KYLE -- The Hays County Sheriff's Office has detained and charged two additional sixth grade students from Hays CISD for creating or contributing to social media threat scares in the district that have been occurring this week. The latest juvenile detentions bring the total number of Hays CISD students charged to three in two separate, local social media threat incidents, according to a news release sent by the district. Law enforcement and district officials do not believe the Hays CISD students were responsible for or connected to the spate of social media threats that have been circulating in Texas and the rest of the country. However, they may have been influenced by them, the release stated. On Thursday, Sept. 12, the Hays County Sheriff's Office charged a sixth grade female student from Wallace Middle School with the juvenile court equivalent of a state jail felony for making a false alarm or report for circulating a threat that specifically named Simon Middle School. Then, on Friday, Sept. 13, the sheriff’s office made a second detention in the case of a sixth grade female student from Simon Middle School who is friends with the student from Wallace Middle School. They are now both charged with the juvenile court equivalent of a state jail felony for making a false alarm or report. Separate from the threat that circulated regarding Simon Middle School was a threat against McCormick Middle School. On Thursday night, the social media company, Snapchat, directed a threat it detected on its platform that named McCormick Middle School to the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), according to Hays CISD. The FBI then alerted the Hays County Sheriff’s Office, leading the sheriff’s office night shift patrol immediately acted on the matter, which resulted in the detention of a sixth grade male student from McCormick Middle School. While the student did not have the means to carry out his threat, he admitted to law enforcement that he made it, the release stated. He said he was aware of the general threats circulating in Hays CISD earlier Thursday, but could not provide a reason why he chose to post a threat of his own, according to investigators. He is charged with the juvenile court equivalent of a third-degree felony of making a terroristic threat. "The district continues to appreciate the incredible skill and attention provided in these investigations by the Hays County Sheriff's Office, specifically the school resource officers (SROs) and the Criminal Investigation Division (CID)," stated the Hays CISD news release. Report school threats or suspicious activity to iWatch Texas at www.hayscisd.net/iwatchtexas , or by calling 9-1-1.

KYLE -- The Hays County Sheriff's Office has detained a sixth grade Hays CISD student for locally contributing to the spread of social media school shooting threats. In the juvenile justice system, the student faces the equivalent to a state jail felony for making a false alarm or report, according to a Hays CISD news release. The investigation is ongoing for other students who may have been involved. Beginning in the evening of Wednesday, Sept. 11, Hays CISD authorities and law enforcement agencies were alerted to and started investigating generic and non-specific threats that were circulating on social media within the district, the release stated. While similar occurrences have been happening elsewhere across the state of Texas for several days, the district ensured that the student was detained only for contributions within Hays CISD and is "not being investigated or accused of being responsible for any of the statewide or other threats going on this week at other districts." Among the various threats circulating in Hays CISD, one surfaced that specifically named Simon Middle School, according to the district. The district alerted parents of the overnight investigation during the morning of Thursday, Sept. 12. The following email was sent: Dear Hays CISD Family, I’m emailing to let you know that we are aware of a generic and nonspecific social media school shooting threat that is being circulated in our district today. Law enforcement partners are investigating this threat. We know the threat post originated outside of our area and is being reposted across multiple social media platforms. The threat doesn’t name a campus or date and is likely related to similar vague threats that were circulated in other parts of Texas and the country coinciding with yesterday’s 9/11 anniversary. We do not believe that there is any current danger to any of our campuses; however, know that we take all threats seriously and will continue to remain vigilant. We want to thank everyone who has alerted us to this most recent social media activity. And, we remain indebted to all of the various law enforcement agencies who continuously work to ensure our campuses are safe. Then, around 12 p.m. on Thursday, an updated email was sent districtwide. The district appreciates the incredible skill and attention provided in this investigation by the Hays County Sheriff's Office, specifically the school resource officers (SROs) and the Criminal Investigation Division (CID), the news release stated. “I know this type of social media activity is alarming and frustrating for you – our parents and students,” said Hays CISD Chief Communication Officer Tim Savoy in an email to parents. “It’s equally that way for law enforcement, school administrators and everyone who is disrupted and distressed because of these posts. Despite the fact these types of posts are sadly far too common, know that we never tire in our efforts to maintain safety and that we continue to take each and every threat seriously.” School threats or suspicious activity should be reported to to iWatch Texas or by calling 9-1-1. The Hays Free Press will continue to update the public as more information becomes available.

DSHS students earn College Board honors DRIPPING SPRINGS ISD -- More than 40 Dripping Springs High School juniors and seniors earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Program for their performance on the PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10 and/or AP Exams. A majority of DSHS students earned National Rural and Small Town Recognition, while students also received the National African American Recognition, the National First-Generation Recognition, the National Hispanic Recognition and the National Indigenous Recognition, according to the district. Students can qualify for multiple recognition programs. Eligible students must meet the following criteria to qualify:

WIMBERLEY — Hays County 4-H announced its 4-H 101 Night, which will take place from 6-7:45 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 16, at the Wimberley Public Library. The theme this year is “Grow with 4-H”, reflecting the organization’s commitment to helping young people develop valuable life skills and leadership through hands-on learning and community involvement, according to a press release. The event will include a project fair, where families can talk to current members and leaders about projects and topics like agriculture, science, arts, and more, as well as an orientation to introduce families to the 4-H staff. Hays County 4-H 101 Night is open to the public and families are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact Sierra Murray at sierra.murray@ag.tamu.edu or 512-393-2120.

SAN MARCOS -- The San Marcos Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Greater San Marcos Partnership, announced that the annual State of Workforce & Education Summit is set to take place on Thursday, Sept. 26, at the San Marcos Conference Center at Embassy Suites. This year’s summit will delve into the critical intersection of workforce development and education, serving as a platform to explore innovative strategies and foster collaborations that drive economic growth in the region. Attendees will have the opportunity to gain valuable insights into the impact of new state legislature laws on public schools and universities, as well as their implications for the future workforce. Key features of the summit include:

WIMBERLEY — A Texas Watershed Steward workshop on the Cypress Creek and Blanco River watersheds will be held on Sept. 24 in Wimberley. The public is encouraged to attend the event, which will be held at the Wimberley Community Center, 14068 Ranch Road 12, from 1 to 5 p.m.. The workshop will include a discussion on watershed systems, along with types and sources of water pollution. There also will be a group discussion on community-driven watershed protection and management and an overview of water quality as it relates to watershed management at the local level. Participants must pre-register by visiting the Texas Watershed Steward website at www.tws.tamu.edu/workshops/registration or by calling (979) 321-5935. Once registered, additional meeting information will be provided.

HAYS COUNTY -- Following threats that have been circulating across social media regarding school shootings, Hays CISD sent the following email to parents, students and staff on Thursday, Sept. 12. Dear Hays CISD Family, I have some additional information I can share about the social media school shooting threats we are managing today. Thank you for your continued patience and trust in us to keep your children safe. Earlier this morning, I shared with you that law enforcement partners were investigating generic and non-specific threats that were circulating on social media in our school district. Those threats have been determined to have originated outside of our area and are similar to threats that circulated yesterday in other parts of the state. These generic threats were circulating among concerned parents and students from several of our campus communities. Once our email went out this morning, we were notified that it appears the same threat of something that was supposed to occur, “this week or next,” was altered to include the name of Simon Middle School. We continue to believe that there is no actual threat to the campus; but we also continue to remain vigilant, active in the investigation, and steadfast in our efforts to ensure all campuses are safe. It is not uncommon when these generic threats are shared so many times on social media that messages get conflated either unintentionally, or intentionally. The result is that sometimes the threats morph to appear to be locally directed at specific campuses. The unintentional distribution is understandable. We live in scary times, especially in terms of the potential for acts of school violence. People want to rightfully warn others about these threats. In situations that are intentionally conflated, it has been our experience that people who do it think it is a joke. Of course, it is not. In fact, it is a crime. Our first alert to today’s generic threats came last night around 9:00 p.m. Notification came to us through a social media message by a concerned parent from Simon Middle School. We greatly appreciate that report. More importantly, the concern was also reported to iWatch Texas (https://www.hayscisd.net/iwatchtexas), which is operated at the state-level 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week. They have tremendous resources that allow them to immediately begin tracking down social media threats. IWatch also alerts local law enforcement agencies, who are always in close contact with district safety and security personnel. When an alert comes in, our first priority is allowing law enforcement to investigate. We didn’t send a message out last night because we didn’t want to inadvertently alert anyone who posted the threat to delete evidence on their phones or computers – had it been a locally originating threat. However, know that though we prioritize allowing investigations to unfold, in circumstances when communication is critical to protecting people from immediate danger, that communication will always take precedence. I know this type of social media activity is alarming and frustrating for you – our parents and students. It’s equally that way for law enforcement, school administrators, and everyone who is disrupted and distressed because of these posts. Despite the fact these types of posts are sadly far too common, know that we never tire in our efforts to maintain safety and that we continue to take each and every threat seriously. Sincerely, Tim Savoy Hays CISD Chief Communication Officer The Hays County Sheriff's Office also provided the following statement: "The Hays County Sheriff’s Office has been working with Hays ISD regarding generic social media threats being made to several, non-specific school districts. All threats are taken seriously. The Hays County Sheriff’s Office, surrounding Police Departments, and the Austin Regional Intelligence Center (ARIC) are currently investigating these threats. There is no current danger to any of the campuses. We will continue to update with current information as it becomes available." To report anything that is suspicious or concerning regarding school safety, visit www.hayscisd.net/iwatchtexas .

PHOTOS BY TANIA FRENCH PHOTOS BY TANIA FRENCH PHOTOS BY TANIA FRENCH PHOTOS BY TANIA FRENCH

DRIPPING SPRINGS — Communities across the United States celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15-Oct. 15, in different ways. In Hays County,  the Dripping Springs Methodist Church celebrates with a Fiesta del Barrio or a neighborhood party. Associate Pastor Jesus Sámano defines Hispanic Heritage Month as “a very special moment for us to come together united and remember and don't forget who we are.” While there may be many different types of churches, “There is only one God. There is only one church,” said Sámano. “There is only one God, you know, doesn't matter where you're from, it doesn't matter who you are.” According to Sámano, it’s very important for the Hispanic community to remember its culture and where it comes from. He emphasized how knowing one’s culture is important for the younger generation. “A lot of kids and youth, they were born here in the United States,” said Sámano. “So, for them and for us, it's very important to remind them and teach them who we are and we came from another country for them to have a better life.” The Dripping Springs Methodist Church will be hosting its annual Fiesta del Barrio from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sept 18 at 28900 Ranch Rd 12. There will be live music, food and games. Everyone is encouraged to attend, even those not in the Hispanic community; the pastor emphasized that everyone is welcome.

WIMBERLEY — At its Sept. 6 meeting, Wimberley City Council approved, in a 4-0 vote, the adoption of the city’s FY 2024-25 budget. Council member David Cohen was not in attendance. The budget is organized by several different funds: general, Blue Hole, wastewater, hotel occupancy tax (HOT), capital projects, interest and sinking (I&S), parking spaces cash in lieu and American Rescue Plan, according to agenda documents. For the general fund, revenue comes out to a total of $2,103,300, which includes tax revenue, license and permit fees, service fees, court costs, fees and charges, facility rental fees and other income (grant funds, special events, etc.). Expenditures for the general fund total to $2,103,300, making it a balanced budget, according to city officials, with no excess or deficit. “Our staff did a great job in getting that together and working with myself and others to present you a balanced budget,” said city administrator Tim Patek. This is compared to the current year-to-date as of July 31, which shows that the total expenditures for the city of Wimberley’s general fund was $1,379,902.37 and the revenue was $2,103,314.46, according to agenda documents. Totals for the other budget sections are listed below: • Blue Hole: Revenues at $853,000; expenditures at $853,000 • Wastewater: Revenues at $407,000; expenditures at $407,000 • HOT: Revenues at $773,000; expenditures at $773,000 • Capital projects: Revenues at $0; expenditures at $0 • I&S: Revenues at $372,000; expenditures at $372,000 • Parking spaces cash in lieu: Revenues at $0; expenditures at $0 • American Rescue Plan: Revenues at $332,811; expenditures at $332,811 All of the city of Wimberley’s budget documents, including previous years, can be found at bit.ly/3Zy35Np . The council meets next at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19 at 221 Stillwater, Wimberley.

SAN MARCOS — The Greater San Marcos Youth Council (GSMYC) was formed in 1986 by concerned citizens in an effort to provide shelter to children and support services to families. Nearly 40 years later, the organization is going strong and hopes to continue to strengthen and advocate for families. There are two programs within the youth council: a shelter and the Family and Youth Success Program or FAYS. The first, which GSMYC Residential Program Director Marissa Lopez oversees, houses up to 16 children from ages two to 17 at the shelter. According to Lopez, the shelter takes in children from Hays County who are removed by Child Protective Services (CPS) for neglect or abuse. “My understanding is, [when the organization formed], there wasn’t any type of resources to help the children who needed the help. Even to this day, I think the closest shelter — as far as what we do, that provides shelter for children who have been removed — is either Austin or New Braunfels,” explained Lopez. The shelter acts as a transition to long-term placement, with the average length of a stay being 45 days. While here, staff members attempt to replicate as much normalcy as possible. This includes taking them to school, doctor visits, activities, as well as giving them learning tools to ensure they are on track developmentally. “We try to work with the schools when they transfer from their home school to their new school. We always try to tell them, ‘Hey. [This child] was in marching band or football, basketball, what have you and we do utilize our monetary donations or our funds to pay for that, so they can stay in those extracurricular activities,” the director said. Lopez stressed that what makes this portion of the youth council so important is not only that it provides a home to these children in a time of need, but that it also keeps familial bonds strong. Because the children often stay in the same town as their family, or at least nearby, they receive more face-to-face contact and access to services provided by CPS. While the shelter focuses on children removed from homes, FAYS aims to address in-home situations by discussing everyday struggles and conflict, promoting strong families and developing coping skills in order to prevent delinquent behaviors, runaway, truancy, child abuse and neglect, according to its website. FAYS is a free counseling program for students ages 6 through 17 who attend Hays County schools, or live within the district, that provides up to 16 sessions that gives youth the opportunity to speak with a licensed counselor. Once a month, there is also a family session, which allows the child and any family members to touch base and discuss what is going on. To sign up for these services, residents would submit an “intake,” by calling 512-754-0500, said Lopez. This is a series of questions that would be answered and would then be given a time to schedule services or be placed on a waitlist. Although FAYS is a youth counseling program, there are also parenting classes available if needed. “I think it’s super important for everyone to understand that children between the ages of 6 and 17 do struggle in school and just daily life. It’s important for everyone to be able to notice that. So, utilizing the free counseling services, it’s not a way of noticing those weaknesses; it’s a way of support,” Lopez stressed. She also noted that the children at the shelter do not use these services, but they are connected with a counselor outside of FAYS weekly or bi-weekly, though, sometimes the children simply want someone to whom they can express their feelings: “While they are here, we are kind of that ear that listens to them, the shoulder that they cry on if they feel like they weren’t able to get things off of their chest while they were at home.” Each year, the GSMYC holds a fundraiser to further support the children they work with and care for. This year, the Pull for Hope Sporting Clay Fundraiser for Abused and Neglected Children will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 13. It will be located at Moyes Shooting Sports, 12901 FM 20, Kingsbury. The organization also takes monetary donations on its website or general donations, such as clothing, gifts for children (birthday, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, etc.) and necessities like paper towels, toilet paper and hygiene products. For more information, visit www.gsmyc.org or call 512-754-0500, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

SAN MARCOS — Hays County is proposing a jump on its tax rate for fiscal year 2025 and some members of the public are not pleased. In a 5-0 vote last month, the Hays County Commissioners Court approved setting the proposed tax rate at $0.35 per $100 valuation, which is an increase from the current rate set at $0.3075. The tax rate consists of $0.2256 for general maintenance and operations (M&O), $0.089 for general debt and $0.0415 in road and bridge M&O. According to Hays County Budget Officer Vickie Dorsett, the change aims to address critical areas of need, including the following: • Increased funding for Collective Bargaining Market Adjustments for a total of $5 million in an effort to recruit and retain law enforcement staff • Adding to the road & bridge tax rate in order to address critical road infrastructure needs • Creating a family liaison position under the Judicial Services Division in order to have a consistent staff member as a liaison for communication between those incarcerated and their loved ones • Expanding pre-trial diversion programs to reduce recidivism However, during a public hearing held at the Sept. 3 commissioners court meeting, resident Dan Lyon still shared his concerns and hesitations about the rate increase. “For years now, y'all have been telling us that we've been steadily going down on our tax rate, which is true. But what you didn't tell the public was our valuation — property valuations — have steadily gone up, including this year. Now, you always try to conflate the effective tax rate with the tax rate. They're two different things. The effective tax rate is the tax rate that you set times the valuation, which is set by the central appraisal district,” Lyon explained. “Now, they said basically, everything is up this year, but yet you want to raise the tax rate. You should be dropping the tax rate and you should drop it a lot further than you have been.” He also cited that residents who have called Hays County home for many years are now forced to move because of the property taxes. “Please lower the tax rate. Have some consideration for the people of Hays County. We've got people that have lived here all their lives that can't afford to live here anymore because of the property tax,” Lyon said. “You know, when you tax somebody $5,000 a year for their home, there are people here that don't even make that much in a year, so, where is this going to end? Are you determined to drive all the poor people out of the county? And now, you're starting with the middle class. We can't do any more of this. You have to lower the tax rate. Do not raise it.” The highest the tax rate has been over the last 20 years was in 2010 at $0.4692 per $100 valuation, according to Dorsett: “Our low under the $0.35 was from 1990, which was $0.3278 and the ability to adopt the lower tax rate is due to the growth that is because of the additional growth within the county.” Commissioner Walt Smith said going from a rate of $0.4690 in 2015 — which is the second highest tax rate in Hays County in 20 years — to a current proposed rate of $0.35, most municipalities, counties and other taxing entities in the state would question how Hays County is able to do that. He said it’s done by trying to pay for growth with growth, but “it’s an impossibility at some point.” “At a certain point, you have enough residents moving here where services, and the need for services, outstrips some of our tax base. We've done a great job in the past with last year, our tax rate of $0.3075 per $100. We were bottom 30 in the state in tax rate as one of the fastest-growing counties in the entire nation,” Smith said. “We often have this conversation; there's mass confusion whenever me as a homeowner, or me as a property owner, goes in and they write one check. That one check goes to Hays County. I think there is a massive issue with the fact that that one check goes to us, but very few know that within 48 hours, we have to disseminate all of that money to all of those other tax entities … We are truly a clearing house for all of those other entities. I think it's sometimes lost, the cuts and the work that our county government has done on behalf of its individual taxpayers to ensure that we can keep that rate as low as possible.” Dorsett explained to the court that the public hearing held on Sept. 3 is required by Tax Code 2606 due to the proposed tax rate being an increase from the current rate. She also stated that when the court meets again on Sept. 17 for the final public hearing on the tax rate, the court is allowed to lower the rate from what is currently proposed, but it can not raise it any further. The final public hearing on the tax rate will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17, at the Hays County Courthouse. To listen to the full discussion and public hearing on the tax rate from Sept. 3, visit www.hayscountytx.gov/commissioners-court-live-stream . Budget and tax rate documents can be viewed at www.hayscountytx.gov/budget-office .

KYLE — Kyle City Council approved the fiscal year 2024-25 budget and tax rate at its Sept. 3 meeting. According to finance director Perwez Moheet, the summary of the budget was as follows: • Total budget: $365.3 million • General fund: $83.1 million • Capital Improvements Plan: $248.5 million • 5-year CIP spending plan (fiscal years 2025-29): $848.4 million The city’s budget is based on the proposed property tax rate of $0.4693 per $100 assessed valuation, with $0.2889 for maintenance and operation and $0.1804 for interest and sinking. The discussion began with council member Bear Heiser requesting the additional $15,000 to the Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center, which was also approved at this council meeting, to be budgeted from the general fund. The $15,000 is with an agreement that the HCWC will provide services to adult, adolescent and child victims of family or dating violence and to child witnesses of family violence. Because it is an amendment that will reallocate funds, council was required to vote, where it passed unanimously. Heiser also said that he would like to “get the wheels in motion” and ask for council support in the creation of a satellite library on the east side. He has no number for the cost of the project, so there will be no amendments made to the budget. Instead, he motioned for staff to put together a proposal. In response, council member Michael Tobias mentioned the previous discussions council had in June regarding a community center with a library and asked why staff should look into this now when there is a plan for the future. Heiser then explained that this would be an extension of the main library on the east side to allow further accessibility for those residents, not the full-sized library discussed with the community center. Mayor Travis Mitchell stated that a large main library would require a bond, but the idea of a satellite library is something that could be discussed at a later date. This discussion in June also included the sportsplex, which would have included a $65 million bond on the November ballot, but council previously denied this bond at the Aug. 6 meeting. “When you look at the CIP spending category [in the new budget], line item number two, the sportsplex has been added on at $7 million. You go to year two, it goes to $21 million, year three it goes to $20 million and then, year four $15 and then, there we are with the magic number of $65 million,” revealed Tobias. “What we did — what we stated very clearly — with the $65 [million] is that we’re going to put that on hold. So, yes, it stays in the long-term CIP for now, but we’ve given that direction that we’re going to focus on the initial smaller outdoor voter bond approved portion of the sportsplex, while cultivating other options and making those determinations at a later date,” explained Mitchell. “The $65 million, we do not have any funding source identified for that. It’s not an actual expenditure that is lined up in the budget.” City manager Bryan Langley also provided clarification, stating that the money is included in the budget because it had to be presented in July and council did not deny the bond until August, but that Mitchell is right and there is no actual funding source associated with it. Council members continued to discuss the $65 million labeled in the CIP spending funds and, after council member Daniela Parsley asked if it was possible, ultimately decided to remove it from the budget, as it is simply a placeholder for possible funding in the future. This motion to remove it was made by the mayor and passed 7-0. In regards to previously mentioned projects, council member Miguel Zuniga questioned the future of Lake Kensington and the plans surrounding it. Moheet noted that there is $25 million set aside for park improvements and, although Lake Kensington isn’t specifically listed as a project, it could be funded through this money. Langley stated that it should be labeled as its own project, to which Mitchell made a motion to amend the CIP plan for the next two years to allocate $17 million for Lake Kensington, with “funds to be identified as certificate of obligation bonds.” The motion for the funds passed 7-0. Parks and Recreation Director David Lopez is planning to bring forward a master plan in the future with more details. Next, council member Robert Rizo requested $15,000 from the general fund to be allocated for the Hays County Food Bank: “The reason why I’m asking for these dollars is because this is a service. I don’t see it as charity. We just had a presentation about the numbers and what the high usage is in Kyle for the food bank. I would love to see us start doing our part with it …. I know, currently, San Marcos funds about $100,000 a year toward the food bank, so I’d love to see us start somewhere.” The budget, with amendments, passed unanimously at the meeting after a roll call vote. For  the tax rate, which was an increase of 2.87%, both Zuniga and Tobias had reservations. Zuniga commented that residents on fixed incomes, such as social security, are especially heavily affected. “Whether it’s $20 or $48, that’s prescription meds for somebody,” concluded Tobias. The tax rate of $0.4693 was approved 5-2, with Zuniga and Tobias dissenting. To listen to the discussion of both items, visit bit.ly/3MABbbF . Kyle City Council will next meet on Sept. 17.

SAN MARCOS — Two weeks after the initial discussion, the Hays County Commissioners Court considered, for the second time, the creation of a committee to gather and distribute information for the 2024 transportation road bond election at its Sept. 3 meeting. The consideration comes on the heels of a presentation made by chief of staff Alex Villalobos at the Aug. 20 meeting for the proposed committee, which also followed the commissioners court’s 5-0 vote earlier that month to bring a $440 million road bond package to the November ballot. In his presentation, Villalobos said that the idea behind the committee is to gather an appointed person from each of the commissioners’ precincts and for those individuals to help educate and provide information to the public about the bond. Following the presentation and discussion amongst the commissioners, there was ultimately no action taken on the item, but it was brought back onto the agenda for the Sept. 3 meeting. Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe opened up the discussion by sharing that, while Judge Ruben Becerra was not in attendance, the item is of interest to him and that he thinks that forming the committee could be of value. “He is hoping that we would each appoint one member, someone that would not have any kind of voting rights or any kind of authority, [but] just to provide information to the public,” Ingalsbe said. “I did speak to him briefly … [and] told him that I wasn’t sure if we would be ready to move forward on it.” Commissioner Lon Shell did not have any issues with the formation of the committee when the item was first introduced, rather he just wanted more information on the format of the meetings or discussions of the individuals involved. This time around, he said that he already has two individuals in mind that he could appoint to the committee, as well as stating that the county needs to ensure that the information shared to the committee and then communicated to the public about the bond is factual. “I do think it would be important that we assign someone in the county to be able to work with them and make sure that they have the information they need to be able to share that properly … It’s education-based. If there is a meeting for the public, [we need to make sure] that everyone has the information they need and is able to discuss that in a manner that keeps us [neutral], especially along the legal constraints that we have," Shell said. "We can’t champion that in certain ways. We need to only deliver facts and information and answer questions specific to the various projects that are on the bond.” One of the concerns about the committee is not having an outline of the responsibilities for each of the members who are involved, Ingalsbe said. Responding to the commissioners’ statements, Assistant General Counsel Jordan Powell said that from her perspective, the committee members would be required to remain factual when communicating information about the bond and not advocating or sharing their opinions. “I’m not 100% sure of what Judge Becerra’s ideas were about the committee, but I think, to say it in the safest manner, it does just, in my opinion, need to be an information sharing session … The court can’t expressly advocate for something that’s on an election measure or bond-related project and my opinion is that would carry over to the committee members, should the court move forward in establishing some sort of committee to pass out information,” Powell said. “They would need to be limited to sharing the factual information and the factual information only and not advocating, or the opposite, on behalf of that road bond. If the court has confidence that the committee could do that, I think that’s fine. There would need to be very strong materials and information given to those committee members to their specific role and what they can and can not do.” Commissioner Michelle Cohen stated in the previous meeting that the idea of the committee seemed after-the-fact, since the court already voted in moving forward with the bond. She added that she does not feel comfortable with the committee because there is no outline of the job duties or meeting details for the individuals involved. “I have some real concerns. Are they getting paid to do this? Is it completely voluntary? It sounds like it’s supposed to be just voluntary,” Cohen said. “There’s too many unknowns for me that are not being answered right now.” Powell said that she is not aware if Judge Becerra has a specific route for the committee: “I am not aware of that. I have not had those conversations with his office. I, too, agree with those concerns, commissioner. We need to be very careful.” There is a direct liability on the members of the court, according to commissioner Walt Smith, and by engaging an individual, the court is then engaging with their direct liability as well. “Any of us that have sat through a meeting on one project, much less 30, there are going to be additional questions in there that we are going to struggle to answer, even if we have all of the information that is relevant to it. At the end of the day, the best answer is, ‘I don't know, but I can get back to you,’” Smith said. “I just have to have confidence in somebody that they are willing to do that or stand up in front of a group of 20 people or 200 people and do that. I really have a concern over the legal liability of it.” He added that he has a larger concern of the committee members being able to functionally explain some of the projects and the history and need of them. For example, Smith said that he has been in office for six years, but some of the projects have been on the books long before that and he has had to do his own research to try to understand them all. “If we do move forward with this, I see benefit in it, but I see a lot of liability. I think the biggest thing … I received comments from our previous conversation here relative to folks who were in favor of projects or folks who were adamantly opposed to projects absolutely volunteering. ‘I want to be on this committee because I want to talk about how we can make changes to this bond and how we can add this project or how we can kill this one project because I don’t like it, it impacts me personally,’” Smith said. “The problem I have with that is the bond is the bond. We voted to go to the voters. The voters are going to make decisions up or down, right or wrong and we live with that. The point for advocacy for or against projects or for and against the bond is well past. I have real concern over that appointment process.” No action was taken on the proposed road bond committee at the Sept. 3 meeting. However, the court requested for Powell’s team to contact Judge Becerra’s office to get an outline that shows a better understanding of the intent of the committee, as well as coordinating with the respective county departments for the project list details, prior to the next meeting. The Hays County Commissioners Court will meet next on Tuesday, Sept. 17.

DRIPPING SPRINGS — A 2021 Dripping Springs High School graduate, who has been in the U.S. Marine Corps for three years, was recognized for his commendable achievements during a ceremony at Camp Wilson, California, on Aug. 11. Cpl. Cullen Potter of Dripping Springs is an Anti-Tank Missileman and Section Leader with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, according to a news release. With the help of three sailors — Hospital Corpsman Third Class Petty Officer Carlos Calvillo, Hospital Corpsman Second Class Petty Officer Jonathan Wegner and Hospital Corpsman First Class Petty Officer Efrain Barrera — Cullen acted swiftly when an incident occurred on a live-fire range during Service Level Training Exercise 5-4 in July in Twentynine Palms, California. There was a weapon malfunction that resulted in a fellow soldier being injured. Cullen, along with the sailors, was able to quickly and efficiently get the Marine to safety and saved his life while awaiting a helicopter evacuation to a nearby hospital, the news release stated. According to the Marine Corps website, the Marine was treated and subsequently released to recover alongside his family. As a result of his bravery and quick thinking, Cullen was awarded with the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, which is awarded to an individual in the Navy or Marine Corps who “distinguishes him/herself after 6 December 1941, by heroic or meritorious achievement or service,” states the Marine Corps website. The Marine doesn’t necessarily see himself as a hero and while he’s proud of earning this reward, he sees it as just part of his responsibilities. “To be honest, I was just doing my job and it's just a repercussion for the actions that I took, but I was really just doing my job,” Cullen said. He credited entering the Corps with wanting to give back to the country he loves. Cullen said that his father, Brian Potter, who was in the Navy for six years, was also an important influence on him. Brian is very proud of his son and not at all surprised that he was a recipient of the medal: “[Cullen] has always been a leader.” Cullen shared that he is very grateful for all the support and love that he has received from both his family and his hometown. “My family supported me the most. And then a hometown, just being in a patriotic small town, like Dripping Springs, it's very appreciated,” he said. For younger generations who are looking at joining the military as a potential future career path, Cullen said, “It's definitely worth it. It's a great challenge. You grow up quite a bit. You have to grow up fast. But it's a good challenge and it's very fulfilling once you become a part of the organization.” After finishing the training exercises in California, Cullen will be heading back to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina and he plans on going to college once he has finished serving his country.

KYLE — At its Sept. 3 meeting, Kyle City Council approved an agreement with Google Fiber for a non-exclusive public Right of Way (ROW). In June 2023, Google Fiber notified council that it was ready to begin the installation of fiber and offer services to the community. According to agenda documents, since then, city staff has worked to create a non-exclusive public ROW License Agreement in support of the city’s broadband service expansion. “Tonight we get to announce that the city of Kyle is the first in Hays County and the first city located along the IH-35 corridor between Austin and San Antonio to receive Google Fiber optic internet services,” said assistant city manager Amber Schmeits. The terms of the agreement are as follows: • Kyle grants permission to use and occupy the ROW • Google Fiber must apply for and receive permits to work • Any damage must be repaired in a timely fashion • Kyle has a right to reject contractors and subcontractors based on performance • Google Fiber must comply with the city’s microtrenching policy • Google Fiber must have a performance bond of $100,000 for all of its permits • Google Fiber must have insurance at $2 million, with the city listed as an additional insured • Kyle receives a license fee of 1% of gross revenue for 20 years, with auto renewals of five year terms Microtrenching is the installation of small conduits within the edges of the sidewalk to house fiber optic cabling. City staff will work on finalizing the details and general notes, as well as updating the Code of Ordinances to include microtrenching “as a permitted method to deploy telecommunications infrastructure,” reads agenda documents. According to John Michael Cortez, head of government and community affairs for Google Fiber in Texas, construction would start in 2026. “The good thing about the way we build our network is that we don’t need to build the entire city before we start turning it on. So, service will be activated as neighborhoods are completed,” explained Cortez. “As the time comes, you’ll probably hear, again, a lot of us stress to you about the contractors that you use because that’s our number one issue we have with residents is that their yards get torn up, water gets used in areas where they shouldn’t be and so on,” said council member Michael Tobias. “But we’re excited that you’re coming, so thank you.” The item was approved unanimously.

PHOTO BY BRITTANY KELLEY PHOTOS BY BRITTANY KELLEY Hays County residents survey the cars on display at the nonprofit event. PHOTOS BY BRITTANY KELLEY Multiple trophies were up for grabs at the car show on Sept. 7. PHOTOS BY BRITTANY KELLEY Roman G. poses with a real-life version of a 1955 Chevrolet at the 3rd Annual Pistons and Pitties Car Show on Sept. 7.

The Hays High School Hawks went up against Dripping Springs High School for a non-district away matchup on Tuesday, Sept. 3. The Hawks are currently 12-18 and the Tigers are currently 33-1. The Hawks had some great rallies, but they were eventually swept 3-0, losing 25-13, 25-18 and 25-15. The Hawks next home game is set for 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 13; they will host Lehman High School to open district play.

The Johnson High School Jaguars hosted the Stony Point High School Tigers on Friday, Sept. 6. The Jags came out on top, beating the Tigers 35-24. The Jaguars will host Austin High School at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12.

Wimberley’s Bryson Anderson hauls in a pass from quarterback Cody Stoever during the game against visiting Fredericksburg High School last Friday night, where the Texans secured a 35-9 win. In his first year of playing football, Anderson led the team with five receptions for 81 yards, including a 13-yard catch for a touchdown. “I had to catch it. Cody threw a perfect pass,” Anderson said about the running catch. Jace Morales and Ty Thames also had touchdown receptions and Stoever rushed for a pair of touchdowns during the game. The Texans have outscored opponents 81-9 in two games, but the scores are not indicative of their potential level of play. “We’ve got to clean some things up,” Stoever said to the team after the game, apologizing for taking a running leap into the facemask of a defensive player, which resulted in a 15-yard penalty. “We’ve got to get better and we’re going to get better day by day.”