https:// W. CenterasStreet, TX 78640. www.cityofkyle.com/kyletv/kyle-10-live. Should the Please disaster check be therepealed agenda for the COVID-19 between the proper date of this location. notice and the date of the public hearing, the location will be at Kyle City Hall, 100 W. Center Street, Kyle, TX 78640. PleaseLC check theInvestments, agenda for theLP proper location. Owner: 2012 Owner: 2012 Nolen Investments, LP Agent:LCClint Agent: Clint Nolen Capital Partners, LLC Kalterra Kalterra Partners, LLC (214)Capital 675-2499 (214) 675-2499 Publication Date:Date: May May 20, 2020 Publication 20, 2020 Z-20-0057 Z-20-0057
The Planning and Zoning Commission may recommend, and the City Council may consider, assigning any zoning district which is equivalent or more restrictive. of Public A public Notice hearing will Hearing be held by the Notice is herebyand GivenZoning to all interested persons, that: Planning Commission on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at 6:30 P.M. The City of Kyle shall hold a public hearing on a request
by John H. Spooner Revocable Trust (Z-20-0056) to assign original zoninghearing to approximately of land from A public will be179.33 held acres by the Kyle Agriculture ‘AG’ toon Single FamilyJune Residential-Attached City Council Tuesday, 16, 2020 at ‘R-1-A’ for property located off of E. Post Road, just north 7:00 P.M. of Quail Ridge Subdivision, in Hays County, Texas. The Planning and Zoning Commission may recommend, is planned as consider, a virtual meeting andThis the City Council may assigning any zoning taking place at https:// district which is equivalent or more restrictive.
www.cityofkyle.com/kyletv/kyle-10A public hearing will be held by the Planning and Zoninglive. Commission on the Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at 6:30be P.M. Should COVID-19 disaster repealed between the by date this A public hearing will be held the of Kyle Citynotice Council on and Tuesday, at 7:00 P.M. the June date16, of2020 the public hearing, the
This is planned as abe virtual meeting taking place location will at Kyle City Hall, 100 at https://www.cityofkyle.com/kyletv/kyle-10-live. W. Center Street, Kyle, TX 78640. Should the COVID-19 disaster be repealed between the Please thetheagenda forpublic the proper date of this check notice and date of the hearing, thelocation location will be at Kyle City Hall, 100 W. Center Street, Kyle, TX 78640. Please check the agenda for the proper location
Owner: John H. Spooner Revocable Trust
Owner: H. Spooner Revocable Trust Agent:John John Hines, P.E. Agent: John Hines, P.E. Dannenbaum Engineering Dannenbaum Engineering (512) 427-3237 (512) 427-3237 Publication Date: May 20, 2020 Publication Date: May 20, 2020 Z-20-0056
Z-20-0056
Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for BQ Wine and Beer Retailer’s Off-Premise Permit by Family Dollar Stores of Texas LLC dba Family Dollar 32288, to be located at 13151 Camino Real, Niederwald, TX 78640 in Hays County. Officers of said Limited Liability Company are: Lonnie McCaffety, Pres.; William A. Old Jr., Sen. V. Pres., CLO, Gen. Con., and Sec.; Roger Dean, V. Pres. and Treas.; Jonathan Elder, V. Pres.-Tax; Deborah Miller, V. Pres.; Thomas E. Schoenheit , V. Pres., Asst. Gen. Con. and Asst. Sec.; Shawnta Totten-Medley, V. Pres. and Asst. Sec.; Bruce Walters, V. Pres.; Sandra Boscia, Asst. Sec.; CJ York, Asst. Sec.; Family Dollar Stores of Ohio, Inc. Sole Member.
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Separate sealed Bids for the Goforth Special Utility District (SUD) – ADVANCED METER INFRASTRUCTURE (AMI) SYSTEM REPLACEMENT, SWE Project No. 0092-086-20 will be received by and at the office of Southwest Engineers, Inc., 307 St. Lawrence, Gonzales, Texas 78629 until Thursday, June 11, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. where they will be opened and read aloud. Bids must be clearly marked on the outside of the envelope or package with the words “Goforth SUD – Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) System Replacement Project”. Bids received after this time will be rejected and returned unopened. “In accordance with DSHS guidance, the Goforth SUD is practicing good hygiene, environmental cleanliness and sanitation, and implementing social distancing by minimizing social gatherings; therefore, no more than ten (10) people can attend the bid opening and each person in attendance should also be practicing good hygiene and will be required to implement social distancing to minimize in-person contact. Any person who does not feel comfortable attending, or does not prefer to attend, can call into the bid opening at 10:00 a.m. using the conference call number: 1-832917-1510 and then, when prompted, entering the code: 921474. Once connected to the conference call, each person calling in shall identify themselves so a record of such attendance can be documented.” The project generally consists of replacing commercial and residential water meters throughout the Goforth service area with an advanced meter infrastructure (AMI) system. Each Bidder shall also include the time when he could begin work and the number of days needed to complete the project as part of his bid. This may factor into the award of the project. The Information for Bidders, Bid, Bid Bond, Contract, Plans, Specifications, Performance and Payment Bonds and the Contract Documents may be examined at the following locations. SOUTHWEST ENGINEERS, INC. 307 ST. LAWRENCE STREET, GONZALES, TEXAS 78629 (830) 672-7546 Plans and Specifications are available at the office of Southwest Engineers, Inc. in three different formats: Hard Copy - $80.00 (Non-Refundable) CD in PDF Format - $30.00 (Non-Refundable) Download - $25.00 (Non-Refundable) A bid bond in the amount of 5% of the bid issued by an acceptable surety registered with the U.S. Treasury shall be submitted with each bid. A certified check payable to the Goforth Special Utility District may be submitted in lieu of the Bid Bond. The Goforth Special Utility District reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any informalities in the bidding. Bids may be held by the Goforth Special Utility District for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days from the date of the bid opening for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the bidder’s qualifications prior to the contract award. May 12, 2020 Goforth Special Utility District Ronald Bell, President
INVITATION FOR BIDS
Continental Homes of Texas, LP (Owner) on behalf of North Hays County Municipal Utility District No. 1 invites the submission of sealed Bids from qualified bidders for: North Hays County MUD No. 1, Trails at Windy Hill Phase Three “Paving, Drainage, Water & Wastewater Improvements.” The work shall consist of the following: RCP Drainage Piping, Including Approximately 18”- 42” Pipe, Inlets, Headwalls and Appurtenances; Water Piping, Including 8” & 16” PVC Pipe, Valves, and Appurtenances; Gravity Wastewater Piping consisting of 8” & 10” PVC Pipe, Manholes, and Appurtenances; Excavation, Embankment and Paving; Water Quality Pond Outfall Structures and Grading; Sedimentation & Erosion Control; and Various Other Site Improvements. Sealed Bids addressed to the Owner and marked "Bid for North Hays County MUD No. 1, Trails at Windy Hill Phase Three Improvements" will be received until 10:00 AM on Friday, May 29, 2020 at the Project Engineer's office, BGE, Inc., 101 West Louis Henna Blvd., Suite 400, Austin, TX 78728. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at 10:00 AM on Friday, May 29, 2020 at the Project Engineer's office, BGE, Inc., 101 West Louis Henna Blvd., Suite 400, Austin, TX 78728. A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, May 21, 2020 at the Project Engineer's office, BGE, Inc., 101 West Louis Henna Blvd., Suite 400, Austin, TX 78728. Plans, specifications and bidding documents may be examined without charge at the offices of BGE, Inc., 101 West Louis Henna Blvd., Suite 400, Austin, TX 78728. Plans, specifications and bidding documents may be obtained without charge from www.civcastusa.com. Bidders must register on this website in order to view and/or download plans, specifications and bidding documents. A Cashier’s Check, Certified Check, or acceptable Bidder’s Bond in the amount of five percent (5%) of the Bid must accompany each bid. Performance and Payment Bonds will be required as stated in the Contract Documents. All questions pertaining to the bid must be submitted at least seven (7) calendar days prior to bid opening through www.civcastusa.com in the Q&A portal. The prices and terms of the bid must be made on the forms included in the Contract Documents. The Owner may, on its own initiative, issue Addenda before the Bid opening and, if necessary, delay the Bid opening to ensure that bidders have had sufficient time to consider the Addenda. All Addenda issued for this project will only be posted on www.civcastusa. com. You will be notified of Addenda automatically through email if you download Contract Documents via civcastusa.com. A Bid which, in the opinion of the Owner, deviates significantly from the Contract Documents, and which has not been clarified through a written Addendum prior to Bid submittal deadline, shall be considered an exception to the Contract Documents and grounds for the Bid to be rejected. Bidders should read and understand all terms and conditions contained in these Contract Documents. The Owner reserves the right to accept the lowest and best Bid as deemed by the Owner, or reject any and/or all Bids. The Owner may request qualification information including references, bonding, insurance and other information for use in determining the lowest and best Bid. Any bid may be withdrawn prior to the above scheduled time for the opening of the bids or authorized postponement thereof. Any bid received after the time and date specified will not be accepted.
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • May 20, 2020
Page 13
Lady Rebel basketball athletes named academic all-state
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STAFF REPORT
Earlier this month, a pair of Hays Lady Rebel basketball senior basketball athletes earned statewide accolade for exemplary efforts in the classroom. Hays High senior Anastasia Matthews and Faith Duran were both named to the Class 6A Texas Girls Coaches Association's (TGCA) Academic All-State list. To be named Academic AllState, seniors must have a grade point average (GPA) of 94 or above during all four years of high school. Athletes and support staff named to the Academic All-State list are nominated by their respective coaches. In March, Matthews and Duran were named to the 2020 District 25-6A All Academic Team. Earlier this year, Matthews signed her letter of intent to continue playing basketball at Howard Payne University. The Lady Rebel basketball program is led by head coach Danny Preuss.
The Southpark Agency 512-371-6286
Hays Lady Rebel senior Anastasia Matthews (center) poses for a photo Feb. 28 with (back row, L-R) team assistant coach Jason Ferrel, assistant coach Madison Koehler, (front row, L-R) head coach Danny Preuss and assistant coach Detrick Stigall during her letter of intent signing at Hays High. Hays Lady Rebel senior guard Faith Duran (14, left) closely guards Lucas Lovejoy Leopard Carsen McFadden during a Dec. 7, 2019 game at the Hays CISD Classic Tournament in Bales Gym.
Tiger baseball alumnus graduates from U.S. Coast Guard Academy STAFF REPORT A Dripping Springs High alumnus will be keeping our nation’s waterways safe after graduating from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. On May 20, Jon B. Pressley graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn. and was commissioned an officer in the service, per a press release. Pressley, who graduated from Dripping Springs High in May 2015, completed four years of
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academic, physical and leadership training at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, which resulted in PRESSLEY him earning a Bachelor of Science in Operations Research and Computer Analysis. Per the release, Pressley was assigned to the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton which is located in North Charleston, South
Carolina. During his time at Dripping Springs, Pressley played catcher on the Tiger baseball team and competed at the varsity level in 2014 and 2015. In 2014, Pressley was named the District 27-4A defensive player of the year during his junior campaign. The following season in 2015, Pressley completed his Tiger career by being named first team All District 25-5A at catcher. Pressley is the son of Frank and Yasemin Pressley of Dripping Springs.
to personal learning.” As a participant in the Curriculum Leadership Academy through the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), Kidd gained extensive experience building a customized curriculum in collaboration with all stakeholders. Kidd earned both her doctorate and master’s degree in Educational Leadership from
Dallas Baptist University, and her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas. She has been married to Michael Kidd for 20 years and they have three children: Emily 18, Sarah 16, and Jacob 14. Kidd will begin her new role in DSISD later this month. Former Dripping Springs High School Principal Joe Burns has served in an interim capacity during the 2019-20 school year.
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New Asst. Super Continued from pg. 11
Kidd will oversee the Learning and Innovation Department, which covers all areas of teaching and learning for the district and includes working closely with administrators at each campus to plan the learning experiences for all students. “It is an honor to be named the Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Innovation in Dripping Springs ISD,’ Kidd said. “The established culture of excellence and high standards evident in both the community and the district provide the perfect foundation for ensuring and enhancing positive outcomes for all students. I look forward to building collaborative relationships as we continue and build upon the district’s exceptional, innovative approach
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NEWS
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch • May 20, 2020
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