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Weekend in San Marcos features events happening around town so Texas State students and residents can find activities to incorporate into their schedules every weekend. This weekend, from April 26-28, there’s a variety of entertainment. Check out this detailed list to find the event that best suits your interests:

Funds stem from American Rescue Plan Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center accepted the second half and final payment of the $644,000 grant unanimously approved by the Hays County Commissioners Court in August of 2022. This grant, funded through the Hays County allocation of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and the Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, proved critical financial relief to HCWC in order to mitigate and recover from the extraordinary expenses and revenue loss resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and to cover a much-needed expansion to the McCoy Family Emergency Shelter. Grant funds were applied towards HCWC's normal operating expenses along with the capital improvement...

Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ, the iconic Texas barbecue joint known for its fusion of Tex-Mex flavors and traditional smoking techniques, is on the precipice of change. The Buda-based restaurant announced that it would be temporarily closing its doors from April 25 through May 8 to facilitate a change in management and ownership. Over on Instagram, the co-founders, pitmaster Miguel Vidal and Modesty Vidal, acknowledged the challenges they faced after scaling their business up from a modest 600 square feet to a sprawling 6,000 square feet space, as reported by Austin Eater.

Wildfire Prevention Corporation, an organization that specializes in providing safeguards against wildfires, has come to the Texas Hill Country. They have partnered with Perimeter Solutions to treat properties with PHOSCHEK, a groundbased, long-term fire retardant. The retardant is approved by the U.S. Forest Service and has been used since the 1960s. It is safe for people, livestock, pets, and vegetation. When applied on vegetation and other surfaces around homes and buildings, PHOSCHEK helps prevent wildfires from bursting into flames. Based on the same technology as the red fire retardant dropped from aircraft during active wildfires, a single annual application can help...

, Real Moms, the KWVH show that airs every Friday at 3 p.m. is here to tell you how the cow really ate the cabbage. Hosts Kelli Goforth, Susie Lowry and Chrissy Neal play a little music and dish on everything from kids and camps to marriage, menopause and depression during a show that celebrates its seven year anniversary this month. Their Real Mom credentials are solid. Kelli, a native Wimberley person, raised six kids and now has seven grandbabies. Susie raised her “niece-daughter” after her sister passed away. Chrissy, who taught school for 28 years, is the mother of three...

The family of Malachi Williams is holding a candlelight vigil to honor his life on Thursday evening. Williams died after being shot by San Marcos Police on April 11. Multiple investigations are ongoing into the shooting at this time. (Editor’s Note: For more information from the San Marcos Police Department on the investigation, see the article ‘Police issue statement, say man killed was armed’ in today’s paper.) “My son was intelligent and a free spirit,” Shanta Miller, mother of Malachi Williams, said in a press release announcing the vigil. “He loved animals, loved to game, skateboard, read; he was a philosopher, really....

, , , Butterflies were everywhere during the release at the Butterfly Festival at EmilyAnn Garden last weekend. Record crowds alighted on the grounds to experience the release of hand raised butterflies, make crafts and visit with critters in the Burdine Johnson indoor studio theatre, try their luck with hula hoops, sample yummy concessions, ride the butterfly train and meet princesses and other actors in the expansive garden.

Hays County Jail is full and has been outsourcing inmates to other jails for years. Due to the high population of incarcerated people, Hays County has been implementing various programs to attempt to divert people from the jail, such as the mental health court that was recently established and the pretrial services department. Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra has a standing agenda item during each commissioner court meeting in which he reads the current jail population, the amount of inmates outsourced and the cost. Becerra said he initially began updating the public on jail capacity regularly to enhance the community's understanding...

Woodcreek High’s baseball team is on quite a roll. The Timberwolves open this week with an 11-game win streak, not having lost since the Boras Invitational over spring break. The Timberwolves (11-1) are first place in the Capital Valley Conference and are 16-6 overall. This week, however, they face...

DRIPPING SPRINGS — Dripping Springs Water Supply Corp. wastewater customers will see rate changes on their water bill in May. Wastewater rates are based on water consumption through the months of December, January and February. This is the winter averaging period and is conducted annually. Customers who believe that their new wastewater rate is incorrect due to errors in usage reporting, leaks or other causes, can apply for a wastewater billing rate adjustment. To receive a wastewater billing rate adjustment, customers must do the following: • Customers must fill out a Wastewater Adjustment Form ( bit.ly/3UmP3eq ). • Along with submitting the form, customers must also submit proof via email: usage reports from DSWSC or plumbing invoice/receipts due to breaks/leaks, property owner’s receipts of materials, supplies, etc. • If approved, rates will be adjusted, and the customer will receive notice from the city. The rate adjustment will be reflected on the next month’s bill. There is a 90-day limit to request adjustments. This must be due to an error in usage reporting, leaks or natural disasters that occurred. This does not include excessive water use due to irrigation. For more information about the wastewater billing rate adjustment, call 512-858-4725.

The DSISD Board of Trustees spent the morning of Thursday, April 18, at Rooster Springs Elementary meeting with members of the Student Lighthouse Team, learning about the campus’s reading intervention program, participating in a science experiment with second grade students and catching up with kindergarten, first grade, fifth grade, art and physical education classes.

To prepare students for the algebra section of the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness test, Wimberley High School teacher Katelynn Smith organized a unique “Glow” Day event. Black lights, neon outfits and accessories provided a dramatic atmosphere for the review games and collaborations that helped students put their algebra skills to the test. Glowin- the-dark prizes were part of the fun.

The Gonzales Lady Apaches closed out a historic season with a second place finish in district; now they set their eyes on the playoffs Friday, April 26 against Wimberley. The Lady Apaches finished district with a 7-3 record in District 28-4A and will take on the Lady Texans who finished 5-5 in District 27-4A.

The Writers League of Texas’ “One Page Salon’’ will be part of the Wimberley Area Writers 2024 launch on April 30 at the 220 Gallery in Wimberley. Called “one of the best nights of entertainment in Austin” by the Austin American-Statesman, five readers, one at a time, will share one page of a new work or a work in progress. In addition to reading their work, authors will enjoy friendly banter with emcee Becka Oliver, WLT Executive Director, and strive to answer three provocative literary-related questions. The One Page Salon monthly reading series began in Austin a decade ago. Wimberley is the first-ever stop of an “On The Road” edition of the event. Patrick Cox and Eileen “Chick” Morgan of the Wimberley Area Writers told members in an email this week that “they are thrilled to be partnering with both the Writers League of Texas and WimberleyArts.org” for the April 30 event. The Salon will be held on the backyard patio of the 220 Fine Art Gallery at 220 Old Kyle Road. Doors open at 6 and the program begins at 6:30 p.m. and will continue until approximately 8 p.m. A cash bar provided by Ranch Brand Wine and Spirits will be available.

SPONSORED (All American Autoplex) – The Buggy Barn Museum in Blanco, Texas is a hidden gem in the Hill Country. “I said, well maybe, I don’t have one like that, and it just continued to grow,” Dennis Moore, owner and curator of the Buggy Barn Museum said.

Canyon Lake, a staple for recreation in the Texas Hill Country, is now facing its most severe water shortage since the 1960s. According to MySA, the lake stands at a dismal 59% capacity, marking a startling decline from its 76.4% fullness just a year prior. Declining water levels have forced local authorities to shut down the majority of its boat ramps, much to the dismay of boaters and visitors hoping to take advantage of the lake's recreational offerings.

The annual Founders Day Festival will take over the streets of downtown Dripping Springs this weekend, celebrating the city’s heritage and pioneer spirit. The three-day celebration will officially kick off on Friday, April 26, with the Founders Day 35 th Anniversary Parade at 6:30 p.m. The parade will run through the middle of Dripping Springs, along Mercer Street. The event will continue on Friday with a carnival and free, live music until 11:30 p.m. The main portion of the festival will run on Saturday, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Food and drinks will...

The city of San Marcos is planning to build its largest regional park on the site of the former Quail Creek Golf Course, following the property’s annexation. At its April 2 meeting, San Marcos City Council approved the second reading of Ordinance 2024-13, a proposal to annex approximately 176 acres of the city-owned, east-side Quail Creek land to turn into a park with amenities.

HAYS COUNTY — As the spring blooms across the nation, so does a heightened sense of awareness regarding a prevalent, yet often overlooked issue: alcohol use disorder (AUD). April marks Alcohol Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shedding light on the challenges, complexities and solutions surrounding alcohol misuse and its far-reaching impacts on individuals, families and communities. The Nuances of Consumption Alcohol, often celebrated as a social lubricant, finds its way into countless gatherings, from casual get-togethers to milestone celebrations. “The biggest influence is that our culture has not only accepted, but encouraged, alcohol to be ever present at parties, sporting events, concerts, even events like children’s birthdays or just dinner out with friends," notes Dr. Robert Hilliker, founder of Ethos Behavioral Health and The Prairie Recovery Center. "However, we are starting to see social trends in younger generations moving away from alcohol use, which is very promising for what we can do to prevent addiction issues." This shift in societal attitudes toward alcohol consumption underscores the evolving landscape of public perception and highlights the importance of fostering a culture of responsible drinking habits and informed decision-making. Navigating the Thin Line One of the most challenging aspects of addressing alcohol use and abuse is navigating the fine line between enjoyment and excess.What begins as an occasional drink to unwind can quickly spiral into habitual consumption, leading to a range of health, social and psychological consequences. Recognizing the signs of problematic drinking is crucial in offering support and intervention before it escalates. AUD statistics In the United States alone, the statistics paint a sobering picture. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, approximately 15 million adults ages 18 and older have AUD. This includes individuals from all walks of life, from high-powered executives to blue-collar workers and from college students to retirees. The pervasive nature of AUD knows no bounds, transcending age, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. A Harsh Reality While the media spotlight often shines on the devastating effects of opioids and fentanyl, the prevalence of alcohol use disorder remains the most prevalent amongst treatment facilities . Dr. Hilliker emphasizes this discrepancy: "For the last several years, the news has covered countless stories on opioids and lately more specifically on fentanyl. While this is undoubtedly deadly, and is devastating the lives of so many people, we have turned a blind eye to the biggest culprit of societal discord, alcohol. For those in the business of treating addiction, we can tell you that alcohol is still king. Close to 70% of the patients we treated last year in detox and residential care had a severe alcohol use disorder." Supporting Recovery Dr. Hilliker, adopts a holistic approach to aid individuals in their path at The Prairie Recovery Center. Dr. Hilliker shares, "Our deliberate small by design center fosters a tight-knit community of support, offering diverse avenues for pursuing recovery, including individual therapy alongside options like the 12-steps, dharma recovery, SMART recovery, and celebrate recovery. Our expert staff is trained specifically in addiction care and the treatment of co-occurring mental health issues. Additionally, our Pyschodynamic approach to care focuses heavily on building relationships and supportive alliances for long term success and recovery.” Taking Action As Dr. Hilliker wisely points out, "it’s never too late to seek help and that delaying it is not something I’ve seen help, only hurt. So, if you or a loved one is struggling, pick up the phone and ask for help." Alcohol Awareness Month serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding alcohol use and abuse. By shedding light on its impact and fostering compassion and support, we can work towards building communities where individuals are empowered to make informed choices and where those struggling with alcohol misuse find the understanding and resources they need to embark on the path to recovery. Resources for Hays County In Hays County, individuals seeking support for alcohol use disorder can access a range of resources. Organizations like the Hays-Caldwell Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (HCCADA) offer counseling, support groups, and prevention programs tailored to the needs of the community. Additionally, healthcare providers, community centers and faith-based organizations may offer resources and support services for individuals and families affected by alcohol misuse. Alcoholics Anonymous focuses on easing one’s journey by providing support, compassion, and assistance for overcoming addiction. There are several meetings in every city in Hays County at a variety of locations. Visit www.aa-meetings.com to find a location near you. The Prairie Recovery Center is located in Round Top, Texas and offers a full continuum of care, including detox, residential stay and intensive outpatient options for adults looking to start their recovery process.  Admissions can be reached at 713-470-9878 or email via admissions-team@ethosbhg.com.