Announcements - Hays County

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HCSO celebrates 175 years

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 18:20:09 GMT

Hays County Commissioners Court unanimously voted to adopt a proclamation recognizing the 175th anniversary of the Hays County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO). Members of the HCSO were at court Tuesday morning, August 1, to accept the proclamation.

From the proclamation:

The women and men serving as sheriff’s deputies, animal control officers, emergency communications officers, and civilian positions take pride in serving the community, businesses and visitors of Hays County.

HaysCo Government Center Closing 4 p.m. July 24

Sun, 23 Jul 2023 17:00:32 GMT

UPDATE: Power was restored and the building is open as usual.

Sharing the situation at the Hays County Government Center in San Marcos: the building will be closed beginning at 4 p.m. today, July 24, to address an electrical issue. The power has been going off and on for most of the day. The power will be shut off to allow troubleshooting of the system. Please check back in the morning on social media and our website for updated information.

ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 13:43:45 GMT

The County’s contractor, Hunter Industries, Ltd., is scheduled to set up single lane closures on Robert S. Light Boulevard from RM 967 to the I-35 Southbound Frontage Road on Mon., July 24. The lane closures are necessary to provide a safe work zone for workers as part of the Robert S. Light Boulevard pavement rehabilitation project.

The inside lanes in each direction will be closed and traffic will occupy the outside (right) lanes in each direction. These will be full-time closures and are anticipated to be in place until Thurs., August 10. Access to all side streets, driveways and businesses will be maintained at all times.

An electronic message board will be set up on each end of the project to provide advance notification to the public for these closures. Travelers are asked to drive with caution and watch for construction workers and equipment entering and exiting work zones within the project limits.

Justice of the Peace Precinct 5 office closed July 24

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 13:42:45 GMT

The Justice of the Peace Precinct 5 (Judge Bryant’s) office will be closed Monday, July 24, 2023 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for training.

Ruby Ranch Wildfire Info 7-18-23

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 13:56:34 GMT

UPDATE 3:40 p.m. 7-18-23: Officials are closing FM 967 from Ruby Ranch Rd. to 6025 FM 967 to allow emergency vehicles easier access to battle the wildfire in that neighborhood.

ORIGINAL:

RUBY RANCH WILDFIRE INFO Posted 2:50 p.m. 7-18-23

The Texas Wildland Task Force was called to assist with a wild fire in the Ruby Ranch subdivision in West Buda near Montgomery Court.

At this time, officials say the fire is limited to a roughly 30-acre area. Starflight is on scene for water drops. All Hays County ESDs are assisting Buda Fire Dept./ESD #8. EMS is also on scene as is Hays County CERT – Hays County, Texas for firefighter rehab.

We have no indication of the cause of the fire yet.

No structures are in danger but out of an abundance of caution, officials from the Hays County Office of Emergency Management said four homes have been evacuated.

Should more be asked to leave their homes, information will be communicated directly to those residents. We will also update this post and our emergency information website haysinformed.com.

For evacuated families –

The following locations are available for your family to come while you are unable to be in your homes:

Hays Hills Baptist Church

1401 FM N 1626, Buda

Hays Community YMCA

465 Buda Sportsplex Dr, FM 1626, Buda

Buda United Methodist Church

302 Elm St,, Buda

Hays County Jury Returns 35-year Sentence for Elias Villarreal

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 13:55:24 GMT

A Hays County jury found 63-year-old Elias Villarreal guilty on Wed., July 12, of Aggravated Assault Against a Public Servant and Resisting Arrest with a Deadly Weapon. Judge Gary Steel assessed a sentence of 35 years.

The evidence in the trial showed that on Feb. 20, 2022, Kyle Police Department responded to the intersection of Quail Ridge Rd. and East Post Rd. for a verbal disturbance call between a male and female. Officers arrived on the scene and observed Villarreal wielding a metal pipe.

Upon law enforcement’s arrival, Villarreal jumped over a fence and attacked a patrol vehicle, striking it several times and doing significant damage. Officers gave Villarreal repeated orders to drop the weapon and attempted to use a Taser to stop Villarreal’s aggressive behavior, but he then confronted the officers with the pipe in hand before turning briefly away.

At that moment when Villarreal was turned, Officer Seagrave ran up to Villarreal and tackled him to the ground. Before Officer Seagrave could disarm Villarreal, he turned and struck Officer Seagrave with the metal pipe. Officers apprehended him and took him into custody. Officer Seagrave sustained a minor injury.

Officers Seagrave and Orr testified at the trial about the dangerous and stressful situation Villarreal created and the actions they took to protect the community, Villarreal, and themselves.

During the punishment phase of the trial, Judge Steel heard evidence of Villarreal’s extensive criminal history, including convictions for Voluntary Manslaughter, Forgery, Burglary of a Vehicle, Assault Family Violence, Assault Family Violence (third-degree felony), and Assault Family Violence (first-degree felony) with a prior 28-year sentence from a Travis County jury.

Villarreal stated during his punishment testimony that he “has no guilt” for what happened on Feb. 20, 2022, and refused to accept responsibility for his actions.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney (ADA) Cassidy Story and ADA Allison Buess.

Story said, “The verdict and sentence send a clear message that violence against our law enforcement officers will not be taken lightly.”

District Attorney Kelly Higgins expressed his gratitude to the ADAs, staff, and officers whose work secured the verdict. Higgins commended the jury and the court for their work in resolving the case and making the county a safer place for all its residents and visitors.

Excessive heat warning in effect until 9 p.m. CDT Tuesday

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 13:41:37 GMT

WHAT- Dangerously hot conditions with temperatures and heat index between 105 and 109 degrees are expected.
WHERE- The Llano uplift and most counties along and just to the east of the I-35 corridor.
WHEN- Until 9 p.m. CDT Tuesday
IMPACTS- Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9-1-1.

Hays County cooling center at Pct. 2 office July 15-16

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 13:40:25 GMT

The Hays County Precinct 2 office in Kyle will be open as a cooling center on July 15 & 16 from noon-6 both days; that is our only known cooling center right now. The office is located at 5458 FM 2770 @ Crystal Meadow Drive in Kyle.

Please check with municipalities about locations within their city limits. Anyone can visit places that are already open, such as libraries and activity centers.

If large areas of the county experience power outages, we may stand up cooling centers at other locations and we would post info on https://www.haysinformed.com/ and social media if that happens. We will also notify news media.

Ribbon cutting for Robert S. Light Blvd. extension

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 13:54:10 GMT

Hays County, state and local officials helped celebrate the opening of the Robert S. Light Blvd. extension that connects I-35 and FM 1626. The project was headed by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) in partnership with Hays County and the City of Buda. The $17.8 million project was completed in less than two years (ahead of schedule by six months) and on budget. The contractor was J3 Company, LLC.

Pct. 4 Commissioner Walt Smith was among the speakers at the ribbon cutting ceremony held on July 13.

“It’s been a privilege to work with the City of Buda and the Texas Department of Transportation,” he said.

He added, “This is just one brick in building a better Hays County.”

TxDOT Austin District Engineer Tucker Ferguson was another speaker at the event.

“Exponential growth in Hays County creates more mobility and safety challenges to the region,” he said . “The completion of the extension of Robert S. Light Boulevard helps address these issues by providing a direct connection between FM 1626 and I-35 in order to reduce travel times.”

Judge Ruben Becerra said Hays County is the fastest growing population in the country.

“Not building roads is not an option,” he said. “And so for this and for the future, I thank you TxDOT.”

The RM 967/Robert S. Light Boulevard extension project added a travel lane in each direction from RM 967 to FM 1626. Additional improvements included overpasses at the Union Pacific Railroad, the Mustang Branch of Onion Creek and the Centex Materials haul road, as well as the addition of turn lanes on RM 967 and FM 2770 to and from the newly constructed roadway.

Progress on the extension project was documented from start to finish via a timelapse video.

For time lapse drone video click here: https://txdot.box.com/s/vcipv98pvvbz6uvoeulhe3s6su9non4q.

Hays County Local Health Department hosts back-to-school vaccination fair

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 13:50:59 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) is hosting a back-to-school fair to encourage student vaccinations. The event takes place Aug. 5 just in time for the upcoming school year.

The HCLHD is a participant in the Texas Vaccines for Children (TVFC) program, which provides low-cost vaccines to eligible children up to the age of 18 who meet the criteria.

“It is very important that students receive their vaccinations in the weeks prior to school starting,” said Hays County Health Department Manager Matthew Gonzales. “Not only does this prepare the students for school, it makes it easier to obtain vaccinations without overwhelming local clinics.”

HCLHD’s back-to-school fair will give parents and students the chance to receive free vaccinations under the TVFC program. TVFC is available for those who are participants in the Medicaid program, enrolled in the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), American Indian or Alaska Native and uninsured or underinsured children. The vaccines provided include Hepatitis A, Polio, Varicella, and more. Parents can find which specific vaccines are needed for the school year on their child’s school website.

HCLHD will continue with free back-to-school vaccines under the TVFC program between Aug. 7-11.

“We are very excited for the back-to-school fair,” Gonzales said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to get their students vaccinated.”

He added, “Vaccinations keep students healthy and protect them from diseases. Keeping up to date on vaccinations also contributes to a healthy school environment.”

The HCLHD Back-to-School Fair is also an opportunity for the community to see the HCLHD’s new home, located at 101 Thermon Drive in San Marcos. Gonzales said it’s a community and family-friendly event.

“We will have various vendors sharing resources and details about their services, similar to the Hays County Summer Health Fair,” Gonzales said. “We will also have games set up for the children to enjoy.”

The event takes place on Aug. 5 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Contact Matthew Gonzales at (512) 214-5918 with any questions. For more information, be sure to like and follow the HCLHD Facebook page.

It is recommended that children get school vaccines over summer break to avoid the end-of-summer rush. Anyone who is unable to attend the fair or come to the HCLHD clinic can find locations throughout Hays County where providers are enrolled in TVFC. Visit our website for info.

Hays County reinstates burn ban

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 18:24:52 GMT

Hays County Commissioner Court this morning approved the implementation of a 90-day burn ban across Hays County. The vote came after Hays County Fire Marshal Mark Wobus provided his recommendation to the court. This was in part influenced by the Vineyard Hill Fire over the weekend that burned about 50 acres.

“The KBDI is 473,” Wobus said. “The forecast for the days to come continues with hot and dry conditions with an increase in afternoon winds from Wednesday thru Saturday. This will make any fire that does start difficult to control.”

Wobus said he is investigating the Vineyard Hill Fire but believes it was ignited when a private citizen was conducting a controlled burn on their property and it got out of control.

“We remind local residents that during a burn ban, outdoor burning is prohibited,” he said.

Visit haysinformed.com for emergency information from Hays County.

CR 158 at Yarrington Road Closure Notification

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 13:12:12 GMT

The Texas Department of Transportation’s Contractor, Webber, LLC, is scheduled to close the CR 158 at Yarrington Road intersection area to accommodate the construction of the new CR 158 at Yarrington Road intersection as part of the FM 110 North construction project. The road closures will be in effect from 8 p.m. on Friday evening, July 7 to 5 a.m. on Monday morning, July 10. (See map of detour – click to enlarge.)

Full road closures will be on Yarrington Road at Harris Hill (CR 160), Yarrington Road at Fairview Road, and CR 158 near the San Marcos Sand & Gravel driveways as shown on the accompanying map. The traveling public will be able to utilize the following routes to get to their destinations, also shown on the accompanying map:

Traffic traveling eastbound on Yarrington from I-35 will utilize Harris Hill Road (CR 160) to get to SH 21
Traffic on SH 21 will utilize either Harris Hill Road (CR 160) or FM 150 to get to I-35
Local traffic access will be available from SH 21 to Fairview Road
Local traffic access will be available from the CR 158/Dru Drive (CR 203) intersection and San Marcos Sand & Gravel driveways on CR 158

Proper signage will be placed in advance of the road closures. Message boards alerting the traveling public to the road closures will be placed at SH 21 and Harris Hill Road (CR 160), SH 21 and Yarrington Road, SH 21 and FM 150, and Yarrington Road and I-35 Northbound Frontage Road. Work requiring the road closures is dependent upon favorable weather conditions.

Hays County Jury Returns Guilty Verdict in First Fentanyl Case

Sun, 02 Jul 2023 13:26:53 GMT

Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced that on June 29 a Hays County jury found Caden Farese guilty of Possession of a Controlled Substance – Fentanyl, a State Jail Felony. That jury subsequently sentenced him to 18 months in state jail.

According to Higgins, police and EMS arrived at Motel 6 in San Marcos in response to a potential overdose. An individual was found unconscious and attempts to revive that person were unsuccessful. The individual died as a result of the toxic effects of Fentanyl.

At the same time, Higgins said the defendant (Farese) was found unconscious in the room directly above. Police and EMS successfully revived him. A lethal amount of Fentanyl was found in the defendant’s room. Farese was charged with an additional count of Delivery of a Controlled Substance, though the jury found him not guilty on that charge.

This is the first fentanyl-related case presented to a Hays County jury. It was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney (ADA) Sean Szlachtowski and ADA Jon English.

Szlachtowski said, “The verdict shows that the citizens of Hays County do not want Fentanyl plaguing their community. We will continue to prosecute crimes involving this deadly drug no matter how big or small.”

District Attorney Kelly Higgins added, “My office remains committed to seeking tough sentences in cases involving the deadly controlled substance Fentanyl.”

Free microchip clinics July 1-2

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 13:15:11 GMT

It’s that time of year when fireworks can scare our furry friends and sometimes they run away from home. Get your pets microchipped before the July Fourth holiday. Two FREE microchip clinics will take place in Hays County: July 1 in Kyle and July 2 in Wimberley! These clinics are sponsored by the Hays County Commissioners Court.

July 1 – Hays County Precinct 2 Office
5458 FM 2770, Kyle

July 2 – King Feed and Hardware
14210 RR 12, Wimberley

Back-to-school vaccinations

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 13:16:07 GMT

By getting your child’s back-to-school vaccinations, you’re actively contributing to a safe and thriving learning environment for everyone. Together, let’s prioritize health, promote well-being, and make every academic year exceptional.

Be sure to schedule your child’s back-to-school vaccinations sooner than later!

Learn more about childhood vaccinations needed for school.

Austin Water Prescribed Fires FAQs

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 13:30:31 GMT

Austin Water plans to conduct a prescribed burn on approximately 100 acres of the Water Quality Protection Lands in northern Hays County on Thursday, June 29, 2023. Smoke may be visible from FM 1826, State Highway 45, and RR 967.

Click this link for Frequently Asked Questions .

Remote marriage license issuance system launches in Hays County

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 13:28:19 GMT

Hays County residents can now apply for and receive a marriage license faster and more easily. The Hays County Clerk’s Office recently implemented the GovOS Remote Marriage License Issuance program, allowing those who may not be able to visit the clerk’s office in person to apply remotely for a license. Couples who complete the process are considered to have appeared before the court

“We are very excited to offer this new program for our Hays County residents,” said County Clerk Elaine Cárdenas. “Serving our customers is at the core of every decision we make.”

Couples who use this program will have access to multiple features including remote meeting facilitation and scheduling, electronic uploading of supporting documentation and marriage application electronic signatures. The program is certified by the Texas Office of Court Administration following S.B. 907. Texas Senate Bill 907 authorizes Texas counties to move the process of obtaining a marriage license fully online.

Hays County is the second Texas county to utilize this system. Tarrant County launched this GovOS system in 2022.

“We are proud to be one of the first counties utilizing this program,” said Roxanne Rodriguez, Chief Deputy – Records Division. “GovOS will make the marriage license process easier for our residents.”

Developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to assist local governments amid closures, the Remote Marriage License Issuance System is now used in three states.

The program is open to all Hays County residents, but it can also be used by people from other counties and states.

To apply for a remote marriage license for Hays County, visit the county clerk’s webpage: https://hayscountytx.seamlessdocs.com/ng/fa/CO23031000417293713.

To learn more about the GovOS Remote Marriage License Issuance System, visit https://govos.com/texas-remote-marriage/.

CR 158 at Yarrington Road Closure Notification POSTPONED

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 13:36:46 GMT

UPDATE: This closure has been postponed. We will share new info from TxDOT once we receive the new dates.

ORIGINAL:

The Texas Department of Transportation’s Contractor, Webber, LLC, is scheduled to close the CR 158 at Yarrington Road intersection area to accommodate the construction of the new CR 158 at Yarrington Road intersection as part of the FM 110 North construction project. The road closures will be in effect from 8 p.m. on Friday evening, June 23 to 5 a.m. on Monday morning, June 26. See map of detour. (Click to enlarge.)

Traffic traveling eastbound on Yarrington from I-35 will utilize Harris Hill Road (CR 160) to get to SH 21
• Traffic on SH 21 will utilize either Harris Hill Road (CR 160) or FM 150 to get to I-35
• Local traffic access will be available from SH 21 to Fairview Road
• Local traffic access will be available from the CR 158/Dru Drive (CR 203) intersection and San Marcos Sand & Gravel driveways on CR 158

Proper signage will be placed in advance of the road closures. Message boards alerting the traveling public to the road closures will be placed at SH 21 and Harris Hill Road (CR 160), SH 21 and Yarrington Road, SH 21 and FM 150, and Yarrington Road and I-35 Northbound Frontage Road. Work requiring road closures is dependent upon favorable weather conditions.

For any questions regarding the road closures, please contact the TxDOT South Travis Area Office at (512) 282-2113.

Hays County Commissioners Court declares July as Park and Recreation Month

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 13:39:14 GMT

The Hays County Parks Department is being recognized for its contributions to the county’s health and wellness. Hays County Commissioner’s Court passed a proclamation on June 20 recognizing parks and recreation as an integral part of the community and declaring July as Park and Recreation Month.

“It’s important to recognize the value of parks to the community, including the role of our parks in the overall health of our community,” said Parks Manager Jay Taylor. “Our dedicated staff aims to continue our efforts to protect the county’s natural resources for the public’s enjoyment.”

Taylor said the Parks Department provides many ways to appreciate our natural resources while providing encouragement in establishing wellness for the community.

“Spending time outside has been proven to improve mental health and increase cognitive performance,” said Taylor. “Parks and recreational areas establish great opportunities for physical activities for the family such as hiking trails and swimming areas.”

The Hays County Parks Department manages several natural areas and resources throughout Wimberly, Kyle and Buda. Taylor said the county anticipates opening its newest park, Sentinel Peak Natural Area, in 2024. That park is located just outside of Wimberley. (See photo)

“We are excited to bring more awareness to what we do,” said Parks Education Coordinator Katherine Sturdivant. “It is important for the public to understand what we do so they can appreciate the beautiful nature they have access to. With the public’s help, we can increase our efforts to protect our parks.”

Visit your local park today. Learn more at https://hayscountytx.com/departments/hays-county-parks-recreation/ .

Tax office drive-thru under repair June 20-23, 2023

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 13:19:26 GMT

The tax office drive-thru at the government center in San Marcos is under repair. We anticipate it will be unavailable the rest of this week (we’re waiting on a part to come in and then it needs to be installed).

Visit our website for questions and additional information: https://hayscountytx.com/departments/taxoffice/

Make a tax payment in full by phone. Please call 1.800.300.8007 and select ext. 9 for assistance. A fee of 2.35%, or a minimum of $3.00 will be applied to the total bill.

Renew a vehicle online, at the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website: www.texas.gov

Other locations where we can serve you:

Inside at the Government Center, located at 712 S. Stagecoach Trail in San Marcos.

Dripping Springs Substation

195 Roger Hanks Parkway, Dripping Springs

patricia.lopez@co.hays.tx.us

Phone: 512.858.5105

Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. M-F ***Closed for lunch from 12-1p.m.

(Excluding County Approved Holidays)

Kyle Substation

5458 FM 2770, Kyle

Phone: 512.268.8024

Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. M-F (Excluding County Approved Holidays)

Wimberley Substation

200 Stillwater, Wimberley

Phone: 512.878.6705

Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. M-F (Excluding County Approved Holidays)

THE WIMBERLEY SUBSTATION WILL CLOSE FOR LUNCH, 12-1 PM ON MONDAY, JULY 3, & WEDNESDAY, JULY 5, 2023.

Heat Advisory-Weather Update

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 15:08:06 GMT

Several hazards will affect the region today, June 15, with heat being the primary concern. Heat indices between 108-114 are likely this afternoon within the advisory area. Additionally, severe storms are possible this afternoon and early evening over the northern Hill Country. Large hail and damaging winds are the primary concern at this time if storms form.

Heat-related illness will be possible for those not taking proper safety precautions through this weekend. Drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks in shaded and/or air-conditioned environments, and wear light-colored & loose-fitting clothing if planning to be outdoors.

NOTE: The Southside Community Center, a local nonprofit in San Marcos, will be open June 16-18 as a cooling center for those experiencing homelessness.

Juneteenth – Hays County Offices Closed

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 11:10:13 GMT

Hays County offices will be closed on Monday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.

Read the full proclamation from Hays County Commissioners

Court: https://hayscountytx.com/commissioners-court/court-video/

1679_.Juneteenth_Schedule_of_events On June 19, 1865, nearly two years after President Abraham Lincoln emancipated enslaved Africans in America, Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, with news of freedom. More than 250,000 African Americans embraced freedom by executive decree in what became known as Juneteenth or Freedom Day. With the principles of self-determination, citizenship, and democracy magnifying their hopes and dreams, those Texans held fast to the promise of true liberty for all. (From the National Museum of African American History and Culture, https://nmaahc.si.edu/juneteenth )

SH 45 GAP STUDY – Open House Meeting June 15

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 11:13:47 GMT

Hays County, in collaboration with the City of Buda, is conducting a study to explore the feasibility of constructing SH 45 between I-35 and RM 1626. This study is the first step in the development of a potential route and will include the analysis of traffic data and environmental constraints, and a thorough outreach process that will work to identify the locally preferred route option(s).

The open house meeting materials and comment opportunities will be available online at sh45gap.com from Thursday, June 15, to Friday, June 30. The county is also hosting the study’s first in-person community meeting to seek input from property owners, interested stakeholders, and local and regional leaders. The open house meeting is planned for Thursday, June 15, 2023, from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at the Sunfield Station Event Center in Buda.

“The Central Texas region is experiencing unprecedented growth,” said Commissioner Walt Smith, Pct. 4. “Numerous developments are planned in the area between I-35 and RM 1626. As the area continues to develop, future development of a transportation corridor through the area becomes much more challenging and the opportunity could be lost entirely.”

He added, “This future corridor would provide access to economic opportunities developing in the western section of the county and throughout the region. Hays County, and other regional leaders, have a responsibility to taxpayers, area residents, and the traveling public to fully consider and further investigate the SH 45 Gap Project.”

Open House
Thursday, June 15, 2023
4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Sunfield Station Event Center
2610 Main St., Buda TX 78610

Hays County encourages the public to participate and share feedback by June 30, 2023. Comments may be submitted through the website, at the open house meeting, by email at info@sh45gap.com , by mail (PO Box 5459, Austin, TX 78763), or by text/voicemail at 512-400-6107.

For more information, visit sh45gap.com

Hays County Juries, Courts Hand Out Significant Sentences in Felony Cases

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 11:16:42 GMT

Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced on June 2 that several felony criminal cases were resolved over the last several weeks with significant sentences.

Thomas Pearl

A Hays County Jury found 41-year-old Thomas Pearl guilty on Friday, May 19, of Aggravated Assault and Evading Arrest and assessed a sentence of 40 years in prison. The evidence in the trial showed that on July 30, 2021, San Marcos Police responded to the Encino Point apartment complex on a domestic disturbance call. Officers attempted to contact the residents of the apartment, but the occupants refused to open the door or respond to phone calls from officers.

Witnesses at the scene reported that the victim was bleeding and said the defendant had assaulted her, so police forced entry and saw Thomas Pearl jump from a third-floor balcony and run on foot toward Post Rd. Officers were able to pursue him and take him into custody.

The victim of the assault initially declined to cooperate but eventually admitted Pearl assaulted her, threatened her with a knife, and strangled her prior to officers arriving. The jury returned guilty verdicts on Aggravated Assault and Evading-Second Offender.

During the punishment phase of the trial, the jury heard evidence of Pearl’s extensive criminal history and testimony from a woman who had also been assaulted multiple times by Pearl during their relationship in another county.

The Hays County jury ultimately assessed a sentence of 40 years and a $5,000 fine on the Aggravated Assault charge and 10 years and $2,500 fine on the Evading-Second Offender charge. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney (ADA) Allison Buess and ADA Steven Hollis, with assistance from ADA Shelby Griffin.

Buess said, “This verdict sends a clear message to our community that domestic violence will not be tolerated in Hays County.”

James Edward Torres

Another domestic violence case was sentenced on Thursday, June 1, by visiting Senior Judge Dwight Peschel. The defendant in that case, 41-year-old James Edward Torres, was scheduled to stand trial for Aggravated Assault but changed his plea to “Guilty” during jury selection.

After a punishment hearing in which the state proved that Torres violently attacked his then-girlfriend on July 20, 2019, in Buda and stabbed her more than 30 times, Peschel assessed a punishment of 25 years in prison. The case was prosecuted by ADAs Miranda Ebersole and Cassidy Story.

Ebersole said, “The District Attorney’s Office takes these cases seriously and will continue to vigorously prosecute domestic violence cases.”

Bradley Russell Brown

Another trial concluded on Friday, June 1, after a jury found the defendant, 37-year-old Bradley Russell Brown, guilty of two counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child and one count of Indecency with a Child. Brown was accused of raping his biological daughter multiple times when she was between 5 and 7 years old at a residence in Kyle. The victim and her mother both testified against Brown and the jury assessed sentences of 60 years for each count of Aggravated Sexual Assault and 20 years on the Indecency charge. Judge Tanner Neidhardt sentenced the defendant and elected to stack the two 60-year sentences in the punishment phase of the trial. The case was prosecuted by ADA Jon English and ADA Sean Szlatowski.

English said, “The courage shown by the victim in reporting the abuse and facing her father in court allowed us to obtain a verdict holding him accountable for this horrible crime.”

Tyshane Vris Thomas

Tyshane Vris Thomas, 24, a serial rapist with multiple sexual assault and burglary charges, entered a guilty plea on May 25 to six counts of Sexual Assault and three counts of Burglary of a Habitation with Intent to Commit Sexual Assault. He was sentenced to Life in prison by Judge Tracie Wright Reneau after the guilty plea and two of the victims made statements in court after sentencing.

Thomas, over the course of several weeks in May 2019, broke into three apartments in San Marcos where he laid in wait for the young women that lived in each apartment. In each case, he threatened the victims with a gun and blindfolded and zip-tied them prior to sexually assaulting them. He was apprehended after a backpack was found with some of his possessions along with property belonging to some of the victims. He confessed to police after his arrest and his DNA was matched to evidence from the crime scenes. The case was prosecuted by ADA Shelby Griffin.

“We are proud to achieve this result for the victims and our community,” Griffin said. “The survivors showed incredible bravery and resilience despite the horrific crimes committed against them. We are so grateful they were willing to face their perpetrator. Additionally, we thank SMPD for its diligent investigation and work in bringing the defendant to justice.”

Community Meet & Greet June 22 – Justice of the Peace Pct. 5

Fri, 26 May 2023 18:31:53 GMT

Come join us to learn more about Precinct 5 and the services provided to residents of the City of Buda and Hays County. (Click image to enlarge)

Thurs., June 22, 2023
Stop by anytime between 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Hays County Pct. 5
500 Jack C. Hays Trail (Lions Club Room)
Buda, Texas

Learn more about:

Pct. 5 Justice of the Peace Sandra Bryant
Pct. 5 Constable’s Office
Hays County Commissioners Debbie Ingalsbe (Pct. 1), Dr. Michelle Cohen (Pct. 2) and Walt Smith (Pct. 4)
Hays County Animal Control
Local Health Department

Light refreshments will be served!

SH 45 Gap Study – Open House

Fri, 26 May 2023 11:20:36 GMT

Hays County is conducting a study to explore the feasibility of constructing SH 45 between I-35 and RM 1626. Over the last 35+ years, most portions of SH 45 have been constructed, including the sections east of I-35 and west of RM 1626 — leaving a “gap” between the two highways. Several large-scale residential and mixed-use developments are currently planned in this area between I-35 and RM 1626. As more development plans progress, the SH 45 Gap Project becomes more challenging and impactful. Hays County, in partnership with the City of Buda, is exploring the feasibility of the Gap Project before the area is substantially developed. (Click image to enlarge.)

Open House Meeting

Thursday, June 15, 2023
Drop in anytime from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Sunfield Station Event Center
2610 Main St., Buda, Texas

Share your comments!

The information shared at the meeting will also be available online and the comment period is from June 15 to June 30, 2023. Comments may be submitted through the website, during the in-person open house, or by email, mail, text, or phone. We encourage all those that are interested in the Study to participate and share their thoughts.

The open house materials and comment period online will be available on sh45gap.com from Jun 15 to June 30.

Special Called Meeting May 30 1 p.m.

Thu, 25 May 2023 18:34:56 GMT

SPECIAL CALLED MEETING AGENDA The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

The Hays County Commissioners Court will hold a Special Called Meeting at 1 p.m. on May 30, 2023, in the Hays County Courthouse, Room 301, located at 111 E. San Antonio St., San Marcos, Texas.

F.1. Discussion and possible action regarding all positions and duties within the Hays County Treasurer’s Office, the potential reassignment of positions and duties of the Treasurer’s Office to other offices within the County, the designation and approval of the appropriate authority for certain County functions related to the processing of payroll, and any other transactions processed by the County, the transfer of files, resources, assets, and any other County-owned property between County offices; and to amend the budget accordingly.

Find the agenda here:

https://destinyhosted.com/agenda_publish.cfm?id=42972

Formerly unhoused veteran thanks Hays County Veterans Services

Thu, 25 May 2023 11:25:40 GMT

At 34 years old, John should have been in the prime of his life. Instead, he was living on the streets of San Antonio. His military background and previous experience of not having a home allowed him to survive those streets. But he wanted more – he wanted his life back.

This disabled Army veteran and San Antonio native was familiar with the services and resources available in his hometown. But getting a case manager to return a call could take a month or longer.

When he made his way to San Marcos in January of this year, he knew how to find those same types of services. It didn’t take long to find the Hays County Veterans Services Office (VSO), which operates out of the Hays County Historic Courthouse in downtown San Marcos. He expected the same kind of waiting to get things moving. But his experience was quite different than in his hometown.

“The day after I made the claim, the Hays County VSO had the process started,” he said.

John’s interactions with the county’s veterans’ office continued to impress him.

“Right before the winter freeze in February, someone from the veterans’ office called me about staying in a hotel until the storm passed,” he said. “And if I needed food, they said I could go to the local food pantry.”

He said recent reductions in EBT – Electronic Benefits Transfer – made a food pantry a crucial need not just for veterans but for others in the community.

“The VSO also put me in touch with the San Marcos Housing Authority to apply for a HUD-VASH (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) voucher and then [local disaster recover nonprofit] BR3T put me in a hotel until the voucher came through.”

Once the voucher was approved, John said he was in the home stretch.

“I could now afford to pay rent with my social security and live on my own,” he said. “Plus, the VSO provided me with furniture and kitchenware to get me started in my home.”

John couldn’t say enough good things about the Hays County VSO.

“They helped me get stable housing and the other services I needed. I’m so grateful for them,” he said. “If I never found them, I honestly don’t know where I would be right now.”

To the VSO staff he said, “Thank you for helping me find my way home.”

READ JOHN’S STORY IN HIS OWN WORDS

Memorial Day office closures for Hays County

Thu, 25 May 2023 10:54:47 GMT

In honor of Memorial Day, Hays County offices will be closed on Monday, May 29. Offices will reopen on Tuesday, May 30. See the full county holiday calendar . You can visit our website to handle certain services, including requesting vital records, paying fines and fees, submitting an open records request, and requesting a marriage license. Our website also has employment information and current job openings.

Additionally, the following closures will take place on May 26:

Hays County Local Health Department will close at noon on Friday, May 26. This closure is at both the Broadway and Thermon locations.
The Hays County Clerk’s Office will close ALL locations at 2 p.m. on May 26 for training purposes.
The Justice of the Peace 1-1 office will close May 26 at 10:30 a.m. for staff development.
The Justice of the Peace 1-2 office will close May 26 at 11 a.m.

Visit these web pages for more info related to paying fines, requesting records, finding job openings, etc.:

Justice of the Peace

Tax Assessor-Collector

Paul Peña Drive ribbon cutting May 26 at 9 a.m.

Wed, 24 May 2023 11:30:09 GMT

A ribbon cutting to honor San Marcos native Paul Peña takes place Friday, May 26, at 9 a.m. at the TRACE subdivision located at 162 Paul Peña Drive in San Marcos. This is part of Hays County’s initiative to name roads after fallen service members and police officers from the county, according to Jude Prather with the Hays County Veterans Services Office.

Capt. Paul Peña, 27, of San Marcos, died January 19, 2010, in Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Peña was part of the 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

While at San Marcos Baptist Academy, he was in the Junior ROTC where he was named “best all-around student” by the National Honor Society chapter at that school and voted most like to succeed by his classmates.

Peña created a disc golf course at the school for his Eagle Scout project. He graduated in 2000 and entered the U.S. Military Academy as a member of the class of 2004. Following graduation, he attended Infantry Officers Basic Course, Basic Airborne School and Ranger School at Fort Benning, Ga. Upon completion of his training, Peña reported to Fort Richardson, Alaska, with the 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment (Airborne).

He died along with Tech Sgt. Adam Ginett, 29, of North Carolina. The pair were on a foot patrol with Afghan soldiers in the Arghandab district, just north of Kandahār, when they were killed by a roadside bomb. Five other soldiers were wounded. Peña served a 14-month deployment to Iraq as a platoon leader while with the 509th in 2006 – 2007 and was deployed to Afghanistan last year. He was previously awarded the Bronze Star for heroic or meritorious achievement or service during his previous deployments.

Peña’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with two Bronze Oak Leaf clusters, the Valorous Unit Award, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Parachutists Badge and the Ranger Tab.

Brig. Gen. Daniel Menard called Peña a recognized leader among his peers.

“He was a quiet professional,” he said. “He always had a smile on his face and was admired by his soldiers.”

Final Striping and Signal Activation at RM 3237 and Winters Mill Parkway

Wed, 24 May 2023 11:08:59 GMT

**ROAD WORK/NEW TRAFFIC SIGNAL HEAD UP**

Francis Harris Lane low-water crossing work complete

Tue, 23 May 2023 12:09:59 GMT

The low-water crossing at Francis Harris Lane is complete. These changes (part of the Hays County Low-water Crossing Repair Program) will help reduce flooding and improve public safety.

See more on our website, including a very short video.

County invites residents to Summer Health Fair

Tue, 23 May 2023 11:32:00 GMT

The Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) invites residents to take control of their health. The Summer Health Fair on June 10 at Dripping Springs Ranch Park provides an opportunity to do just that.

“Our first health fair in Kyle last October was a great success,” said Local Health Department Manager Matthew Gonzales. “We hope to expand our reach this year by hosting a health fair in Dripping Springs.”

Gonzales also spoke about the importance of preventative health care. By prioritizing preventative care, individuals can identify health concerns early on and take steps to address them, leading to better health outcomes and improved quality of life.

Austin Baier, Community Outreach Specialist for the HCLHD, said medical professionals will be at the fair to provide COVID-19 vaccinations, vision screenings, STI testing, and more for people of all ages. Services will be available to the public at no cost. The event will also include family-friendly activities.

“Entertainment includes music and carnival games,” Baier said. “We want to make sure people have a good time while also taking care of their health.”

Vendors for the event include CommuniCare, Community Action, and the Lion’s Club, among others. Baier said attendees will have the chance to win door prizes, including gift cards to local restaurants.

The Hays County Health Fair takes place from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Dripping Springs Ranch Park, located at 1042 Event Center Drive, Dripping Springs.

For more information on the summer health fair and future events, visit the HCLHD’s Facebook page, Hays County Local Health Department web page, or contact Austin Baier at Austin.Baier@co.hays.tx.us or 512-757-4404.

Child Molester Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison

Tue, 16 May 2023 11:33:20 GMT

Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced today that on Monday, May 15, 23-year-old Cameron Clement entered a guilty plea and was sentenced to 35 years in prison by District Judge Tanner Neidhardt for the offense of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child.

A conviction of that charge does not permit release on parole, meaning Clement will serve every day of his 35-year sentence. The charge Clement was convicted of included four victims ranging in age from three to 14 at the time of the abuse.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Cassidy Story and Allison Buess.

Story said, “It took extreme bravery for these children to come forward and seek justice for the defendant’s actions. Although this resolution cannot change what happened, we hope it brings closure to the victims and their families.”

Higgins said, “The District Attorney’s Office remains steadfast in our commitment to hold perpetrators accountable and to provide justice for survivors of sexual abuse.”

Hays County under flood watch May 12-13

Fri, 12 May 2023 13:02:34 GMT

WEATHER UPDATE

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch that will remain in effect until 8 p.m. May 13. This is an evolving forecast; check weather reports frequently for updates. Periods of heavy rain and flash flooding remain possible for our area Friday-Sunday (May 12-14).

Visit haysinformed.com for important updates.
Follow the Hays County Office of Emergency Services on Facebook .
Sign up for emergency alerts at warncentraltexas.org .

County hosts Darden Hill improvements community meeting

Tue, 09 May 2023 11:35:31 GMT

Feedback welcome online through June 2

Hays County is taking action to move forward with improvements to Darden Hill Road. This project will help create a safer environment for those that drive, walk, and live along that roadway.

The county is hosting a community meeting on May 17 (see details below) to share information and gather input on planned improvements to Darden Hill Road from RM 1826 to Sawyer Ranch Road. The project includes:

Widening the roadway from two to four lanes,
Adding a median and shoulders,
Creating a path for pedestrians and cyclists, and
Intersection improvements at RM 1826.

Commissioner Walt Smith, Pct. 4, said, “This project is a priority for me and my precinct. Cypress Springs Elementary opened in August of 2021 and has more than 550 students – increasing traffic in the area that lacks continuous sidewalks.”

He added, “This project, along with the county’s other improvement plans for Darden Hill, will help keep residents and visitors safe and improve travel times.”

This project is part of a larger effort being planned in phases to improve Darden Hill Rd. and RM 150 from RM 1826 to RM 12.

DARDEN HILL IMPROVEMENTS COMMUNITY MEETING

Wednesday, May 17, 2023 | 6:30–8 p.m.
Cypress Springs Elementary School (Cafeteria)
11091 Darden Hill Rd, Driftwood, Texas 78619

We encourage the public to participate and share feedback by June 2, 2023. Comments may be submitted through the website, at the in-person meeting, by email at info@improve150.com, by mail (PO Box 5459, Austin, TX 78763), or by text/voicemail at 512-400-6107.

For more information, visit improve150.com/darden .

Child Molester Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison

Fri, 05 May 2023 11:37:11 GMT

Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced today that on

Monday, May 1, 41-year-old Nathan Allen entered a guilty plea to four child abuse charges. Allen was

sentenced to 35 years in prison on a charge of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child – a law that does not permit

release on parole, meaning he will serve every day of the 35-year sentence.

He also received two 20-year sentences and one 10-year sentence for Indecency with a Child that will run

concurrently with the 35-year sentence. Allen was charged with molesting three children between the ages of 6

and 13 in Hays County. Additionally, during the punishment phase of the trial, the State was prepared to offer

the testimony of two other children that Allen molested in another jurisdiction.

The Hays County case against Allen was prosecuted by Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Shelby Griffin

and Cassidy Story.

Griffin said, “Justice was achieved in the case due to the courage the victims had in coming forward and

reporting what the defendant had done to them.”

Higgins said his office is committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community.

“Our office remains steadfast in our commitment to hold perpetrators accountable and to provide justice for

survivors of sexual abuse,” he said.

Hays County Grand Jury Clears San Marcos Police Officers in Fatal Shooting

Wed, 03 May 2023 11:38:21 GMT

Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced today that a Hays County Grand Jury concluded its review of the December 25, 2022, shooting incident in which San Marcos police officers shot and killed 36-year-old Kyle Lobo. The Grand Jury determined the shooting was justified and did not return an indictment in the matter.

Shortly after midnight on December 25, 2022, San Marcos police officers were dispatched to an apartment complex at 490 Barnes Drive. regarding a disturbance involving Lobo. Officers were advised that Lobo had been drinking and was armed with a handgun. The responding officers had body-worn cameras that recorded the incident that occurred upon their arrival.

Officers initially encountered Lobo in an outdoor breezeway and observed that he had a firearm on his waist. When he saw the officers, Lobo retreated upstairs with his young daughter in his arms. Multiple officers followed Lobo and repeatedly requested that he allow them to disarm him. He was advised to not reach for the weapon. Lobo then handed his daughter off to the occupant of the apartment where the disturbance occurred and drew his weapon to confront the officers. Two SMPD officers fired, and Lobo died as a result of the shooting. The Texas Rangers conducted the investigation into the shooting.

Kyle Lobo was a former San Marcos police officer. In October 2022, he was charged with assault family violence and injury to a child. He resigned that same month in lieu of termination.

“A grand jury is composed of twelve citizens from Hays County and serves as an independent voice of the community,” Higgins said. “The Hays County Criminal District Attorney’s Office presented the results of the investigation. After hearing the evidence, the grand jury determined that the conduct of the officers was justified under the law and voted not to indict. This matter is now closed.”

He added, “We would like to thank the Texas Rangers for their prompt and thorough investigation.”

Participate in the Darden Hill Improvements Project Open House

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 13:13:28 GMT

Hays County is hosting a community meeting to share information and gather input on planned improvements to Darden Hill Road from RM 1826 to Sawyer Ranch Road. The meeting will be an open house format. We hope you can attend and share your thoughts if you live, work, or frequently travel in this area!

Attend the Community Meeting!

Roundabout at Darden Hill and Sawyer Ranch

Construction on the roundabout at Darden Hill and Sawyer Ranch Road is expected to begin this spring. More information on construction and the project will be shared at this meeting.

Darden Hill Improvements

Improve150.com/darden
darden@improve150.com
(512) 400-6107

Hays County and American Structure Point earn engineering award for roundabout

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 11:41:19 GMT

Hays County Commissioners and American Structurepoint recently earned a National Recognition Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) for exceptional engineering excellence for the FM 3237 and FM 150 Roundabout project in Driftwood.

Prior to the roundabout, that intersection was a “T” where FM 150 and FM 3237 met; it was an intersection known for vehicle accidents.

The National Engineering Excellence Award recognized Hays County and its contracting team “for a solution to design and build a single-lane roundabout to replace a dangerous T intersection.”

According to a release by American Structurepoint, the project also received a Gold Medal (first-place) Award for engineering excellence from ACEC Texas.

“The project’s goals were to ensure the safety of Hays County residents and travelers by constructing safe and effective transportation improvements in a growing Central Texas community while honoring the community’s character,” Commissioner Lon Shell, Pct. 3, said. “By using a roundabout rather than a traditional T-intersection with traffic signals, the improvements provide a more efficient movement of vehicles, a safer intersection, and environmental benefits.”

Some of the project benefits include:

Improved traffic flow and safer access
Installation of Dark Sky-compliant lights*
Preserving historic oak trees in the center island
Adding a new sewer storm system and culverts
Burying an underground telecommunications line, saving the county thousands in relocation costs

* With a warmer amber color, this reduces the glare and amount of lighting reflecting off the roadway while still meeting Texas Department of Transportation design standards.

“American Structurepoint is thankful for the opportunity to partner with Hays County to improve safety for drivers and pedestrians while preserving historic assets important to the community,” said American Structurepoint President Rick Conner.

Jeffery Alan Scott, Jr. Accepts Two Life Sentences

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 11:39:20 GMT

The Hays County Criminal District Attorney on April 24 concluded the sentencing phase of the trial of Jeffery Alan Scott, Jr., who was convicted of Attempted Capital Murder and Aggravated Assault of a Public Servant on April 19.

According to the DA’s Office, Scott was on the run from a murder warrant from Dallas County, Texas. On July 15, 2020, the U.S. Marshals’ Office tracked him to a 7-Eleven gas station in San Marcos. While he was there, Trooper Juarez with the Texas Department of Public Safety – Highway Patrol Division approached him and asked for his identification. Scott then pulled a gun, pointed it at the trooper and fired multiple shots. Juarez fired back and Scott received a bullet graze wound to the head. Trooper Juarez was uninjured in the exchange. Police reports indicate that several civilians were in the gas station parking lot at the time.

Task Force officers working with the U.S. Marshals arrived on scene within seconds and quickly escorted the civilians to safety away from the shooting. All of this was caught on the trooper’s bodycam and dashcam video as well as the 7-Eleven surveillance footage. In an interview with the Texas Rangers after the incident, Scott admitted to shooting at Trooper Juarez.

Following Scott’s April 19 conviction by a jury, the State then presented punishment evidence to the jury, including evidence on the Dallas murder case, and rested their punishment case-in-chief on Monday, April 24. Scott informed the State he would accept a life sentence on both counts. Hays County 274th Judicial District Judge Gary Steel accepted the plea and Scott was sentenced to life in prison on Attempted Capital Murder and Aggravated Assault of a Public Servant on April 24, 2023.

“We are very proud of the work of our prosecutors, Miranda Ebersole and Allison Buess, in this case,” said Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins. “We are also grateful for the diligent work of the multiple agencies involved with the investigation and prosecution of this case: the Texas Rangers, U.S. Marshals, Office of the Attorney General, San Marcos Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety – Highway Patrol Division, and the Dallas Police Department,” he said.

Local Health Department expands services at new, larger location

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 11:44:57 GMT

The Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) is gearing up to provide more services to the rapidly growing Hays County community. The expanded offerings include a larger space in a new building, located at 101 Thermon Drive in San Marcos.

The expansion of the health department, both in terms of services and space, has been a priority for Health Department Director Tammy Crumley for quite a while.

“Our new building is much larger and will accommodate our staffing space needs,” she said. “More importantly, the new location allows us to provide more services to the residents of Hays County.”

Crumley said the recent approval of the purchase of the Thermon Drive building by the Hays County Commissioners Court was the last piece of that puzzle.

She said the expanded services at the HCLHD will include childhood immunizations and adult safety net for uninsured, underinsured, and low-income residents as well as STI treatment.

Moving into the new building is a three-phased process, Crumley said.

“Our Health Equity and Community Engagement Program team relocated to the new building over the past few weeks,” she said. “Staff who don’t see patients directly will be the next to move, followed by those who see patients, including our TB nurse and eligibility screening for indigent services.”

She said the health department hopes to be fully operational from 101 Thermon Drive by August of this year.

Patient health care services for the county’s indigent residents will continue to be provided by Christus Trinity Community Clinic at the 401 Broadway location in San Marcos. New patients who are interested in qualifying for the county’s indigent program should apply at the new building.

Matthew Gonzales, program manager for the equity and engagement team, said his staff worked remotely for the past several months while the Thermon building purchase was finalized.

“I’m excited to be in the new space and to see how having a permanent home will allow us to enhance our program work,” he said.

Crumley said the health department will celebrate the grand opening of the new location with a ribbon cutting at its annual Back-to-School Fair in the summer. She added that more details will be shared with the public in the coming months.

“I’m excited to see the positive change that this move will inspire within the health department and look forward to welcoming residents at our Back-To-School Fair,” she said.

For more information about the health department, contact Matthew Gonzales by phone at 512-214-5918 or by email at Matthew.Gonzales@co.hays.tx.us .

About the Hays County Local Health Department: The Hays County Local Health Department exists to protect, promote, maintain, and improve the health and quality of life for Hays County residents and visitors through a responsive, well-managed and organized effort. Our philosophy is to treat clients with dignity, concern and consideration. We aim to deliver excellent services through competent, committed employees who are courteous, informed and responsive to each client’s needs.

Commissioners Court moves meeting date from May 9 to May 2

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 13:34:13 GMT

Hays County Commissioners Court voted to switch an upcoming meeting date from May 9 to May 2. The full, updated list of 2023 meeting dates are shown in the graphic.

Learn more about your county government and see the meeting agendas on our website: https://loom.ly/2aqlFAU

Local Health Department congratulates high school essay contest winners

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 11:48:51 GMT

The Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) today announced the winners of its essay competition. Graduating seniors from six area public high schools were eligible to submit an essay on the topic of their experience with and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Between January 1 and March 15, 2023, more than 50 essays were submitted. One student from each eligible high school in Hays County was chosen as the winner and awarded a Mac Book Air laptop. The list of winners is below. (Click image at right to enlarge)

At Hays County Commissioners Court, Matthew Gonzales, Program Manager, Health Equity and Community Engagement, congratulated the essay winners and presented them with their prizes.

“We are thrilled at the number of essays submitted for this contest,” he said. “And we are so happy to provide the six winners with their awards and wish them all the best in the future.”

After a review of each essay by the competition committee, the following students are recognized as the winners of the public health essay competition:

Emma Davenport, Wimberley High School
Robert Farrell, Johnson High School
Natalie Leal, San Marcos High School
Dorothy Pierre, Lehman High School
Ella Revill, Dripping Springs High School
Owen Tippett, Hays High School

For more information about health equity and community engagement, contact Matthew Gonzales by phone at 512-214-5918 or by email at Matthew.Gonzales@co.hays.tx.us .

# # #

Important Info on Home Appraisals

Sat, 22 Apr 2023 13:36:43 GMT

APPRAISALS: Notices of Appraised Value arrived in mailboxes across Hays County this week. Those notices are from the Hays Central Appraisal District (Hays CAD) https://hayscad.com/ . This is a legislatively required agency that conducts property appraisals and determines the value of your property. That agency is not part of your Hays County government.

PROTESTS: Between now and May 18, property owners can examine the information provided by the Hays CAD. According to the agency’s website, you have the right to protest if you believe the appraised value does not accurately reflect the market.

Protests are handled by the Hays County Appraisal Review Board (ARB), comprised of residents of the county appointed by the local administrative judge under Subchapter D, Chapter 74, Government Code. Members can serve two-year terms up to a total of six years.

HAYS CAD BOARD: The Hays CAD is governed by a seven-member board of directors. Members are elected by the governing boards of the taxing entities that participate in the appraisal district. Each board member serves a two-year term beginning on January 1 of even-numbered years. The Hays County Tax Assessor-Collector, an elected position within the Hays County government, serves as a voting member of the Hays CAD Board.

HOW TO PROTEST: Information on how to protest your appraisal is on the Hays CAD website: https://hayscad.com/protest/ .

TAX INVOICES: It’s important to know that the property taxes you pay are collected by Hays County Tax Collector-Assessor’s Office, which uses the tax rates of each taxing entity, also known as taxing units, to generate your property tax bill. These units include the county, cities, school districts, emergency services districts, MUDs, PIDs, PUDs, ACC, and others.

The governing body of each taxing unit sets its own rates. For example, Hays County Commissioners Court sets the tax rate for Hays County. City councils set the rates for municipalities and school boards set the rates for their districts, and so on.

Estimates from the Hays County Tax Collector-Assessor’s Office will be generated beginning in late August and updated throughout September as each taxing entity adopts its rates for the coming fiscal year.

TAXING UNITS: A full list of taxing entities in Hays County can be found here: https://hayscad.com/taxing-unit/ .

Traffic switch on Dacy Lane April 12

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 13:39:23 GMT

ROAD WORK LANE SWITCH

Starting on Wednesday, April 12, Hays County Transportation will make a traffic switch on Dacy Lane south of Bebee Road. This area is next to Science Hall Elementary’s entrance and exit from Dacy Lane.

Traffic will be directed to use the west two lanes while crews work on the eastern portion of Dacy from the CommuniCare Center to Bebee. The contractor will continue to provide access to both driveways on Dacy Lane. The construction will NOT affect access to the school.

Hays County Health Department a step closer to mobile vaccinations

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 12:11:55 GMT

Mobile unit will help county’s most vulnerable

The idea of a mobile vaccination unit for the Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) surfaced in 2018. The staff was looking for ways to improve vaccination rates for children in vulnerable communities and felt a mobile unit would allow the health department to connect with more community members who were unable and/or reluctant to come to the clinic.

Countywide Director Tammy Crumley said, “I loved the idea! Everyone was on board with the concept. I promised staff to do whatever I could to make the mobile unit a reality.”

Identifying a funding source – upwards of $280,000 – was the challenge.

When COVID-19 arrived in Hays County in early 2020, HCLHD secured funding for things like additional staff and mass vaccine clinics. According to Crumley, one source was a grant from the St. David’s Foundation. That organization provided the department with $100,000 for vaccine distribution and administrative support in June 2021.

Then in July, federal COVID-related funding became available, which helped offset the costs originally intended to be covered by the St. David’s Foundation grant. Crumley said she went back to the foundation to alter the original request.

“The health department requested using 100% of the St. David’s Foundation grant toward the purchase of a mobile vaccine unit and the foundation approved the budget amendment,” she said.

But the additional funding needed – roughly $180,000 – was still elusive.

Hays County Commissioner Dr. Michelle Cohen, Pct. 2, took office in January 2023. It was not long after that when County Commissioners Lon Shell, Pct. 3, and Walt Smith, Pct. 4, offered Cohen $200,000 each of their remaining portions of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, which was a federal grant for COVID-related expenses and revenue losses due to the pandemic.

According to the Hays County Budget Office, each member of the Hays County Commissioners Court originally received an allotment of funds, approximately $8.5 million per precinct and $10.7 million for county-wide projects, to be distributed as they deemed most appropriate and with court approval.

Cohen then offered a portion of that funding, totaling $90,413, to the health department to help cover the remaining cost of the mobile vaccination unit.

“I knew I wanted to help bring that mobile vaccination clinic to fruition,” she said. “Having the ability to use ARPA funds for something that will allow us to bring COVID-19 vaccinations and other types of vaccines to the most vulnerable in our community was a no-brainer.”

She collaborated with Commissioner Debbie Gonzales-Ingalsbe, Pct. 1, who also contributed $90,413 from her allotted ARPA funds towards the mobile vaccine van.

“Helping Dr. Cohen with the funding for the health department just made sense,” she said. “This kind of resource will be a real asset to Hays County.”

The final purchasing decision was issued by the court on February 27, 2023. What happens next? Crumley said she placed the order, but it will take some time to receive the new vehicle.

“We reviewed all of the van specs then determined the make and model we wanted to purchase,” she said. “It will be several months since this is a vehicle that has yet to be built.”

She said she knows the waiting is tough.

“In the end, though, this mobile unit will allow us to provide even better service to our residents and help improve our overall health within the county. And that is worth the wait,” she said.

# # #

Learn more about the Hays County Local Health Department, including our Community Health Assessment, on our webpage: https://hayscountytx.com/departments/local-health-department/ .

Hays County Grand Jury Returns Indictment in Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 12:14:18 GMT

Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced on April 7 that a Hays County Grand Jury concluded its review of the shooting incident that occurred at the Ascension Seton Hays Hospital in Kyle on December 12, 2022. The Grand Jury returned an indictment charging Hays County Corrections Officer Isaiah Garcia with the felony offense of Deadly Conduct. The Hays County Criminal District Attorney’s Office will prosecute the case.

Isaiah Garcia, 27 years of age, has worked for Hays County as a corrections officer since 2018. He was on duty guarding an inmate in the hospital when the shooting occurred. Joshua Wright, 36 years of age, was killed in the shooting.

Deadly Conduct as charged in this indictment is a third-degree felony with a possible punishment of two to ten years in prison and a fine of up the $10,000. Garcia has surrendered to authorities in Comal County was released on $20,000 bond.

The Texas Rangers conducted the investigation into the shooting. The results of that investigation, including the video captured by Garcia’s body-worn camera, were presented to the Grand Jury.

Higgins said, “A grand jury is composed of 12 citizens from Hays County and serves as an independent voice of the community. The Hays County Criminal District Attorney’s Office presented the results of the investigation. After hearing the evidence, the grand jury determined that the offense of Deadly Conduct was the most appropriate charge. We would like to thank the Texas Rangers for their prompt and thorough investigation.”

Commissioners’ Court Approves Pet Resource Center

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 12:16:32 GMT

Hays County Commissioners’ Court approved a Professional Service Agreement with Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) as project coordinator for the new Pet Resource Center. APA! will aid in the overall creation and development, as well as operate and manage, the future Pet Resource Center, field services, and veterinary clinic.

The planning phase begins April 3, 2023, for one year, and will yield recommendations for locations, budgets, policies, and operations to Hays County.

Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe, Pct. 1, has been instrumental in the county’s efforts to address myriad issues with animal control and shelter overcrowding.

“I’ve been working with Commissioner Lon Shell for several years to get us to this point,” Ingalsbe said. “I’m thrilled the court was supportive of this initiative and very happy with our selected provider for the Pet Resource Center.”

Precinct 3 Commissioner Lon Shell echoed his colleague’s sentiment.

“It’s taken us a while to make this a reality but I believe it will elevate our ability to better serve county residents, help with our pet overpopulation issues and alleviate the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter’s chronic capacity problems,” he said. “We are all pleased with Austin Pets Alive managing the project and helping us cross the finish line.”

Austin Pets Alive! will research land options and guide the county on a location for the Pet Resource Center that is accessible and centrally located to serve the most people and pets. The group will also be responsible for developing a high-level plan and budget to operate and manage the Pet Resource Center and the veterinary clinic.

Sharri Boyett, the County Judge’s Animal Advocate Advisor, has been working closely with Hays County to bring the Agreement to fruition.

“This Pet Resource Center will provide services to keep pets in their homes as an alternative to owner surrender,” she said. “We will lead Hays County toward reforms in the ways we care for homeless animals, emphasizing animal protection and lifesaving goals.”

In anticipation of major programs, APA! will plan Safety Net, Pet Retention Assistance, Lost Pet Reunification Assistance, and Adoption and Holding for dogs and social cats when no other alternatives can be identified. Community cats will enter the Pet Resource Center for sterilization and vaccination only through a trap/neuter/return (TNR) or shelter/neuter/return (SNR) program.

After a comprehensive capital campaign and fundraising initiative, expectations are that the completion of the Pet Resource Center will occur in a three-year timeframe.

Dr. Ellen Jefferson, President and CEO of Austin Pets Alive!, founder of Human Animal Support Services, and Emancipet Spay Neuter/Neuter Services, said, “Hays County is leading the way for the entire country on a new way of serving the families in their jurisdiction. We know that pets are family to 90 percent of Americans and to see a government recognize that, and act upon it, is innovative and inspiring.”

Hays County Spring Egg Hunt Rescheduled for April 29

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 13:42:32 GMT

Egg hunts for different age groups will begin at noon:

Under 5 years
5-7 years
8-10 years
11-13 years.

Hays County Commissioners donated a prize Easter basket for one child in each age group who finds a golden ticket inside an egg.

Teens between the ages of 14-16 will compete in an Egg Balancing Competition for a prize from the Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra. Each egg hunt age group will have a prize donated by one of the Hays County Commissioners.

Refreshments, crafts, and games will be hosted by the LBJ Museum, Dunbar Heritage Association, KnD Boutique, Mermaid Society, League of Women Voters, Council for the Indigenous and Tejano Community, Downtown Association, and H-E-B. Also on hand for children will be “Storytime Princesses” from the Texas State Medical Explorer Omega Leo Program.

The Hays County Historic Courthouse is located at 111 E. San Antonio St. in San Marcos (the square). Our Easter Egg Hunt is free and everyone is welcome!

Hays County and TxDOT Hold Ribbon Cutting for FM 2001 Realignment

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 12:21:44 GMT

Hays County and Texas Department of Transportation held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the FM 2001 West Realignment project. This is the first of three projects to widen and realign the existing two-lane roadway between I-35 and SH 21.

This project phase realigned FM 2001 along White Wing Trail from the curve east of CR 118 to I-35. The work entailed widening the roadway from two lanes to a four-lane divided highway, adding five-foot bike lanes/shoulders and constructing six-foot sidewalks on each side.

The construction cost was $6 million and took just under two years to complete. Hunter Industries was the project contractor.

Join us at the Summer Health Fair

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 13:49:38 GMT

Come start the summer with the Hays County Local Health Department! Join us June 10 at Dripping Springs Ranch Park & Event Center from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. to browse local resources, join in activities, and get your immunizations for school! Stay tuned for more information as the summer inches closer.

*****

¡Comience el verano junto a el Departamento de Salud Local del Condado de Hays! ¡Únase el 10 de junio de las 9 a.m. a 2 p.m. en Dripping Springs Ranch Park & Event Center para acceder recursos locales, participar en actividades, y obtener las vacunas para la escuela! Manténganse atentos a más información en lo que se acerca el verano.

Hays County’s new Mental Health Court aims to promote wellness and recovery

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 12:23:45 GMT

One of Hays County’s newest judicial offerings is our Mental Health Court (MHC). Court staff provided an overview of the process.

The MHC is a 12-month, three-phased, rehabilitative treatment/specialty court focused on serving individuals with mental health, substance abuse, or intellectual developmental disabilities who are facing pending legal charges.

According to Mental Health Court Administrator Kaimi Mattila, the MHC provides a structured link between treatment, rehabilitation, social support services, and the criminal justice system to promote self-sufficiency, accountability, holistic wellness, empowerment, and successful recovery.

The MHC is fairly new to Hays County; it started in the summer of 2022 when Mattila was hired.

“Last fall was dedicated to creating a handbook and tools for the Mental Health Court and really creating a base of the program to grow it from the ground up,” she said. “I’m really excited to be at the beginning of this program and see where it will go.”

The rest of the team behind the Mental Health court includes County Court at Law Judge Elaine Brown and Lisa Welch, the Mental Health Court Case Worker. The Hill Country Care Coordinator is Mario Salazar.

The criteria to enter the program includes being a Hays County resident at least age 17 and diagnosed with a mental health disorder.

The MHC first receives a referral that can be from a family member, court official, or attorney.

After referral, the MHC will go through the process of determining if the potential client is a good fit for the program and work with the MHC team, Hill Country, and Well Path to begin screenings, develop a treatment plan and solve logistics of the candidate entering the program.

As the Mental Health Court Administrator, Mattila manages dockets and staff, represents MHC, coordinates with her team, and engages in community outreach to find solutions for mental health and justice system overlap.

“Setting contracts with providers and entities wanting to work with the Mental Health Court is an important piece of what I do,” she said. “I aim to set up partnerships with different organizations in the community to fill in those gaps like costs for counseling for our clients.”

Mental Health Court Case Worker Lisa Welch is Mattila’s right hand in this process. Welch provides administrative support to Mattila, case management support to participants, is a liaison for participants and treatment providers, performs jail and initial screenings and conducts attorney outreach.

The program includes three stages over a 12-month period. The first stage is clinical stabilization, where clients begin taking the right medication if prescribed, attending counseling, and receiving case management. The second stage is pro-social habilitation and rehabilitation skills, where clients continue stabilization with additional goals like sobriety support, employment, education, and social activities or volunteering.

The final stage is adaptive habilitation and continuum of care, where participants maintain their progress and continue using the good habits they learned in the program.

The process for candidates can be time-consuming and requires a lot of effort.

Welch said, “We feel we enjoy coming to work and talking to participants. We have such cool jobs, and it is the best thing that is in existence because we have clients that are doing well right now.”

The MHC looks forward to its first two individuals graduating in August 2023. They will then serve as the first peer mentors in the program.

Road Closure at Dacy Lane

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 13:55:42 GMT

On Tuesday, March 14, new sections of Dacy Lane will be open to through traffic from Windy Hill Road to Apple Blossom Street and from Bebee Road to Amberwood Loop. A road closure will be in place on Dacy Lane just south of Windy Hill Road to south of Andrews Crossing as part of the ongoing Dacy Lane roadway improvements project. See project map for location; click to enlarge.

Travelers wanting to proceed on Dacy Lane south of Windy Hill Road will need to follow the detour which directs traffic to Amberwood Loop, Dandelion Loop and Indian Paintbrush Drive. Refer to the road closure and detour map for details. Local access will be provided from the south end of the closure to Amberwood Loop.

Allow for additional time to navigate the detour route during this time period. Proper detour signage will be placed along the detour route to help travelers navigate to arrive at their destinations. Electronic message boards have been set up provide notification to the public for this road closure and detour. The road closure and detour are anticipated to be in place for approximately six months.

For any questions regarding the road closure and detour, please contact Winton Porterfield, Hays County Transportation Department, at (512) 393-7385.

Yarrington Road Development Services office closing lobby at 2:30 p.m. March 13

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 13:52:23 GMT

UPDATE: We will not have internet access today at our Yarrington Road location. Development Services will be closing its lobby at 2:30 p.m.

Heads up: The internet and phones are down at the Hays County offices are Yarrington Road. This is where our Transportation and Development Services teams are located. Our IT folks are working on the issue; no ETA yet but we will provide an update when we know more.

Precinct 2 Parking Lot Construction – HEADS UP

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 15:39:02 GMT

Please be aware: parking lot construction will take place at the Precinct 2 office (in Kyle) during the following estimated time period: March 20-July 20, 2023.

We encourage those who normally visit the Kyle Tax Office for in-person service to consider conducting business using any of the alternatives below:

Motor Vehicle

• Renew your registration online and SAVE $1.00: www.texas.gov

• Renew your registration by mail: 712 S. Stagecoach Trail, STE. 1120, San Marcos, TX 78666

• Visit ANY H-E-B store in Hays County. (NOT expired more than one month)

Must be the recorded owner and vehicle must have been registered in Hays

County in the prior year. Bring renewal notice, valid ID, insurance & inspection.

• Use a drop box: Drop boxes can be found outside ALL tax office locations.

• Use the drive-thru at our San Marcos location.

Property Tax

• Pay online: https://tax.co.hays.tx.us/

• Pay by mail: 712 S. Stagecoach Trail, STE. 1120, San Marcos, TX 78666

• Use a drop box: Drop boxes can be found outside ALL tax office locations.

• Use the drive-thru at our San Marcos location.

• Pay by phone: 800.300.8007

Main Tax Office
712 Stagecoach Trail, STE 1120
San Marcos, Texas 78666
512.395.5545
This location has a drive-thru

Wimberley Substation
200 Stillwater
Wimberley, Texas 78676
512.878.6705

Dripping Springs Substation
195 Roger Hanks Parkway
Dripping Springs, Texas 78620
512.858.5105

Local Health Department launches monthly newsletter

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 15:44:18 GMT

The Hays County Local Health Department now offers residents a monthly newsletter about everything happening at the health department. Be sure to check it out and learn about health initiatives – like our Community Health Assessment – as well as new projects, health tips, and other related info. Stay in the loop and get connected!

County Clerk using Permitium for faster vital records process

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 12:25:19 GMT

The Hays County Clerk’s Office now offers a faster way of obtaining vital records like birth, death and marriage certificates. The office recently partnered with Permitium, an online portal that provides a more convenient service option for residents by allowing them to apply and pay for vital records online.

The use of Permitium allows residents to save time and save a trip to the Hays County Government Center if they need any of these vital documents.

Chief Deputy of the Records Division Roxanne Rodriguez said, “We currently only have the options to come in person or mail in an application. The online portal will be more convenient and save time for everyone involved.”

By using Permitium , residents may not have to come in person to get the documents they need.

The process for receiving vital records will involve applying through the portal, providing required documents and identification, finalizing with payment, and receiving the certificate through mail. There will also be an option to pick up the vital records ordered in the County Clerk’s office. Update notifications on the process will also be sent via email.

To find more information visit County Clerk | Hays County (hayscountytx.com) .

HaysCo Pct. 2 Open House welcomes county residents on March 3

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 15:47:35 GMT

Hays County Precinct 2 welcomes the public this Friday, March 3, for an open house from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.. Residents are encouraged to visit the Pct. 2 office to meet staff and elected officials. Learn more about your county government and what it’s all about.

Departments and offices at the open house will include:

Pct. 2 Commissioner’s Office
Pct. 2 Constable’s Office
Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace
Development Services
Veterans Services Office
Public Defenders Office
Hays County Sheriff’s Office
Transportation Department
County Judge’s Office
Local Health Department

Light refreshments will be served. The Pct. 2 offices are located at 5458 FM 2770 at Crystal Meadow Drive, Kyle, Texas.

HIGH WINDS – CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER UPDATE FEB. 26-27

Sun, 26 Feb 2023 12:27:41 GMT

Critical fire weather conditions are expected Sunday and Monday, Feb. 26-27.

High winds + dry fuels = wildfire risk!

If you’ve been burning brush, be sure all signs of fire are extinguished.

Side note: check around your home/property for anything that could be blow around and make sure it’s tied down or taken inside.

Brush drop-off LAST DAY TO DROP OFF: March 13

Sun, 19 Feb 2023 15:49:53 GMT

PLEASE NOTE OUR RECYCLING AND SOLID WASTE CENTER IN WIMBERLEY WILL GO BACK TO REGULAR HOURS AND PRICES BEGINNING MARCH 14

The last day and location for free brush drop-off is in Wimberley on March 13:

Wimberley
Hays County Recycling and Solid Waste Facility
1691 Carney Lane, Wimberley
Open 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Drop-off thru March 13

Need assistance with tree limbs and related debris? Contact ADRN https://loom.ly/ViUEEkQ

Currently no burn permit is required for residential burning; Click below regarding outdoor burning:
https://loom.ly/I5RzdGc l

County health department invites residents to community visioning session

Sat, 18 Feb 2023 12:32:29 GMT

The Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) invites the public to attend a community visioning session at the San Marcos Public Library on Wednesday, March 1, from 2-4 p.m. Hosted by the HCLHD and Initium Health, the session is a part of the Community Health Assessment currently being conducted to understand local health trends.

According to HCLHD Director Tammy Crumley, the session offers local county residents to have a voice and be part of the conversation.

“We want our residents to be part of shaping our health outcomes in the county for years to come,” she said. “Participants will discuss how they view health and offer ideas for making things better for all county residents.”

The community visioning session represents the consensus of all neighborhoods, ages, and interest groups across the community on what a healthy Hays County should look and feel like. The input gathered will help Initium develop a vision statement for how to address areas for improvement.

“Every voice matters and will be heard at this session,” said Matthew R. Gonzales, Health Equity and Community Engagement Program Manager for HCLHD. “We want to get a comprehensive view of the state of health in the county, and the best way for that to happen is if people come out to this event.”

He added, “Help us create a vision that works for Hays County.”

The visioning session will be held in meeting room B (105) at the San Marcos Public Library, located at 625 E Hopkins St. Individuals can also visit www.healthyhays.org to share their thoughts on health in Hays County.

# # #

About the Hays County Community Health Assessment: The Hays County Local Health Department engaged Initium Health, a Denver-based healthcare consulting firm, to conduct a community health assessment. The assessment, funded by a grant from the Texas Department of State Health Services, involves gaining input from community members and creating a detailed community health improvement plan. This assessment will help HCLHD create long-term plans to respond to the health needs of the community and will be a step towards accreditation by the Public Health Accreditation Board. Learn more on the Hays County

website: https://hayscountytx.com/2023/01/31/hays-county-engages-initium-for-community-health-assessment/

Hays County Grand Jury Clears HCSO Deputy in Fatal Shooting

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 12:34:50 GMT

Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced today that a Hays County grand jury concluded its review of the Nov. 5, 2022, shooting incident involving Hays County Deputy Mohmmad Zaqzouq. The grand jury did not return an indictment in the matter.

On Nov. 5, 2022, two deputies from the Hays County Sheriff’s Office responded to an address in the 100 block of Victoria Court in the Belterra neighborhood, which is in north Hays County between Dripping Springs and Austin. The deputies were investigating a report that an intoxicated driver had crashed a vehicle and threatened a tow truck driver a few blocks away. The body-worn cameras of both deputies recorded the shooting and the events leading up to it.

The investigation showed that while speaking with the vehicle’s owner, Carol James, in the front yard of the residence, the deputies heard a female screaming inside the residence. Zaqzouq approached the front door in response to the screaming. As he approached the door, Ms. James said, “He’s got a knife.” Upon opening the door, Zaqzouq encountered 28-year-old John Samuel File, who was exiting the residence and moved toward the deputy with a large knife in his right hand.

Zaqzouq repeatedly shouted for File to show his hands while retreating away from the door and off the porch. Despite multiple commands, File continued moving toward the deputy with the knife. At that point, Zaqzouq fired his weapon striking File three times. Mr. File died at the scene. One bullet struck Ms. James, File’s grandmother, in the arm during the incident.

The Texas Rangers conducted the investigation into the shooting.

Higgins said, “A grand jury is composed of twelve citizens from Hays County and serves as an independent voice of the community. The Hays County Criminal District Attorney’s Office presented the results of the investigation. After hearing the evidence, the grand jury determined that the conduct of the deputies was justified under the law and voted not to indict.”

He added, “This matter is now closed. We would like to thank the Texas Rangers for their prompt and thorough investigation.”

Hays County supports Core Four initiatives

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 15:57:35 GMT

The Core Four Partnership is comprised of the City of San Marcos, Hays County, Texas State University and San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District. Under leadership by a Youth Services Director, the Core Four works to implement the recommendations and goals set forth by these entities and the Youth Master Plan.

Volunteers are needed for Big Brothers, Big Sisters – an initiative supported by the Core Four partners. See the info below. (Click image to enlarge.)

In addition, a Youth Mental Health First Aid Training takes place in April; that info is below.

FREE Youth Mental Health First Aid Training (YMHFA) for Adults* Assisting Youth

The Core Four Partnership and the SMTX Mental Health Coalition will host a Youth Mental Health First Aid Training.

When: Monday, April 17 and 24, 5:30-8:30 p.m. both days

Where: San Marcos Activity Center, 501 East Hopkins Street in San Marcos

YMHFA is an early intervention tool that teaches adults how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in youth and help connect them to appropriate treatments and support.

*YOU MUST BE 18 OR OLDER TO ATTEND. SNACKS AND BEVERAGES WILL BE PROVIDED

This two-part six-hour training is offered through the partnership with Hill Country MHDDC at no cost to community members in Hays County. Those who attend must participate in both sessions to receive the three-year certification.

The training will be offered in English and Spanish.

Where to register:

English Session https://bit.ly/ymhfaenglish
Spanish Session https://bit.ly/ymhfaspanish
Flyers in English and Spanish linked here .

For more information regarding the Core Four Partnership or the SMTX Mental Health Coalition, email clopez@communityaction.com . The SMTX Mental Health Coalition is facilitated by Core Four Partnership and led by the Youth Services Director, Cristal Lopez.

End dates for debris drop-off approaching

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 15:52:46 GMT

Debris from ice storm drop-off locations; note the end dates are approaching:

1. Wimberley Open 8 a.m.- 4 p.m., February 7-22 **CLOSED FEBRUARY 20**

Hays County Recycling and Solid Waste Facility

1691 Carney Lane, Wimberley

2. Dripping Springs Ranch Park & Event Center (DSRP) Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., February 13-19

1042 Event Center Dr, Dripping Springs

3. Buda Sportsplex Open9 a.m.-5 p.m., February 10-25

310 Buda Sportsplex Dr, Buda

4. Niederwald – 2001 Kai Vista Niederwald, TX Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., February 10- 21

5. San Marcos Old Hays County Civic Center on Civic Center Loop Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., February 10-21

Click here for map locations

https://arcg.is/1Wb8K40

Assistance with Debris-ADRN ( communityos.org )

Self Report Damage-TDEM pSTAT & iSTAT Jurisdiction Portal; Click the link to learn more about the iSTAT system and how the data is used.

https://damage.tdem.texas.gov/

pSTAT is for local jurisdictions

iSTAT is for business and residences

(View videos on that site for reporting directions)

No burn permit is required for residential burning. Click below regarding outdoor burning.
https://www.haysinformed.com/fire-marshal#:~:text=If%20there%20is,R%20OUTDOOR%20BURNING

Wildfire Risk This Week, Feb. 14-16

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 12:36:16 GMT

WILDFIRE RISK THIS WEEK: A Red Flag Warning has been issued for our area, and is in effect from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. CST 2/14/23. Very dry air will begin to filter into the region late tomorrow morning. Said dry air will combine with gusty west to southwest winds and winter-cured fuels to drive critical fire weather conditions.

The National Weather Service is showing elevated fire risk over the next few days. We have a chance for light showers on 2/13 but winds may be strong. Periods of fire weather concerns will exist Tuesday through Thursday, with a possible high fire danger Tuesday afternoon across the Edwards Plateau and Rio Grande. Recent high winds have dried out vegetation and grasses, making them ripe for catching fire.

IMPORTANT: IF YOU HAVE BEEN BURNING BRUSH (E.G. FROM THE ICE STORM), BE SURE ALL SIGNS OF FIRE ARE EXTINGUISHED COMPLETELY.

BR3T seeks volunteers to haul ice storm debris

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 16:00:43 GMT

Neighbors helping neighbors right here in Hays County. BR3T, a disaster recovery nonprofit, seeks volunteers to assist with brush pickup and drop-off. BR3T is seeking volunteers with pickup trucks and flatbed trailers to assist Austin Disaster Relief Network (ADRN) with hauling off trees and limbs that fell during the recent ice storm to free debris drop-off locations within the county. (Limbs need to be chain-sawed and stacked.)

By volunteering, you’ll be assisting our elderly population as well as those individuals with limited physical abilities.

Please visit BR3T https://br3t.org/ to donate your time – BR3T is here to assist when disaster strikes. Call 512-677-9701 or email recovery@BR3T.org.

About BR3T: The Blanco River Regional Recovery Team or BR3T is a 501 (c) (3) organization that facilitates Long Term Recovery for victims of disasters in Blanco, Caldwell, Guadalupe and Hays County Texas.

Hays County Debris Drop-off Locations for ice storm cleanup

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 12:39:30 GMT

As a result of the early February 2023 ice storm, Hays County residents can drop off storm debris at the following locations:

1. Wimberley Open 8 a.m.-4 p.m., February 7-22 **CLOSED FEBRUARY 20**
Hays County Recycling and Solid Waste Facility
1691 Carney Lane, Wimberley

2. Dripping Springs Ranch Park & Event Center (DSRP) Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., February 13-19
1042 Event Center Dr, Dripping Springs

3. Buda Sportsplex Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., February 10-25
310 Buda Sportsplex Dr, Buda

4. 2001 Kai Vista Niederwald, TX Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., February 10- 21

5. San Marcos Old Hays County Civic Center on Civic Center Loop Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., February 10-21

Click here for map locations
https://arcg.is/1Wb8K40

Assistance with Debris-ADRN (communityos.org)

Self Report Damage-TDEM pSTAT & iSTAT Jurisdiction Portal (texas.gov)
pSTAT for local jurisdictions

iSTAT for business and residences (View videos on that site for reporting directions)

Currently no burn permit is required for residential burning
Click below regarding outdoor burning.

https://www.haysinformed.com/fire-marshal#:~:text=If%20there%20is,R%20OUTDOOR%20BURNING

HIGH WIND WARNING – HIGH WILDFIRE RISK ON FEB. 10

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 16:02:45 GMT

HIGH WIND WARNING – HIGH WILDFIRE RISK ON FEB. 10

Another cold front will bring high winds to our area on Friday, Feb. 10. The Hays County Fire Marshal asks county residents to refrain from any outdoor burning when the winds are high. A big concern is the abundance of dead grass from last week’s freeze.

Additionally, he strongly advised checking any debris burn piles to absolutely ensure they are completely out and won’t have the chance to spread smoldering coals and catch anything else on fire.

Hays County appreciates your help!

ADRN may be able to help with storm cleanup

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 12:41:13 GMT

Following this week’s winter storm, many area residents have to deal with fallen trees, branches, and other debris caused by the ice accumulation. Residents in Hays county who need cleanup help can submit a request through the Austin Disaster Relief Network at ADRN. Volunteer teams from local churches will receive that information and coordinate with residents to help with the work.

If you’d like to support ADRN disaster response efforts like this, you can donate online at Winter Storm 2023 – Austin Disaster Relief Network .

See the full news release from ADRN .

COUNTY PARKS CLOSED FEB. 2-3 FOR WINTER STORM CLEANUP

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 12:43:07 GMT

**Hays County parks are closed Feb 2-3 for ice storm cleanup; stay off trails due to danger**

The recent ice storm in Hays County caused many trees and limbs to fall and created other damage and debris at several of the county’s parks and trails, including Jacob’s Well, Dahlstrom, Winters Mill Parkway and Five-Mile Dam Park.

Due to the continued danger and cleanup efforts, all county parks will be closed Feb. 2-3 to allow for cleanup. Staff asks the public to stay off all trails as there is still a danger of falling limbs as well as debris on the ground. Even on your own property use caution if walking or standing under a canopy of trees.

COUNTY PARKS CLOSED FEB. 2-3 FOR WINTER STORM CLEANUP

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 19:40:55 GMT

**Hays County parks are closed Feb 2-3 for ice storm cleanup; stay off trails due to danger**

County offices plan to open Thursday, Feb. 2

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 19:31:41 GMT

Hays County offices are preparing to reopen on Thursday, Feb. 2, at the normal time (8 a.m.). We will communicate if that changes due to ongoing inclement weather or worsening road conditions.

Hays County engages Initium for community health assessment

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 12:45:16 GMT

The Hays County Local Health Department recently engaged Initium Health, a Denver-based healthcare consulting firm, to conduct a community health assessment. The assessment, funded by a grant from the Texas Department of State Health Services, involves gaining input from community members and creating a detailed community health improvement plan.

“The grants awarded to the local health department allow us to accomplish previously set goals,” said Tammy Crumley, Director of the Local Health Department. “This assessment will help us create long-term plans to respond to the health needs of our community and will be a step towards accreditation by the Public Health Accreditation Board.”

Initium, a public benefit corporation, brings together a diverse lineup of public health professionals, healthcare executives, physicians, project managers, researchers and analysts specializing in community and behavioral health. In Hays County, Initium will conduct surveys and community meetings and will create communication aids, such as infographics, to tell the story of health in Hays County and where it’s headed.

“When I was hired, I made it a goal to ensure that policymakers and residents would have access to meaningful and quality data regarding the health outcomes and social determinants of health for Hays County,” said Matthew R. Gonzales, Health Equity and Community Engagement Program Manager for the county. “This data can be utilized to understand overall health trends within the area, to promote health and to reduce disparities.”

Hays County community organizations are invited to join and participate in the process beginning in February. Residents can also expect to receive meeting invitations to share their thoughts and experiences with health in Hays County in the next few months.

“Through interviews and public meetings, we develop a full picture of a community’s needs and deliver recommendations that clients can use to improve healthcare access and health outcomes,” said James Corbett, M.Div., J.D., a principal at Initium. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Hays County and are excited to collaborate with community partners.”

For more information:
Matthew Gonzales
Health Equity and Community Engagement Program Manager
matthew.gonzales@co.hays.tx.us
51 2 .214.5918

Hays County engages Initium for community health assessment

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 19:47:13 GMT

For more information:
Matthew Gonzales
Health Equity and Community Engagement Program Manager
matthew.gonzales@co.hays.tx.us
512. 2 14.5918

# # #

Closures in various County Offices due to Inclement Weather

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 19:37:44 GMT

THIS IS THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE AS OF 12 PM JANUARY 31.

Due to inclement weather, the following county offices will close at noon today, January 31:

DA’s Office

Development Services

The Tax Office in Dripping is closed for the remainder of today, Jan. 31. They will reassess (for all offices) regarding tomorrow.

Additional information about other offices is below:

The Elections Office will be closed tomorrow, Feb. 1.

Justice of the Peace 1-1 staff is working remote today and will reassess later today regarding Wednesday.

The Justice of the Peace 1-2 office is currently closed for in-person services but staff will be working remotely today and tomorrow.

The Treasurer’s Office will be closed Wednesday, Feb. 1.

County offices closed Feb. 1

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 19:34:44 GMT

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: All Hays County government offices, except for critical operational staff, will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, Feb. 1, due to worsening weather conditions. All school districts in Hays County will also be closed.

Justice of the Peace Precinct 5 office closed Jan. 30

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 03:50:38 GMT

The Justice of the Peace Precinct 5 (Judge Bryant’s) office will be closed Monday, Jan. 30, 2023, for building maintenance services. It will re-open on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023, during regular business hours.

Road Closure at SH 80

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 03:53:37 GMT

Road Closure at SH 80: TxDOT has closed access to Old Bastrop Highway (CR 266) south of SH 80 to accommodate work at the SH 80 and Old Bastrop Highway (CR 266) intersection. Travelers attempting to access destinations on Old Bastrop Highway (CR 266) south of SH 80 in this area will utilize portions of eastbound SH 80 and Old Martindale Road.

The closure will be in place until work at the intersection is completed, currently estimated to be late January. Travelers should allow for additional time to navigate the detour route during this time period. Proper detour signage will be placed along the detour route to help travelers navigate the route. Additionally, eastbound and westbound traffic is reduced from 2 lanes in each direction to a single lane in each direction with a continuous left turn lane and traffic has shifted to the newly widened north side of SH 80 during widening on the south side of the roadway.

For any questions regarding the road closure or detour, please contact the TxDOT South Travis Area Office at (512) 282-2113.

Hays County Partners with Hill Country Conservancy and La Cima to Acquire Purgatory Creek Nature Preserve as Conservation Land

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 12:47:59 GMT

Hays County has acquired Purgatory Creek Nature Preserve, a 1,068-acre conservation easement that will permanently protect and preserve the land from future development. This easement was proposed and sponsored by the Hill Country Conservancy (HCC) to be funded through the 2020 Hays County Parks and Open Space Bond. The property is located next to the Purgatory Creek Natural Area, the La Cima Parkland, and the La Cima Regional Habitat Conservation Plan Preserve.

The combined area will protect more than 3,200 acres of uniquely biodiverse habitat including significant Golden-cheeked Warbler habitat, natural springs, canyons, caves, and other karst features that carry water directly into the Edwards Aquifer. The preserve will be part of the network of protected conservation lands in the area, creating one of the State’s largest unbroken blocks of urban wilderness, open space, and water quality protection lands.

In September 2022, the Hays County Commissioners Court approved approximately $9.6M for the Purgatory Creek Nature Preserve conservation easement. With this land being highly desirable for both conservation and development, Hays County and La Cima built upon their existing partnership to work with the HCC to identify a solution that would be an asset to both current and future Hays County residents.

“HCC values the protection of natural areas that conserve critical natural resources and wildlife habitat,” said Kathy Miller, CEO of Hill Country Conservancy. “This easement is just one example of how we do this – planning for growth while ensuring we preserve our most precious natural lands and habitats. We are thrilled to work with Hays County and La Cima to help provide public access to this beautiful Hill Country site.”

She added that this preserve is a great example of a private and public partnership that can balance the need to plan for future growth while preserving the surrounding ecosystem and the community’s access to nature.

“This project is a wonderful accomplishment for Hays County and its partners,” Commissioner Lon Shell, Pct. 3, said. “Hays County is one of the fastest growing areas in Central Texas and in the nation. With growth at this rate, we work to identify and improve upon partnerships that help make our community a welcoming and equitable place for all.”

About the Parks Bond

The 2020 Parks & Open Space Bond called for the issuance of $75 million to establish parks, open spaces, conservation lands, and other recreational opportunities in Hays County. In November 2021, the Parks & Open Space Advisory Commission (POSAC) provided funding recommendations to the Hays County Commissioners Court. To learn more and sign up for bond updates, visit www.haysparksbond.com or email info@haysparksbond.com .

Hays County Partners with Hill Country Conservancy and La Cima to Acquire Purgatory Creek Nature Preserve as Conservation Land

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 20:04:34 GMT

About the Parks Bond

# # #

Elevated fire weather conditions Jan. 12

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 03:55:54 GMT

Update from the Hays County Fire Marshal: Possible elevated or even near critical fire weather conditions this week. Use extreme caution with outdoor burning, using equipment (especially if it creates sparks) and other activities associated with fire hazards.

County Offices closed Jan. 16

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 04:00:11 GMT

Hays County offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 16, in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. Day.

Newly or re-elected Hays County officials

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 12:50:19 GMT

Hays County has several newly or re-elected officials across various offices. Below is a list of those elected or re-elected in November whose terms began on January 1, 2023.

County Judge – Ruben Becerra

Commissioner, Precinct 2 – Dr. Michelle Gutierrez Cohen

Commissioner, Precinct 4 – Walt Smith

Judge, County Court-at-Law #1 – Jimmy Alan Hall

Judge, County Court-at-Law #2 – Chris Johnson

Judge, County Court-at-Law #3 – Elaine S. Brown

Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1-2 – Maggie Moreno

Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2 – Beth Smith

Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3 – Andrew Cable

Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4 – John Burns

Justice of the Peace, Precinct 5 – Sandra Bryant

County Treasurer – Daphne Sanchez Tenorio

Criminal District Attorney – Kelly Higgins

County Clerk – Elaine Cardenas

District Clerk – Avrey Anderson

207th Judicial District Judge – Tracie Wright-Reneau

428th Judicial District Judge – Joe Pool

See the full list of county, state and federal elected officials at this link . Visit the Hays County website for news, information, payments, forms and more.

Fire Marshal Urges Fireworks Safety

Fri, 30 Dec 2022 12:54:05 GMT

A message from the Hays County Fire Marshal’s Office:

Nearly 10,000 injuries resulting in trips to the hospital are caused each year by fireworks. Of those, close to 30% are to hands and fingers. Another quarter are to legs. And about 20% are to eyes.

We urge you to exercise EXTREME caution if using fireworks as part of your holiday celebration. Note that most municipalities have a ban on them within city limits.

And remember that pets and livestock are generally frightened by the loud noises from fireworks explosions.

See our fireworks safety tips at https://www.haysinformed.com/ .

Hays County offices and parks will be closed on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023

Fri, 30 Dec 2022 04:16:12 GMT

Hays County offices and parks will be closed on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023. Wishing all of our residents a Happy New Year filled with peace, good health and love.

Graduating seniors can win a MacBook Air through essay contest

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 04:02:43 GMT

High school seniors in Hays County have an opportunity to win a MacBook Air, thanks to an essay competition by the Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD). If their entry is selected, one student from each of the six eligible schools will win a MacBook Air laptop*. See eligibility requirements below.

Matthew Gonzales, Health Equity and Community Engagement Program Manager for the HCLHD, said the essay competition is just one way the department is trying to get younger Hays County residents involved and active.

“We want to encourage young adults to participate in problem-solving through civic engagement,” he said. “This competition is a great way for us to not just hear but listen to and follow through on the voices and opinions of our youth.”

Gonzales said the essays will ask graduating seniors their thoughts about the impact of COVID-19 on school-aged children and what they learned from the experience.

“Our goal is to use those responses as a guide for policymakers to improve their response to future pandemics,” he said. “We know the pandemic impacted of all us in different ways. It’s important to gather insight from our youth so we can be better prepared for messaging in the future.”

The competition begins on January 1, 2023. Essays are due no later than March 12, 2023 . HCLHD will accept essays via the online application process until 5 p.m. on the deadline day. Students will answer questions such as “Why would you like to receive this scholarship” and “What has been most challenging about your school experience during COVID-19?” They will also respond to what being a student during the pandemic taught them.

*NOTE: The competition requires a minimum of five (5) students from each high school to participate for an award to be provided. In other words, we will only award laptops if at least five students from EACH of the high schools apply. That would be a minimum of 30 submissions, five from each of the six schools. We invite teachers, principals, counselors and parents to share the competition information and encourage participation. High school seniors in Hays County have an opportunity to win a MacBook Air, thanks to an essay competition by the Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD). If their entry is selected, one student from each of the six eligible schools will win a MacBook Air laptop*. See eligibility requirements below.

Eligibility Requirements:

Eligible participants must be a) graduating seniors in the class of 2023 who are currently attending:

Dripping Springs High School
Hays High School
Lehman High School
Johnson High School
San Marcos High School or
Wimberley High School;

and b) attending post-secondary or vocational school after graduation.

Contact the Hays County Health Equity and Community Engagement Program with any questions. Reach the HECE Program by email: localhealthhece@co.hays.tx.us or by phone 512.214.5918. Find the essay submission info here .

Commissioner Mark Jones recognized for service on Commissioners Court

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 12:59:34 GMT

Hays County Commissioner Mark Jones was recognized on Dec. 20, “for his distinguished twelve years of service to Hays County”. Tuesday was his last meeting of the Hays County Commissioners Court as the Precinct 2 representative. Jones served three consecutive four-year terms.

Jones also served as an Executive Committee member of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Transportation Policy Board over the past four years.

Members of the court expressed their thanks and gratitude to Jones for his time on the dais. Commissioner Lon Shell, Pct. 3, who sponsored the agenda item, presented Jones with a gift – a pocket knife – to commemorate his service.

In a presentation to the court, Tucker Ferguson, district engineer for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), awarded Commissioner Jones with the Road Hand Award, the agency’s highest tribute to citizens that give time to transportation projects in their areas.

He said, “He’s developed public and private partnerships that have brought hundreds of millions of dollars in transportation improvements in Hays County.”

Ferguson added, “Hays County Precinct 2 Commissioner Mark Jones is truly a champion of transportation and it’s my honor to present him with the 2023 Texas Department of Transportation Road Hand Award.”

Jones then addressed the audience, saying about his accomplishments during his tenture, “I’m trying not to say I did this. We did this, because I can’t do anything without the support of at least two of these people on the dais.”

He expressed his appreciation for the support of Commissioners Smith, Shell and Ingalsbe, thanking them for working alongside him on the dais.

“The support I’ve got from my fellow Commissioners has been outstanding. I can’t thank you enough,” he said.

Of his bench mate Commissioner Ingalsbe, Jones said, “It’s been an honor and privilege to work with you.”

He also thanked and commended his Executive Assistant Jennifer Scott, saying, “None of this would have been possible without Jennifer.”

Scott was recently honored in Commissioners Court for her 14 years of service to Hays County.

In closing, Jones thanked his family and especially his wife Kerri Jones, for their support and for missing a lot of time with him as they allowed him to serve the Hays County community for the past three-plus decades. Jones was a member of the Hays CISD Board of Directors for many years. He has also been an active supporter of HCISD athletics, including his role in firing the starting gun at track meets.

“It’s been quite a ride,” Jones said.

Arctic Cold Front Arrives 12/23/22

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 12:57:41 GMT

A Hard Freeze Watch has been issued from Thursday (Dec. 22) afternoon/evening. A Wind Chill Watch has been issued for all of South-Central Texas from 6 p.m. Thursday evening through noon on Friday (Dec. 23).

Find more cold weather tips on the Office of Emergency Services Facebook page .

Warming Centers for Hays County

Warming Centers may be activated in the event of widespread power outages in Hays County. In the event warming centers are needed, Hays County Office of Emergency Services is coordinating with several local organizations in the vicinity that will support residents seeking a place to stay warm until the power is back on at their homes. Buses from Dripping Springs Independent School District (ISD), Wimberley ISD, Hays Consolidated ISD and San Marcos ISD may be available for mobile warming station deployment to affected neighborhoods and/or senior centers.

Check this page and our Facebook pages for updates. ( OES FB)

Southside Community Center 518 S. Guadalupe Street, San Marcos, Texas 78666

Westover Baptist Church 1310 Advance Street, San Marcos , Texas 78666

Kyle United Methodist Church 408 West Lockhart Street, Kyle, Texas 78640 512-268-2331

Hays Hills Baptist Church 1401 N Farm to Market 1626, Buda , Texas 78610 512-845-3864

First Baptist Church of Wimberly 15951 Winters Mill Parkway, Wimberley , Texas 78676 512-847-9035

The Church of Latter-Day Saints 3751 Trail Ridge Pass, San Marcos , Texas 78666

Dripping Springs United Methodist Church, 28900 RR12, Dripping Springs Texas 78620 512-894-7123

Dripping Springs Ranch Park 1042 Event Center Drive Dripping Springs , Texas 78620 737-701-6956

NOTE: Dripping Springs Ranch Park (DSRP) will be available for large animal sheltering. Owners will be required to feed and maintain their own animals.

Getting a dog? Check out this list first

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 04:21:06 GMT

Getting a dog is exciting! It’s also a long-term commitment. If you’re considering a new animal (esp. if it’s a birthday or holiday present), remember to treat him or her as a life-long gift that requires food, time, love, exercise, attention and medical care.

Not sure if having a dog will fit into your life? We’re sharing some tips and checklists for new pets, whether they are young or older. If they’re new to your home, there are things to consider:

Size and breed – is it compatible with your lifestyle? How much exercise will it need? How much time can you and your family or roommates commit each day? Is there a safe place to walk the dog each day?
Age – yours and the dog’s; a senior animal may only have a few years remaining but a puppy or young dog may live 10, 12 or 15 years. Are you ready for that kind of commitment?
Cost – what is your initial financial investment, such as an adoption fee, and monthly budget for pets?
Altered – is the dog or cat spayed/neutered? If not, factor that into your budget. The best way to control the overpopulation of dogs and cats is to get them spayed and neutered.
Kiddos – do you have young children or are you planning to have them? Be sure to find a breed (and age) that will mesh with small kids.
Other pets – some animals do much better as the star of the show without other pets around. Others can fit right into a home with multiple animals. Check in advance on the breed, age, temperament, and compatibility of the dog.

Noise – some breeds won’t make good neighbors in tight spaces, like apartments. Certain types of dogs bark a lot, which may not be a good situation for you and your fellow apartment dwellers.
Rent/Own – check with your landlord if you don’t own your home. Know which breeds and sizes are allowed at your location. If you own a home, check with your insurance provider just to be safe.
Space – is there room both inside your home and a place for a dog to run and play outside? Where would you put a crate or bed?
Moving to a new place – know the rules at the new location and try to find a place that allows pets; avoid having to rehome an animal that is part of your family.
Boarding – who will watch Rex or Fluffy when you’re out of town? Factor that cost into your budget.

Also consider these costs, several of which are monthly/ongoing:
Food & water
Vet bills & emergency care
Vaccinations and supplements (possibly medications)
Crates & gates
Collars, tags & leashes
Shampoo & flea meds (also heartworm prevention)
Beds & toys
Bowls & brushes

And if you aren’t ready for the cost and commitment of a dog, but want to do something good for the many, many dogs in the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter, some ideas include;

Donate – the shelter accepts monetary donations year-round, as well as special items as needed.
Foster – help an animal recover from surgery or just provide a safe, loving space while the pup is awaiting his or her forever family. Shelters are loud and stressful. By fostering you can help a future family better understand the pup they’re adopting.
Educate – share all of the important information about the shelter and its mission with your friends and social networks.
Volunteer – the shelter needs community support year-round; you can walk dogs, clean kennels, and provide other assistance.

See more tips and info on the following website: (Hays County does not endorse or have any financial relationship with this company – we just think there’s some great info in this guide for potential pet owners.) https://loom.ly/nQnmXvI

Hays County COVID-19 Update May 4-5

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 07:35:20 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports 74 new lab-confirmed cases along with three (3) new hospitalizations and one (1) new hospital discharges. There are 103 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 17,739. Please note: today’s report covers May 4-5.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 18,510. Hays County has 531 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 865 active cases. Hays County has had 856 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 16 people are currently hospitalized.

As a reminder, a 1st dose Moderna vaccine clinic will take place Thurs., May 13 at the Dunbar Recreation Center, 801 Martin Luther King Dr., San Marcos from 5-10 p.m. No appointment is needed.

May 4-5 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here . An FAQ page can be found here .

Many local municipality websites also have information. Several local school districts also have their own COVID-19 dashboards as does Texas State University.

County offices closed Dec. 22, 23 and 26

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 04:27:26 GMT

Hays County offices will be closed on December 23, 23, and 26, 2022, in observance of the Christmas holiday.

Don’t miss out – add ‘Hays County Emergency Alerts’ to contacts

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 04:28:46 GMT

Hays County residents who signed up for emergency alerts will now see a new phone number when they receive a call or text from the system. The Office of Emergency Services (OES) reminds everyone to not miss out on important and potentially life-saving information by adding 737-214-1420 to their phone contacts as Hays County Emergency Alerts .

According to Emergency Services Planner Laurie Taylor, the change stems from the vendor Hays County uses.

“We use an emergency alert system called Everbridge,” Taylor said. “Now we have a new phone number that will come up on your smartphone and we don’t want anyone to miss out on emergency messages because they don’t recognize the number.”

She explained that creating or updating a contact for the warning system will help ensure that those signed up for alerts know when they receive one because it will be pre-programmed into their phone contact list.

Taylor said the outreach on this important message is a good time to get other county residents to sign up to receive alerts, which include weather warnings and other emergency information.

“Just visit warncentraltexas.org and sign up,” she said. “It’s easy, free and could save your life.”

NOTE: Some residents within the county may receive alerts from their municipality if they live within a city’s limits. Some of those entities have their own emergency alert number. OES recommends adding those different numbers to phone contacts to ensure alerts don’t get lost or ignored.

Annual POD Exercise – public’s help requested

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 13:01:19 GMT

The Hays County Office of Emergency Management and the Hays County Local Health Department is holding the annual POD exercise! What is a POD? It’s Point of Dispensing and it’s a critical part of our emergency planning here in Hays County.

This year’s POD is at Lehman High School in Kyle. (Please note, all registration and contact info is through Hays County – see links below.)

We could use the community’s assistance:
1) Sign up to drive thru the LHS parking lot on Monday, Nov. 21 from 10-11 a.m. (The kids are out of school, so bring ’em along!) Students of driving age are also welcome to drive their own cars through the process.
2) Help us test our new data management system

Use our Sign-up Genius link to RSVP for the POD: https://loom.ly/1CoZGZc (while there, you can also get a link to the data management test system registration)

Read more about the POD exercise and the data test on our website: https://loom.ly/n6rqUSM

Annual POD Exercise – public’s help requested

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 12:30:22 GMT

This year’s POD is at Lehman High School in Kyle. (Please note, all registration and contact info is through Hays County – see links below.)

We could use the community’s assistance:

1) Sign up to drive thru the LHS parking lot on Monday, Nov. 21 from 10-11 a.m. (The kids are out of school, so bring ’em along!) Students of driving age are also welcome to drive their own cars through the process.

2) Help us test our new data management system

Use our Sign-up Genius link to RSVP for the POD: https://loom.ly/1CoZGZc (while there, you can also get a link to the data management test system registration)

Read more about the POD exercise and the data test on our website: https://loom.ly/n6rqUSM

County offices closed November 23-25, 2022

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 04:30:45 GMT

Hays County offices will be closed November 23, 24 and 25, 2022, for the Thanksgiving holiday. Visit our website to see if you can find the service you need and if help is available online, such as payments.

Freeze Warning Nov. 12-13, 2022

Sat, 12 Nov 2022 13:03:33 GMT

FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE: New Freeze Warning issued for Saturday night – Sunday morning (Nov. 12-13, 2022) for the Hill Country and portions of the 1-35 corridor, Southern Edwards Plateau, and Coastal Plains.

Freeze Warning Feb. 12-13, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Sat, 12 Nov 2022 12:27:46 GMT

Hays County COVID-19 Update February 23, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 10:25:05 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports three new COVID-related fatalities: a Kyle woman in her 80s, a San Marcos man in his 60s, and a San Marcos man in his 90s. The department also reports 166 new lab-confirmed cases along with one (1) new hospitalization and two (2) new hospital discharges. There are 189 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 49,415.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 52,369. Hays County has 2,475 active cases. Hays County has had 1,653 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 13 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, six (6) people (46%) are unvaccinated.

Hays County residents can now upload at-home COVID-19 test results to the local health department here: https://arcg.is/1G4P1r . All information is confidential and no identifying information is collected. While these reports will not be included in the official case counts for Hays County, they will provide a better understanding of community spread.

We remind everyone of some simple measures to help slow the spread of the virus, including frequent hand washing, social distancing and wearing a mask when indoors around large groups of people. Additionally, a COVID-19 vaccine may reduce the risk of severe symptoms or death in those who contract for the virus. Children age 5-11 are eligible to receive pediatric doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

Vaccine opportunities:

NOT OFFERING VACCINE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak), 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov

COVID-19 Update February 23, 2022

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County Bond Rating Upgraded to AA+

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 13:05:24 GMT

Standard and Poor’s Financial Services, LLC, announced its upgrade for Hays County from AA to AA+ for the upcoming issuance of Limited Tax Bonds. According to Dan Wegmiller, Managing Director at Specialized Public Finance Inc., AA+ is one notch below the highest possible rating from Standard and Poor’s, a nationally recognized, highly regarded rating agency.

“It is a huge accomplishment for the Hays County and speaks volumes to the investor community regarding the trajectory of the county and its historically strong financial and management practices,” Wegmiller said.

During an October 19 meeting with Standard and Poor’s representatives and county officials, including the Hays County Auditor, Budget Office Director, Treasurer and General Counsel, Hays County’s finances were thoroughly vetted. Hays County Auditor, Marisol Alonzo said the county underwent an in-depth review of current financial reports, background information, and forecasting.

The Standard and Poor’s report said, “The rating reflects our view of the county’s:

Robust, fast-growing economy, which will likely spur growth in the county’s demographics that underpins the ability to fund service and infrastructure expansion,
Well-embedded policies and practices that management utilizes to guide its budgeting and forecasting processes,
Multiyear surpluses, coupled with very strong liquidity and reserves, and
High debt load, reflecting infrastructure investments, but offset by manageable pension and other post-employment benefits (OPEB) costs.”

According to Budget Office Director Vickie Dorsett, said, “Getting to the next level is even more challenging when an entity already has a high rating.”

Knowing the increased rating means improved interest rates on any future bonds gives county officials some peace of mind. It also is a source of pride for those involved in managing the county’s finances.

Britney Bolton Richey, Hays County Treasurer, said, “This high rating increase is a prestigious honor for the county.”

Alonzo added, “It’s also a reflection of the careful, diligent, and well-planned financial stability of our growing county.”

Robust, fast-growing economy, which will likely spur growth in the county’s demographics that underpins the ability to fund service and infrastructure expansion,
Well-embedded policies and practices that management utilizes to guide its budgeting and forecasting processes,
Multiyear surpluses, coupled with very strong liquidity and reserves, and
High debt load, reflecting infrastructure investments, but offset by manageable pension and other post-employment benefits (OPEB) costs.”

According to Budget Office Director Vickie Dorsett, said, “Getting to the next level is even more challenging when an entity already has a high rating.”

Britney Bolton Richey, Hays County Treasurer, said, “This high rating increase is a prestigious honor for the county.”

Alonzo added, “It’s also a reflection of the careful, diligent, and well-planned financial stability of our growing county.”

Hays County Bond Rating Upgraded to AA+

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 12:24:04 GMT

The Standard and Poor’s report said, “The rating reflects our view of the county’s:

Robust, fast-growing economy, which will likely spur growth in the county’s demographics that underpins the ability to fund service and infrastructure expansion,
Well-embedded policies and practices that management utilizes to guide its budgeting and forecasting processes,
Multiyear surpluses, coupled with very strong liquidity and reserves, and
High debt load, reflecting infrastructure investments, but offset by manageable pension and other post-employment benefits (OPEB) costs.”

According to Budget Office Director Vickie Dorsett, said, “Getting to the next level is even more challenging when an entity already has a high rating.”

Britney Bolton Richey, Hays County Treasurer, said, “This high rating increase is a prestigious honor for the county.”

Alonzo added, “It’s also a reflection of the careful, diligent, and well-planned financial stability of our growing county.”

Lane Closures on Windy Hill Road at Dacy Lane (UPDATE)

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 10:54:31 GMT

UPDATE 11/7/22

WINDY HILL @ DACY LANE ROAD WORK

Alternating Lane Closure Notification

Hays County would like to make residents aware of upcoming construction operations that will require lane closures on Windy Hill with one-way traffic control as part of the ongoing Dacy Lane Roadway Improvements Project.

From 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 7, 2022, until 3 p.m. Wednesday Nov. 9, 2022, one-way traffic control measures will be needed for improvements to Windy Hill in the areas of Dacy Lane intersection.

Closures will include flagging personnel and proper signage in the work area of the contractor. Project limits affected will be +/- 500 FT before and after the intersection of Windy Hill and Dacy Lane.

Hays County would like to thank citizens in advance for their cooperation and attentiveness during this time.

ORIGINAL POST:

Hays County’s Transportation Department announced daytime lane closures on Windy Hill Road between November 2-November 4. The road contractor, Jordan Foster Construction Company, will set up daily lane closures between 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on those dates.

Lane closures will be located from one-quarter mile east and west of Dacy Lane. The westbound lane will be closed. East and westbound traffic will be controlled by flag personnel in the remaining eastbound lane.

The lane closures are necessary to provide a safe work zone for the widening along the north side of Windy Hill Road. Access to all side streets and businesses will be maintained at all times during the lane closures.

For any questions regarding the road closure or detour, please contact Winton Porterfield, Hays County Transportation Department, at (512) 393-7385.

Hays County COVID-19 Update August 11, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 15:02:09 GMT

The Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports COVID-19 data in a manner that is more in line with how the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) now calculates whether a community has high, medium, or low transmission (visit that webpage here ; Hays County is currently identified as Low Transmission). It’s also in a more standardized format allowing for comparability across counties and regions.

Additional information about COVID-19 cases is available on our online dashboard . The dashboard is updated weekly.

Key Statistics

*combined PCR and Antigen positives

NOTE: Data is provisional and subject to change

HCLHD may receive information about COVID-19 cases days, weeks or months after the fact. This has been the case since the beginning of the pandemic and is a product of data reporting lags from a variety of sources including physicians, hospitals and other health departments. If you notice additional cases, hospitalizations, or fatalities on the dashboard, please know they are not recent. We issue a weekly report showing the most current data.

The health department reminds everyone that COVID-19 is a respiratory virus that spreads primarily through the air. Wearing an N95, KN95, or KF94 mask while indoors will reduce your chances of catching the virus. Additional measures include utilizing indoor air filters, social distancing, and frequent hand washing. Staying up to date with COVID vaccinations greatly reduces the risk of severe disease and death. Everyone six (6) months and older is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine; see the CDC website for more information.

Hays County residents can upload at-home COVID-19 test results here: https://arcg.is/1G4P1r . No identifying information is collected. While these reports are not included in our official case counts, they help provide a better understanding of community spread.

Vaccine opportunities:

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Pfizer, @ Christus Trinity Clinic,
401 Broadway, San Marcos
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov
Check with your health care provider to see if they offer vaccines

Metric Definitions

Work to begin on Francis Harris Lane Low-water Crossing at York Creek

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 11:19:50 GMT

Hays County’s Transportation Department is gearing up to begin low-water crossing improvements on Francis Harris Lane SE of San Marcos. The project is part of Hays County’s low-water crossing improvement plan.

“The ongoing work to low-water crossings in Hays County is vital to our continued goal of safer roads,” Hays County Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe, Pct. 1, said.

The project, which will be isolated to the low-water crossing directly south of York Creek Road, is slated to begin on or about Oct. 31.

According to Jerry Borcherding, P.E., director of the county’s transportation department, the project involves replacing existing undersized corrugated metal pipes with five 8-foot x 4-foot boxes.

“The project includes new safety guard rails and streambank stabilization,” he said. “The improvements will significantly reduce overtopping of the road.”

He added that upon completion of the project, all disturbed areas will be revegetated.

“I understand how important the enhancements and upgrades of our low-water crossings are to county residents,” Commissioner Ingalsbe said. “I look forward to working with our Transportation Department on this project.”

A detour route has been created for this closure. Francis Harris Lane will remain open for all residents; however, travelers should allow for additional time to navigate the detour route. (See map above; click to enlarge.)

Travelers trying to go south on Francis Harris will have to turn on CR 143 east then south on CR 105 then west on CR 1101 back to Francis Harris Lane.

Travelers trying to go north on Francis Harris will have to turn right on CR 1101 than north on CR 105 than west on CR 143 back to Francis Harris Lane.

This detour will be in place from October 31, 2022, until the targeted completion date of February 2023.

The project, valued at $691,901.95, is funded through the 2016 voter-approved Hays County Road Bonds program. The Design Engineer is Garver, LLC and the Contractor is C3 Environmental Specialties. Hays County, HNTB and Garver will be responsible for managing and inspecting the construction.

For any questions about the project, please contact Hays County Transportation at 512-393-2182.

NB I-35 entrance ramp south of FM 1626/Kyle Crossing closed Oct. 14-17

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 11:23:52 GMT

Sharing info from TxDOT about road work on an entrance ramp on I-35:

Beginning on Friday, Oct. 14, the northbound I-35 entrance ramp just south of FM 1626/Kyle Crossing will be closed continuously through the weekend as crews prepare to open the new permanent entrance ramp. During this time, frontage road traffic will enter the I-35 mainlanes via the entrance ramp north of Kyle Crossing. The new entrance ramp will be open to traffic by Monday, Oct. 17, weather permitting.

Road signs will be placed to alert drivers of the closure.

SH 123/Guadalupe closed at I-35 through weekend

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 11:22:50 GMT

Sharing information from TxDOT regarding an upcoming road project:

Beginning on Friday, Oct. 14 at 10 p.m., SH 123/Guadalupe Street will be closed at the I-35 intersection through the weekend as crews begin to widen the northbound I-35 bridge at SH 123. Northbound and southbound I-35 frontage roads will remain open.

During the closure, eastbound traffic will detour to the southbound I-35 frontage road and U-turn at Wonder World Drive to access SH 123.

Westbound traffic will detour to the northbound I-35 frontage road and U-turn at SH 80/Hopkins Street to access Guadalupe Street. All lanes will reopen to traffic by 5 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 17, weather permitting. (See detour map.)

Road signs will be placed to alert drivers of the upcoming closures. TxDOT asks the traveling public to be patient and remain aware when traveling through the work zone.

Hays County Local Health Department to hold Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Health Forum

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 11:07:28 GMT

As part of its Healthy Hays Forum series, the Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) will host a Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Health Disparities Forum on October 20 at Moe & Gene Johnson High School, located at 4260 FM 967 in Buda.

Experts will discuss disparities in the deaf and hard-of-hearing community as well as how Adverse Childhood Communication Experiences (ACCE) can lead to an increased risk of chronic disease in adults.

“We know many community residents aren’t aware of the health disparities in the deaf and hard-of-hearing community,” said Health Equity and Community Engagement Program Manager Matthew Gonzales. “With this forum, we hope to provide information and resources to help Hays County learn more about this issue.”

The hour-long presentations will run from 6:15 -7:15 p.m. Several deaf and hard-of-hearing organizations will be present to chat with attendees.

Future forum topics include a New Parents Preparedness Forum on October 27 in Dripping Springs. The HCLHD is also holding its first Fall Community Health Fair on October 22 at the Hays CISD Performing Arts Center in Kyle. This event is free and open to the public.

For more information about future events, visit the Hays County Local Health Department’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/HaysCountyLocalHealthDepartment/ or contact Community Outreach Specialist Austin Baier at austin.baier@co.hays.tx.us .

Please note that .1 CEUs will be provided for BEI-certified interpreters at no cost.

SH 21 (from SH 80 to RM 150) closed to through traffic Oct. 14-17

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 10:59:22 GMT

From the Texas Department of Transportation

Major road closure in San Marcos this weekend. Beginning at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14, SH 21 will be closed to through traffic from SH 80 to RM 150. Local access will be available as crews set beams on the new bridge for FM 110 at SH 21. Click map to enlarge.

Northbound traffic will detour via SH 80 to FM 1984 to FM 1966. Southbound traffic will detour using RM 150 to I-35. The roadway will reopen to through traffic by 5 a.m. Monday, Oct 17, weather permitting.

Road signs have been placed and police officers will be on hand for traffic control. Thank you for your patience as we construct the FM 110 bridge.

For any questions regarding the road closure or detour, please contact the TxDOT South Travis Area Office at (512) 282-2113.

Dacy Lane Project Road Closure in Effect

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 11:25:54 GMT

A road closure is in place on Dacy Lane between Windy Hill Road and Kelly Smith Lane as part of the ongoing Dacy Lane improvements project. The closure is needed to facilitate the reconstruction of the existing Dacy Lane roadway in this location.

The contractor will maintain continuous access for local traffic to residences and businesses on this portion of Dacy Lane from Hillside Terrace (north of Windy Hill Road). Travelers in the area should allow additional time to navigate the new route. Click map to enlarge.

Proper signage is in place along the detour route to help travelers navigate the alternate route to arrive at their destinations. Electronic message boards are set up to provide notification to the public for this road closure and detour.

This portion of the project will be active for the next several months and possibly into early 2023.

Hays County COVID-19 Update October 4, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 12:49:18 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports five COVID-related fatalities: a Kyle woman in her 20s, a San Marcos man in his 60s, a San Marcos man in his 50s, a San Marcos woman in her 70s, and a Wimberley man in his 70s. This update covers October 2-4, 2021. The department also reports 166 new lab-confirmed cases along with 14 new hospitalizations and 11 new hospital discharges. There are 241 additional persons considered recovered. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 28,766. Hays County has 988 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 1,889 active cases. Hays County has had 1,307 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 39 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 31 are unvaccinated, which is about 79 percent.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos,
8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
Coming Soon: M-F, Pfizer and Moderna drive-thru vaccine clinics offered by MD Diagnostics @ Old Walnut Springs School, 300 Sportsplex Dripping Springs, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

COVID-19 Update October 4, 2021

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

County adopts FY 23 budget

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 30 Sep 2022 13:40:51 GMT

Hays County Commissioners Court adopted the FY 2023 county budget of $354,051,343 on September 20, 2022. The Commissioners Court also adopted the No New Revenue (NNR) rate of .3125; the FY22 adopted rate was .3867. This is the lowest county tax rate since 1989 despite the county’s continued rapid growth.

With this growth comes the need for additional personnel, law enforcement officers, infrastructure and road improvements, which increases the need for additional staff.

Budget Officer Vickie Dorsett said maintaining the lowest tax rate in more than three decades was challenging but she is proud of the work performed to provide the services county residents expect, offer increased pay to staff, perform infrastructure upgrades and continue the county’s road and parks bond programs.

“We believe it is a major accomplishment to adopt a balanced budget at the NNR rate and still provide a high level of service for Hays County residents,” she said. “This budget also allows us to offer increases in salaries for both law enforcement and civilian positions.”

The FY 2023 budget includes $3 million for personnel to create the following:

New 483rd Judicial District Court, Assistant District Attorneys and support staff,
School Resource Officers (SRO),
Elections staff,
Parks positions for the new Sentinel Peak Preserve,
Administrative and road staff.

Additionally, 47 vacant positions were removed from the budget for a $2 million savings.

“Using the salary savings from unfilled positions gave us the extra funding needed to address salary adjustments across the board,” Commissioner Lon Shell, Pct. 3, said. “We were able to utilize that $2 million for collective bargaining with law enforcement.”

The Commissioners Court also included $2.6 million for salary adjustments for civilian staff and department heads to implement a market compensation study currently underway.

Approximately $2.2M was included for new and replacement equipment to support current and newly created positions and services throughout the county. An additional $13.3 million was included for capital improvements to the Hays County Jail, multiple public buildings, park improvements, and flood mitigation efforts as needed.

Hays County continues to support local agencies through ARPA funding received from the U.S. Treasury as part of the American Rescue Plan Act. Approximately $15.3 million in ARPA funding is included in the FY23 budget to support:

A breast cancer screening program,
Additional SROs,
Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center, and
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Emergency Services Districts (ESD).

The ARPA budget also includes funding to establish a Public Defender Office, to provide additional magistration for those being held in the county jail and to create a Mental Health Specialty Court.

“I’m grateful we were able to utilize the ARPA funding for so many needed and important programs in our community,” Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe, Pct. 1, said. “I’m especially pleased about funding for the Public Defender’s Office and the creation of a Mental Health Specialty Court.”

The budget also includes $58.5 million for the voter-approved Hays County 2016 Road Bond projects. Approximately $23 million is included for the voter-approved Hays County 2020 Park Bond Program for park improvements, open spaces, conservation lands and other recreational opportunities.

For additional information regarding the Fiscal Year 2023 budget, please contact the Budget Office at 512-393-2275. See the adopted budget files on this page: https://hayscountytx.com/financial-transparency-2/ . Click on the FY 2023 Budget Planning folder , then Level 4 – Commissioners Court Adopted Budget .

Hays County Weekly COVID-19 Update September 29, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 13:42:38 GMT

Additional information about COVID-19 cases is available on our online dashboard . The dashboard is updated weekly.

Key Statistics

*combined PCR and Antigen positives

NOTE: Data is provisional and subject to change

Vaccine opportunities:

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Pfizer, @ Christus Trinity Clinic,
401 Broadway, San Marcos
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov
Check with your health care provider to see if they offer vaccines

Metric Definitions

Hays County Historical Commission Celebrates New Marker at Kyle Railroad Depot

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 09:44:27 GMT

In celebration of a new historical marker at the railroad depot in Kyle, the Hays County Historical Commission (HCHC) will host a dedication ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 8, at noon. The ceremony, which coincides with the city of Kyle’s 142nd birthday, will take place at the Kyle Railroad Depot and Heritage Center at 100 N. Front Street in Kyle across from City Hall.

The depot was constructed in 1917 to replace an earlier structure that burned. It closed in 1965, but an award-winning restoration of the depot, led by HCHC, was completed in 2016.

HCHC member Patrick “Hoot” Gibson, chair of the Kyle Railroad Depot and Heritage Center Committee, said the city sponsored the Texas Historical Commission marker that designates the Kyle depot as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.

“The city’s birthday event theme is ‘Kyle on Track’, which recognizes the city wouldn’t exist without the railroad,” Gibson said. “We felt it was appropriate to hold the dedication ceremony on the same day as the city’s birthday celebration since the two are uniquely intertwined.”

Gibson said the public is welcome to attend the dedication ceremony, which will conclude with refreshments.

For more information about the Kyle Railroad Depot and Heritage Center, visit www.HaysHistoricalCommission.com or https://www.facebook.com/thekyledepot/ .

Hays County Burn Ban Reinstated Sept. 27, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 09:38:21 GMT

Per a recommendation from the Hays County Fire Marshal, the burn ban was reinstated by Hays County Commissioners Court on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022. Some of the factors and indices used to make the recommendation are on the Fire Marshal’s web page on haysinformed.com . Decisions of this nature also include input from fire chiefs around the county.

County Holds Fall Community Health Fair

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 13:47:02 GMT

The Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) wants residents to take charge of their own health. The Fall Community Health Fair, scheduled for October 22, is one of several planned events and opportunities to help build a stronger community through good health.

Matthew Gonzales, the county’s health equity and community engagement program manager, said everyone has the power to take better care of themselves.

“Our overall campaign at the health department is: Your health in your hands. Tu salud en tus manos,” he said. “How we eat, how we exercise, and how we deal with stress are all related to our health.”

Gonzales said good health also includes getting regular check-ups, preventative health screenings and routine tests.

The Fall Health Fair takes place from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center in Kyle. Brittany Myers with the HCLHD said the fair features a diabetes screening, blood pressure checks, the opportunity to sign up for future cancer screenings, nutrition and fitness information, STD testing, and free flu and COVID vaccines. She said people of all ages are encouraged to attend.

“We will also have a children’s Halloween costume contest along with games and face painting,” Myers said. “The little ones will enjoy a bounce house and Trick or Treating at each vendor table.”

She added that vendors include the Pink Bus (Pink Heels), Humana, St David’s, CommuniCare, Community Action, the Lions Club and more.

Gonzales said the HCLHD provides a variety of services and information to the community all year long.

“Our primary mission is to improve the quality of life for Hays County citizens and empower them to take charge of their health,” he said. “Much of our emphasis is on underinsured, noninsured and underrepresented groups in Hays County.”

The Hays County Community Health Fair takes place October 22 at 979 Kohlers Crossing in Kyle. For more information about the Fall Health Fair, visit https://hayscountytx.com/fall-community-health-fair/.

FM 2001 West Realignment Project

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 13:52:28 GMT

The FM 2001 West project from Sunbright Boulevard (in the Sunfield neighborhood of Buda) to the existing FM 2001 was developed as part of the Hays County 2016 Road Bond Program. The project includes a four-lane extension of FM 2001 along a new alignment from Sunbright Blvd to existing FM 2001 with a wide median, bike lanes, sidewalks, drainage improvements, signing and pavement markings. FM 2001 West was let for construction by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

The project is the first element of the overall FM 2001 expansion and realignment from Sunbright Boulevard to SH 21 to provide an upgraded, safer route to serve this rapidly-developing eastern portion of Hays County. Improvements include removing 90-degree turns, providing a realigned intersection with SH 21, and accommodating a future expansion to four lanes.

FM 2001 West opened to traffic on September 14, 2022. Since that time, Hays County received comments regarding speeding and the need for additional signage. The county is working with the TxDOT South Travis Area Office to review and evaluate these concerns. The TxDOT Area Office is working to have two 45 mph speed limit signs installed and a 45 mph advisory speed limit message board placed at the tie-in with old FM 2001 for travelers heading west. The county will conduct traffic counts at various locations to see to see if there is a need for traffic signalization in the FM 2001 West corridor.

Hays County and TxDOT ask for the public’s patience as these issues are resolved and needed improvements are implemented. Please continue to monitor this site for any updates.

Contact information: HNTB in Austin (512-691-2200), an engineering firm working with Hays County on FM 2001 and/or the Hays County Precinct 2 Office.

Hays County Recognizes POSAC Members for their Devotion to the Community with Proclamation

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 09:59:11 GMT

Members of the Hays County Parks and Open Space Advisory Commission (POSAC) received recognition Tuesday by the Hays County Commissioners Court for their efforts and contributions to the 2020 Parks and Open Space Bond program.

Under the program, which consists of $75M in general bonds to fund parks, open spaces, conservation lands, and recreational opportunities, five projects have received approval for funding since November 2021, including Sentinel Peak Preserve outside of Wimberley. Hays County Commissioners Court continues working to allocate the remaining funds. Parks bond projects will ensure the preservation of open spaces, protect the county’s ecology, create connecting trails, and restore beloved parks.

The court celebrated POSAC members with a proclamation recognizing their community leadership and expertise to improve the parks and open spaces of Hays County. Commissioners Mark Jones, Pct. 2 and Lon Shell, Pct. 3, co-sponsored the POSAC proclamation.

“Their long nights and continuous work that move Hays County towards a stronger, more equitable and inclusive community does not go unrecognized,” said Shell said.

Jones thanked the POSAC members for their enthusiasm and diligence to move projects forward. “Working to help build the Parks and Open Space Bond consisted of many hours and plenty of patience,” he said. “With the help of this dedicated team, we have come one step closer to seeing these community improvement projects come to life.”

Shell said he also applauds the Hays County community that came together to make these bond projects a reality. “I’m eager to continue working on these projects and to watch our community enjoy these loved spaces,” he said.

POSAC Members

Scott Way (Chair)

Blanca Loya (Vice Chair)

Burt Dement

Carolyn Gonzales

Jim Camp

Karen Ford

Kasey Mock

Kathryn Nichols

Lori Olson

Scott Tomhave

Laura DuPont

Lisa Prewitt

About the Parks Bond The 2020 Parks & Open Space Bond called for the issuance of $75 million to establish parks, open spaces, conservation lands, and other recreational opportunities in Hays County. In November 2021, the Parks & Open Space Advisory Commission (POSAC) provided funding recommendations to the Hays County Commissioners Court. To learn more and sign up for bond updates, visit www.haysparksbond.com or email info@haysparksbond.com.

JOSE NICOLAS-GONZALEZ SENTENCED TO 60 YEARS IN CHILD ABUSE CASE

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 13:55:41 GMT

Jose Nicolas-Gonzalez, 45, was sentenced to 60 years in prison on Thursday for two counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child.

During Nicolas-Gonzalez’s trial, which began on Monday, Sept. 12, 2022, the jury learned that Nicolas-Gonzalez assaulted a young female relative repeatedly beginning when she was about nine years old. He had access to the child on occasions when her mother took another relative to chemotherapy appointments. The child testified that on multiple occasions while at Nicolas-Gonzalez’s house, the defendant placed his hand inside her clothes and used his fingers and hands to sexually assault her.

Law enforcement became involved in December 2019, when the child made an outcry of abuse to her mother. The child was forensically interviewed at Roxanne’s House, Hays County’s regional child advocacy center. The child related the abuse to the forensic interviewer, and, later, to a sexual assault nurse examiner.

Nicolas-Gonzalez’s attorneys argued the child fabricated the abuse, but the jury disagreed and returned verdicts of guilty on both counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child. After a punishment hearing, the jury returned verdicts calling for 60 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice on each count. Senior Judge Dan Mills, sitting by assignment in the 453rd District Court, pronounced the sentence.

Hays County Criminal District Attorney Wes Mau congratulated Assistant Criminal District Attorney Catherine Schneider who led the prosecution with assistance from Court Chief Ben Gillis, as well as the officers and detectives with the Hays County Sheriff’s Office for their work in seeking justice in the case.

“It comes as no surprise that Hays County jurors have no tolerance for predators who target children,” Mau said. “Hopefully, this sentence will not only prevent Mr. Nicolas-Gonzalez from victimizing anyone else but also send a message to others who are inclined to believe they can take advantage of children without consequence.”

Public Notice of Hearing: Stagecoach Ranch, Sec 1, Lot 37, Replat (PLN-2001-PC)

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 14:16:55 GMT

By order of the Hays County Commissioners Court, notice is hereby given that on September 27, 2022, at 9 a.m. in the Hays County Courthouse, 111 E. San Antonio Street, the Hays County Commissioners Court will hold a public hearing to consider:

Stagecoach Ranch, Sec 1, Lot 37, Replat (PLN-2001-PC)

Hays County Rolls out GIS Data Portal

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 13 Sep 2022 13:59:10 GMT

Hays County residents and other members of the public can now search and download Geographic Information System (GIS) data for Hays County.

The new online portal, developed by the GIS Division within the Hays County Development Services Department, provides a range of data including precinct voting maps, election polling locations, 2020 parks bond projects, floodplain maps, county road maps, and more.

“The accessibility of this data will benefit anyone who would normally have to submit an open records request or look around on our website to find what they want,” Marcus Pacheco, Development Services Director, said. “With the GIS portal, the public can now easily find and download the data they need.”

Pacheco said launching the GIS portal helps the department meet an important goal of providing useful, timely information to county residents, the general public, engineers, business owners, university students and developers.

GIS Specialist Kellsey Schilly helped bring the project to fruition.

“I’m excited to share this info with Hays County residents and others who utilize our data, “Schilly said. “It’s been a labor of love to get everything to this point but once the public sees the ease of use, it will all be worth it.”

To view the GIS Portal and learn about the data available, visit: https://hays-county-haysgis.hub.arcgis.com/ .

About the GIS Division : Hays County GIS is responsible for maintaining a GIS data repository and state-of-the-art 9-1-1 emergency response system. The GIS division assists the Hays County Commissioners Court with long-range planning projects as well as supports other GIS initiatives in various departments. The GIS Data Portal facilitates exploring and downloading GIS data managed by the Development Services Department.

County Burn Ban set to Expire

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 13 Sep 2022 07:36:17 GMT

The Hays County Burn Ban expired on September 13, 2022, per a decision made by Hays County Commissioners Court. The Court will revisit the issue at an upcoming meeting. County residents can apply for open burn permits: www.hayscountypermits.com /.

Hispanic Health Forums Aim to Address Common Health Issues

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 14:02:50 GMT

As part of the Healthy Hays Forum Series, the Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) will host two Hispanic/Latino Health-Diet Forums this month, on September 20 and September 27. Dieticians will discuss common health issues in the Hispanic/Latino community, including diabetes and obesity, which affect Hispanic/Latino communities disproportionately.

“Diabetes and other health issues, many of which are related to our diets, are often under-treated among Hispanics,” said Health Equity and Community Engagement Program Manager Matthew Gonzales. “For Hispanic Heritage Month, we wanted to bring to light common health problems within the Hispanic community. Dieticians at the forums will share information about how to improve one’s health and even prevent certain diseases.”

The forums will be presented in Spanish on Sept. 20 and in English on Sept. 27. Both events take place at Lehman High School in Kyle, located at 1700 Lehman Rd. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for the public to speak with a variety of local vendors. Presentations will run from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. in the school’s cafeteria.

“We want to empower members of the community to take charge of their own health and learn about strategies and ideas for making positive changes toward a healthier life,” Gonzales said.

He added that the HCLHD will also give away five H-E-B gift cards each night as door prizes. The gift cards can be used on groceries or gasoline.

For more information on the forum and future events, visit the Hays County Local Health Department’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/HaysCountyLocalHealthDepartment/ or contact Community Outreach Specialist Austin Baier at Austin.Baier@co.hays.tx.us .

NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING OF THE SALARY GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE OF HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 14:22:16 GMT

Hays County Salary Grievance Hearing – September 6, 2022

NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING OF THE
SALARY GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE OF HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS

This Notice is posted by the Hays County Judge pursuant to the Texas Open Meetings Act. (VERNONS TEXAS CODES ANN. GOV. CODE CH.551) and Chapter 152 of the Texas Local Government Code. The Hays County Salary Grievance Committee will hold a Public Hearing at 1:30 P.M. on the 6th day of September, 2022 , in the Hays County Courthouse, Room 301, San Marcos, Texas. A Public Hearing will be held concerning the following subjects:

CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL

Presentation from Counsel Regarding Salary Grievance Committee Procedures.
Hearing(s) regarding Grievances filed by elected officials in response the FY2023 budget.
Deliberation of Committee regarding Grievances filed.
Vote of Committee for each Grievance by paper ballot (or by other means, as determined by Committee).

ADJOURNMENT

Posted by or before 5:00 o’clock P.M. on the 2nd day of September, 2022

SALARY GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE, HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS

Hays County encourages compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the conduct of all public meetings. To that end, persons with disabilities who plan to attend this meeting and who may need auxiliary aids such as an interpreter for a person who is hearing impaired are requested to contact the Hays County Judge’s Office at (512) 393-2205 as soon as the meeting is posted (72 hours before the meeting) or as soon as practical so that appropriate arrangements can be made. While it would be helpful to receive as much advance notice as possible, Hays County will make every reasonable effort to accommodate any valid request regardless of when it is received. Braille is not available.

September is National Emergency Preparedness Month

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 07:39:47 GMT

September is National Emergency Preparedness Month! Hays County Commissioners Court approved a proclamation on August 30, 2022, for the designation. Office of Emergency Services Director Mike Jones and Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Michelle Villegas addressed the court and invited all residents to attend the Sept. 10 Emergency Preparedness Fair. The event takes place from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Hays CISD Performing Arts Center, located at 979 Kohlers Crossing in Kyle.

Children will enjoy visiting with Smokey Bear and Sparky the Fire Dog. First responders will showcase their apparatus in the parking lot. Local vendors will be inside the PAC and outside under a tent. Local high school bands will perform. You can also check out adoptable dogs from the Regional Animal Shelter and donate blood with We Are Blood!

Learn more at haysinformed.com .

Part of the proclamation says ‘residents are encouraged to develop and practice emergency/evacuation plans which include a communications strategy, emergency rendezvous locations, a preparedness kit for home, work, and travel taking into consideration the needs of the members of their household including their pets.’

To help Hays County residents be prepared to face most any emergency, the OES will share a tip each day as part of its 30 Days, 30 Ways campaign. See the tips on the OES Facebook page .

Read the county’s full news release about the Preparedness Fair . Then make plans to bring the family for a fun-filled day!

Public Notice: Public hearing to consider: Rainbow Ranch, Lot 18, Replat (PLN-1941-PC)

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 14:23:30 GMT

By order of the Hays County Commissioners Court, notice is hereby given that on September 13, 2022, at 9 a.m. in the Hays County Courthouse, 111 E. San Antonio Street, the Hays County Commissioners Court will hold a public hearing to consider:

Rainbow Ranch, Lot 18, Replat (PLN-1941-PC)

NOTICE OF INTENT TO RAISE SALARIES & ALLOWANCES OF ELECTED OFFICIALS

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Sat, 27 Aug 2022 15:02:48 GMT

NOTICE OF INTENT TO RAISE SALARIES & ALLOWANCES OF ELECTED OFFICIALS

In accordance with section 152.013 of the Texas Local Government Code, the Commissioners’ Court of Hays County is publishing the following increases in salaries & allowances for elected officials. These increases are proposed as part of the new fiscal year budget which would begin October 1, 2022. A public hearing and expected vote on the budget are scheduled for September 20, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at the Commissioners’ Courtroom of the Hays County Courthouse.

Click to see table.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON HAYS COUNTY FY 2023 BUDGET

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Sat, 27 Aug 2022 15:01:00 GMT

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON HAYS COUNTY FY 2023 BUDGET

Notice is hereby given that the County of Hays will hold a public hearing on the proposed FY 2023 budget on September 20, 2022, at 1:00 p.m., in the Commissioners’ Courtroom, Hays County Courthouse,
111 E. San Antonio St., San Marcos, TX 78666.

The proposed budget will raise more revenue from property taxes than last year’s budget by an amount of $5,679,017 or 5.85% increase from last year’s budget. The property tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year is $6,074,019.

NOTICE OF MEETING TO VOTE ON TAX RATE

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Sat, 27 Aug 2022 14:59:24 GMT

NOTICE OF MEETING TO VOTE ON TAX RATE

A tax rate of $0.3125 per $100 valuation has been proposed by the governing body of Hays County.

PROPOSED TAX RATE $0.3125 per $100
NO-NEW REVENUE TAX RATE $0.3125 per $100
VOTER-APPROVAL TAX RATE $0.3614 per $100

The no-new-revenue tax rate is the tax rate for the 2022 tax year that will raise the same amount of property tax revenue for Hays County from the same properties in both the 2021 tax year and the 2022 tax year.

The voter-approval rate is the highest tax rate that Hays County may adopt without holding an election to seek voter approval of the rate.

The proposed tax rate is not greater than the no-new-revenue tax rate. This means that Hays County is not proposing to increase property taxes for the 2022 tax year.

A PUBLIC MEETING TO VOTE ON THE PROPOSED TAX RATE WILL BE HELD ON September 20, 2022, at 1:00 PM AT Hays County Historic Courthouse – 111 E. San Antonio St., San Marcos, TX 78666.

The proposed tax rate is not greater than the voter-approval tax rate. As a result, Hays County is not required to hold an election at which voters may accept or reject the proposed tax rate. However, you may express your support for or opposition to the proposed tax rate by contacting the members of the Commissioners Court of Hays County at their offices or by attending the public meeting mentioned above.

YOUR TAXES OWED UNDER ANY OF THE RATES MENTIONED ABOVE CAN BE CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS:
Property tax amount= (tax rate) x (taxable value of your property)/100

FOR the proposal:

Ruben Becerra
Debbie Ingalsbe
Mark Jones
Lon Shell
Walt Smith

AGAINST the proposal: none
PRESENT and not voting: none
ABSENT: none

Visit Texas.gov/PropertyTaxes to find a link to your local property tax database on which you can easily access information regarding your property taxes, including information about proposed tax rates and scheduled public hearings of each entity that taxes your property.

The 86th Texas Legislature modified the manner in which the voter-approval tax rate is calculated to limit the rate of growth of property taxes in the state.

The following table compares the taxes imposed on the average residence homestead by Hays County last year to the taxes proposed to be imposed on the average residence homestead by Hays County this year:

No-New-Revenue Maintenance and Operations Rate Adjustments

Indigent Health Care Compensation Expenditures

The Hays County spent $2,000,000 from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, on indigent health care compensation expenditures at the increased minimum eligibility standards, less the amount of state assistance. For the current tax year, the amount of increase above last year’s enhanced indigent health care expenditures is $1,000,000. This increased the no-new-revenue maintenance and operations rate by $0.0032/$100.

Indigent Defense Compensation Expenditures

The Hays County spent $3,352,832 from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, to provide appointed counsel for indigent individuals in criminal or civil proceedings in accordance with the schedule of fees adopted under Article 26.05, Code of Criminal Procedure and to fund the operations of a public defender’s office under Article 26.044, Code of Criminal Procedure, less the amount of any state grants received. For the current tax year, the amount of increase above last year’s indigent defense compensation expenditures is $1,326,036. This increased the no-new-revenue maintenance and operations rate by $0.0003/$100.

For assistance with tax calculations, please contact the tax assessor for Hays County at 512-393-5545 or jenifer.okane@co.hays.tx.us , or visit hays.countytaxrates.com for more information.

Notice of Open Deliberations

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 15:10:41 GMT

Pursuant to Section 174.108_ of the Fire and Police_ Employee Relations Act, this public notice is provided regarding deliberations relating to collective bargaining between:

Hays County, Texas
and
Hays County Law Enforcement Association (HCLEA) as the exclusive bargaining agent on behalf of the police officers of the Hays County Sheriff’s Office

Date/Time: Monday, August 29, 2022, at 2:00 p.m.

Location: Hays County Public Safety Building
810 S. Stagecoach
First Floor Media Conference Room
San Marcos, TX 78666

Subject: Contract Negotiations providing for collective bargaining between Hays County, Texas (“County”) and the Hays County Law Enforcement Association (“HCLEA”).

Public Notice:

Members of the public and press are encouraged to observe and monitor the deliberation, but active participation in discussions or presentations is expressly prohibited unless permitted by the Ground Rules established by the County and HCLEA.

Representatives for either the County or HCLEA may suspend the meeting at any time during the proceedings for consultation with their attorney. Pursuant to Section 551.071 of the Texas Government Code, the County’s deliberations during his period are closed to the public.

Accessibility Statement For Disabled Persons: This meeting site is accessible to disabled persons as follows: The meeting room is on the 1st floor of the building and entrance to the building is accessible. Parking spaces reserved for the disabled are in front of the entrance.

The use of cellular phones or sound activated pager is prohibited while deliberations are being conducted. Please step outside the meeting room should you elect to utilize these devices.

Hays County COVID-19 Update August 24, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 14:07:07 GMT

The Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports COVID-19 data in a manner that is more in line with how the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) now calculates whether a community has high, medium or low transmission (visit that webpage here ; Hays County is currently identified as Medium Transmission). It’s also in a more standardized format allowing for comparability across counties and regions.

Additional information about COVID-19 cases is available on our online dashboard . The dashboard is updated M-F excluding county holidays.

Key Statistics

*combined PCR and Antigen positives

NOTE: Data is provisional and subject to change

Vaccine opportunities:

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Pfizer, @ Christus Trinity Clinic,
401 Broadway, San Marcos
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov
Check with your health care provider to see if they offer vaccines

Metric Definitions

Road Closure at FM 2001 – Updated info

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 15:08:21 GMT

NEW UPDATE 8/30/22

The FM 2001 road closure is now scheduled to begin on Tuesday, Sept 6. and is anticipated to last until no longer than Tuesday, Sept.13.

POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is planning to close FM 2001 on Monday, August 22, 2022, east of Calle Alta Road and north of Satterwhite Road for approximately one week. The roadway closure is needed to complete improvements at the tie-in of existing FM 2001 and the realignment of FM 2001 that is currently under construction.

Travelers attempting to access I-35 and FM 2001 will utilize Old Goforth Road (CR 119) and Hillside Terrace (CR 133). Travelers should allow for additional time to navigate the detour route during this time period. Portions of existing FM 2001 will be available for local access only, as described on the detour map (shown at right; click to enlarge). Message boards reminding travelers of the upcoming road closure will be in place by Monday, August 15, 2002, and proper detour signage will be placed along the detour route to help travelers navigate the detour to arrive at their destinations.

For any questions regarding the road closure or detour, please contact the TxDOT South Travis Area Office at (512) 282-2113.

Election Info/FAQs

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 07:44:48 GMT

We have no greater right in our republic than the right to vote in free, independent elections. The Hays County Elections Office wants everyone who chooses to vote to do so. This November 8 is the mid-term election.

Before that rolls around, let’s get you ready to go. First and foremost, registration. Without that, you won’t be able to cast a ballot. See the info below for how to get registered, where to go to vote, what ID is needed and more; feel free to share, share, share with anyone who may need it!

Visit the Hays County Elections Website .

Am I registered to vote?

https://teamrv-mvp.sos.texas.gov/MVP/mvp.do

How long before an election do I need to be registered to vote? (30 days)

Deadline is October 11 to vote on November 8

https://www.sos.state.tx.us/about/newsreleases/2022/081122.shtml

Name, address, county changes

https://txapps.texas.gov/tolapp/sos/SOSACManager

I’m a student; where should I register to vote?

https://www.votetexas.gov/mobile/register/index.htm

What ID do I need to vote?

https://www.votetexas.gov/voting/need-id.html

When does Early Voting begin and end in Hays County for the 2022 mid-term election?

October 24 – November 4, 2022

https://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/important-election-dates.shtml#2022

WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE VOTING EARLY TO AVOID LONGER WAIT TIMES ON ELECTION DAY

Where are the Early Voting locations?

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://hayscountytx.com/download/departments/elections/2022/nov_8_2022_general/notices/November-2022-Election-Order-EV-sites.pdf

Where do I vote?

Hays County is now a vote center county! You may now vote at any open polling location in the county on both Election Day and during early voting. Check the county’s elections website for polling locations. Local newspapers also list polling locations. You can also call the office of the Hays County Elections Administrator at 512.393.7310.

Can I vote by mail? (If you qualify you can)

https://hayscountytx.com/download/departments/elections/ballot-by-mail-info-card-eng.pdf

Absentee and military voting

https://hayscountytx.com/departments/elections/current-year-elections/

I need assistance to vote in-person

https://www.votetexas.gov/voting/assistance-at-the-polls.html

What is curbside voting?

https://www.votetexas.gov/voting/curbside-voting.html

Texas Secretary of State

https://www.sos.texas.gov/elections/index.shtml

FAQs

https://hayscountytx.com/departments/elections/resources/elections-frequently-asked-questions/

Election links

https://hayscountytx.com/departments/elections/links/

Elections Office Contact Info

712 South Stagecoach Trail

Suite 1012

San Marcos, TX 78666-6294

�� 512.393.7310

�� elections@co.hays.tx.us

M—F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Road Closure at SH 80

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 07:51:26 GMT

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) initiated construction of improvements on SH 80 on July 18, 2022, from Military Drive to FM 1984 in Caldwell County, including widening the roadway from a four-lane rural highway to a five-lane suburban highway with a continuous center turn lane, widening shoulders, installing a traffic signal at Old Bastrop Highway (CR 266), and eliminating a gap in the roadway shoulder for bicycle travel.

TxDOT has closed access to northbound Old Bastrop Highway (CR 266) between SH 80 and SH 21 to accommodate widening on the north side of the roadway. Travelers attempting to access destinations on northbound CR 266 in this area will utilize portions of SH 21 and Old Bastrop Highway (CR 266). The closure will be in place until widening on the north side of the roadway is complete. Travelers should allow for additional time to navigate the detour route during this time period. Proper detour signage will be placed along the detour route to help travelers navigate the route.

Additionally, eastbound and westbound traffic has been reduced from 2 lanes in each direction to a single lane in each direction with a continuous left turn lane. Traffic will be shifted to the south side of SH 80 during widening on the north side of the roadway.

For any questions regarding the road closure or detour, please contact the TxDOT South Travis Area Office at (512) 282-2113.

County to install 4-way stop on Windy Hill Rd.

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 15:11:55 GMT

Following discussions with Hays County Commissioners Debbie Ingalsbe, Pct. 1, and Mark Jones, Pct. 2, the Hays County Transportation Department will install a four-way stop at the intersection of Shadow Creek Boulevard/Crosswinds Parkway at Windy Hill Rd., just east of Kyle. The installation will take place Friday, Aug. 19.

“Current conditions in that area are such that it’s challenging for people to leave and return to the Shadow Creek and Crosswinds neighborhoods,” Ingalsbe said.

According to the commissioners, this stop sign is aimed at alleviating morning and afternoon traffic backups on Shadow Creek Boulevard and Crosswinds Parkway. It should also allow residents to enter and exit their developments in a safer manner.

“We believe this option needs to be explored and studied to determine its effectiveness,” Jones said. “The traveling public is encouraged to alternate traffic to allow entrance onto Windy Hill.”

Hays County COVID-19 Update August 17, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 14:53:32 GMT

Additional information about COVID-19 cases is available on our online dashboard . The dashboard is updated weekly.

Key Statistics

*combined PCR and Antigen positives

NOTE: Data is provisional and subject to change

Vaccine opportunities:

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Pfizer, @ Christus Trinity Clinic,
401 Broadway, San Marcos
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov
Check with your health care provider to see if they offer vaccines

Metric Definitions

Trautwein Road Closures; First of three will be in August

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 14:54:59 GMT

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will regrade Trautwein Road at its intersection with US 290. This project, which includes the construction of a dedicated right turn lane on westbound US 290 and the construction of retaining walls, is estimated to go into construction in 2024. Click image to enlarge.

In preparation for this roadway construction, all conflicting utilities in the area need to be relocated. West Travis County Public Utility Agency (WTCPUA) is relocating its existing waterline which requires the closure of the southernmost portion of Trautwein Road approaching US 290. Between August and October, this detour will be in place for two (2) days at a time, approximately three (3) times.

Travelers attempting to access US 290 via Trautwein Road will be diverted north on Trautwein Road, turn west on Oakwood Lane and south on Canyonwood Drive. Travelers attempting to access Trautwein Road via US 290 will be diverted to turn north on Canyonwood Drive, east on Oakwood Lane, and south on Trautwein Road. Proper detour signage will be placed along the detour route to help travelers navigate the detour to arrive at their destination.

The first of the three (3) detour periods will be for two (2) days in August 2022. The exact dates for the work have not been established; the County will post the specific closure dates when that information becomes available.

Travelers should allow for additional time to navigate the detour route during this time period.

For any questions about the project, please contact WTCPUA at 512-263-0125 or email customerservice@wtcpua.org .

Notice of Public Hearing on Hays County FY 2023 Budget

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 15:11:55 GMT

Notice is hereby given that the County of Hays will hold a public hearing on the proposed FY 2023 budget on August 23, 2022, at 1:00 p.m., in the Commissioners’ Courtroom, Hays County Courthouse, located at
111 E. San Antonio St., San Marcos, TX 78666.

Hays County Confirms Two Monkeypox Cases

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 14:59:51 GMT

The Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) has identified two confirmed cases of monkeypox in Hays County. No further information will be released to protect patient confidentiality. HCLHD is investigating the cases and working to identify individuals who may have had direct contact with the patients.

Below are answers to frequently asked questions:

What is monkeypox?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and monkeypox is rarely fatal. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox.

How is it transmitted?

Monkeypox transmission occurs through close physical contact with someone who has monkeypox, including contact with objects contaminated with the virus from contact with an infected person. Monkeypox is primarily spread through contact with infectious sores, scabs, or bodily fluids. The virus can spread by respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact. According to the CDC, anyone can contract monkeypox, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.

What are the symptoms?

Monkeypox often begins with fever, intense headache, muscle aches, exhaustion, and swollen lymph nodes. The time from infection to developing symptoms is usually 7 – 14 days; however, individuals may develop symptoms 5 – 21 days after exposure. Anyone with a rash that looks like monkeypox should contact their healthcare provider and avoid gatherings, sex, or being intimate with anyone until they consult their healthcare provider.

What is the HCLHD doing?

The HCLHD has received a limited supply of the JYNNEOS vaccine, which can be administered to individuals on a case-by-case basis. HCLHD is working collaboratively with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), healthcare providers and other local health departments to identify high-risk contacts of confirmed or probable monkeypox cases. The county’s health department can evaluate on a case-by-case basis any individual that meets high-risk criteria and may benefit from pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent disease occurrence.

Where can I get more info?

HCLHD has developed an information hub for updates and information about monkeypox. The public can access this hub by visiting https://hclhd-mpx-haysgis.hub.arcgis.com/ .

More information about monkeypox, including prevention, is available on the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/index.html

Back to School Safety Tips

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 07:53:03 GMT

It’s that time, folks – school is starting up all around Hays County and surrounding areas. The first day of school is often stressful for many of us, from our littles to those of us considered slightly more over the hill. Let’s show each other some extra love.

Here are a few tips for safer roadways:

1. Leave home a bit earlier and allow plenty of time to drive safely to your destination.

2. Watch out for busses and kiddos crossing the street.

3. Heed school crossing guard signs.

4. Slow down – you’re really not going to get anywhere that much faster.

5. Exhibit patience and recognize we’re all in the same situation.

6. Stay focused on the road and your surroundings.

7. Remember to always check you car when you park and make sure you didn’t forget to drop off a kiddo at school or daycare.

8. Waiting in a drop off or pick line? Smile, breathe and listen to your favorite tunes while waiting.

The graphic (which we borrowed from another agency) is a helpful reminder about being extra aware of school busses that are carrying our precious cargo. It’s a great visual for knowing where you are legally required to stop to allow children to enter or exit busses.

We wish everyone a happy beginning to the school year!

Emergency Preparedness Fair Celebrating Five Years of Training Community in Self-sufficiency

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 07:57:15 GMT

The Hays County Office of Emergency Services (OES) is gearing up for its fifth annual Emergency Preparedness Fair on September 10. The event theme, “Ready. Prep. Go.”, is a call to be ready for any emergency that comes your way through being prepared. This year’s Title Sponsor is H-E-B.

As in years past, attendees can take useful classes, learn how to make a preparedness kit, and hear from experts about how to be ready to face most any emergency, such as floods, freezes, tornados, hurricanes, and fires. Just in the past three or four years, Hays County has experienced flooding, a devastating freeze and wildfires exacerbated by extreme drought.

“The fifth-year anniversary in marriages traditionally is for gifts made of wood, known for its strength,” said Emergency Services Office Director Mike Jones. “We’re helping to build a stronger, more resilient community through self-sufficiency, preparedness and a willingness to take care of yourself and your family in the event of a disaster or emergency.”

Jones cited the February 2021 “snowmageddon” that hit Central Texas and knocked out power and water for days on end as just one reason to attend the fair.

“We had county residents living in homes without running water, without any power, and in some cases, unable to get any food,” he said. “How can we help people to be better prepared for that kind of emergency?”

Jones also recalled the Memorial Day and October floods of 2015 that devastated much of the county.

“The Preparedness Fair can help people know how to handle most any crisis,” he said. “Being prepared means having supplies on hand, knowing what to do, and providing help to those in need.”

In thinking about being ready for just about anything, Michelle Villegas, the Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for Hays County, asked, “Could you help your neighbors until first responders arrived if there was an emergency or weather-related incident?”

Villegas, a former Air Force nurse, said the family-friendly event offers useful, relevant information along with vendors, food trucks, and live performances by local school bands, plus a raffle and silent auction. Proceeds from the raffle and silent auction benefit BR3T and the Hays County Fire Chief’s Association, respectively.

This year’s fair features a variety of first responders and their apparatus from around Hays County, the chance to see helicopters take off and land, as well as demonstrations and classes.

Attendees can also learn about the county’s emergency alert system (WarnCentralTexas.Org), talk to first responders, and find out more about the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

“Knowing what do to in an emergency can mean the difference between life and death,” said OES Assistant Director and CERT Program Administrator, Brandon High. “Being prepared gives people the confidence to help their family and neighbors until first responders arrive. Becoming a CERT member is an excellent way for Hays County residents to learn to be resourceful and prepared for just about anything.”

Vendors and demonstrators will offer the following:

What documents to take in case of an evacuation
How to best care for your pets during an emergency
Insurance coverage and financial issues after a crisis
How to identify edible plants and flowers
Building a “go bag” if you need to evacuate your home

For more information about the Hays County Emergency Preparedness Fair, visit https://haysinformed.com . The event takes place on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hays CISD Performing Arts Center in Kyle.

Community support through sponsorships are welcome. Interested in hosting a booth or donating a silent auction item? Contact Michelle Villegas at Michelle.Villegas@co.hays.tx.us .

County Grants ARP Funding to HCWC

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 09 Aug 2022 15:05:27 GMT

The Hays County Commissioners Court today approved a $644,000 grant for the Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center (HCWC). The money will come from the Hays County allocation of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and the Local Fiscal Recovery Fund.

Grant funds may be used for any of HCWC’s normal operating working capital uses to mitigate and recover from the extraordinary expenses and revenue loss resulting from the shutdowns and other direct and indirect impacts of COVID-19. Working capital is the amount of capital, which is used in day-to-day operations, including but not limited to items such as payroll, rent, inventory, utilities and interest on loans.

The item was brought forward by Commissioners Mark Jones, Pct. 2, and Walt Smith, Pct. 4. The item was discussed by Commissioners Court at last week’s (Aug. 2) regular meeting. The unanimous vote to approve the grant took place at the court’s regular meeting on August 9.

“After working with the HCWC for almost two years to find a way to address the needs for their new facility, it was obvious that we had to do something,” Commissioner Smith said. “I can’t tell you how excited I am that we are able to provide this financial relief because the assistance the HCWC provides the most vulnerable in our community can’t be measured.”

The commissioners said they believe the ARP funds are being used for something worthwhile and important in Hays County. They also acknowledged the need to accurately track how the funds were used, as the use of grant money for prohibited expenses or investments may result in an action to recover monies not spent according to the rules and laws governing such funds.

“We appreciate all the members of the court for making this funding plan a reality,” Commissioner Jones said. “This grant allows the staff at the center to provide the much-needed services to the community, many of which were hindered during the pandemic.”

Public Notice: Glenn H. Kothmann Properties Subdivision, Lot 39, Replat (PLN-1949-PC)

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 15:17:40 GMT

By order of the Hays County Commissioners Court, notice is hereby given that on August 16, 2022, at 9 a.m. in the Hays County Courthouse, 111 E. San Antonio Street, the Hays County Commissioners Court will hold a public hearing to consider:

Burnett Ranch, Sec 1, Lot 11, Replat (PLN-1927-PC)

Public Notice: Burnett Ranch, Sec 1, Lot 11, Replat (PLN-1927-PC)

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 15:14:20 GMT

Burnett Ranch, Sec 1, Lot 11, Replat (PLN-1927-PC)

Hays County Celebrates Opening its Newest Roundabout

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 07:59:57 GMT

A new roundabout at RM 3237 and RM 150 was recently unveiled, allowing Hays County to celebrate its newest, and first-ever County-funded roundabout intersection. At a ceremony on July 21, officials from the county along with American Structurepoint, held a ribbon-cutting event to mark the occasion. [ See the video ]

“By using a roundabout rather than a traditional T intersection with signals, the improvements provide more efficient movement of cars through the year 2041, a safer intersection, and environmental benefits,” said Hays County Commissioner on Shell, Pct. 3.

He added that RM 3227 and RM 150 are busy roads, especially at this intersection considering the popular destination points and roadway connections to other parts of the County.

“Our goal is to ensure the safety of Hays County residents and travelers by constructing safe and effective transportation improvements while honoring the character of the community we all love,” Shell said.

The intersection includes the installation of Dark Sky compliant lights. By working with the Driftwood Historical Conservation Society during design, the County incorporated a warmer amber color reducing the glare and reducing the amount of light reflecting off the roadway while still meeting Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) design standards.

“This approach not only preserves the local character of the community and allows for more visibility for stargazing it reduces the impact to the natural habitat for birds and other wildlife,” Shell said.

Cox Commercial Construction was the contractor selected to construct the roundabout. Senior Vice President Darren Okruhlik said, “It’s projects like this that make my job rewarding beyond measure. Blending safety improvements with the look and feel of the community is special and Hays County has done a magnificent job with this.

He said the firm is proud of the partnership and the chance to showcase its work.

“Not only do our crews work hard but everyone involved in this effort has worked tirelessly to bring these needed enhancements for driver and pedestrian safety,” Okruhlik said.

Additionally, the County worked through the design to save the beloved historic oak tree at the intersection. Keeping the community in mind while planning for and constructing transportation improvements is key in maintaining the rural character of the area while updating transportation infrastructure.

“American Structurepoint is thankful for the opportunity to partner with Hays County and TxDOT to design the roundabout,” said American Structurepoint President Rick Conner. “As national roundabout experts, it is exciting to showcase our expertise in Central Texas to help address critical issues, including road user safety. American Structurepoint knows roundabouts save lives and I look forward to Hays County residents and visitors benefiting from the work of the County and American Structurepoint.”

Roundabout benefits include more efficient flow of vehicles, reduction of high-speed accidents, environmental benefits through reduced noise and vehicle emissions, and community benefits through traffic calming and landscape aesthetic improvements.

The concept for using a roundabout at this intersection was identified during the FM 150 Character Plan process through the Citizens Advisory Panel. This is the first project identified through the FM 150 Character Plan, to be complete and the first roundabout constructed by Hays County. This is one of nine proposed roundabouts planned in Hays County.

County Health Department Kicks off New Forum Series

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 15:08:57 GMT

NOTE: In the original post, the Spanish and English forum dates were incorrect; they should be:

August 18 (in Spanish) and August 25 (in English). This info is also correct in the text below.

As part of its new Healthy Hays Forum Series, the Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) will host Immunization and Vaccine Community Forums on August 18

(in Spanish) and August 25 (in English) at Gemstone Palace in Kyle, Texas. Local pediatricians and epidemiologists will share information on the importance of vaccines; they will also respond to questions from the public.

Both events run from 5:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. The events are come-and-go style from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. The presentation is from 6:15 p.m.to 7:15 p.m. Then it’s come-and-go from 7:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Gemstone is located at 1101 Bunton Creek Rd. in Kyle.

Attendees are encouraged to explore the local community health resources on display during the events including Hays County Local Health Department, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), CommuniCare, Austin Regional Clinics (ARC), National Center for Farmworker Health (NCFH), Hays Latinos United, and Mano Amiga.

“Hays County Local Health Department wants to help the community be educated about which vaccines your child needs over the years and how these vaccines really do help protect your child,” said Health Equity and Community Engagement Program Manager Matthew Gonzales. “We look forward to hosting more events like this in the future and to being a resource for the people of Hays County.”

The HCLHD plans to host at least one community forum covering a different topic each month. Upcoming topics include Hispanic/Latino health and sexual health. Future forums will be held in different locations.

For more information about the health forums, visit the Hays County Local Health Department’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/HaysCountyLocalHealthDepartment/ or contact Community Outreach Specialist Austin Baier at austin.baier@co.hays.tx.us .

Hays County Weekly COVID-19 Update

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 15:10:15 GMT

Additional information about COVID-19 cases is available on our online dashboard . The dashboard is updated weekly.

Key Statistics

*combined PCR and Antigen positives

NOTE: Data is provisional and subject to change

Vaccine opportunities:

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Pfizer, @ Christus Trinity Clinic,
401 Broadway, San Marcos
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov
Check with your health care provider to see if they offer vaccines

Metric Definitions

An-Drew Jones Convicted of Murder

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 15:12:08 GMT

An-Drew Stephen Jones, 26, was convicted today in the 2019 slaying of Nicholas White. He was sentenced to 65 years in prison.

On April 5, 2019, Nicholas White, 22, was shot and killed in the parking lot of the Uptown Square Apartments in San Marcos, Texas, where he lived at the time. Witnesses at the scene before the shooting described a man wearing a yellow shirt and smoking while apparently waiting for someone.

When White arrived home, the shooter approached White while drawing a firearm and saying, “Where’s my money?”

After White replied, “Are you going to shoot me?”, the gunman fired at least eight times at White, fatally injuring him, before jumping into a silver SUV and fleeing the scene.

San Marcos Police detectives responding to the scene recovered spent shell casings and bullets, along with a cigarette butt apparently left behind by the shooter. Surveillance video from the gated entrance to the apartments revealed the suspect’s vehicle was a Nissan Rogue that had entered the parking lot by following a resident through the automated gate. Police learned the car was rented by An-Drew Jones.

Follow-up investigations uncovered evidence that Jones owned a gun of the same caliber as that used in the shooting. Jones’ phone was tracked through electronic records traveling to the Uptown Square Apartments and then leaving immediately after the shooting and returning to his residence.

A search of his residence revealed an empty gun case containing a receipt for a handgun. Police also discovered a holster and clothing that had been thrown in the trash. The holster contained a magazine filled with cartridges of the same make and caliber as those recovered at the crime scene, and the discarded clothing included a yellow shirt with An-Drew Jones’ DNA on it. Jones’ rental car was found in the parking garage of his residence. The victim’s blood was discovered on the car, and the steering wheel and gearshift lever had gunshot residue on them.

The trial, presided over by 428th Judicial District Judge Bill Henry, began July 5 and concluded on July 14, 2022. The jury returned a verdict of guilty of murder. At the sentencing hearing, which concluded today (July 15), Jones took the stand and admitted he had shot and killed Nicholas White, claiming the killing was over money that White owed for drugs purchased from Jones. The jury sentenced An-Drew Jones to 65 years in prison.

Hays County Criminal District Attorney Wes Mau, who led the prosecution with assistance from Assistant Criminal District Attorney Anthony Mendoza, expressed appreciation to the San Marcos Police Department officers and detectives who investigated the case. Mau expressed his sympathies to Nicholas White’s family, who attended the trial.

“This was a senseless act that took the life of a young man who had everything to look forward to,” he said. “Nothing we can do will balance the scales in a case like this, but I hope Nick’s family can move forward knowing that, in the end, justice was done for Nick.”

Hays County Weekly COVID-19 Update

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 12:40:19 GMT

The Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) is now reporting COVID-19 data in a manner that is more in line with how the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) now calculates whether a community has high, medium or low transmission (visit that webpage here .) Hays County is currently identified as Medium Transmission. It’s also in a more standardized format allowing for comparability across counties and regions.

Additional information about COVID-19 cases is available on our online dashboard . The dashboard is updated M-F excluding county holidays.

Key Statistics

*combined PCR and Antigen positives

NOTE: Data is provisional and subject to change

HCLHD reminds everyone that COVID-19 is a respiratory virus that spreads primarily through the air. Wearing an N95, KN95, or KF94 mask while indoors will reduce your chances of catching the virus. Additional measures include utilizing indoor air filters, social distancing, and frequent hand washing. Staying up to date with COVID vaccinations greatly reduces the risk of severe disease and death. Everyone age five and older is eligible to receive the vaccine. Everyone over the age of 16 is encouraged to get a booster dose.

Vaccine opportunities:

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Pfizer, @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak),
401 Broadway, San Marcos
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov
Check with your health care provider to see if they offer vaccines

Metric Definitions

Election Board Meeting July 18, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 10:25:33 GMT

7-18-2022 Election Board Meeting

Update on Gatlin Creek Fire; Thanks to Responding Agencies

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 08 Jul 2022 12:44:27 GMT

Firefighters and first responders from around the region helped battle Wednesday’s blaze outside Dripping Springs at the Storm Ranch. The call came in around 3 p.m. and North Hays Fire responded as the property is in their territory. Over the course of the next several hours, the wildfire burned about 357 acres, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service, which is one of about 18 agencies that were on the scene helping to contain the wildfire or provide other services.

“As of Friday morning, the fire was approximately 90 percent contained,” Hays County Fire Marshal Mark Wobus said. “Fire crews will remain on the ranch for the next several days to ensure the flames are completely out.”

About ten homes were under an evacuation order that was lifted at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday night. Wobus said the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Hays County Commissioner Walt Smith, Pct. 4, said he was grateful for all the mutual aid assistance from the various agencies.

“With the massive support from regional responders, firefighters were able to prevent further spread and damage from the fire,” he said. “Hays County is appreciative of the help from all of the local departments and organizations, as well as those from state agencies.”

He added, “I’d like to specifically recognize the brave men and women of Hays County ESD 6 (North Hays Fire Department) who first responded to the event and remain there to protect our community.”

Smith thanked the following:

He also gave kudos to Dripping Springs Ranch Park, an event facility that opened as a temporary shelter for humans along with their pets and livestock when county officials implemented an evacuation order for about 10 homes near the wildfire.

Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra said the show of support from neighboring agencies was impressive.

“We thank each and every first responder who helped with the wildfire,” he said. “Their efforts and hard work made all the difference in containing the blaze.”

Regional animal shelter needs community’s help

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 12:45:23 GMT

The overcrowding at the regional animal shelter in San Marcos has been an ongoing issue for many months. How can this community pull together to help?

1. Adopt a pet; be sure you are prepared for the responsibility of pethood. Find the breed and temperament that best matches your life. Right now it’s only $22 to adopt!

2. Foster; this gives animals (esp. long stays) a break from the stress of the shelter and allows the dog or cat to blossom. Plus you gain wonderful insights that will aid a future adopter.

3. Donate; the shelter always needs items, from food to cleaning supplies to blankets.

4. Spread the word; share info with your social network and encourage others to get involved to begin to turn the ship around.

5. Find a stray? Try to find its humans before taking it to the shelter. There are multiple FB groups for lost pets – be sure to post there.

6. Dogs day out; sometimes a dog just needs a break from shelter life. A day out offers them a chance to walk, sniff, enjoy the sunshine (but not on hot pavement and never inside a parked vehicle) and stretch their legs.

And last, but probably THE MOST IMPORTANT: spay and neuter your pets. This is absolutely the best and most needed thing a pet’s human can do to help.

Check out this brief video by the folks at the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter:

https://fb.watch/d_TZwswkaz/

HaysCo Burn Ban remains in effect; some fireworks allowed

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 12:47:36 GMT

Enjoy the 4th of July Safely!! Much of Hays County is still dry, despite recent rains in some areas. Our burn ban remains in effect, which prohibits outdoor burning. Some fireworks are allowed, two types are not allowed per Hays County Commissioners Court: https://loom.ly/xQ7DWws

If you live in an area that allows fireworks (typically not allowed inside city limits), use extreme caution and see the tips in our graphic to have a safe holiday experience.

Cotton Gin at Porter Creek Low-Water Crossing Ribbon Cutting July 1

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 12:50:30 GMT

Hays County plans a ribbon-cutting for the low-water crossing at Cotton Gin Rd. over Porter Creek on Friday, July 1. County officials will celebrate the reopening of the crossing with a brief event that is open to the public.

The project, part of Hays County’s low-water crossing improvement plan, began under Commissioner Mark Jones, Pct. 2, and was transferred to Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe, Pct. 1, following the county’s redistricting in 2021.

“The project has improved the existing low-water crossing at Cotton Gin Road over Porter Creek,” Ingalsbe said. “These improvements will significantly reduce overtopping of the road and lower the flooding elevation upstream of the crossing.”

According to Bert Estrada, the Contracts Manager for the Hays County Transportation Department, the work entailed the following:

Widening the existing roadway and improving about 310 feet of roadway.
Replacing the existing two 36-inch diameter corrugated metal pipe with five 10-foot x 5-foot boxes.
Streambank stabilization and the addition of about 200 linear feet of new safety guard rails for traffic protection.
Drainage improvements including a new culvert and slope protection.

Upon completion of the project, Estrada said all disturbed areas were revegetated.

“We are pleased with the outcome of the project and know it will help make that area much safer for our residents,” Jones said.

The ribbon-cutting begins at 9:30 a.m., weather permitting. Commissioner Jones will say a few words during the event. Parking is along the side of the roadway.

Swimming Suspended at Jacob’s Well

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 12:51:43 GMT

As of June 29, 2022, swimming will not be allowed at Jacob’s Well Natural Area (JWNA) for the foreseeable future. The threat of high bacteria levels, other pollutants and poor visibility conditions are unsafe for swimming. When swimming will be allowed again depends on factors beyond our control. We will monitor those conditions daily and update the information on our website and social media pages.

When booking a reservation individuals understand that JWNA is unable to issue refunds or rainchecks. Reservations may not be canceled or transferred to a different date once created. ALL SALES ARE FINAL.

However, given these unusual circumstances, we will be working with individuals who have reservations affected by the closure.

Jacob’s Well Natural Area remains open for hiking, geocaching, etc.

Low water crossing at York Creek on Francis Harris Lane Closed for Repairs

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 09:20:24 GMT

UPDATE:

The washout of the low-water crossing at Francis Harris Rd. following the June 27 storm was repaired and will be opened for traffic on Thursday morning (July 7). (An earlier version of this update had July 5 as the opening date; that has since been revised by the County’s Transportation Department.)

As a result of the rain on June 27, 2022, the low-water crossing at York Creek on Francis Harris Lane, just south of York Creek Rd was damaged. The Hays County Transportation Dept. has closed Francis Harris Lane for repairs. The work timeline has not yet been determined. We will notify everyone once we get a better idea of the completion date.

Justice of the Peace 5 Office Closed July 4-8

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 08:02:39 GMT

Justice of the Peace Lucinda Doyle said her Precinct 5 office will be closed next week, on Monday for the July 4 holiday and the remainder of the week, July 5-8, for building maintenance repairs.

“My staff will be working remotely to answer phone calls and emails,” Doyle said.

Visit the JP5 website .

Commissioners Receive Animal Feasibility Study Update

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 12:54:26 GMT

The Hays County Commissioner Court received an update on the Animal Feasibility Study conducted by Team Shelter USA. Sara Pizano with Team Shelter USA discussed her findings following a review of the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter and other processes within Hays County related to the care of stray and lost pets. The full report is posted on the Hays County website at hayscountytx.com/animal-shelter-advisory-committee/ .

The recommendations include:

Building a Pet Resource Center as part of the shelter, which will provide a healthy and functional environment for animals, staff, volunteers and visitors.
Addressing the root causes of animal homelessness and lack of access to resources.
Creating a state-of-the-art social services campus serving people and pets in need, which could serve as a model for other communities around the country.
Developing public-private partnerships for the resource center operation

The ability to reunite pets with their owners as soon as possible and reduce the time spent in the facility is another highlight of the study.

Pizano estimated a cost of $23,361,928 in 2022 dollars (she suggested a six percent escalation per year based on the project timeframe) to build a 17,749 SF Pet Resource Center with a covered exterior of 5,950 SF. The facility would also utilize an open-door model community access to veterinary care clinic, which would be a building that includes space for high-volume spay/neuter surgeries.

Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra said, “These are the first steps in protecting the animals in our community and the people who love them. Inevitably, we will need this resource center to properly manage public and animal safety.”

Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe, Pct. 1, said she would like to see the implementation of ordinance revisions among the county and its partner cities, which was also recommended by Team Shelter USA.

“By having complementary ordinances, we can more fully implement programs such as ‘Trap-Neuter-Return’, which isn’t currently allowed under some municipal codes and within Hays County’s unincorporated area,” she said.

Visit Pet Prevent A Litter (PALS) at preventalitter.com for low-cost options for spay/neuter and microchipping. Several microchip clinics are coming up around Hays County:

Kyle on June 22,
Buda on June 29, and
Wimberley on July 3.

Microchipping is highly recommended prior to holidays where there are likely to be fireworks, as many pets run off during those displays.

Hays County Weekly COVID-19 Update

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 13:01:33 GMT

The Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) is now reporting COVID-19 data in a manner that is more in line with how the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) now calculates whether a community has high, medium or low transmission (visit that webpage here ; Hays County is currently identified as Medium Transmission). It’s also in a more standardized format for comparability across counties and regions.

Additional information about COVID-19 cases is available on our online dashboard . The dashboard is updated M-F excluding county holidays.

Key Statistics

*combined PCR and Antigen positives

NOTE: Data is provisional and subject to change

A June 10, 2022, data audit by the Hays County Local Health Department Epidemiology Team added about 1,300 cases to our COVID-19 dashboard. The dates of those cases range across the entire pandemic from March 2020 to the present, with several hundred from January 2022 when the Omicron variant was prevalent. The data is mainly reflected on the cumulative tab.

Vaccine opportunities:

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Pfizer, @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak),
401 Broadway, San Marcos
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov
Check with your health care provider to see if they offer vaccines

Metric Definitions

Some fireworks prohibited during July 4th season in 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 13:12:04 GMT

Here is some clarification about burn bans and fireworks:

Hays County is under a burn ban. This means outdoor burning (such as burning brush/household debris and bonfires) is not allowed. How does that relate to the sale and use of fireworks? Hays County Fire Marshal Mark Wobus explains:

“Outdoor burning is prohibited under the burn ban,” he said. “The Hays County Commissioners Court recently voted to ban the sale of two types of fireworks during the 2022 July 4th holiday season: ‘skyrockets with sticks’ and ‘missiles with fins’ because drought conditions exist.”

Essentially this means that fireworks, other than those restricted as noted above, can be sold and used, even during the burn ban. Sparklers are approved for sale and use.

Wobus strongly urges residents who light fireworks to utilize extreme caution.

“Have a water source nearby in case it’s needed,” he said. “Pay attention to where the fireworks go and where the debris lands. Our conditions are dry so be extra cautious.”

He added that many municipalities have their own ordinances regarding the sale and use of fireworks.

“Be sure to follow the rules where you live,” Wobus said.

Definitions of restricted fireworks in Hays County during the July 4 season:

A skyrocket is a type of firework that uses a solid-fuel rocket to rise quickly into the sky; a bottle rocket is a small skyrocket. At the apex of its ascent, it is usual for a variety of effects (stars, bangs, crackles, etc.) to be emitted. Skyrockets use various stabilization techniques to ensure the flight follows a predictable course, often a long stick attached to the side of the motor, but also including spin-stabilization or fins.

A missile is a sky rocket that doesn’t use a stick for guidance but instead, it may rotate to give it some stability as it lifts off, may use fins as stabilizers, or may be shot from a tube.

See the item from the Hays County Commissioner Court agenda about the restriction of the sale of certain types of fireworks:

https://destinyhosted.com/agenda_publish.cfm?id=42972&mt=ALL&get_month=6&get_year=2022&dsp=agm&seq=64&rev=0&ag=2&ln=756&nseq=65&nrev=0&pseq=41&prev=0#ReturnTo756

County Offices Closed June 20 for Juneteenth Holiday

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 20 Jun 2022 13:12:47 GMT

Hays County Offices will be closed on June 20 in observance of the Juneteenth holiday.

Traffic change-over on Uhland Rd./jail access

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 01:50:14 GMT

The road company (Patin Construction) working on the Uhland Road near the Hays County Jail site will be moving into Phase III of their project; this includes the section in front of 1303 to County Road (West of the Jail). Traffic change-over is scheduled for Monday, 6/27/2022. During construction on Phase III, the Sheriff’s Office will not be accessible from I-35 Frontage Road. All traffic will need to follow East Aquarena Springs Dr. to River Road (new round-a-about) to Uhland Rd.

All traffic will utilize the Middle and East driveways for access. See the map below for vehicle traffic flow during the construction. Vehicle traffic coming and going for Fleet/Maintenance shop, prisoner transports, visitors, employee parking and new arrest enter the middle driveway. (Follow blue arrows)

All traffic for training, jail deliveries, inspections and jail visitation will utilize the far east driveway to gain access to their destination. (Follow black arrows)

Substations of Hays County Clerk’s Office closed until further notice

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 09:24:41 GMT

OFFICE CLOSURE ANNOUNCEMENT: The following substations of the Hays County Clerk’s Office are closed until further notice:

Effective 6/6/2022, Dripping Springs and Wimberley

Effective 6/16/2022: Kyle

PLEASE NOTE: The Hays County Tax Assessor-Collector, Constables, Justices of the Peace and Commissioners’ offices remain open at the above substation locations to serve our residents.

Visit the main County Clerk’s Office in the Government Center, 712 S. Stagecoach in San Marcos or check out the website: https://hayscountytx.com/departments/county-clerk/

Statement from Hays County Clerk Elaine Cardenas: “Wimberley and Dripping Springs services have been underutilized. Closing those offices has had no impact on operations. We are re-evaluating the need to have offices in those locations. The Kyle substation—the first to open and the substation located in the fastest growing area of the county—has a steady demand for services. Our plans call for increasing staff in that location when we can.”

Looking for a new job? Your next career may begin right here in Hays County! Visit our open postings website: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/hayscountytx

Hays County Weekly COVID-19 Update

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 01:54:12 GMT

The Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) is now reporting COVID-19 data in a manner that is more in line with how the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) now calculates whether a community has high, medium or low transmission (visit that webpage here ; Hays County is currently identified as Medium Transmission). It’s also in a more standardized format for comparability across counties and regions.

Additional information about COVID-19 cases is available on our online dashboard . The dashboard is updated M-F excluding county holidays.

Key Statistics

*combined PCR and Antigen positives

NOTE: Data is provisional and subject to change

Vaccine opportunities:

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Pfizer, @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak),
401 Broadway, San Marcos
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov
Check with your health care provider to see if they offer vaccines

Burn Ban in Effect for Hays County

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 01:57:15 GMT

Hays County is under a Burn Ban, which was implemented by the Commissioners Court on the recommendation of the Hays County Fire Marshal. Learn more on the Fire Marshal’s page of haysinformed.com. Wildfire status remains high due to dry conditions and high winds.

Hays County Weekly COVID-19 Update June 8, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 02:04:04 GMT

The Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) is now reporting COVID-19 data in a manner that is more in line with how the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) now calculates whether a community has high, medium or low transmission (visit that webpage here ; Hays County is currently identified as Low Transmission). It’s also in a more standardized format for comparability across counties and regions.

Additional information about COVID-19 cases is available on our online dashboard . The dashboard is updated M-F excluding county holidays.

Key Statistics

*combined PCR and Antigen positives

NOTE: Data is provisional and subject to change

Vaccine opportunities:

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Pfizer, @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak),
401 Broadway, San Marcos
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov
Check with your health care provider to see if they offer vaccines

Yarrington Rd. Facilities Are Reopened

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 09:26:36 GMT

UPDATE JUNE 7: Water service has been restored and the offices at Yarrington Rd. are open.

The following Hays County offices will be temporarily closed until further notice: Transportation Department and Development Services Department. Both are located at 2171 Yarrington Road in Kyle.

According to Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra, a nearby construction issue has caused the buildings at Yarrington to be without any running water. The judge has therefore authorized the immediate closing of the facility, citing potential issues with sanitation.

Development Services Director Marcus Pacheco said many of his employees can work remotely and will continue to provide service to the public while the building is closed.

The Maxwell Water Supply utility has not provided a timeframe for repairs or when the water will be back on at the Yarrington location. Check the Hays County official website and official Facebook page for updates on when the offices are reopening.

Tire Collection for Hays & Caldwell Residents

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 03 Jun 2022 02:06:14 GMT

Hays and Caldwell County residents have an opportunity to drop off used tires on June 11 in Maxwell (near Kyle and San Marcos).

Details:

Saturday, June 11, 2022

9675 Hwy 142 Maxwell, TX

8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Or until trailers are full)

Accepted Items

Passenger Tires
Light Truck Tires

Unaccepted Items

Tires with Rims
Skid Tires
Semi-Truck
Tractor Tires

What To Bring

Proof of residency such as:

Driver’s License
Utility Bill
Property Tax Statement

No more than 25 tires per vehicle will be accepted!

Onion Creek Bridge Construction

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 02:08:18 GMT

ROAD WORK UPDATE: The bridge over Onion Creek on Creek Road (County Road 190), just south of Rogers Hanks Parkway in Dripping Springs, will be closed to through traffic for approximately four months beginning June 1, 2022, so it can be replaced. The Texas Department of Transportation, in partnership with Hays County, is replacing the bridge as part of its Off-System Bridge Program. Barricades and signs will be placed that will indicate an alternate route. Message boards have been placed to notify the public of the closure.

TXDOT is funding the $1.5 million project and overseeing its construction. Hays County previously funded the design of the improvements as well as acquiring right of way and temporary construction easements. Detour routes are shown on the map below.

Fire on Morningwood Contained, Cause Under Investigation

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 30 May 2022 02:13:50 GMT

Crews brought a fire under control in Hays County following about four hours of burning. Approximately five acres were scorched, according to Hays County Fire Marshal Mark Wobus.

“The first call came in at about 11:30 this morning for a structure fire,” Wobus said.

He said the fire appears to have started in or near an outbuilding on the property at 900 Morningwood Drive, which is in a rural neighborhood west of downtown San Marcos.

“The Morningwood incident began as a structure fire but the blaze jumped to a neighboring property behind the outbuilding,” Wobus said. “There were no homes or other structures directly behind the location where the fire began.”

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Wobus confirmed no homes or other buildings were impacted and there were no injuries.

South Hays Assistant Fire Chief Dan Kramer said teamwork was the key to knocking down the fire.

“We had a multi-agency response and were able to get the fire under control before it spread further,” he said.

Kramer said crews from San Marcos Fire Department were the first on scene, though the property is in the South Hays Fire territory. He added that several of his firefighters were at another location on the east side of the city when the call came in about a structure fire on Morningwood.

Other departments that responded included Kyle Fire Department, North Hays Fire Department, San Marcos/Hays County EMS, and the Hays County Sheriff’s Office.

“We want to thank all of our partner agencies that responded and worked together to prevent further loss of property,” Kramer said. “We’re also grateful to the Hays County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) that was also on scene providing rehabilitation to fire crews. That team of dedicated volunteers makes sure our first responders have plenty of water, electrolytes, snacks and wet towels to keep them cool, keep their energy up and make sure they don’t get dehydrated.”

County issues emergency burn ban over Memorial Day weekend

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 27 May 2022 09:31:31 GMT

Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra this morning signed an Executive Order implementing an emergency burn ban over the long holiday weekend.

The ban will take effect at 8:00 a.m. Saturday, May 28, 2022, and remain in effect until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 31.

“In consultation with the Hays County Fire Marshal, I believe the current circumstances in the unincorporated areas of Hays County create a public safety hazard that would be exacerbated by outdoor burning,” Becerra said.

Fire Marshal Mark Wobus said his recommendation to the county judge was based on the weekend weather forecast, which calls for high winds with extremely low relative humidity.

“Even areas of the county that received beneficial rains earlier this week may see an increase in fire activity,” he said.

See details from the burn ban below.

(1) Actions Prohibited:

Except as described hereinafter, a person violates this order if he/she ignites, or causes ignition of any combustible or vegetative material outside of an enclosure which serves to contain all flames and/or sparks, or orders such burning or ignition by others.

(2) Enforcement:

(a) Under notification of a suspected outdoor burning, the fire department assigned to the location of the fire shall respond and take immediate measures to contain and to extinguish the fire.

(b) If requested by the fire official, a duly commissioned peace officer, when available shall be sent to the scene to investigate the nature of the fire.

(c) In accordance with Section 352.081 of the Local Government Cade, a person who knowingly or intentionally violates this order commits a

Class C Misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $500.

(3) Exceptions:

(a) Fires used for camping and cooking if those fires are contained within a structure to prevent the spread of fire to other combustible materials.

Copy of full order here .

Hays County Weekly COVID-19 Update May 25, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 25 May 2022 02:13:00 GMT

The Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) is now reporting COVID-19 data in a manner that is more in line with how the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) now calculates whether a community has high, medium or low transmission (visit that webpage here ; Hays County is currently identified as Low Transmission). It’s also in a more standardized format for comparability across counties and regions.

Additional information about COVID-19 cases is available on our online dashboard . The dashboard is updated M-F excluding county holidays.

Key Statistics

*combined PCR and Antigen positives

NOTE: Data is provisional and subject to change

Vaccine opportunities:

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Pfizer, @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak),
401 Broadway, San Marcos
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov
Check with your health care provider to see if they offer vaccines

County Commissioners Select Firm to Run Public Defenders Office

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 25 May 2022 02:10:09 GMT

Neighborhood Defender Service (NDS) received a unanimous vote by Hays County Commissioners on Tuesday to operate the new Public Defenders Office (PDO) for the county. The vendor was one of two that submitted a bid in response to the county’s Request for Proposals (RFP).

Commissioners debated the merits of the firms during the regular meeting, saying both were capable and would perform well. In the end, the qualifications of NDS pushed it over the finish line.

“We believe NDS is best positioned to bring the needed skills and resources to guide those they serve through the complex justice system,” Hays County Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe (Pct. 1) said after the meeting.

Ingalsbe and Commissioner Lon Shell (Pct. 3), along with General Counsel Mark Kennedy, formed the selection committee to review the submissions from NDS and Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Inc., the other firm that responded to the county’s RFP. Shell said the committee conducted the first round of interviews with each firm but wanted the final decision to be made during Commissioners Court.

“It would be more beneficial to have a public conversation about which direction to go,” he said.

The formation of a PDO is one of several steps taken by the Commissioners Court over the past few years to streamline the overall justice process, including hiring a full-time magistrate who works at the Hays County Jail.

Hays County currently funds a rotating public defense system where attorneys are assigned cases for individuals who cannot afford legal counsel. Even with a PDO in place, Shell said the County would still have private defense attorneys who take indigent cases because it would be cost-prohibitive to have a comprehensive PDO that handles all of those clients.

“A PDO will supplement our current indigent defense program,” Shell said. “We anticipate a PDO would handle about 20 to 25 percent of our indigent clients; a significant percentage would involve mental health cases.”

He added, “Hays County appreciates all the attorneys who provide indigent defense. We will still need them moving forward.”

During the public discussion, Commissioners Shell and Ingalsbe mentioned the focus on mental health as part of the selection process for a PDO.

“The mental health component is so critical in a PDO,” Ingalsbe said. “We know so many who end up in our jail are dealing with everything from mental health to addiction to poverty. This is where a PDO can help navigate the system and work toward the best outcomes for everyone.”

The contract for NDS will come back to Commissioners Court at a later date for final approval.

“The Hays County Public Defenders Office is a welcome step in streamlining the justice system process,” Shell said. “Our goal is to have a PDO that enhances our current system and provides the support necessary to ensure everyone has a fair opportunity to defend themselves.”

Hays County COVID-19 Update May 18, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 18 May 2022 02:22:09 GMT

The Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) is now reporting COVID-19 data in a manner that is more in line with how the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) now calculates whether a community has high, medium or low transmission (visit that webpage here ; Hays County is currently identified as Low Transmission). It’s also in a more standardized format for comparability across counties and regions.

Additional information about COVID-19 cases is available on our online dashboard . The dashboard is updated M-F excluding county holidays.

Key Statistics

*combined PCR and Antigen positives

NOTE: Data is provisional and subject to change

Vaccine opportunities:

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Pfizer, @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak),
401 Broadway, San Marcos
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov
Check with your health care provider to see if they offer vaccines

FY 2023 Budget Calendar

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 16 May 2022 09:37:44 GMT

Click the button below to see the Hays County Commissioners Court FY 2023 Budget Schedule:

Budget workshops will take place August 9 and 16, 2022.

Public hearings will take place on August 23, September 13 and September 20, 2022.

Dazrine Chagoya-Williams Sentenced to Life Without Parole For Infant Son’s Murder

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 11 May 2022 02:24:54 GMT

May 6, 2022 – Dazrine Chagoya-Williams, 24, of Kyle, Texas, was convicted of the capital murder of her infant child and sentenced to life without parole.

The trial evidence presented over the last two weeks showed that on July 4, 2018, Dazrine Chagoya-Williams called 911, claiming that her 20-month-old son, Mason Williams, was discovered not breathing after a nap. Kyle Fire Department and EMS attempted to perform life-saving measures on Mason, and soon noticed bruising and other evidence that the death had occurred hours earlier. Investigators later learned that up to twelve minutes before calling 911, Chagoya-Williams and her husband, Stevie Dwayne Williams, Jr., 27, had placed multiple calls to tell family members the baby was dead.

Both the medical examiner and a Dell Children’s Hospital pediatrics expert testified that Mason’s death resulted from squeezing the child’s body, depriving his brain of oxygen. The day following Mason’s death, the Williams’ other child, an 8-month-old baby girl, was removed from their care by Child Protective Services (CPS). Physicians at Dell Children’s Hospital discovered multiple serious injuries on Mason’s sister, similar to those Mason suffered.

Chagoya-Williams gave multiple statements containing numerous inconsistencies and denying knowledge of her children’s injuries. Phone extractions from both Chagoya-Williams’ and her husband’s phones, however, showed injuries to both children over several months.

In addition, CPS caseworkers testified to observing similar injuries on Mason in 2017. Mason had been returned to Chagoya-Williams and her husband by CPS in March 2018, only after the Williamses completed required services.

Dazrine Chagoya-Williams’ trial began on April 25, 2022. She was convicted of capital murder of a child under 10 years of age after the jury’s guilty verdict Friday afternoon, May 6, 2022. Bill Henry, the 428th Judicial District Court Judge, sentenced Chagoya-Williams to life in prison without the possibility of parole (the sentence being automatic in a capital murder case in which, as here, the State does not seek the death penalty).

The Hays County Criminal District Attorney’s Office represented the Department of Family and Protective Services in a parental rights termination trial in February 2019, that concluded with a jury terminating the couple’s parental rights to their surviving child. Chagoya-Williams’ husband, Stevie Dwayne Williams, Jr., 27, of San Marcos, Texas was convicted of capital murder in October 2021 and is himself currently serving life without the possibility of parole.

The Hays County Criminal District Attorney, Wes Mau, said, “The fact that both his parents were complicit in ending Mason Williams’ too-short life makes this case doubly tragic.”

Mau complimented lead prosecutor Assistant Criminal District Attorney Jamie Liu, assisted at trial by ACDA Erika Price, along with Kyle Police Department Detectives Joseph Swonke, Pedro Carrasco, and Diane Talamantes for their work in bringing the case to a successful conclusion.

Hays County COVID-19 Update May 11, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 11 May 2022 02:23:49 GMT

The Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) is now reporting COVID-19 data in a manner that is more in line with how the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) now calculates whether a community has high, medium or low transmission (visit that webpage here ; Hays County is currently identified as Low Transmission). It’s also in a more standardized format for comparability across counties and regions.

Additional information about COVID-19 cases is available on our online dashboard . The dashboard is updated M-F excluding county holidays.

Key Statistics

*combined PCR and Antigen positives

NOTE: Data is provisional and subject to change

Vaccine opportunities:

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Pfizer, @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak),
401 Broadway, San Marcos
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov
Check with your health care provider to see if they offer vaccines

Hays County COVID-19 Update March 9, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 09 May 2022 09:35:09 GMT

The Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) is now reporting COVID-19 data in a manner that is more in line with how the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) now calculates whether a community has high, medium or low transmission (visit that webpage here). Hays County is currently identified as Low Transmission. It’s also in a more standardized format for comparability across counties and regions. On the following page, we provide an explanation of each metric.

Additional information about COVID-19 cases is available on our online dashboard .

Hays County COVID-19 Update March 9, 2022

Key Statistics

*combined PCR and Antigen positives

NOTE: Data is provisional and subject to change

HCLHD reminds everyone that COVID-19 is a respiratory virus that spreads primary through the air. Wearing an N95, KN95, or KF94 mask while indoors may reduce your chances of catching the virus. Additional measures include utilizing indoor air filters, social distancing, and frequent hand washing. Staying up to date with COVID vaccinations greatly reduces the risk of severe disease and death. Everyone age five and older is eligible to receive the vaccine. Everyone over the age of 16 is encouraged to get a booster dose.

Vaccine opportunities:

NOTE: CHRISTUS AGAIN OFFERING VACCINES on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak), 401 Broadway, San Marcos
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov
Check with your health care provider to see if they offer vaccines

COVID-19 Metric Definitions

Feral Hog Bounty Program Reminder

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Sat, 07 May 2022 04:16:35 GMT

Hays County Feral Hog Bounty Program Reminder – March 2022

Hays County has two bounty claim opportunities coming up for feral hogs harvested in the county. A $5 per hog bounty will be paid by check on tails and/or certified buying station receipts. Participants will be required to complete a W-9 and a participation form, which is available at the Hays County bounty stations (see below) or from the Central Texas Feral Hog Task Force Website .

Hays County Extension Office

200 Stillwater Rd

Wimberley, TX 78676

Monday March 14, 2022

8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Hays County Precinct 2

5458 FM 2770

Kyle, TX 78640

Friday March 18, 2022

10:00 am to 1:00 pm

For more information on these programs and to complete your 2022 feral hog survey, please visit the project website or email the Task Force at feralhog@txstate.edu .

Hays County COVID-19 Update May 4, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 04 May 2022 02:27:43 GMT

The Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) is now reporting COVID-19 data in a manner that is more in line with how the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) now calculates whether a community has high, medium or low transmission (visit that webpage here ; Hays County is currently identified as Low Transmission). It’s also in a more standardized format for comparability across counties and regions.

Additional information about COVID-19 cases is available on our online dashboard . The dashboard is updated M-F excluding county holidays.

Key Statistics

*combined PCR and Antigen positives

NOTE: Data is provisional and subject to change

Vaccine opportunities:

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Pfizer, @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak),
401 Broadway, San Marcos
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov
Check with your health care provider to see if they offer vaccines

Jon Jervis Sentenced to Life in Prison for Capital Murder

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 02:31:49 GMT

A Giddings man was convicted of Capital Murder for killing Trey Allen in San Marcos in 2019. Jon Jervis, 26, was sentenced to life in prison on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, in a Hays County District Court.

According to evidence presented at trial, during the early morning hours of June 5, 2019, Jon Jervis, armed with a shotgun, and Lapear Willrich, carrying a handgun, broke into an apartment at the Village of Telluride in San Marcos. One of the residents in the apartment, 23-year-old Trey Allen, sleeping in the living room at the time, attempted to defend himself with a handgun and was killed by a blast from Jervis’s shotgun. Jervis and Willrich fled the scene in a white Cadillac.

Officers recovered video of the murder captured on a home surveillance system, but the suspects’ identities were unknown to the apartment residents. The getaway vehicle was photographed in apartment surveillance video and neighboring business security camera footage. Despite being unable to distinguish a license plate, San Marcos Police Detective Kassondra Raven was able to locate the Cadillac through distinctive features of the car that could be observed on the recordings. The car ultimately led police to Jervis and Willrich, who were visible on the apartment video.

After the jury found Jervis guilty of killing Trey Allen, 453rd District Judge Sheri Tibbe, who presided over the case, sentenced Jervis to life without the possibility of parole. Willrich’s indictment remains pending.

Hays County Criminal District Attorney, Wes Mau, said, “This was a challenging case for law enforcement. I am grateful to the hard work and diligence of the detectives involved for following every lead and finding justice for Trey Allen.”

Mau also recognized several individuals who were instrumental in bringing Jervis to justice, including lead prosecutor Assistant Criminal District Attorney Katie Arnold, assisted at trial by ACDA Ben Gillis, and San Marcos Police Det. Patrick Aubry, Det. Sandra Spriegel, and Crime Analyst Patricia Hom, who also worked on the case with Det. Raven.

Hays County COVID-19 Update April 27, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 02:31:06 GMT

The Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) is now reporting COVID-19 data in a manner that is more in line with how the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) now calculates whether a community has high, medium or low transmission (visit that webpage here ; Hays County is currently identified as Low Transmission). It’s also in a more standardized format for comparability across counties and regions.

Additional information about COVID-19 cases is available on our online dashboard . The dashboard is updated M-F excluding county holidays.

Key Statistics

*combined PCR and Antigen positives

NOTE: Data is provisional and subject to change

Vaccine opportunities:

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Pfizer, @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak),
401 Broadway, San Marcos
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov
Check with your health care provider to see if they offer vaccines

Burn Ban Lifted in Hays County

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 09:39:01 GMT

The burn ban in Hays County was lifted today (April 26, 2022) based on recommendations from the Fire Marshal, with input from local fire chiefs. Conditions continue to be monitored daily and the issue will be revisited in the next several weeks. In the meantime, anyone planning outdoor burning should check out the following and as always, use extreme caution when burning.

1. Open burn permit application (free!)

2. Rules on safe burning

Visit

https://hayscountytx.com/law-enforcement/fire-marshal

and

https://www.hayscountypermits.com

Hays County Celebrates Earth Day with Upcoming Land Purchase of Sentinel Peak Preserve

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 09:45:00 GMT

Hays County expects to close on its purchase of the Sentinel Peak Preserve by April 29, 2022, mere days after celebrating Earth Day (April 22). This is the first project funded under the 2020 Hays County Parks and Open Space Bond. View our Earth Day video showcasing the beauty of the land.

This 530-plus acre property located just west of Wimberley will serve as a Golden-cheeked Warbler habitat preserve, a federally listed endangered species included in the Hays County Regional Habitat Conservation Plan. It will also feature a riverfront park along an approximately one-mile stretch of a pristine segment of the Blanco River. This riverfront park will include low-impact swimming recreation and other activities to ensure the conservation and environmental protection priorities of the preserve.

In 2019, Hays County partnered with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Texas to acquire the Sentinel Peak Preserve. The Nature Conservancy will continue to hold the conservation easement after the county acquires the land.

“The Nature Conservancy was very happy to partner with Hays County to protect this property that is not only significant for its conservation value but has also been so important to so many people over the years,” said Jeff Francell of the Nature Conservancy. “We are excited to see how it develops as a public park and natural area.”

As the park plan is implemented, Hays County will provide reservation-based, low-impact public access along the river and trails. This project will also preserve the condition of water quality and quantity for the Blanco River, San Marcos Springs and River, and the Trinity and Edwards Aquifers.

The bond identified $6 million for the purchase of the Sentinel Peak Preserve, which will be combined with $7 million from the 2016 voter-approved Transportation Bond set specifically for environmental mitigation. Hays County is grateful that TNC assisted with securing this property to establish this preserve and allow the incorporation of a public access component.

“This couldn’t have happened without the voters of Hays County,” said Hays County Commissioner, Lon Shell (Pct. 3). “It’s a great thing when residents across the county understand the need for and importance of conserving the beautiful hill country land and wildlife. It’s something we’re doing for the future generations of our community, and this is only the beginning.”

About the Bond

The 2020 Parks & Open Space Bond called for the issuance of $75 million in general bonds, along with other potential funding mechanisms, to establish parks, open spaces, conservation lands, and other recreational opportunities. In November 2021, the Parks & Open Space Advisory Commission (POSAC) provided project and funding recommendations to the Hays County Commissioners Court. To view the list of recommended projects and sign up to receive park bond updates, visit www.haysparksbond.com or email info@haysparksbond.com .

Hays County Weekly COVID-19 Update April 20, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 02:33:20 GMT

The Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) is now reporting COVID-19 data in a manner that is more in line with how the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) now calculates whether a community has high, medium or low transmission (visit that webpage here ; Hays County is currently identified as Low Transmission). It’s also in a more standardized format for comparability across counties and regions.

Additional information about COVID-19 cases is available on our online dashboard . The dashboard is updated M-F excluding county holidays.

Key Statistics

*combined PCR and Antigen positives

NOTE: Data is provisional and subject to change

Vaccine opportunities:

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Pfizer, @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak),
401 Broadway, San Marcos
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov
Check with your health care provider to see if they offer vaccines

Cotton Gin Road Improvements to Begin May 10, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 11:09:32 GMT

The reconstruction of Cotton Gin Road Phase I is now complete.

On or about May 10, 2021, Hays County will begin Phase II of the construction project (this was rescheduled from a start date of on or about April 19). Hays County Transportation will start paving the northside of roadway and shift traffic over to the new paved road. This switch will mean traffic will stop traveling in the westbound direction and will start traveling eastbound on the new paved road. Traffic will still be using Bunton Lane, Shady Oaks and Dairy Road for circulation. Hays County thanks residents in advance for their cooperation and attentiveness to traffic restrictions during construction.

For the past six months Hays County Transportation has been working on the eastbound lane from Goforth Road to Bonanza Street. During this time traffic has been traveling one way in the west bound direction and using Goforth, Bunton Lane, Shady Oaks and Dairy Road for traffic circulation.

If you have any questions or concerns about the Cotton Gin Road construction project, please contact 512-393-2182.

Traffic Lights Coming to FM 1626 North of FM 967

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 02:36:41 GMT

Hays County officials confirmed that new traffic lights are being installed on FM 1626 north of FM 967. FM 1626 is owned by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

According to Hays County Commissioner Mark Jones, Pct. 2, the lights will be at the following locations:

Jerry’s Lane @ FM 1626
Leisurewoods Drive @ FM 1626

“Heavier vehicle traffic along that roadway has made it more challenging for residents in some of the neighborhoods that feed onto FM 1626 to get onto the highway; they felt it wasn’t a safe situation,” Jones said. “I’ve received numerous comments about the road and why it’s time for lights at those intersections.”

Jones said safety is a top priority, so he reached out to TxDOT to study the traffic along that portion of the roadway.

“Following traffic warrant studies, the TxDOT agreed the lights were needed and they will install them,” Jones said. “FM 1626 is a TxDOT road so it was up to that agency to determine whether lights would be placed at those locations.”

He added that installation at the Leisurewoods Drive entrance has already begun and lights at Jerry’s Lane will begin in the coming weeks.

Hays County Weekly COVID-19 Update April 14, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 02:35:42 GMT

The Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) is now reporting COVID-19 data in a manner that is more in line with how the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) now calculates whether a community has high, medium or low transmission (visit that webpage here ; Hays County is currently identified as Low Transmission). It’s also in a more standardized format for comparability across counties and regions.

Additional information about COVID-19 cases is available on our online dashboard . The dashboard is updated M-F excluding county holidays.

Key Statistics

*combined PCR and Antigen positives

NOTE: Data is provisional and subject to change

HCLHD reminds everyone that COVID-19 is a respiratory virus that spreads primary through the air. Wearing an N95, KN95, or KF94 mask while indoors will reduce your chances of catching the virus. Additional measures include utilizing indoor air filters, social distancing, and frequent hand washing. Staying up to date with COVID vaccinations greatly reduces the risk of severe disease and death. Everyone age five and older is eligible to receive the vaccine. Everyone over the age of 16 is encouraged to get a booster dose.

Hays County residents can upload at-home COVID-19 test results here: https://arcg.is/1G4P1r. No identifying information is collected. While these reports are not included in our official case counts, they help provide a better understanding of community spread.

Vaccine opportunities:

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Pfizer, @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak),
401 Broadway, San Marcos
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov
Check with your health care provider to see if they offer vaccines

County Elections Office Raising Awareness of New Vote-by-Mail Ballots

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 12:15:56 GMT

Hays County Elections officials want voters to be aware of the new Texas vote-by-mail ballots and recent changes to the process of voting by mail to help ensure every vote counts.

According to Elections Administrator Jennifer Doinoff (formerly Anderson), the first step is to determine whether someone qualifies for a vote-by-mail ballot.

“To vote by mail in Texas you must qualify under one of the following categories,” she said. “Eligibility includes being age 65 or older, disabled (or have an illness) in a manner that prevents you from entering a polling location without injury to yourself, expected to give birth within three weeks before or after Election Day and confined in a jail or civilly committed but otherwise eligible to vote.”

If a voter meets any of those criteria, Doinoff said they can request that her office send a vote-by-mail ballot to their home address.

She added that changes to the ballot that resulted from legislative action modified the process.

“I want every voter who qualifies for using the vote-by-mail ballot option to be aware of the changes and what they can do to ensure their ballots get accepted and their votes are counted,” Doinoff said.

She explained that on the most important aspects of the new process is voters need to fill out the application completely.

“New voting laws require a ballot by mail voter to include their Texas-issued ID number, OR the last four digits of their Social Security Number (SSN) on the Application for Ballot by Mail Form,” she said. “The numbers provided MUST match the numbers on the voter’s registration file to be accepted.”

Many voters have both their ID and last four SSN digits on their voter registration file.

“We recommend entering both your Texas-issued ID and the last four of your Social Security Number on the application just to be safe,” Doinoff said. “You can also call the Hays County Election Office at 512-393-7310 to see what we have on file for you.”

She noted that the ID and SSN numbers will need to be entered on the voter’s application as well as on the ballot carrier envelope , which comes along with the ballot.

Once a voter receives his/her ballot, they should complete it fully and accurately, including all of the information noted above.

“After you complete your ballot,” Doinoff said, “place it in the secrecy envelope then place that in the carrier envelope, which is white with a purple stripe.”

She added, “Before you seal the carrier envelope , lift the flap and fill in the blanks under the “Required Information” section.”

Doinoff said this was a step that some voters missed during the primary and the information helps identify that the voter is the same person that requested the ballot.

“The section under the flap is where the voter will enter either their Texas-issued ID, or last four of their Social Security Number that matches the ID on their voter registration record,” she said. “Our office recommends that voters include both pieces of information.”

She said including both types of information on the application AND the ballot carrier envelope with help alleviate the chances of ballot rejection.

“Once the voter has completed this portion of the carrier envelope, they can seal the flap, sign over the flap in the red box and mail the ballot back to the Hays County Election Office,” she said. “Both the ID number and the signature are required for the ballot to be accepted.”

Doinoff emphasized that the new legislation offers voters the opportunity to correct any defects on their ballot in enough time to be counted.

“Make sure you include your phone number and email address under the flap so we can contact you if you need to make a correction on your ballot envelope,” she said. “The Elections Office, or the Early Voting Ballot Board, can contact you to certify your ID or sign your ballot should you forget those items before your submission.”

Doinoff said there are several ways to correct a ballot envelope:

Go in person to your election office to certify your ID information within six (6) days after Election Day.
Go to votetexas..gov , and click “Track My Ballot” to certify your ID information within six (6) days after Election Day.
A voter may vote in person at any polling location, by cancelling their mail ballot.

She also wants voters to allow plenty of time to receive and vote when using the vote-by-mail system.

“By contacting the Elections Office early, that will help make sure you have enough time to receive the packet, complete the ballot, fill out all the information on the envelope, mail it back and make any corrections if necessary,” Doinoff said. “But one of the best ways to ensure your vote counts is to completely fill in all of the requested information on the ballot and the ballot envelope.”

She also reminds voters that annual vote-by-mail applicants can apply every year in January to receive ballots for that year. Ballots must be received by the Hays County Elections Office by 5 p.m. the day after Election Day and postmarked no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.

“Our goal is to help all eligible vote-by-mail users to better understand the process,” Doinoff said. “Knowing this information will ensure that your ballot is accepted and counted in timely manner.”

Hays County Weekly COVID-19 Update April 6, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 12:27:20 GMT

The Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) is now reporting COVID-19 data in a manner that is more in line with how the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) now calculates whether a community has high, medium or low transmission (visit that webpage here ; Hays County is currently identified as Low Transmission). It’s also in a more standardized format for comparability across counties and regions.

HCLHD recently added a metric: the weekly case rate per 100,000 (7-day average). See the item in red in the table below. An explanation is in the metric definitions table on the following page.

Additional information about COVID-19 cases is available on our online dashboard . The dashboard is updated M-F excluding county holidays.

Hays County COVID-19 Update April 6, 2022

Key Statistics

*combined PCR and Antigen positives

NOTE: Data is provisional and subject to change

Hays County residents can upload at-home COVID-19 test results here: https://arcg.is/1G4P1r. No identifying information is collected. While these reports are not included in our official case counts, they help provide a better understanding of community spread.

Vaccine opportunities:

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Pfizer, @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak),
401 Broadway, San Marcos
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov
Check with your health care provider to see if they offer vaccines

Grants Help Community Outreach Program to Address Health Disparities

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 12:34:09 GMT

As part of National Public Health Week (April 4-10), Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) aims to spotlight its efforts to address health disparities. Under a combination of grants from the Texas Department of State Health Services, the HCLHD created the Community Outreach Program to address health disparities in the local Hispanic community and among school-aged children that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“During National Public Health Week, we will be promoting various public health topics to highlight the many ways in which we can improve the health and social determinants of our residents,” said Matthew Gonzales, a member of the health department’s outreach program team.

The COVID-19 Health Disparities Grant and the Public Health Workforce Expansion Grant, provide $400,000 and $330,000, respectively, to the HCLHD for the program. Funding runs through May 2023.

Through its community outreach, program members work to address the topics below by focusing on the social determinants of health of the various communities within Hays County. The program team is working to establish the HCLHD as a focal point for public health education, resources, and information for other organizations.

HCLHD Director Tammy Crumley said, “This program enables us to create partnerships that will empower local governmental agencies, organizations, and providers with the capability to decrease health disparities across Hays County.”

Focal points of the Community Outreach Program:

Infrastructure: Identify the workforce in place/to be hired to engage the targeted communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and build sustainable relationships in those communities.

Community Engagement: Identify and engage the targeted communities to explore and document reasons why their community was so impacted by COVID-19.

Covid-19 And Influenza Vaccinations: Identify and develop activities to maximize COVID-19 and Influenza vaccination rates in the targeted communities.

Partnership Directory: Identify and engage with new and existing community partners to address health disparities.

Health Disparities Intervention Design: Describe efforts to design an intervention aimed at addressing one of the factors that made the targeted community so vulnerable to COVID-19.

If any individual or organization would like to get involved with addressing healthcare disparities in Hays County, contact Program Manager Matthew Gonzales at 512-214-5918 or Matthew.Gonzales@co.hays.tx.us .

County Hosting Open House for Dripping Springs Southwest Connection Study

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 13:00:32 GMT

Hays County is hosting an open house to share an updated route for the Dripping Springs Southwest Connection Study. The proposed future roadway would begin at the intersection of RM 150 and RM 12 and extend around the southwest side of Dripping Springs to connect to US 290.

County residents have two options for participation in the open house, virtual or in-person:

Virtual Open House

Comment Period: April 4 – April 29, 2022

Web: www.improve150.com/connection

Email: info@improve150.com

Mail: P.O. Box 5459, Austin, TX 78763

Text/phone: 512-400-6107

In-person Open House

Thursday, April 7, 2022 | Drop in anytime 3 – 7 p.m.

Dripping Springs Ranch Park and Event Center

1042 Event Center Dr, Dripping Springs, TX 78620

(Back of building entrance)

At this meeting and online, Hays County will share an updated route for the Dripping Springs Southwest Connection Study, background information, and details about the intersection realignment and roundabout at RM 12 and RM 150.

Community engagement is an important part of this study, which began in late 2020. The process to date has included a virtual open house in the spring of 2021 and more than 40 different meetings with property owners and community groups to gather feedback.

For more information visit the project website: www.improve150.com/connection .

Hays County Weekly COVID-19 Update March 30, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 13:03:42 GMT

The Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) is now reporting COVID-19 data in a manner that is more in line with how the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) now calculates whether a community has high, medium or low transmission (visit that webpage here ; Hays County is currently identified as Low Transmission). It’s also in a more standardized format for comparability across counties and regions.

Beginning today, HCLHD added a metric: the weekly case rate per 100,000 (7-day average). See the item in red in the table below. An explanation is in the metric definitions table below.

Additional information about COVID-19 cases is available on our online dashboard . The dashboard is updated M-F excluding county holidays.

Hays County COVID-19 Update March 30, 2022

Key Statistics

*combined PCR and Antigen positives

NOTE: Data is provisional and subject to change

Hays County residents can upload at-home COVID-19 test results here: https://arcg.is/1G4P1r. No identifying information is collected. While these reports are not included in our official case counts, they help provide a better understanding of community spread.

Vaccine opportunities:

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Pfizer, @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak),
401 Broadway, San Marcos
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov
Check with your health care provider to see if they offer vaccines

Lights Out Texas Campaign

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 13:05:00 GMT

Let’s talk about lights, specifically those on at night that can disrupt the migratory patterns of birds. Why are birds important? They help control the population of pest insects, are essential to the ecology of our planet, act as benchmarks for environmental health, increase livability, and connect people of all ages and abilities to the natural world.

Lights Out Texas is a statewide initiative run by Texas by Nature, First Lady Laura Bush’s organization and by Texas Audubon. The goal is to raise awareness of the risk light pollution poses to birds and to ask businesses, residents, and governments to turn off non-essential lights at night from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. during spring migration from March 1 – June 15 and fall migration from August 15 – November 30.

This morning, Hays County Commissioners Court approved a proclamation recognizing the Lights Out Hays County months as noted above.

Learn more on the Texan by Nature website.

Lend your voice: take the broadband survey!

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 09:49:45 GMT

Have you heard about the Hays County broadband survey? Learn more at: https://hayscountytx.com/broadbandsurvey/

Hays County Weekly COVID-19 Update March 23, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 13:08:17 GMT

The Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) is now reporting COVID-19 data in a manner that is more in line with how the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) now calculates whether a community has high, medium or low transmission (visit that webpage here ; Hays County is currently identified as Low Transmission). It’s also in a more standardized format for comparability across counties and regions

Additional information about COVID-19 cases is available on our online dashboard .

Hays County Weekly COVID-19 Update March 23, 2022

Key Statistics

*combined PCR and Antigen positives

NOTE: Data is provisional and subject to change

Hays County residents can upload at-home COVID-19 test results here: https://arcg.is/1G4P1r. No identifying information is collected. While these reports are not included in our official case counts, they help provide a better understanding of community spread.

Vaccine opportunities:

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Pfizer, @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak),
401 Broadway, San Marcos
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov
Check with your health care provider to see if they offer vaccines

Participate in the Dripping Springs Southwest Connection Study Open House

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 13:11:43 GMT

Participate in the Dripping Springs Southwest Connection Study Open House – Join Online or In-person

Hays County is hosting a virtual and in-person open house to share an updated route for the Dripping Springs Southwest Connection Study . The proposed future roadway would begin at the intersection of RM 150 and RM 12 and extend around the southwest side of Dripping Springs to connect to US 290.

VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE

April 4 – April 29, 2022

improve150.com/connection

IN-PERSON OPEN HOUSE

Thursday, April 7, 2022

Drop in anytime 3 – 7 p.m.

Dripping Springs Ranch Park and

Event Center

1042 Event Center Dr., Dripping Springs, TX 78620

(Back of building entrance)

The same information will be available at the virtual and in-person open house.

At the meeting, the County will share:

An updated route for the Dripping Springs Southwest Connection Study
Background information for the study
Information on the intersection realignment and roundabout planned for RM 12 and RM 150

Comments may be submitted through the website, during the in-person open house, or by email, mail, text, or phone.

Dripping Springs Southwest Connection

www.improve150.com/connection

info@improve150.com

(512) 400-4297

Curative Now Requires Proof of Insurance for COVID-19 Tests

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 18 Mar 2022 13:13:22 GMT

The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has announced that it is no longer able to accept claims for COVID-19 testing of uninsured patients due to lack of funding.

The impact of this announcement is that, effective immediately, Curative testing sites around Hays county are no longer able to provide free tests for uninsured patients. According to the HRSA website, claims for COVID testing and treatment will stop being accepted on March 22 at 11:59 p.m.

For patients testing at a Curative site in Texas starting March 18, proof of insurance will be required. A patient’s ID and proof of insurance information will be required for testing including to schedule an appointment online or to do on-site registration. The test will continue to be provided at no out-of-pocket cost upon proof of insurance.

The Hays County Local Health Department encourages uninsured individuals to check with their healthcare provider or other testing location in advance to learn how this announcement impacts them.

Learn more: https://www.hrsa.gov/CovidUninsuredClaim

Hays County COVID-19 Update March 16, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 13:19:26 GMT

The Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) is now reporting COVID-19 data in a manner that is more in line with how the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) now calculates whether a community has high, medium or low transmission (visit that webpage here ; Hays County is currently identified as Low Transmission). It’s also in a more standardized format for comparability across counties and regions. On the following page, we provide an explanation of each metric.

Additional information about COVID-19 cases is available on our online dashboard .

Hays County COVID-19 Update March 16, 2022

Key Statistics

*combined PCR and Antigen positives

NOTE: Data is provisional and subject to change

Vaccine opportunities:

NOTE: CHRISTUS AGAIN OFFERING VACCINES on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak), 401 Broadway, San Marcos
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov
Check with your health care provider to see if they offer vaccines

COVID-19 Metric Definitions

RM 967 Road Work/Nighttime Lane Closures

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 10:09:43 GMT

Sharing from the Office of Commissioner Mark Jones, Pct. 2:

The contractor will have nighttime lane closures on RM 967 between Oak Forest and Carpenter Hill beginning Monday, March the 7 and ending March 11. The closures will be from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night. This closure is for the installation of Culvert 4 and Culvert 6. A flagger will be on site during the closures.

Please use caution when driving in this area and follow posted signs/warnings/directions from flagger.

Kyle Sample Sentenced to Life Without Parole for Murder

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 10:08:42 GMT

Kyle Sample, 24, of Three Rivers, Texas, was sentenced on Thursday, March 3, 2022, in Hays County District Court to life without the possibility of parole for committing the capital murder of Ryan Kincaid during an attempted robbery.

On June 19, 2017, the San Marcos Police Department (SMPD) was alerted by multiple 911 callers that an individual had been shot in the parking lot of the Laundry Basket laundromat off of Aquarena Springs Drive. Officers and EMTs arrived on scene and despite lifesaving efforts, the victim, Ryan Kincaid, was pronounced deceased on scene. Kincaid had been shot once in the chest. Eyewitnesses described seeing two potential assailants: the shooter had fled on foot, while an accomplice had driven away in a vehicle.

The vehicle in question was located by officers across the street in a nearby parking lot. The vehicle was registered to Kincaid. Officers and detectives began canvassing the area, and SMPD Detective Patrick Aubry located the two suspects at the nearby Motel 8. The shooter, identified as Kyle Randall Sample, confessed to traveling from Three Rivers, Texas, to San Marcos in the company of a 15-year-old juvenile accomplice. The two staged a robbery: the juvenile contacted Kincaid, offering to purchase marijuana from him. Upon Kincaid’s arrival, the juvenile entered Kincaid’s vehicle. Sample then approached the vehicle, brandishing a .45 caliber revolver. When Kincaid attempted to defend himself, Sample shot Kincaid once in the chest. The juvenile then drove Kincaid’s vehicle away from the scene while Sample fled on foot. SMPD detective Michael Casillas and other investigators corroborated Sample’s confession and the other witnesses’ statements with electronic extractions of the suspects’ and victim’s cell phones.

At the close of the evidence, the jury found Sample guilty of intentionally murdering Kincaid in the course of a robbery. The prosecution was not seeking the death penalty, making life without parole automatic. Judge Bruce Boyer of the 22nd Judicial District Court pronounced the sentence immediately following the verdict.

The Hays County Criminal District Attorney, Wes Mau, complimented lead prosecutor Assistant Criminal District Attorney Ben Gillis, assisted at trial by ACDA Andrea Farrell, along with San Marcos Detectives Aubry and Casillas for their work in bringing the case to a successful conclusion.

Nighttime Lane Closure on FM 2770

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 09:58:32 GMT

Between the hours 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Monday (03/07/22) until Thursday (03/10/22), J3 Construction will be temporarily widening the southbound lane of FM 2770 that will require a lane closure. The area affected will be south of Main Street and north of FM 1626 near the Centex Materials driveways but will allow access to the business. Closures will be two-way, one lane operations including flagging personnel, lighting, and proper signage in the work area of the contractor. Project limits affected will be +/- 500 FT before and after the intersection at Centex Materials.

Please use caution when driving in this area and follow all posed signs/flagger directions. See map – click to enlarge image.

Hays County COVID-19 Update March 4, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 09:56:47 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports three COVID-related fatalities since Wednesday’s update: a Buda man in his 60s, a Buda woman in her 80s, and a Wimberley man in his 90s. The department also reports 46 new lab-confirmed cases along with zero (0) new hospitalizations and five (5) new hospital discharges. There are 543 additional persons considered recovered. Hays County has 886 active cases. Three (3) people are currently hospitalized.

Hays County residents can upload at-home COVID-19 test results to the local health department here: https://arcg.is/1G4P1r . All information is confidential and no identifying information is collected. While these reports will not be included in the official case counts for Hays County, they will provide a better understanding of community spread.

Beginning March 16, we will email out weekly updates (on Wednesdays) with the following data:

News Cases (past 7-day total)
Cases per 100,000 (7-day average)
Active cases
Hospital admissions (total past 7 days)
New hospitalizations per 100,000 (7-day average)
Fatalities (past 7 days)
7-day test positivity rate

Reporting COVID data in this manner is more in line with how the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention now calculates whether a community has high, medium or low transmission. It’s also in a more standardized format for comparability across counties and regions.

Additional information about COVID-19 cases will be available on our online dashboard.

Vaccine opportunities:

NOT OFFERING VACCINE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak), 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov

COVID-19 Update March 4, 2022

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Texas Homeowners Assistance Fund Accepting Applications

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 04:18:03 GMT

Homeowners who have fallen behind on mortgage payments or property taxes caused by hardships related to the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible to receive assistance through the newly implemented Texas Homeowner Assistance Fund (TXHAF).

According to Hays County Commissioner Walt Smith, Pct. 4, the $824 million fund was established and funded by the U.S. Department of Treasury under the American Rescue Plan. The State of Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) received the funds and will administer the program.

Eligible homeowners, based on criteria established for the program, could receive up to $40,000 for past due mortgage payments and up to $25,000 to pay past due property taxes, property insurance and delinquent homeowner association (HOA) and/or condo association fees.

“Hays County residents who have fallen behind on property tax payments, property insurance, HOA/condo fees and past mortgage payments as a result of the pandemic may benefit from this program,” Smith said. “Additionally, the county may avoid a loss of tax revenue, which means we can continue providing services seamlessly.”

To qualify, homeowners must meet the following criteria:

Experienced a qualified financial hardship after Jan. 21, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as lost income or increased expenses
Have fallen behind on one or more of mortgage loan, property tax, property insurance, and/or HOA/condo association fee payments
Have a household income at or below 100% Area Median Income or 100% of the median income for the US, whichever is greater
Own and occupy a home in Texas as a primary residence

Cases will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis. Applications from Persistent Poverty Counties and from any homeowners facing imminent foreclosure who have received a court order or eviction notice with a sale date will be given priority status.

Hays County Tax Assessor-Collector Jenifer O’Kane said funds for approved applications are paid directly to the mortgage company, tax office, insurance company or HOA/condo association.

“For Hays County homeowners with delinquent taxes who qualify for this program, TDHCA will send the payment directly to the Hays County Tax Office,” she said.

Apply for program assistance on the TXHAF website: www.texashomeownerassistance.com . Resources will be available to assist homeowners with completing applications: call 1-833-651-3874.

Hays County COVID-19 Update March 2, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 10:41:42 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports three (3) COVID-related fatalities since Monday’s update: two San Marcos women in their 90s and a San Marcos woman in her 80s. The department also reports 36 new lab-confirmed cases along with six (6) new hospitalizations and six (6) new hospital discharges. There are 619 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 50,812. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 52,686. Hays County has 1,388 active cases. Hays County has had 1,666 total COVID-related hospitalizations and eight (8) people are currently hospitalized. Of those, four (4) people (50%) are unvaccinated.

Hays County residents can upload at-home COVID-19 test results to the local health department here: https://arcg.is/1G4P1r. All information is confidential and no identifying information is collected. While these reports will not be included in the official case counts for Hays County, they will provide a better understanding of community spread.

March 13, 2020 is often seen as the date when the COVID-19 global pandemic began. As we enter our third year of reporting, HCLHD will begin providing COVID data a bit differently. Beginning March 16, we will email out weekly updates (on Wednesdays) with the following data:

News Cases (past 7-day total)
Cases per 100,000 (7-day average)
Active cases
Hospital admissions (total past 7 days)
New hospitalizations per 100,000 (7-day average)
Fatalities (past 7 days)
7-day test positivity rate

Additional information about COVID-19 cases will be available on our online dashboard.

Vaccine opportunities:

NOT OFFERING VACCINE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak), 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov

COVID-19 Update March 4, 2022

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County COVID-19 Update February 28, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 28 Feb 2022 10:53:43 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports four (4) COVID-related fatalities since Friday’s update: an Austin man in his 60s, a Buda woman in her 90s, a Kyle man in his 60s, and a San Marcos woman in her 70s. The department also reports 150 new lab-confirmed cases along with zero (0) new hospitalizations and three (3) new hospital discharges. There are 444 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 50,193.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 52,650. Hays County has 1,974 active cases. Hays County has had 1,660 total COVID-related hospitalizations and seven (7) people are currently hospitalized. Of those, three (3) people (43%) are unvaccinated.

Vaccine opportunities:

NOT OFFERING VACCINE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak), 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov

COVID-19 Update February 28, 2022

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County Creates Sexual Assault Response Team

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Sat, 26 Feb 2022 11:02:17 GMT

Based on a new Texas law, Hays County has created the adult Sexual Assault Response Team (SART). The effort, led by Commissioner Walt Smith, Pct. 4, brings together law enforcement, the criminal prosecutor’s office, a sexual assault nurse examiner and a mental health provider. A Chief Administrator will oversee the SART.

The 87th Texas Legislature recognized and addressed the serious nature of sexual assault and, in response, passed Senate Bill 476 requiring counties to form adult SARTs.

“A statewide prevalence study showed that 6.3 million adult Texans have experienced some form of sexual assault,” said Commissioner Smith. “Yet the Institute of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault reports that only 9.2% of victims report their experience to the police.”

He said the high number of people victimized by sexual assault and the low number of victims who file a report with law enforcement is part of a broader issue within communities.

“We recognize the work that needs to be done at a societal level and at the local level to rectify the issue at hand,” Smith said. “We need a team that will create a system that reduces re-traumatization, prioritizes victim safety, and provide survivors the resources they need.”

Individuals for the SART roles will be presented at the March 8 Commissioners Court meeting.

According to Smith, the Hays County Adult SART will be required to:

adjust their protocol to include those who choose not to make a police report,
distribute their protocol to local law enforcement and service providers, and
collect and maintain data on the number of sexual assaults reported to local law enforcement and the investigation, prosecution, and disposition of such offenses participate in annual cross training.

“Our response team will work to make sure that offenders are held accountable while also helping heal survivors,” Smith said. “The individuals appointed will be tasked with creating a protocol that establishes local and regional processes for investigating and prosecuting sexual assaults, identifying and obtaining medical and forensic care, mental health care, and advocacy resources for survivors.”

Hays County Encourages Conservation Design for Developers

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Sat, 26 Feb 2022 11:00:19 GMT

Results of an 18-month study indicate that by establishing new, inventive rules for conservation development as an opt-in alternative, driven by an incentive-based approach, Hays County may benefit from more innovative development.

A conservation design option has been available to developers in Hays County for several years. Yet no developers have opted to select that design option. County officials wanted to know why – was it that conservation design wouldn’t work in the county’s unincorporated areas? Or perhaps other factors were in play, such as market expectations, regulatory hurdles, or financial challenges? The Court undertook a research study in 2019, dubbed, “Conservation Horizons, A Sustainable Future”, to gain insight.

Oversight of the project was from the County’s Natural Resources Coordinator (Alexandra Thompson), the Director of Development Services within the Environmental Health Department (Caitlyn Strickland at first, then Marcus Pacheco), and the general counsel for the Commissioners Court (Mark Kennedy). A subcommittee of Precinct 3 Commissioner Lon Shell and Precinct 4 Commissioner Walt Smith provided leadership and additional oversight.

“We knew there must be some perceptual or other barrier to developers who may want to build in a conservation friendly manner yet hadn’t opted to utilize the county’s existing design option,” Commissioner Walt Smith, Pct. 4, said about why he championed the study. “It was important to hear directly from our rural stakeholders, members of the general public, and developers who could speak freely and provide us the kind of insight needed to help guide and encourage more conservation development projects.”

Under the county’s RFP process, the team hired a multi-disciplinary professional team to take a fresh look at ways to plan a better development future for the County, specifically focusing on the potential for a more robust and enticing conservation design program. The County selected Gap Strategies to lead the project.

Over the 18-month project, the team:

Reviewed the county’s existing subdivision and development regulations
Produced a report on the effectiveness of conservation design trends
Identified groups and organizations that might have special interest or expertise on development, land ownership, and conservation design and surveyed them on attitudes, alternatives, and opportunities
Sponsored a seminar on conservation development for local stakeholders and the public
Prepared initial technical and administrative recommendations
Conducted a “real world” design workshop, using planners, engineers, landscape architects, regulators, and financiers
Refined recommendations and technical analysis based on public comments and the design workshop
Developed a final set of recommendations, including proposed incentives to make conservation design more accessible in the County, and a set of criteria to qualify for incentives

The project planning team recommends the County use tailored, property-specific development agreements to implement this concept, and to make conservation development an integral part of the regulatory framework of Hays County. This should allow the County to negotiate with potential conservation design developers within an established, public framework, while leaving room to weigh site-specific circumstances and considerations.

“Our project team uncovered useful, tangible information that will aid the county in conservation-minded growth in order to protect the culture and community of Hays County,” Smith said.

See the project website at www.haysconservation.com .

About the Researchers: The professional team consisted of Gap Strategies, a community planning and public engagement firm that practices across the state and is located in Hays County; The Siglo Group, experts in geospatial data analysis, and natural resource planning; Doucet & Associates, a civil engineering firm with expertise in infrastructure, water, and land development; SWCA, an environmental and habitat planning firm with deep experience in Hays County; TBG, a landscape architecture firm with a wide array of private development clients and key members steeped in urban design and conservation ; DPFG, a consulting firm dedicated to innovative finance solutions for governments, landowners, and private developers; and Randall Arendt, a Senior Conservation Advisor at the Natural Lands Trust, Fellow of the Royal Town Planning Institute in London, and the author of several seminal books on conservation design, including Conservation Design for Subdivisions, Growing Greener: Putting Conservation Into Local Plans And Ordinances, and Rural By Design.

Hays County COVID-19 Update February 25, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 11:13:39 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports 131 new lab-confirmed cases since Wednesday’s update, along with seven (7) new hospitalizations and 10 new hospital discharges. There are 334 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 49,749.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 52,500. Hays County has 2,272 active cases. Hays County has had 1,660 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 10 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, five (5) people (50%) are unvaccinated.

Vaccine opportunities:

NOT OFFERING VACCINE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak), 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov

COVID-19 Update February 25, 2022

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

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Thu, 24 Feb 2022 12:16:50 GMT

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Nunc id venenatis dui. Etiam sed ex vel lacus cursus finibus vehicula aliquet magna. Aliquam in enim lectus. Pellentesque ipsum libero, tempor ac felis quis, eleifend fermentum magna. Nullam nec orci at ipsum egestas faucibus sit amet ut erat. Aliquam pharetra tortor nec quam tempus elementum. Nulla nulla massa, aliquam aliquet porta sodales, suscipit a mauris.

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Thu, 24 Feb 2022 12:14:37 GMT

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Donec ullamcorper viverra tortor, ut aliquet magna convallis tempus. Fusce vitae purus maximus, placerat est at, malesuada felis. Quisque vitae quam a enim pretium hendrerit a ut nisi. Sed eu justo non lacus facilisis consequat. Pellentesque sit amet libero et nibh consectetur pretium. Nunc a nibh pellentesque, ullamcorper quam et, aliquet velit. Etiam ac tortor mi.

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Thu, 24 Feb 2022 12:12:25 GMT

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Road Work Set to Begin on Henly Loop @ US 290 W

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 10:17:18 GMT

Intersection improvements at US 290 West and Henly Loop are expected to begin on or about Feb 28. The upcoming construction operations will require a FULL closure of the intersection of Henly Loop and US 290 W in Dripping Springs. (See project map below.) The project was originally started under Commissioner Walt Smith, Pct. 4, but following the county’s 2021 redistricting, it moved to Commissioner Lon Shell in Precinct 3.

When construction begins, the Henly Loop/US 290 W intersection east of FM 165 will be closed for upgrades and the construction of a right turn lane. The duration of the closure is approximately three (3) months. Crews will provide a detour route with proper signage and message boards for Hays County residents. The project limits will extend from the intersection to Old Red Ranch Road.

“A new left turn lane onto US 290 and a right turn lane onto Henly Loop will improve safety and traffic operations at the intersection,” Commissioner Shell said. “Hays County thanks residents in advance for their cooperation and attentiveness during this time.”

Construction is anticipated to be complete later this summer.

DELAYED OPENING FEB. 24 FOR COUNTY OFFICES AND VOTE CENTERS

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 04:21:30 GMT

Out of an abundance of caution for possible icy road conditions in the morning, Hays County offices and vote centers will open at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 24.

If you must be on the roads, use extreme caution.

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Tue, 22 Feb 2022 19:57:16 GMT

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Tue, 22 Feb 2022 19:54:34 GMT

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duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 19:44:45 GMT

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Hays County COVID-19 Update February 22, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 10:34:13 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports five COVID-related fatalities since Friday’s update: an Austin woman in her 80s, a Kyle woman in her 40s, a San Marcos man in his 50s, a San Marcos woman in her 60s, and a San Marcos man in his 70s. The department also reports 357 new lab-confirmed cases along with 11 new hospitalizations and 18 new hospital discharges. There are 1,215 additional persons considered recovered.

The total number of persons considered recovered is 49,226. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 52,203. Hays County has 2,501 active cases. Hays County has had 1,652 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 14 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, six (6) people (43%) are unvaccinated. During a routine data audit, HCLHD removed 56 cases due to out of county or duplicate.

Hays County residents can now upload at-home COVID-19 test results to the local health department here: https://arcg.is/1G4P1r. All information is confidential and no identifying information is collected. While these reports will not be included in the official case counts for Hays County, they will provide a better understanding of community spread.

Vaccine opportunities:

NOT OFFERING VACCINE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak), 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov

COVID-19 Update February 22, 2022

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Work on Fischer Store Rd. Slated for March 1

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 10:36:25 GMT

Road construction is scheduled to begin at the intersection of Fischer Store Road and RM 2325 on or about March 1, 2022. The project is set to install a dedicated deceleration lane/right turn lane on RM 2325 onto Fischer Store Road and a dedicated right turn lane/acceleration lane on Fischer Store Road onto RM 2325.

According to Hays County Commissioner Lon Shell, Pct. 3, the county has widened the right of way of Fischer Store Road to construct the new turn lanes at the intersection and will be doing culvert improvements.

“We’re happy to finally be moving forward with this project to improve safety at this intersection,” said Shell. “In addition to the new turn lanes, we’ll also be installing and upgrading the culverts at the intersection and along Fischer Store Road.”

The project is anticipated to be completed in summer of 2022, weather and other issues permitting.

The project, valued at $1,221,147.40, is being funded through the Hays County 2016 Road Bond Program. The Design Engineer and Construction, Engineering and Inspection (CEI) firm is Pape-Dawson Engineers, Inc, and the Construction Contractor for the project is Cox Commercial Construction.

See the project map below. For any questions regarding the project, please contact the Hays County Transportation Department at 512-393-7385.

Hays County COVID-19 Update February 18, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 18 Feb 2022 10:44:04 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports two (2) new COVID-related fatalities since Wednesday’s update: a man from Kyle in his 70s and a man from San Marcos in his 60s The department also reports 548 new lab-confirmed cases along with four (4) new hospitalizations and nine (9) new hospital discharges. There are 0 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 48,067.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 51,902. Hays County has 3,364 active cases. Hays County has had 1,641 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 21 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 15 people (67%) are unvaccinated. Hays County offices are closed on Monday, Feb. 21; the next COVID update will be Feb. 22.

Hays County residents can now upload at-home COVID-19 test results to the local health department here: https://arcg.is/1G4P1r. All information is confidential and no identifying information is collected. While these reports will not be included in the official case counts for Hays County, they will provide a better understanding of community spread.

Vaccine opportunities:

NOT OFFERING VACCINE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak), 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov

COVID-19 Update February 18, 2022

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County COVID-19 Update February 16, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 10:50:35 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports two (2) COVID-related fatalities since Monday’s update: a Dripping Springs man in his 80s and a Wimberley man in his 80s. The department also reports 622 new lab-confirmed cases along with two (2) new hospitalizations and one (1) new hospital discharge. There are 760 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 48,067.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 51,354. Hays County has 2,818 active cases. Hays County has had 1,637 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 26 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 15 people (58%) are unvaccinated.

Vaccine opportunities:

NOT OFFERING VACCINE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak), 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov

COVID-19 Update February 16, 2022

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Work to Begin on Cotton Gin Rd. Low-Water Crossing at Porter Creek

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 10:52:15 GMT

Hays County’s Transportation Department is gearing up to begin low-water crossing improvements on Cotton Gin Rd. east of Kyle. The project, part of Hays County’s low-water crossing improvement plan, began under Commissioner Mark Jones, Pct. 2, and was transferred to Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe, Pct. 1, following the county’s redistricting in 2021.

“The ongoing work to low-water crossings in Hays County is vital to our continued goal of safer roads,” Jones said. “I have every confidence in the project outcome under the expert guidance of Commissioner Ingalsbe.”

The work, which will be isolated to the low-water crossing directly west of Porter Creek Court, is slated to begin on or about February 21.

According to Jerry Borcherding, P.E., director of the county’s transportation department, the project involves replacing existing undersized corrugated metal pipes with five 10-foot x 5-foot boxes.

“The project includes new safety guard rails and streambank stabilization,” he said. “The improvements will significantly reduce overtopping of the road and will connect with the recently completed improvements along Cotton Gin Rd.”

He added that upon completion of the project, all disturbed areas will be revegetated.

A detour route has been created for this closure. Cotton Gin Road will remain open for all residents; however, travelers should allow for additional time to navigate the detour route. (See map below)

Travelers trying to access US 21 from Cotton Gin Road will be diverted southwest on Goforth Road and turn southeast to Bunton Lane and follow the roadway as it turns northeast into CR 151/Dairy Road until its intersection with Cotton Gin Road.
Travelers trying to access Goforth Road from Cotton Gin Road will be diverted southwest from Cotton Gin Road onto CR 151/Dairy Road until it turns northwest into Bunton Lane and then turn northeast to Goforth Road.

This detour will be in place from February 2022 until the targeted completion date of June 2022, weather and other factors permitting.

The project, valued at $838,515.87, is being funded through the 2016 voter-approved Hays County Road Bonds program. The Design Engineer is Garver, LLC and the Contractor is SB Contractors. Hays County and Garver will be responsible for managing and inspecting the construction.

For any questions about the project, please contact Hays County Transportation at 512-393-2182.

Hays County COVID-19 Update February 14, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 11:04:09 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports 448 new lab-confirmed cases since Friday’s update along with nine (9) new hospitalizations and 12 new hospital discharges. There are 1,416 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 47,307.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 50,732. Hays County has 2,958 active cases. Hays County has had 1,635 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 25 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 15 people (60%) are unvaccinated.

Vaccine opportunities:

NOT OFFERING VACCINE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak), 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov

COVID-19 Update February 16, 2022

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County COVID-19 Update February 11, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 11:11:20 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports five (5) COVID-related fatalities since Wednesday’s update: a man in his 80s from Buda, a man in his 60s from Kyle, a man in his 70s from San Marcos, a woman in her 50s from Wimberley, and a man in his 70s from Kyle. The department also reports 334 new lab-confirmed cases along with six (6) new hospitalizations and six (6) new hospital discharges. There are 1,669 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 45,908.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 50,301. Hays County has 3,926 active cases. Hays County has had 1,626 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 28 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 18 people (57%) are unvaccinated.

Vaccine opportunities:

NOT OFFERING VACCINE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak), 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov

COVID-19 Update February 11, 2022

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Vote by Mail Ballots Returning Without Voter ID Info

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 04:22:45 GMT

VOTE BY MAIL BALLOT USERS – Incomplete vote by mail ballots are coming back to the Elections Office; they are missing the required voter identification items. Right now, it’s about 4% of the total number returned to date. But we want eveyerone’s vote to count!!

We made a quick video (see below) to illustrate the issue and what you can do if you used a vote by mail ballot and have any concerns. The video features our Elections Administrator and shows you where to look on the ballot (under the flap!) to find the section that people are neglecting to fill in the info.

Questions about your vote by mail ballot? Call the Elections Office at 512-393-7310.

Hays County to Improve FM 621

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 10 Feb 2022 11:13:54 GMT

Phase I road construction on FM 621/Staples Road in Hays County began recently and is slated to be completed later this year. The project limits will stretch about 1.5 miles and run from northwest of De Zavala Drive to southeast of Picasso Drive. See map for project area (click to enlarge).

During the project, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will complete several road enhancements and safety additions including:

pavement widening,
curve realignment,
shoulder improvements,
addition of a continuous center turn lane,
drainage, and
traffic signal improvements.

The project also includes construction of a sidewalk between De Zavala Drive and Hilltop Drive. The map shows the project location.

“These road improvements will help alleviate traffic and improve the safety along this route for not only drivers but also pedestrians,” said Hays County Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe, Pct. 1. “We’re excited to see how this project will help the area and are looking forward these needed safety improvements.”

Ingalsbe said the project, valued at $2,961,992.44, is being funded through the Hays County 2016 Road Bonds, Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO)-awarded Federal funds, and TxDOT Highway Safety Improvement Funds. The project timeline has the work ending this coming summer, weather and other issues permitting.

Drivers in the area are cautioned to slow down, follow posted signage and flagger instructions, and allow additional drive time. Finding alternate routes may also be helpful.

For any questions regarding the project, please contact the Hays County Transportation Department at 512-393-7385.

Hays County COVID-19 Update February 9, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 09 Feb 2022 10:11:41 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports three (3) COVID-related fatalities since Monday’s update: a Driftwood man who was over 100, a San Marcos woman in her 60s, and a Wimberley man in his 60s. The department also reports 404 new lab-confirmed cases along with five (5) new hospitalizations and eight (8) new hospital discharges. There are 947 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 44,239.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 49,967. Hays County has 5,266 active cases. Hays County has had 1,620 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 28 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 16 people (57%) are unvaccinated.

Vaccine opportunities:

NOT OFFERING VACCINE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak), 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov

COVID-19 Update February 9, 2022

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Wimberley Valley Trails Virtual Public Meeting Feb. 16

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 09 Feb 2022 04:23:43 GMT

Join Hays County and the Wimberley Valley Trails Project Team for a Virtual Public Meeting on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Learn about and share input on concepts to make Old Kyle Road between the Wimberley Square and FM 3237 a safer, more accessible corridor with more options for walking and biking.

Event Details

Wimberley Valley Trails Virtual Public Meeting: Old Kyle Road Improvements

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Meeting Registration at www.wimberleyvalleytrails.com.

Main Tax Office Closed Feb. 10; Substations Remain Open

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 04:25:05 GMT

On Feb. 10, 2022, the San Marcos location of the Hays County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office (at the Government Center) will close to the public. Staff are using this as a catch-up day following the end of tax season to complete all property tax posting and title work that has been coming in in bulk.

The three tax office substations will remain open and H-E-B is always available for registration renewals. Find more info about the tax office on our website: https://hayscountytx.com/departments/taxoffice/

Hays County COVID-19 Update February 7, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 07 Feb 2022 10:21:10 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports five (5) COVID-related fatalities since last Wednesday’s update: a man in his 50s from Dripping Springs, a woman in her 70s from Dripping Springs, a woman in her 50s from Kyle, a man in his 80s from Kyle, and a man in his 60s from San Marcos. The department also reports 1,010 new lab-confirmed cases along with 21 new hospitalizations and 22 new hospital discharges. There are 2,327 additional persons considered recovered.

The total number of persons considered recovered is 43,292. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 49,563. Hays County has 5,812 active cases. Hays County has had 1,613 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 29 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 16 people (55%) are unvaccinated. During a routine data audit, the HCLHD removed 50 cases due to out of county or duplicate.

Vaccine opportunities:

NOT OFFERING VACCINE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak), 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov

COVID-19 Update February 7, 2022

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County Urges Spay/Neuter to Reduce Pet Overpopulation

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 10:23:34 GMT

The Hays County Commissioners Court proclaimed February 2022 as Spay/Neuter Awareness Month and urged all residents of Hays County to help control pet overpopulation. This proclamation coincides with World Spay Day, launched on February 22, 1995. World Spay Day is an annual campaign recognized in nearly 70 countries worldwide that aims to encourage people to save animal lives by spaying and neutering companion animals and community cats.

During this past Tuesday’s Commissioners Court meeting, court members voted unanimously to adopt the proclamation. The Court previously approved a ‘No Kill’ initiative by signing a resolution in 2018. The Commissioners Court also endorses spay and neuter of pets and the Trap-Neuter-Return method of free-roaming community cats.

Hays County Judge Becerra said, “We participate in World Spay Day to help increase awareness of the need for spay/neuter to save animal lives.”

He said that spaying and neutering pets will help reduce the number of animals impounded at the regional animal shelter in San Marcos, which has been at critical overcrowding capacity for many weeks. The regional animal shelter in San Marcos is the only open intake facility serving all Hays County residents and the county pays a portion of the operating costs.

Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe, Pct. 1, and Commissioner Lon Shell, Pct. 3, have also endeavored over the past few years to raise awareness of shelter overcrowding and to support the no-kill initiative.

“We encourage all Hays County residents to continue helping to minimize the number of homeless cats and dogs impounded by the shelter each year by spaying/neutering their pets, sponsoring spays/neuters, and donating to local animal welfare organizations,” Ingalsbe said. “All of those things will help the shelter’s resources go much further.”

It is estimated that 88 percent of pets living in underserved communities are not spayed or neutered, leaving them open to reproducing and adding to the overpopulation problem.

Commissioner Shell said he advocates for responsible pet ownership and encourages the community to get their pets spayed and neutered to curb the number of pets which may become homeless, stray, or enter the regional animal shelter.

“By taking proactive steps within our community, we can aim to reduce the number of animals brought into the shelter,” he said. “Spaying and neutering is one of the most effective methods to reducing pet overpopulation in Hays County.”

San Marcos resident Kelly Arthur, a Hays County animal advocate, is the volunteer manager for Hays County Lost & Found Pets.

“We in the Lost & Found team see abandoned strays every day because pet owners cannot afford to fix their pets,” she said. “By providing pet owners with resources for low-cost spay/neuter we can keep the population of unwanted pets out of the animal shelter.”

According to Sharri Boyett, Animal Advocacy Advisor and Community Liaison of Hays County, a volunteer position appointed by the county judge, spaying and neutering are the keys to stopping the cycle of homeless and unwanted pet litters. During Tuesday’s court meeting, she reported that San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter impounded 4,059 animals in FY 2021, of which 31 percent (1,524 animals) were from the unincorporated areas of Hays County.

“The Hays County Spay/Neuter Awareness proclamation is educational,” she said. “It is an important way to draw our community’s attention to the serious issue of pet overpopulation. By bringing attention to these issues, we show we care about cats and dogs at risk of being homeless, abandoned, stray, and those impounded to the regional animal shelter.”

She added that people who want to keep their pets but don’t know about low-cost spay/neuter resources should visit the PALS website, Pet Prevent A Litter (PALS) of Central Texas.

“PALS provides low-cost and free spay/neuter surgeries to qualified Hays County residents,” she said.

Diane Welker, Vice Chair, Animal Shelter Advisory Committee, said, spaying and neutering of cats can drastically reduce the number of kittens who are taken to the shelter each year.

“Between the two organizations with whom I’m an active neonatal foster, we see an estimated 1,500-2,000 litters of kittens annually,” she said. “For each cat that is spayed we can prevent another 10-15 kittens in shelters, which will make a difference in the lives of all animals in Hays County.”

County Court at Law Jury Selection Cancelled for Feb. 7, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 04:26:33 GMT

County Court at Law jury selection is cancelled for February 7, 2022. If you have any questions, please contact the County Clerk’s office at 512-393-7330 or ccsearches@co.hays.tx.us .

Hays County COVID-19 Update February 2, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 03 Feb 2022 10:32:42 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports seven (7) new COVID-related fatalities since Monday’s update: a Buda woman in her 50s, a Buda man in his 90s, a Dripping Springs man in his 70s, a San Marcos man in his 50s, a Wimberley woman from who was over 100, a man from Wimberley in his 60s, and a woman from Wimberley in her 80s. The department also reports 744 new lab-confirmed cases along with 15 new hospitalizations and 20 new hospital discharges. There are 2,069 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 41,015.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 48,603. Hays County has 7,134 active cases. Hays County has had 1,592 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 30 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 20 people (67%) are unvaccinated.

Hays County residents can now upload at-home COVID-19 test results to the local health department here: https://arcg.is/1G4P1r. All information is confidential and no identifying information is collected. While these reports will not be included in the official case counts for Hays County, they will provide a better understanding of community spread.

Vaccine opportunities:

NOT OFFERING VACCINE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak), 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov

COVID-19 Update February 2, 2022

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Non-essential County Offices Remain Closed Feb. 4, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 03 Feb 2022 10:24:26 GMT

Posted Feb. 3, 2022:

Due to inclement weather, all non-essential Hays County offices will remain closed Friday, February 3, 2022.

We urge county residents to remain off roadways. As the weather worsens, road conditions will deteriorate. Please remain safe, dry and warm at home. The fewer cars on the roads, the fewer accidents.

You can find winter weather preparedness tips on our emergency website, haysinformed.com.

Winter Storm Watch; Be Prepared

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 10:36:49 GMT

Update from the Hays County Office of Emergency Services regarding the winter weather headed our way. All non-esssential Hays County offices will be closed on Feb. 3, 2022. Read more about the closures here .

In addition to our published preparation information on Haysinformed.com , we have warming centers strategically located in the county to provide warmth, food and water in the event of a massive power outage in the county. Warming centers will be activated in the event of a widespread power outage in Hays County. (See list of warming centers that are on standby below.)

The Hays County Transportation Department will be staged in key areas of the county ready to sand roads which may present potential hazardous conditions.

Residents should plan to wrap and insulate outside faucets, take care of pets (bring them indoors during freezing weather) and have enough food, water and resources on hand to prevent unnecessary travel Thursday-Saturday. We also suggest residents check on their neighbors, particularly those who may need help with winter preparations, having enough food and water, etc.

Please visit our emergency information website for more info and helpful tips: https://www.haysinformed.com/

We are also posting info on the Hays County Facebook and Twitter pages, the OES Facebook page and the OES Next Door page.

Warming Stations on Standby

The following locations are standby warming stations in Hays County. They will be activated in the event of widespread power outages within the county due to the winter storm. If needed, the warming stations will open at noon on Thursday, Feb. 3. They will not offer overnight accomodations. If road conditions are hazardous, we advise using your best judgment about traveling to warming stations. TxDOT and Hays County roadcrews are preparing for icy overpasses and other treacherous roadways.

Hays Hills Baptist Church

1401 N Farm to Market 1626\

Buda, TX

512-295-3132 or 512-845-3864

Dripping Spring United Methodist

28900 RR 12

Dripping Springs, TX

512-894-7123

Kyle United Methodist Church

408 W Lockhart St,

Kyle, TX

512-415-6708

Westover Baptist Church

1310 Advance St.

San Marcos, TX 78666

512-214-2258

First Baptist Church of Wimberley

15951 Winters Mill Pkwy

Wimberley, TX

432-634-2364

Non-essential County Offices Closed Feb. 3, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 10:33:28 GMT

Posted Feb. 2, 2022:

Due to inclement weather, all non-essential Hays County offices will be closed Thursday, February 3, 2022. Department Heads and Elected Officials will determine which essential services must continue operating during this closure and instruct their staff accordingly. We will reevaluate the situation as the winter storm unfolds and make a decision about Friday by 3 p.m. tomorrow.

We urge county residents to take steps to be prepared for multiple days of extremely cold temperatures mixed with rain. You can find winter weather preparedness tips on our emergency website, haysinformed.com.

In addition to freezing temps, area road conditions may be hazardous. Use extreme caution if you must travel. Hays County road crews are standing by to help mitigate icy conditions on county roads.

Many of our departments offer online resources. Please visit our website at www.hayscountytx.com.

Public Hearing for Booky T Subdivision, Lot 1, Replat (PLN-1658-PC)

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 10:29:00 GMT

By order of the Hays County Commissioners Court, notice is hereby given that on February 15, 2022, at

9 a.m. in the Hays County Courthouse, 111 E. San Antonio Street, the Hays County Commissioners Court will hold a public hearing to consider:

Booky T Subdivision, Lot 1, Replat (PLN-1658-PC)

Public Hearing for Rolling Oaks, Sec 4, Lot 55, Replat (PLN-1787-PC)

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 10:28:01 GMT

By order of the Hays County Commissioners Court, notice is hereby given that on February 15, 2022, at

9 a.m. in the Hays County Courthouse, 111 E. San Antonio Street, the Hays County Commissioners Court will hold a public hearing to consider:

Rolling Oaks, Sec 4, Lot 55, Replat (PLN-1787-PC)

Burn Ban Reinstated in Hays County 2-1-22

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 04:27:32 GMT

With no significant rainfall in six weeks and high winds predicted later this week, the Interim Hays County Fire Marshal, Gib Watt, today recommended reinstating the county’s burn ban. The Hays County Commissioners Court approved.

“I recommend that the burn ban be put in place, as fire danger is currently high,” Watt said. “The recent rains dampen the ground but do not affect the dry and dead fine fuels and grasses. An errant ember from an open burn could easily ignite these fuels and run for acres.”

Watt also referenced some recent grass fires around the region.

“We have seen relatively small grass fires in the county as well as our neighboring counties and a much larger fire in Bastrop County,” he said. “Burn bans are also currently in place for many of our neighboring counties including Blanco, Travis, and Caldwell.”

The county wide burn ban impacts the non-incorporated areas of Hays County.

Hays County COVID-19 Update January 31, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 10:49:13 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports one COVID-related fatality since Friday’s update: a woman from Buda in her 60s. The department also reports 1,416 new lab-confirmed cases along with 22 new hospitalizations and 15 new hospital discharges. There are 0 new recoveries. The total number of persons considered recovered is 38,946.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 47,841. Hays County has 8,448 active cases. Hays County has had 1,577 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 35 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 22 people (63%) are unvaccinated.

Hays County residents can now upload at-home COVID-19 test results to the local health department here: https://arcg.is/1G4P1r. All information is confidential and no identifying information is collected. While these reports will not be included in the official case counts for Hays County, they will provide a better understanding of community spread.

Vaccine opportunities:

NOT OFFERING VACCINE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak), 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov

COVID-19 Update January 31, 2022

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Road Improvements at RM 12 and Winters Mill Parkway

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 11:43:35 GMT

Road construction began this week at the intersection of RM 12 and Winters Mill Parkway.

According to Hays County Commissioner Lon Shell, Pct. 3, the county will reconstruct the existing intersection and provide several improvements to that section of road.

“The planned work includes road reconstruction, adding a right turn lane from Winters Mill onto RM 12, shoulder improvements, traffic signal improvements, and drainage improvements, which includes culvert extensions,” he said. “At completion, we expect a safer intersection that decreases the number of cars that become backed up in that area.”

Funding for the $476,403 project comes from the Hays County 2016 Road Bonds. The design engineer is Cobb Fendley & Associates, Inc., the Contractor is Lone Star Sitework, LLC, and the Construction, Engineering and Inspection (CEI) firm is Pape-Dawson Engineers.

Anticipated completion of the work is later this spring.

For questions about the project, contact Winton Porterfield, Hays County Transportation Department at (512) 393-7385 or winton.porterfield@co.hays.tx.us .

Dripping Springs Southwest Connection Study Now Underway

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 10:59:20 GMT

Learn more about the Dripping Springs Southwest Connection Study!

Hays County is conducting a study to identify a route that will extend RM 150 from the intersection of RM 12 at RM 150 and connect to US 290 west of Dripping Springs. The purpose of this study is to plan ahead, so that Hays County can continue to improve transportation, safety, connectivity, and mobility and provide more options for travelers.

Why is the Study Needed?

Hays County is one of the fastest growing regions in the nation
It is anticipated that the population will increase by 267% by 2045, and that employment will increase by 221%. This will bring more cars and people to the area and increase congestion.
Hays County seeks to identify a path for a future roadway to add much-needed capacity south and west of Dripping Springs.
It is Hays County’s responsibility to plan proactively for transportation needs in the County to compliment the planning done by TxDOT and local governments.

Study Goals

Study the area to identify a feasible footprint for a future roadway route, which considers current and future development
Coordinate with property owners and the community to share information on the study, receive input, and minimize impacts where possible
Plan ahead to help the County and other partners plan for budgeting, design and environmental considerations of a future roadway

Process

Through the Dripping Springs Southwest Connection Study, the County is working with local stakeholders and property owners to develop preliminary engineering plans (up to 20% design) for a future roadway. The intent is to minimize environmental impacts and impacts to property owners and to provide a safe, direct route between RM 12 and RM 150 southwest of Dripping Springs. The study will not include final design or construction plans.

Visit the project page to learn more, including timeline and FAQs!

Hays County COVID-19 Update January 28, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 10:56:59 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports four (4) COVID-related fatalities since Wednesday’s update: a Kyle man in his 70s, a San Marcos man in his 30s, a San Marcos man in his 70s, and a San Marcos man in his 90s. The department also reports 1,670 new lab-confirmed cases along with nine (9) new hospitalizations and 11 new hospital discharges. There are 466 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 39,118.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 46,597. Hays County has 7,033 active cases. Hays County has had 1,565 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 28 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 18 people (64%) are unvaccinated.

Vaccine opportunities:

NOT OFFERING VACCINE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak), 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov

COVID-19 Update January 28, 2022

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

ANIMAL SHELTER NEEDS ALL OF US TO HELP

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 04:29:22 GMT

The regional animal shelter in San Marcos is the intake shelter for our entire county. Staff and volunteers perform absolute miracles almost daily, but they really need our help right now. Facilities are overcrowded. More animals are brought in daily. It’s a sad and alarming situation. How can each of us step up? Foster. Adopt, Share. Volunteer. Donate. Advocate. Educate. Only we can solve these problems, because we created them. The animals who are brought here, like Bojangles and Yvette, are not here by choice.

BONUS: All adoptions for ready-to-go pets are only $10 and include spay/neuter, vet exam, vaccinations, a microchip, and 30 days of free pet health insurance. https://www.sanmarcostx.gov/3259/Adoptable-Animals

Hays County COVID-19 Update January 26, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 11:50:36 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports two COVID-related fatalities since Monday’s report: a San Marcos man in his 40s and a San Marcos in his 60s man. The department also reports 950 new lab-confirmed cases along with 13 new hospitalizations and 14 new hospital discharges. There are 1,010 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 38,652.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 44,923. Hays County has 5,829 active cases. Hays County has had 1,556 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 30 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 18 people (60%) are unvaccinated.

Hays County residents can now upload at-home COVID-19 test results to the local health department here: https://arcg.is/1G4P1r. All information is confidential and no identifying information is collected. While these reports will not be included in the official case counts for Hays County, they will provide a better understanding of community spread.

Vaccine opportunities:

NOT OFFERING VACCINE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak), 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.

M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.

More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov

COVID-19 Update January 26, 2022

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

County Office Closures Week of Jan. 24-28

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 12:33:42 GMT

Due to COVID-related staffing issues, the following Hays County offices/substations will be closed as noted below:

Hays County Tax Office Substations

Dripping Springs substation closed Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 24-25, anticipated to reopen Wednesday. Jan. 26.

Wimberley substation closed Monday thru Wednesday, Jan. 24-26, anticipated to reopen Thursday, Jan. 27. See our website for other locations and hours.

Constable Pct. 5

Hays County Constable Pct. 5 closed Monday-Tuesday, Jan. 24-25, 2022. The office is expected to reopen on Wednesday, Jan. 26 at 8 a.m.

HCSO Crisis Negotiation Team Takes 2nd in Annual Competition

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 12:32:10 GMT

Members of the Hays County Crisis Negotiation Team recently took part in the 32nd Annual Crisis Negotiation Competition & Seminar at Texas State. Whether rookies or long-time team members, the event offers a chance to enhance and improve negotiation, communication and team-building skills.

This year, the Hays County Crisis Negotiation Team, comprised of law enforcement officers from Hays County Sheriff’s Office, San Marcos Police and Kyle Police, took second place in the competition.

“We worked well as a team and were able to resolve the situation without further incident,” said team leader Danny Lombardo with Hays County Sheriff’s Office.

The competition draws in law enforcement agencies from across the state and around the country. Created and hosted by Texas State Criminal Justice Professor Dr. Wayman Mullins (now retired), the competition is designed to be as close to real-world scenarios as possible. University graduate students in the criminal justice program play the role of the perpetrators during the competition. This year, HCSO Lt. Dennis Gutierrez was a judge for a statewide team out of Pennsylvania as well as the Harker Heights PD.

Hays County Sheriff’s Office Detective Jennifer Baker, known to most as JB, said the skills she’s developed in crisis negotiation are the same ones she uses in other law enforcement situations and just regular life.

“The competitions in particular, but also the overall training, help me be a better investigator,” she said during the team’s lunch break. “I’ve learned to slow down and listen.”

Baker said the training aids her in having improved communication skills, which is useful in every relationship from professional to personal.

She added that during her roughly eight years on the crisis negotiation team (she’s been with HCSO for 20), she’s learned that people just want to be heard.

“Everyone wants to be listened to and have their viewpoint understood,” she said.

When she’s the primary, i.e., the person who makes contact with the individual(s) involved in the issue, she said she aims to understand what they really want.

“I ask, ‘Tell me why we’re here and what can we do to help’,” she said.

Baker has been part of the team for four hostage type events. But she said the skills she learned have been valuable in more than 50 other situations and interactions with the public.

What skills are most valuable for crisis negotiations?

“Listening, empathy, remaining calm under pressure and working well with your team,” she said.

It truly is a team effort. While the primary maintains contact and attempts to draw out details about what’s happening with the victims and perpetrators, the rest of the team works to research leads, contact outside entities and officials, and provide the primary with ideas and advice on how to tease out the information.

During the Texas State competition, Baker was one of the researchers. She would feed info to the primary, San Marcos Police Department Officer Nate Waters. Meanwhile, she and other team members were updating the white board behind them with various details about the situation. Baker said a new phone system allows team members to send messages to each other in real time, whereas in the past, they used sticky notes.

“We used to have little sticky notes everywhere,” she said. “So this is much better.”

The competition scenarios often draw on events that are relevant and timely. This year’s scenario for the Hays County/SMPD team revolved around individuals who were upset about everything from COVID to Black Lives Matter to politics. As the scene unfolded, the team learned that the perpetrators wanted vaccine and mask mandates across the state. They said anyone who wasn’t vaccinated shouldn’t be allowed to be employed. They also wanted Governor Abbott to resign and several political candidates to drop out of the race for Attorney General. Other issues included being upset at “white supremists” and that people should support the BLM movement. One of their demands was that masks be required at all schools.

The group of perpetrators were holding 10 people hostage including a state senator (a made-up character named Mike Summers), at the Republican Party Headquarters. Through talking with the perpetrators, the primary learned that several victims had medical or health issues.

He repeatedly asked if any of those people could be released because of their medical conditions. He was repeatedly told ‘not yet.’

During a debrief before lunch, one of the judges told the Hays County/SMPD team that they should work on active listening skills, personalizing the names of victims and repeating or clarifying what was said. He told the team, “This is why we do the training – this is how you learn.” He advocated for being able to adapt and improvise.

Baker and other team members said they agreed with the judge’s assessment. They regrouped during lunch to discuss new tactics and strategies for peaceful resolution to the problem. Whatever they did worked because they came in second overall among their law enforcement peers in the competition!

The Hays County Crisis Negotiation Team:

Jennifer Baker (JB), Detective, HCSO

Garrett Dominguez, Deputy, HCSO

Danny Lombardo, Deputy, HCSO

Erin Barker, Mental Health Liaison, HCSO

Don Lee, Corporal, San Marcos PD

Nate Waters, Mental Health Officer, Kyle PD

Roya Williamson, Crime Victims Liaison, San Marcos PD

Hays County COVID-19 Update January 24, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 11:55:59 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports six COVID-related fatalities since Friday’s update: an Austin woman in her 70s, a Kyle man in his 60s, a Kyle man in his 70s, a San Marcos man in his 70s, a San Marcos man in his 80s, and a Wimberley man in his 70s. The department also reports 1,185 new lab-confirmed cases along with 34 new hospitalizations and 30 new hospital discharges. There are 1,076 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 37,642. During a routine data audit, the HCLHD removed 44 cases due to out of county or duplicate.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 43,973. Hays County has 5,894 active cases. Hays County has had 1,543 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 31 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 20 people (65%) are unvaccinated.

Hays County residents can now upload their at-home COVID-19 test results to the local health department using this link: https://arcg.is/1G4P1r . All information is confidential and no identifying information is collected. Although these reports will not be included in the official case counts for Hays County, they will help us have a better understanding of community spread.

Vaccine opportunities:

NOT OFFERING VACCINE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak), 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov

COVID-19 Update January 24, 2022

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County COVID-19 Update January 21, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 12:04:35 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports four new COVID-related fatalities since Wednesday: a Kyle man in his 50s, a Kyle woman in her 30s, a Kyle woman in her 50s, and a San Marcos woman in her 90s. The department also reports 1,147 new lab-confirmed cases along with 17 new hospitalizations and 17 new hospital discharges. There are 1,636 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 36,610.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 42,832. Hays County has 5,791 active cases. Hays County has had 1,519 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 27 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 15 people (56%) are unvaccinated.

Vaccine opportunities:

NOT OFFERING VACCINE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak), 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov

COVID-19 Update January 21, 2022

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Update on Hays County COVID Emergency Rental Assistance Program

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 12:37:17 GMT

The Hays County COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program has been in place for about six months. In that time, we have processed 384 cases and paid out more than $844,000. An additional $100,000 is currently under review for hotel payments.

Using ERA1 funding from the US Treasury Department, Hays County implemented the ERA program to aid community members who were impacted by COVID relative to rental and utility payments. The goal was to try to prevent people from being evicted or having their utility service shut off because of their inability to pay based on being impacted by COVID.

More than 800 applied for assistance. In some cases, based on the federal rules, not all applicants qualified. In other cases, the applicants weren’t able to provide information relevant to their case. Yet nearly 400 people have been helped with these funds, which are paid directly to landlords, utility companies and hotels.

The US Treasury Department established guidelines and milestones for disseminating the funds into the community. In December, the Treasury Department reallocated $772,791 of our grant funding. We have approximately $4.5 million remaining; no more than 10 percent can be allocated to administrative costs per the US Treasury guidelines.

We’ve had some recent interest in the status of the program. Unfortunately, there has also been some misinformation disseminated by individuals and media outlets. Hays County is continuing the COVID ERA program as long as there is a need in our community and funding available.

On our COVID ERA web page, we provide an update:

https://hayscountytx.com/emergency-rental-assistance-program/

On that page you can also learn more about the program and how to apply. If you or someone you know if having difficulty paying rent or utilities or is in jeopardy of being evicted or having services cut off, we encourage you to apply or to assist someone with the application if needed.

County Court at Law Jury Selection Cancelled for January 24, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 12:34:44 GMT

County Court at Law Jury Selection Cancelled for January 24, 2022. If you have any questions, please contact the County Clerk’s office at 512-393-7330 or email us at ccsearches@co.hays.tx.us . Thank you!

Winter Weather Advisory for Hays County Jan. 20

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 12:38:22 GMT

FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE: Winter Weather Advisory in effect for Hays County from 3 a.m. Thursday to 6 a.m. Friday. Mixed precipitation expected. Minor sleet/snow accumulations on grassy areas, and ice accumulations up to a few hundredths of an inch on mainly elevated, exposed surfaces. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph.

Don’t forget to take care of the Four Ps:

People (check on your neighbors)

Pets (bring them inside)

Plants (cover or bring inside)

Pipes (wrap to avoid freezing)

Plan on slippery road conditions, especially on elevated bridge and roadways, along with overpasses. Hazardous conditions may impact both morning and evening commutes. Slow down and use caution while traveling.

Hays County Office of Emergency Management has coordinated with various entities for warming stations if there are massive power outages across the county. We also have road crews set to engage should it be necessary.

Visit haysinformed.com and our Facebook page for updates and instructions.

Hays County COVID-19 Update January 19, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 12:09:58 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports zero COVID-related fatalities. The department also reports 577 new lab-confirmed cases along with five (5) new hospitalizations and 11 new hospital discharges. There are 183 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 34,974. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 41,685. Hays County has 6,284 active cases. Hays County has had 1,502 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 27 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 14 people (52%) are unvaccinated.

Vaccine opportunities:

NOT OFFERING VACCINE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak), 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov

COVID-19 Update January 19, 2022

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County COVID-19 Update January 18, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 12:16:29 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports one (1) COVID-related fatality since Friday’s update: a Buda man in his 20s. The department also reports 1,500 new lab-confirmed cases along with 23 new hospitalizations and 12 new hospital discharges. There are 1,721 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 34,791. Per a routine data review, the HCLHD removed 41 cases due to out of county or duplicate record.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 41,108. Hays County has 5,890 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 8,910 active cases. Hays County has had 1,497 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 33 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 17 people (52%) are unvaccinated.

Vaccine opportunities:

NOT OFFERING VACCINE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak), 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov

COVID-19 Update January 18, 2022

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Lane closure on FM 2770 beginning Monday night (1/17/22)

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 12:39:17 GMT

Construction operations for the Robert S. Light Blvd. project will necessitate a lane closure on Monday, Jan. 17 beginning at 7 p.m. and ending on Tuesday, Jan. 18 at 6 a.m. The contractor will install a culvert that crosses along FM 2770 south of Main Street in Buda and north of FM 1626. The culvert installation will be happening near the Centex Materials driveways but access to businesses will remain open. Closures will include flagging personnel and proper signage in the work area of the contractor. Project limits affected will be +/- 200 FT before and after the intersection at Centex Materials. Please use caution when traveling in this area.

Hays County COVID-19 Update, Jan. 14, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 12:21:02 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports three COVID-related fatalities since Wednesday’s report: a Buda man in his 80s, a Wimberley man over age 100 and a San Marcos man in his 60s. The department also reports 470 new lab-confirmed cases since Wednesday’s report along with 12 new hospitalizations and 12 new hospital discharges.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 39,649. Hays County has 6,771 active cases. Hays County has had 1,474 total COVID-related hospitalizations. Hays County has 22 current COVID-related hospitalizations. Of those, 14 people (65%) are unvaccinated.

Between January 15-21, Hays County will offer walk-up testing (for age 14+) and vaccine (for age 12+) clinics at the Hays CISD Old Transportation Bldg., located at 21003 I-35 Frontage Road, Kyle. The clinic hours are Sat.-Sun from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and 2-7 p.m. Monday through Friday or while supplies last. An additional clinic will take place January 16 from 12-8 p.m. (or while supplies last) at the Hays County Historic Courthouse located at 111 E. San Antonio St in San Marcos. Individuals can register their rapid test in advance by using this link: https://register.txrapidtest.org/. Note, that link is not to create an appointment; it’s to register the information used to send the test results.

More details about the clinics can be found on the Hays County website.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Jan. 15-21, Hays CISD Old Transportation Bldg., located at 21003 I-35 Frontage Road, Kyle, 2-7 p.m. (Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.) while supplies last – this clinic is for ages 12 and up only
16, Pfizer, Hays County Historic Courthouse, 111. E. San Antonio St., San Marcos, 12-8 p.m. while supplies last – this clinic is for ages 12 and up only
THIS CLINIC IS UNABLE TO OFFER COVID-19 VACCINE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak), 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov

COVID-19 Vaccination Status January 14, 2022

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Hays County Continues Feral Hog Bounty, Management Program

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 12:17:41 GMT

Hays County will be continuing countywide feral hog management efforts in 2022 after receiving a $7,500 grant from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Wildlife Services. The Hays County program will include a five-dollar bounty on feral hogs, one workshop, one webinar, a countywide survey and damage assessment and the continuation of a volunteer-led trapping effort.

Texas is home to an estimated three million feral hogs. Lacking sweat glands, hogs seek shelter along creeks and rivers, which can result in contamination of those waterways, such as Cypress Creek and the San Marcos River. Recognized as an invasive species, feral hogs are responsible for significant agricultural and property losses in Texas, exceeding $500 million each year.

“Feral hogs continue to pose significant problems for both agriculture producers and residential property owners in Hays County,” said Hays County Commissioner Mark Jones, Pct. 2.

Hays County is an affiliate of the Central Texas Feral Hog Task Force and has partnered with The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University, the Cypress Creek Project, the San Marcos Watershed Initiative and the Plum Creek Watershed Partnership to assist with implementation, research and educational components of the program in 2022.

“The 2022 feral hog program in Hays County has a great opportunity for sustained success as we received both continued funding and support to coordinate on a regional scale with projects in Caldwell County,” said Nick Dornak, Director of Watershed Services at the Meadows Center.

Bounty Program

Beginning in mid-February there will be two bounty claim opportunities per month for feral hogs harvested in Hays County. A five-dollar per hog bounty will be paid by check on tails and/or certified buying station receipts. Participants will be required to complete a W-9 and a participation form, which can be obtained at the Hays County bounty station or from the Central Texas Feral Hog Task Force Website.

Hays County Extension Office

200 Stillwater Rd, Wimberley, TX 78676

Second Mondays— Feb. 14 to July 11, 2022

8 a.m. to Noon

Hays County Precinct 2

5458 FM 2770, Kyle, TX 78640

Third Fridays— Feb. 18 to July 15, 2022

10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Other Programs

The Plum Creek Watershed Partnership will coordinate educational workshops for Hays and Caldwell County stakeholders throughout the spring and summer of 2022. Final dates and locations for landowners, hunters, trappers and conservationists to learn more about managing wild pig populations and damage will be provided in the coming weeks. Additionally, landowners engaging with the Hays County feral hog program will have the opportunity to participate in an ongoing, remote-operated feral hog trap sharing cooperative. These remote-operated traps were upgraded in 2021 to enable live video feed sharing.

For more information on these programs and to complete your 2022 feral hog survey, visit the project website, http://www.feralhogtaskforce.com/hays.html or email the Task Force at feralhog@txstate.edu.

County Court at Law Jury Selection Cancelled for January 18, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 12:40:52 GMT

**County Court at Law Jury Selection Cancelled for January 18, 2022. If you have any questions, please contact the County Clerk’s office at 512-393-7330 or ccsearches@co.hays.tx.us .**

Hays County to Offer COVID-19 Testing, Vaccines

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 12:24:43 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) and the Office of Emergency Services are teaming up with the Texas Military Department to offer walk-up COVID-19 testing and vaccine clinics next week.

According to OES Director Mike Jones, the county recognizes the need for additional testing and vaccination opportunities.

“With our case counts on the rise, we know health clinics, pharmacies and Curative locations are overwhelmed right now,” he said. “These clinics will offer expanded capacity to test for COVID-19, in addition to vaccinating our residents.”

Jones said the sites will use rapid testing kits and results will be available within a few minutes. The clinics will offer Pfizer first and second dose vaccines as well as boosters for anyone age 12 and up. Testing will be available for those age 14 and over.

The Hays County Local Health Department recommends following up with PCR tests for any positive rapid tests, however, Director Tammy Crumley said positive results from the clinics will be reported to the Texas Department of State Health Services.

The following locations and hours are for both testing and vaccinations:

Jan. 15-21, 2022

Sat-Sun 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or while supplies last

M-F 2 to 7 p.m. or while supplies last

Hays CISD Old Transportation Bldg., 21003 I-35 Frontage Road, Kyle

Jan. 16, 2022

12-8 p.m. or while supplies last

Hays County Historic Courthouse

111 E. San Antonio St., San Marcos

Appointments are not needed; COVID-19 testing and vaccinations are free at these clinics. Bring your vaccine cards if you are getting second shots and boosters. Follow-up and booster doses can be completed at any vaccine provider. Check here for locations: https://www.vaccines.gov/

More details can be found on the Hays County website .

Hays County COVID-19 Update January 12, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 12:22:37 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports four COVID-related fatalities since Tuesday’s update: a man from Buda in his 50s, a man from Buda in his 70s, a woman from Kyle in her 90s, and a woman from San Marcos in her 80s. The department also reports 362 new lab-confirmed cases, 11 new hospitalizations and 10 new hospital discharges. Hays County has 22 current COVID-related hospitalizations. Of those, 11 people (50%) are unvaccinated.

Between January 15-21, Hays County will offer walk-up testing and vaccine clinics at the Hays CISD Old Transportation Bldg., located at 21003 I-35 Frontage Road, Kyle. The clinic hours are Sat.-Sun from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and 2-7 p.m. Monday through Friday or while supplies last. An additional clinic will take place January 16 from 12-8 p.m. (or while supplies last) at the Hays County Historic Courthouse located at 111 E. San Antonio St in San Marcos. More details can be found on the Hays County website.

Hays County residents can now upload their at-home COVID-19 test results to the local health department using this link: https://arcg.is/1G4P1r. All information is confidential and no identifying information is collected. Although these reports will not be included in the official case counts for Hays County, they will help us have a better understanding of community spread.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Jan. 15-21, Hays CISD Old Transportation Bldg., located at 21003 I-35 Frontage Road, Kyle, 2-7 p.m. (Sat.-Sun.
10 a.m.- 4 p.m.) while supplies last – this clinic is for ages 12 and up only
16, Pfizer, Hays County Historic Courthouse, 111. E. San Antonio St., San Marcos, 12-8 p.m. while supplies last – this clinic is for ages 12 and up only
M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak), 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov

COVID-19 Vaccination Status January 12, 2022

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

County Clerk’s Office/Substations Closed Jan. 18 from 8-10:30 AM

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 12:41:41 GMT

All Hays County Clerk Offices/substations will be closed Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022, from 8– 10:30 a.m. so staff can be recognized by the Commissioners Court for receiving the 5 Star Exemplary Award from the State Vitals Office.

Hays County COVID-19 Update January 11, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 12:27:20 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports one COVID-related fatality since Monday’s update, along with 653 new lab-confirmed cases. The department also reports three (3) new hospitalizations and three (3) new hospital discharges. Hays County has 20 current COVID-related hospitalizations. Of those, 13 people (65%) are unvaccinated.

Between January 15-21, Hays County will offer walk-up testing and vaccine clinics at the Hays CISD Old Transportation Bldg., located at 21003 I-35 Frontage Road, Kyle. The clinic hours are 2-7 p.m. Monday through Friday and Sat.-Sun from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. or while supplies last. An additional clinic will take place January 16 from 12-8 p.m. (or while supplies last) at the Hays County Historic Courthouse located at 111 E. San Antonio St in San Marcos. More details will be on the Hays County website beginning tomorrow.

Hays County residents can now upload their at-home COVID-19 test results to the local health department using this link: https://arcg.is/1G4P1r. All information is confidential and no identifying information is collected. Although these reports will not be included in the official case counts for Hays County, they will help us have a better understanding of community spread.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Jan. 15-21, Hays CISD Old Transportation Bldg., located at 21003 I-35 Frontage Road, Kyle, 2-7 p.m. (Sat.-Sun.
10 a.m.- 4 p.m.) while supplies last – this clinic is for ages 12 and up only
16, Pfizer, Hays County Historic Courthouse, 111. E. San Antonio St., San Marcos, 12-8 p.m. while supplies last – this clinic is for ages 12 and up only
M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak), 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov

COVID-19 Vaccination Status January 11, 2022

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Notice of Virtual Open House for the Hillside Terrace Improvements Project

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 10:30:22 GMT

Hays County is planning for improvements to Hillside Terrace from I-35 to Old Goforth Road and along Old Goforth Road from Hillside Terrace to Green Meadows Lane in Hays County, Texas and is hosting a virtual open house to share project updates and information on the proposed improvements.

VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE

Thursday, Jan. 27 – Friday, Feb. 18, 2022

HillsideterraceImprovements.com

You can visit anytime during the open house period to watch the video and provide your feedback.

The virtual open house will be a pre-recorded presentation in both English and Spanish and hosted on the project website at hillsideterraceimprovements.com . If you have special accommodations or need materials in another language, please call 512-400-4297 and every effort will be made to accommodate your request. Materials included in the presentation will also be available Monday through Friday from
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hays County Precinct 2 office, 5458 FM 2770, Kyle, TX 78640.

Download Full Notice in English

Descargue la noticia completa en español

Single Lane Road Closure at RM 150 and RM 3237

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 10:17:08 GMT

Traffic Alert: there will be a single lane closure on January 12 on westbound RM 150 between Mad Rooster’s parking lot driveway and the RM 150/ RM 3237 intersection. Crews are installing a round-about at that location. During the closure, Myers Construction will place concrete for curb and gutter. Cox Commercial Construction will provide traffic control, including a flagging operation, for the closure, anticipated to take place between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Please use caution when driving in that area and follow the directions of the flaggers.

Hays County COVID-19 Update January 7, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 07 Jan 2022 12:37:28 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports one COVID-related fatality since Wednesday’s update: a San Marcos woman in her 70s. The department also reports 1,640 new lab-confirmed cases along with nine (9) new hospitalizations and three (3) new hospital discharges. There are 0 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 30,771.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 37,082. Hays County has 5,893 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 6,238 active cases. Hays County has had 1,439 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 18 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 11 people (61%) are unvaccinated.

Hays County residents can now upload their at-home COVID-19 test results to the local health department using this link: https://arcg.is/1G4P1r. All information is confidential and no identifying information is collected. Although these reports will not be included in the official case counts for Hays County, they will help us have a better understanding of community spread.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak), 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov

COVID-19 Update January 7, 2022

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County COVID-19 Update January 5, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 12:42:43 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports one COVID-related fatality: a Buda man in his 80s. The department also reports 183 new lab-confirmed cases along with two (2) new hospitalizations and four (4) new hospital discharges. There are 100 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 30,771.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 35,442. Hays County has 4,254 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 4,708 active cases. Hays County has had 1,430 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 11 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, six (6) people (55%) are unvaccinated.

Hays County residents can now upload their at-home COVID-19 test results to the local health department using this link: https://arcg.is/1G4P1r. All information is confidential and no identifying information is collected. Although these reports will not be included in the official case counts for Hays County, they will help us have a better understanding of community spread.

We remind everyone of some simple measures to help slow the spread of the virus, including frequent hand washing, social distancing and wearing a mask when indoors around large groups of people. Additionally, a COVID-19 vaccine may reduce the risk of severe symptoms or death in those who test positive for the virus. Children age 5-11 are eligible to receive pediatric doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak), 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov

COVID-19 Update January 5, 2022

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Single Lane Road Closure at RM 150 and RM 3237 POSTPONED

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 04 Jan 2022 10:24:34 GMT

UPDATE: THE JAN. 10 CLOSURE HAS BEEN POSTPONED. NO NEW DATE IS AVAILABLE.

Traffic Alert: there will be a single lane closure on January 10 on westbound RM 150 between Mad Rooster’s parking lot driveway and the RM 150/ RM 3237 intersection. Crews are installing a round-about at that location. During the closure, Myers Construction will place concrete for curb and gutter. Cox Commercial Construction will provide traffic control, including a flagging operation, for the closure, anticipated to take place between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Please use caution when driving in that area and follow the directions of the flaggers.

Hays County COVID-19 Update December 31, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 31 Dec 2021 09:29:54 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports one new COVID-related fatality, a man from the northern Hays County area (Hays County resident with an Austin address) in his 70s. The department also reports 649 new lab-confirmed cases since Wednesday’s update along with six (6) new hospitalizations and seven (7) new hospital discharges. There are 110 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 30,430. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 33,537. Hays County has 2,693 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 2,875 active cases. Hays County has had 1,420 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 15 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 13 people (87%) are unvaccinated.

With the upcoming holiday, the HCLHD reminds county residents to take precautions especially if traveling or they have family and friends coming to town. Some simple measures can help slow the spread of the virus, including frequent hand washing, social distancing and wearing a mask when indoors around large groups of people. You may need a vaccination prior to travel to certain locales; see the list below for vaccine opportunities. Children age 5-11 are eligible to receive pediatric doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

Vaccine opportunities (hours may change due to holidays):

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak), 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov

COVID-19 Update December 31, 2021

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County Offices Closed Jan. 3, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 30 Dec 2021 10:25:33 GMT

Hays County offices are closed January 3, 2022, in celebration of the New Year’s holiday. Offices will reopen on January 4.

Hays County COVID-19 Update December 29, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 30 Dec 2021 09:36:12 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reported 649 new lab-confirmed cases on December 29 along with one (1) new hospitalization and five (5) new hospital discharges. There are five (5) additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 30,321. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 32,888. Hays County has 2,154 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 2,285 active cases. Hays County has had 1,414 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 16 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 14 people (86%) are unvaccinated.

Vaccine opportunities (hours may change due to holidays):

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak), 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. CLOSED DEC. 31, 2021
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov

COVID-19 Update December 29, 2021

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County COVID-19 Update December 28, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 28 Dec 2021 09:37:36 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports two (2) COVID-related fatalities between 12/22/2021-12/28/2021: a Buda man in his 50s and a San Marcos woman in her 70s. The department also reports 1,229 new lab-confirmed cases along with 19 new hospitalizations and 11 new hospital discharges since the last update. There are 185 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 30,316. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 32,239. Hays County has 1,510 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 1,661 active cases. Hays County has had 1,413 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 20 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 16 people (80%) are unvaccinated.

Vaccine opportunities (hours may change due to holidays):

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak), 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. CLOSED DEC. 31, 2021
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov

COVID-19 Update December 28, 2021

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Outdoor Burning Not Allowed 12-24-21 Due to High Winds

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 24 Dec 2021 10:26:49 GMT

Due to weather conditions today (12/24/21), including high winds, outdoor burning in the unincorporated areas of Hays County is not allowed even if you have an open burn permit. [NOTE: cities may have their own rules for outdoor burning, though most do not allow it at any time, Check with your municipality.] Hays County Fire Marshal’s Office evaluates conditions daily. To obtain a burn permit, visit https://www.hayscountypermits.com/ You can find the burn status at the top of that page; see image. Thanks for your cooperation!

Hays County Offices Closed Dec. 23-27, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 10:28:29 GMT

Hays County offices will be closed December 23-27,2021, in celebration of the Christmas holiday. They will reopen December 28, 2021.

Hays County COVID-19 Update December 20, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 09:53:01 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports one (1) COVID-related fatality between 12/14/2021-12/20/2021: a San Marcos woman in her 70s. The department also reports 295 new lab-confirmed cases along with seven (7) new hospitalizations and 10 new hospital discharges since the last update. There are 185 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 30,131. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 31,016. Hays County has 474 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 670 active cases. Hays County has had 1,394 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 12 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 11 people (92%) are unvaccinated.

With the upcoming holidays, the HCLHD reminds county residents to take precautions especially if traveling or they have family and friends coming to town. Some simple measures can help slow the spread of the virus, including frequent hand washing, social distancing and wearing a mask when indoors around large groups of people. You may need a vaccination prior to travel to certain locales; see the list below for vaccine opportunities. Children age 5-11 are eligible to receive pediatric doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

Vaccine opportunities (hours may change due to holidays):

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos,
8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov

COVID-19 Update December 20, 2021

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

York Creek road repairs targeted for completion on Dec. 20, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Sat, 18 Dec 2021 10:29:31 GMT

Repairs to the first low-water crossing on York Creek (closest to Francis Harris) that began on 12/6 is targeted for completion on 12/20.

Hays County Office of Emergency Services Preparing for Winter Weather

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 09:54:37 GMT

Hays County Office of Emergency Services (OES) is preparing for any potential severe weather events that may occur this winter season after Hays County experienced a historic snowstorm earlier this year. During the aftermath, power and water went out for thousands of residents around the region, causing mass panic.

According to OES Director Mike Jones, many people were without food and water for several days and the temperatures were below freezing. While emergency plans were in place, Jones said treacherous driving conditions made it difficult to get to county residents.

“Despite having food and water to distribute, it was a challenge to attempt to drive anywhere for the first two days after the major snow fell,” he said. “For more remote parts of the county, it was near impossible to get to anyone in a quick timeframe.”

Heading into this winter season, OES is once again stocking up on resources such as water and shelf-stable food, as well as coordinating with community organizations for shelters and warming stations should they be needed.

“Most importantly, Jones said, “we urge our Hays County residents to prepare for any severe weather or emergency event.”

He said one of his main goals for OES is to help build a more resilient community where individuals can take care of themselves and their neighbors should an event occur.

“February’s freeze event showed where we have a need in the community,” Jones said. “When the power and water went out for days at a time, we saw how unprepared most of our residents were.”

He said having a minimum of one gallon of water per person each day is critical. Jones added that alternate sources for cooking and heating food should be considered, whether it’s an outdoor grill, a propane burner or something else that is safe to use.

Officials have been sharing winter preparedness tips to urge residents to make plans in the event of an emergency such as a winter storm or power outage. Tips for creating a family emergency communication plan is among the recent public education messages.

Jones said home generators are also popular now but cautioned about using them properly and never using them inside a home. He said running a vehicle in a garage should be avoided due to carbon monoxide poisoning.

One thing all residents should do, Jones said, is sign up to receive emergency alerts via phone, email or text.

“We encourage Hays County residents to sign up for emergency alerts through warncentraltexas.org,” he said. “Residents can also turn to haysinformed.com for countywide emergency information.”

In addition to Warn Central Texas and Hays Informed, residents can refer to the Hays County official Facebook page and the OES Facebook page for updates and information during an emergency.

To learn more emergency preparedness tips and see important emergency information, visit haysinformed.com

Hays County COVID-19 Update December 13, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 10:01:08 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports two (2) COVID-related fatalities between 12/7/2021-12/13/2021: a boy under 10 years old from Austin (Dripping Springs area), and a woman in her 90s from San Marcos. The department also reports 179 new lab-confirmed cases along with 10 new hospitalizations and five (5) new hospital discharges since the last update. There are 67 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 29,946. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 30,731. Hays County has 375 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 450 active cases. Hays County has had 1,387 total COVID-related hospitalizations and fifteen (15) people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 11 people (73%) are unvaccinated.

Vaccine opportunities (hours may change due to holidays):

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. (Please note the change in hours from previous releases.)
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov

COVID-19 Update December 13, 2021

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County COVID-19 Update December 7, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 10:07:01 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports two (2) COVID-related fatalities between 11/29/2021-12/6/2021: a woman from San Marcos in her 80s and a man from Driftwood in his 60s. The department also reports 196 new lab-confirmed cases along with four (4) new hospitalizations and seven (7) new hospital discharges since the last update. There are 222 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 29,879. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 30,558. Hays County has 271 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 517 active cases. Hays County has had 1,377 total COVID-related hospitalizations and ten (10) people are currently hospitalized. Of those, eight (8) people (80%) are unvaccinated.

With the upcoming holidays, the HCLHD reminds county residents to take precautions especially if traveling or they have family and friends coming to town. Some simple measures can help slow the spread of the virus, including frequent hand washing, social distancing and wearing a mask when indoors around large groups of people. You may need a vaccination prior to travel to certain locales; see the list below for vaccine opportunities. Children age 5-11 are now eligible to receive pediatric doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

Vaccine opportunities (hours may change due to holidays):

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos,
8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. (Please note the change in hours from previous releases.)
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.

COVID-19 Update December 7, 2021

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Section of York Creek Rd. to Close for Repairs

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 10:08:30 GMT

The Hays County Transportation Department will begin repairs on a low water crossing on York Creek Rd. The section of road – closest to Francis Harris Rd. – will be closed from December 6 to December 17. Crews will repair the culverts and concrete deck, requiring the temporary road closure.

Message boards have been placed in the area to alert drivers. Those who live and drive in the area should plan alternate routes during the construction. A map of the work site is below. For any questions, please contact Aaron Jones, Hays County Maintenance Superintendent, at aaron.jones@co.hays.tx.us.

Hays County COVID-19 Weekly Update November 29, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 10:09:36 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports two (2) COVID-related fatalities between 11/22/2021-11/29/2021: a Wimberley man in his 50s, and a Kyle man in his 70s. The department also reports 75 new lab-confirmed cases along with 10 new hospitalizations and 10 new hospital discharges since the last update. There are 211 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 29,657. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 30,374. Hays County has 311 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 528 active cases. Hays County has had 1,373 total COVID-related hospitalizations and thirteen (13) people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 10 people (77%) are unvaccinated.

With the upcoming holidays, the HCLHD reminds county residents to take precautions especially if traveling or have family and friends coming to town. Some simple measures can help slow the spread of the virus, including frequent hand washing, social distancing and wearing a mask when indoors around large groups of people. You may need a vaccination prior to travel to certain locales; see the list below for vaccine opportunities. Children age 5-11 are now eligible to receive pediatric doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

Vaccine opportunities (hours may change due to holidays):

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos,
8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. (Please note the change in hours from previous releases.)
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.

COVID-19 Update November 29, 2021

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Public Notice: Public Hearing on Bell Springs Ranches, Lot 2, Replat

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 10:36:52 GMT

By order of the Hays County Commissioners Court, notice is hereby given that on December 7, 2021, at 9 a.m. in the Hays County Courthouse, 111 E. San Antonio Street, the Hays County Commissioners Court will hold a public hearing to consider:

Bell Springs Ranches, Lot 2, Replat (PLN-1802-PC)

Public Notice: Henderson Subdivision, Lot 2-A, Cancellation (PLN-1846-PC)

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 10:35:46 GMT

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

Henderson Subdivision, Lot 2-A, Cancellation (PLN-1846-PC)

Hays County Offices Closed November 24-26

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 10:15:22 GMT

Hays County offices will be closed from November 24 through November 26, 2021, in observance of Thanksgiving.

Holiday Lighting at the Historic Courthouse

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 10:17:51 GMT

Join us for this FREE event presented by Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra’s Office.

December 2, 2021

5-7:30 p.m.

111 E. San Antonio St., San Marcos

Enjoy a fun, family-friendly evening at the historic HaysCo Courthouse in downtown San Marcos.

The following events will take place during the event:

Holiday Lighting Countdown
Santa Claus
Take Photos with The Grinch
Performance by San Marcos H.S. Marching and Mariachi Bands
Performance by A Cappella Unlimited Carolers
Performance by Elm Grove Elem. Eagle Star Choir
Write A Holiday Letter to a Hays County Veteran
Merry Mermaid Market
Brown Santa’s Sleigh: Collecting New, Unwrapped Toys

Event co-hosts:

Main Street San Marcos

Downtown Association SMTX

Mermaid Society

Hays County Historical Commission

Hays County COVID-19 Update November 15, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 11:02:00 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports two (2) COVID-related fatalities between November 8-15, 2021: two Kyle men in their 80s. The department also reports 217 new lab-confirmed cases along with seven (7) new hospitalizations and eight (8) new hospital discharges since the last update. There are 180 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 29,263. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 30,067. Hays County has 401 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 597 active cases. Hays County has had 1,355 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 11 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, nine (9) people (82%) are unvaccinated. During a routine data audit, the health department removed 14 cases due to out of county or duplicate.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County Commissioners Court Approves Redistricting Maps

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 11:04:38 GMT

Hays County Commissioners voted 3-2 to approve a new redistricting map. Commissioners Mark Jones, Pct. 2, Lon Shell, Pct. 3 and Walt Smith, Pct. 4, voted in favor of the map. Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe, Pct. 1, and Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra voted against the map. The vote took place at the November 9, 2021, regular meeting.

Following the release of the 2020 Census data for Hays County, the precinct lines for commissioners and the lines for Justices of the Peace and constables needed to be redrawn due to the fast growth of the county.

A Redistricting Advisory Commission (RAC), comprised of appointees by the Commissioners Court along with the Hays County Democratic and Republican Party Chairs, explored the possible ways to redraw the precincts while adhering to the Voting Right Act of 1965. The RAC proposed several maps during the overall process. RAC members then submitted two proposed maps to the Commissioners Court on November 2, 2021. Two additional maps created by Commissioner Lon Shell, Pct. 3, were uploaded to the RAC website following the November 2 meeting. Those maps, along with the RAC-proposed maps and input from the public gathered during community meetings in each precinct, were all considered by the Commissioners Court before a final decision was made. Any redrawn precinct map had to conform to state and federal constitutional provisions related to redistricting, the Voting Rights Act, and the Texas Guide to Redistricting.

The new Commissioners Precinct Map will be used for the 10 years between now and the 2030 Census. JP and constable maps can be updated more frequently.

See the final approved Hays County Commissioner Precinct map and the JP and Constable map on the county’s website: https://hayscountytx.com/hays-county-redistricting-advisory-commission-2021-2 /.

Public Notice: Hurlbut Ranch West, Lot 17A, Replat

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 10:38:38 GMT

By order of the Hays County Commissioners Court, notice is hereby given that on November 23, 2021, at 9 a.m. in the Hays County Courthouse, 111 E. San Antonio Street, the Hays County Commissioners Court will hold a public hearing to consider:

Hurlbut Ranch West, Lot 17A, Replat (PLN-1798-PC)

Hays County COVID-19 Update November 8, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 11:10:37 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports two (2) COVID-related fatalities between November 1-8, 2021: a San Marcos man in his 70s and a Driftwood woman in her 40s. The department also reports 184 new lab-confirmed cases along with seven (7) new hospitalizations and four (4) new hospital discharges since the last update. There are 219 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 29,083. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 29,694. Hays County has 380 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 615 active cases. Hays County has had 1,348 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 12 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, eight (8) people (89%) are unvaccinated.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos,
8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.

COVID-19 Update November 8, 2021

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

# # #

Hays County Website: https://hayscountytx.com/

Countywide Emergency Info: www.haysinformed.com

Stormwater Public Workshops

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 10:32:22 GMT

What is the meeting all about?

Join our Development Services team for a look into stormwater issues and environmental protections for our rivers, lakes and other waterways.

What will you do at this meting?

Learn more about how Development Services works to protect our waterways through the MS4 Program. We will share a cool video that helps put things into perspective and then offer a Q@A session with our experts. We would love to see you for a meeting! Plus we will have donuts and coffee, and who wants to miss that?

When and where should you go if you want to attend?

Join us from 9-10 a.m. on:

November 18 – this meeting is geared for the general public

November 19 – this meeting is mainly for contractors and engineers; the conversation may be more focused on technical issues but the public is still welcome to attend!

Address: Hays County Development Services Office, located at 2171 Yarrington Rd., Kyle, Texas.

Hays County Offices Closed Nov. 11

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 07:59:52 GMT

Hays County offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021, in observance of Veterans Day. We thank each of our U.S. military veterans for their service to our country. Learn more about our Veteran Services Office by clicking this link .

Public Notice – Douglas Estates, Lot D-40, Replat (PLN-1756-PC)

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 10:40:17 GMT

By order of the Hays County Commissioners Court, notice is hereby given that on November 23, 2021, at 9 a.m. in the Hays County Courthouse, 111 E. San Antonio Street, San Marcos, the Hays County Commissioners Court will hold a public hearing to consider:

Douglas Estates, Lot D-40, Replat (PLN-1756-PC)

Groundbreaking on Robert S Light Blvd. Extension

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 11:19:55 GMT

The Texas Department of Transportation and Hays County recently broke ground on the Robert S. Light Boulevard extension project. This new road will extend Robert S. Light Boulevard @FM 967 in Buda, providing a direct connection between I-35 and FM 1626. The project includes new overpasses at the Union Pacific Railroad, the Mustang Branch of Onion Creek and the Centex Materials haul road, as well as turn lanes to and from the new roadway.

Hays County COVID-19 Update October 25, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 11:29:55 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports four (4) COVID-related fatalities: a San Marcos man in his 50s, a San Marcos man in his 80s, and two women from San Marcos in their 60s. The department also reports 105 new lab-confirmed cases along with three (3) new hospitalizations and five (5) new hospital discharges. There are 21 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 28,551.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 29,513. Hays County has 569 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 817 active cases. Hays County has had 1,336 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 13 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 11 (74%) are unvaccinated.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos,
8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.

COVID-19 Update October 25, 2021

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

U.S. 290 West at Martin Rd. Detour Route Map

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Sat, 23 Oct 2021 08:02:32 GMT

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will construct a minor realignment of Martin Road at the intersection with US 290 and a dedicated right turn lane addition on westbound US 290 including paving, drainage, signing, and pavement markings. This work requires the closure of the southernmost 1,000’ of Martin Road approaching US 290. A detour route has been created for this closure. (See map)

Travelers trying to access US 290 via Martin Road will be diverted north on Martin Road and turn south on McGregor Lane until its intersection with US 290. Travelers trying to access Martin Road via US 290 will be diverted to turn north on McGregor Lane and then turn west onto Martin Road. Proper detour signage will be placed along the detour route to help travelers navigate the detour to arrive at their destination. This detour will be in place from early November 2021 until the targeted completion date of Spring 2022. Travelers, including Dripping Springs ISD bound vehicles, should allow for additional time to navigate the detour route during the time period.

The project, valued at $1,353,925.37, is being funded through the 2016 voter-approved Hays County Road Bonds program. The Design Engineer is FSC, Inc. and the Contractor is Relmco, Inc. TxDOT will be responsible for managing and inspecting the construction.

For any questions about the project, please contact Hays County Transportation at 512-560-7734 or email winton.porterfield@co.hays.tx.us .

Hays County COVID-19 Update October 22, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 12:12:36 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports one (1) COVID-related fatality: a man from San Marcos in his 70s. The department also reports 28 new lab-confirmed cases along with zero (0) new hospitalizations and three (3) new hospital discharges. There are 59 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 28,542. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 29,420. Hays County has 489 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 878 active cases. Hays County has had 1,333 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 15 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 11 (73%) are unvaccinated.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos,
8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
Coming Soon: M-F, Pfizer and Moderna drive-thru vaccine clinics offered by MD Diagnostics @ Old Walnut Springs School, 300 Sportsplex Dripping Springs, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

COVID-19 Update October 22, 2021

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County COVID-19 Update October 21, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 11:57:30 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports one COVID-related fatality: a man from Buda in his 30s. The Department also reports 36 new lab-confirmed cases along with two (2) new hospitalizations and one (1) new hospital discharge. There are 71 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 28,483. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 29,392. Hays County has 521 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 899 active cases. Hays County has had 1,333 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 18 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 13 (73%) are unvaccinated.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos,
8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
Coming Soon: M-F, Pfizer and Moderna drive-thru vaccine clinics offered by MD Diagnostics @ Old Walnut Springs School, 300 Sportsplex Dripping Springs, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

COVID-19 Update October 21, 2021

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County COVID-19 Update October 19, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 12:17:33 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports 29 new lab-confirmed cases along with two (2) new hospitalizations and two (2) new hospital discharges. There are 30 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 28,352. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 29,319. Hays County has 581 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 955 active cases. Hays County has had 1,330 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 18 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 14 (78%) are unvaccinated.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos,
8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
Coming Soon: M-F, Pfizer and Moderna drive-thru vaccine clinics offered by MD Diagnostics @ Old Walnut Springs School, 300 Sportsplex Dripping Springs, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

COVID-19 Update October 19, 2021

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Public Hearing to Consider: Rolling Oaks, Section 3, Lots 13 and 14, Replat

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 10:41:17 GMT

By order of the Hays County Commissioners Court, notice is hereby given that on November 2, 2021, at 9 a.m. in the Hays County Courthouse, 111 E. San Antonio Street, the Hays County Commissioners Court will hold a public hearing to consider:

Rolling Oaks, Section 3, Lots 13 and 14, Replat, being

out of the Resubdivision of Lots 45 through 53 and Lot 58, Rolling Oaks Subdivision, Section 3

Hays County COVID-19 Update October 18, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 12:22:27 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports one COVID-related fatality: a San Marcos man in his 40s. The department also reports 96 new lab-confirmed cases along with one (1) new hospitalization and three (3) new hospital discharges. This report covers October 16-18. There are 165 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 28,322. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 29,290. Hays County has 582 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 996 active cases. Hays County has had 1,328 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 18 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 16 (89%) are unvaccinated.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos,
8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
Coming Soon: M-F, Pfizer and Moderna drive-thru vaccine clinics offered by MD Diagnostics @ Old Walnut Springs School, 300 Sportsplex Dripping Springs, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

COVID-19 Update October 18, 2021

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County to Begin RM 967 Safety Improvements

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 08:03:22 GMT

Road safety improvements on FM 967 in Buda are set to begin on or about October 25, 2021. The Texas Department of Transportation will construct a continuous two-way left turn center lane from west of Oak Forest Drive to the intersection with FM 1626, including Carpenter Hill Elementary School, Dahlstrom Middle School and Johnson High School.

The work includes adding paved shoulders, improving drainage structures, and adding a four-foot painted separation median that will run from one mile west of Ruby Ranch Road to west of Oak Forest Drive.

“These road improvements will help in reducing traffic on FM 967 in particular during peak times when parents and students are driving to and from the schools on that roadway and nearby roads,” Hays County Commissioner Mark Jones, Pct. 2, said. “We look forward to alleviating some of the congestion in that area and enhancing the safety for all drivers.”

Jones said funding for the project, valued at $6,598,035.64, is from Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO)-awarded Federal funds, 2016 Hays County Road Bonds, and TxDOT Highway Safety Improvement Funds.

The project team includes WSB as the design engineer and Hunter Industries, Ltd. as the Contractor. TxDOT will be responsible for managing and inspecting the construction.

Jones said the anticipated project completion is fall of 2022.

Hays County COVID-19 Update October 8, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 12:28:08 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports three (3) COVID-related fatalities: a Kyle woman in her 60s, a Kyle man in his 60s, and a San Marcos woman in her 80s. The department also reports 60 new lab-confirmed cases along with one (1) new hospitalizations and nine (9) new hospital discharges. There are 109 additional persons considered recovered. During a routine data audit, HCLHD removed 26 cases due to out-of-county or duplicate; six (6) were hospitalizations.

The total number of persons considered recovered is 27,757. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 28,963. Hays County has 827 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 1,457 active cases. Hays County has had 1,314 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 32 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 27 (84%) are unvaccinated.

NOTE: County offices are closed October 11; no COVID-19 update will be issued that day.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos,
8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
Coming Soon: M-F, Pfizer and Moderna drive-thru vaccine clinics offered by MD Diagnostics @ Old Walnut Springs School, 300 Sportsplex Dripping Springs, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

COVID-19 Update October 8, 2021

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Judge Gary L. Steel Appointed to State Commission on Judicial Conduct

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 08:04:30 GMT

The Supreme Court of Texas recently appointed 274th District Court Judge Gary L. Steel to the State Commission on Judicial Conduct. Judge Steel is fulfilling an unexpired term through November 19, 2023.

The State Commission on Judicial Conduct, a 13-member body, investigates alleged violations of judicial misconduct or incapacity. The Commission’s mission is to protect the public, promote public confidence in the integrity, independence, competence, and impartiality of the judiciary, and encourage judges to maintain high standards of conduct both on and off the bench.

Judge Steel will be the only District Judge serving on the Commission.

“It is an honor and privilege to be selected by the Texas Supreme Court to serve on this Commission,” Judge Steel said.

About Judge Gary Steel

Judge Steel received a B.B.A. in Finance (1980) and J.D. (1983) from Texas Tech University. Judge Steel is elected by his colleagues to be Local Administrative Judge for Hays County. He is Chairman of the Guadalupe County Juvenile Board and Vice-Chairman of the Comal County Juvenile Board. Judge Steel is also a sustaining member of the College of the State Bar of Texas. Judge Steel’s Judicial District is composed of Hays, Guadalupe, and Comal Counties.

About the State Commission on Judicial Conduct

The mission of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct is to protect the public, promote public confidence in the integrity, independence, competence, and impartiality of the judiciary, and encourage judges to maintain high standards of conduct both on and off the bench. The Commission accomplishes this mission through its investigation of allegations of judicial misconduct or incapacity. In cases where a judge is found to have engaged in misconduct or to be permanently.

Hays County COVID-19 Update October 12, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 12:45:12 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports three COVID-related fatalities: a Kyle man in his 50s, a Kyle woman in her 80s, and a Wimberley woman in her 40s. The department also reports 174 new lab-confirmed cases along with nine (9) new hospitalizations and 15 new hospital discharges. This report covers October 9-12, 2021. There are 257 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 28,014. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 29,137. Hays County has 741 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 1,312 active cases. Hays County has had 1,323 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 26 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 25 (96%) are unvaccinated.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos,
8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
Coming Soon: M-F, Pfizer and Moderna drive-thru vaccine clinics offered by MD Diagnostics @ Old Walnut Springs School, 300 Sportsplex Dripping Springs, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

COVID-19 Update October 12, 2021

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County COVID-19 Update October 7, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 12:22:20 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports one COVID-related fatality: a Kyle woman in her 80s. The department also reports 72 new lab-confirmed cases along with three (3) new hospitalizations and three (3) new hospital discharges. There are 70 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 27,674. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 28,929. Hays County has 879 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 1,477 active cases. Hays County has had 1,319 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 40 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 33 (83%) are unvaccinated.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos,
8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
Coming Soon: M-F, Pfizer and Moderna drive-thru vaccine clinics offered by MD Diagnostics @ Old Walnut Springs School, 300 Sportsplex Dripping Springs, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

COVID-19 Update October 7, 2021

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County Redistricting Advisory Commission Begins Process

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 08:06:45 GMT

The Hays County Redistricting Advisory Commission (RAC), the group tasked with exploring and endeavoring to provide advisory input regarding the adjustment of Hays County Precinct boundaries, is in the process of holding work sessions. Following the 2020 Census, a Redistricting Advisory Commission (RAC) was established by the Hays County Commissioners Court. The RAC will explore and endeavor to provide advisory input regarding the adjustment of Hays County Precinct boundaries, including Commissioners Precincts, Justice of the Peace Precincts and Constables Precincts. This commission is aided by the County’s Office of General Counsel and by the law firm Allison, Bass & Magee.

The RAC is comprised of appointed members and the chairs of the Hays County Republican and Democratic parties. See the RAC members below:

Ruben Garza – appointed by Hays County Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe, Pct. 1

Michelle Lopez – appointed by Hays County Commissioner Mark Jones, Pct. 2

Shannon Fitzgerald – appointed by Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra

Ken Strange – appointed by Hays County Commissioner Lon Shell, Pct. 3

Steve Meyer – appointed by Hays County Commissioner Walt Smith, Pct. 4

Bob Parks, Republican Party Chair, Hays County

Mark Trahan, Democratic Party Chair, Hays County

A RAC webpage is dedicated to providing timely, relevant and transparent information about that process.

Four public input meetings will be held once any proposed maps are produced. Once those meeting details are set, they will be posted on the RAC webpage and shared on the County’s social media platforms:

Facebook

Twitter

Hays County COVID ERA Program Helps People Faster with Addition of Community Partners

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 12:31:48 GMT

Hays County’s Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program now has an expanded mission: use community-based case managers to help expedite providing rental and other assistance to those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Loss of income related to COVID-19, including job loss or a reduction in hours, has resulted in individuals being threatened with eviction, or experiencing eviction, for non-payment of rent. While Texas had a moratorium on evictions, that ended July 31, 2021.

Called the Community Assistance Program (CAP), this expanded aspect of ERA trains members of the Homeless Coalition of Hays County – consisting of groups such as The HOME Center, The Hays County Food Bank and others – to help applicants with their paperwork. Those trained coalition members then agree to act as the applicant’s case manager during the ERA process.

According to Wesley Matthews with the Hays County ERA office, implementing the CAP allows more applicants to move through the pipeline more efficiently.

“So far we have received nearly 400 applications for rental assistance,” Matthews said. “With only four of us in the ERA office, the process wasn’t moving as rapidly as we wanted.”

In some situations, the need for documentation about an applicant’s situation was also causing slowdowns in the effort to get funds to landlords; ERA-approved monies are paid directly to landlords not to applicants.

Under recent updated guidance from the US Treasury Department , applicants can now self-attest as to their financial situation thus removing the barriers of providing certain forms of documentation, which includes proof of available income for the past two months (if applicable), W2 forms, evidence of receiving unemployment benefits, disability, or a social security award letter.

Applicants still need to provide a government-issued ID; CAP case managers can assist with getting those kinds of documents (e.g., birth certificates, social security cards and state IDs) for their clients. The full list of documentation can be found on the ERA website: https://hayscountytx.com/emergency-rental-assistance-program/

“This new guidance allows more flexibility and a more rapid deployment of funds,” Matthews said.

CAP case managers work with applicants who may be identified as having rapid rehousing potential – meaning they are likely to be approved for ERA funding. This allows applicants in dire situations to be temporarily placed in hotels for up to 90 days.

HOME Center will host an Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) event this Thursday, October 7, at the San Marcos Public Library from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Individuals experiencing homelessness or eviction due to COVID-19 can meet with volunteers from the HOME Center (a volunteer from Hays County Food Bank will also be there) along with staff from ERA and San Marcos Library, to determine their eligibility for the ERA program. HOME Center is also sponsoring the ID recovery portion of this event for applicants who need identification to apply for the assistance.

“HOME Center is working closely with clients, motel managers and owners, to get people into the ERA program,” said Hannah Durrance with HOME Center. “We hope this close partnership will ensure the success of this program. Our goal is to connect individuals to this program, through our outreach programs, while providing direct services, including case management to clients. We are partnering with other agencies that are part of the Homeless Coalition of Hays County to ensure clients are getting connected with area resources so they are able to have time to recover from the effects of COVID- related income loss.”

More information about the ERA program is on the county’s website: https://hayscountytx.com/emergency-rental-assistance-program/ . The San Marcos Public Library is located at 625 E Hopkins St., San Marcos.

Hays County COVID-19 Update October 6, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 12:29:42 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports two COVID-related fatalities: a Buda man in his 70s, a Wimberley man in his 70s. The department also reports 61 new lab-confirmed cases along with five (5) new hospitalizations and three (3) new hospital discharges. There are 126 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 27,604.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 28,857. Hays County has 878 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 1,557 active cases. Hays County has had 1,316 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 40 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 33 are unvaccinated, which is about 83 percent.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos,
8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
Coming Soon: M-F, Pfizer and Moderna drive-thru vaccine clinics offered by MD Diagnostics @ Old Walnut Springs School, 300 Sportsplex Dripping Springs, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

COVID-19 Update October 6, 2021

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County COVID-19 Update October 5, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 12:44:40 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports one (1) COVID-related fatality: an Austin man in his 60s. The department also reports 30 new lab-confirmed cases along with four (4) new hospitalizations and five (5) new hospital discharges. There are 72 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 27,478. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 28,796. Hays County has 945 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 1,648 active cases. Hays County has had 1,311 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 38 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 31 are unvaccinated, which is about 82 percent.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos,
8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
Coming Soon: M-F, Pfizer and Moderna drive-thru vaccine clinics offered by MD Diagnostics @ Old Walnut Springs School, 300 Sportsplex Dripping Springs, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

COVID-19 Update October 5, 2021

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County COVID-19 Update October 1, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 12:54:13 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports 49 new lab-confirmed cases along with two (2) new hospitalizations and two (2) new hospital discharges. There are 80 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 27,165. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 28,600. Hays County has 1,068 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 1,996 active cases. Hays County has had 1,293 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 36 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 29 are unvaccinated, which is about 81 percent. During a routine data audit, the HCLHD removed 13 cases for out-of-county or duplicate; four of those cases were hospitalizations.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos,
8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
Coming Soon: M-F, Pfizer and Moderna drive-thru vaccine clinics offered by MD Diagnostics @ Old Walnut Springs School, 300 Sportsplex Dripping Springs, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

COVID-19 Update October 1, 2021

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County COVID-19 Update September 30, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 12:58:45 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports one (1) COVID-related fatality: a Kyle man in his 60s. The department also reports 122 new lab-confirmed cases along with one (1) new hospitalization and three (3) new hospital discharges. The data in today’s update includes numbers from Curative for Wednesday, Sept. 29, which did not arrive at the HCLHD until after the update was sent.

There are 151 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 27,098. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 28,564. Hays County has 1,099 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 2,025 active cases. Hays County has had 1,295 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 36 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 29 are unvaccinated, which is about 81 percent.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos,
8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
Coming Soon: M-F, Pfizer and Moderna drive-thru vaccine clinics offered by MD Diagnostics @ Old Walnut Springs School, 300 Sportsplex Dripping Springs, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

COVID-19 Update September 30, 2021

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County COVID-19 Update September 29, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 29 Sep 2021 12:47:03 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports seven (7) new lab-confirmed cases along with two (2) new hospitalizations and four (4) new hospital discharges. NOTE: HCLHD did not receive any data from Curative today. Any new positive labs and/or negative cases will be reflected in tomorrow’s update.

There are 152 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 26,947. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 28,442. Hays County has 1,129 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 2,146 active cases. Hays County has had 1,294 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 38 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 31 are unvaccinated, which is about 82 percent.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos,
8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
Coming Soon : M-F, Pfizer and Moderna drive-thru vaccine clinics offered by MD Diagnostics @ Old Walnut Springs School, 300 Sportsplex Dripping Springs, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

COVID-19 Update September 29, 2021

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County COVID-19 Update September 28, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 12:53:48 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports two COVID-related fatalities: a Kyle woman in her 60s and a Wimberley man in his 60s. The department also reports 70 new lab-confirmed cases along with one (1) new hospitalization and four (4) new hospital discharges. There are 269 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 26,795. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 28,435. Hays County has 1,274 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 2,523 active cases. Hays County has had 1,292 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 40 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 35 are unvaccinated, which is about 88 percent.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos,
8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
Coming Soon : M-F, Pfizer and Moderna drive-thru vaccine clinics offered by MD Diagnostics @ Old Walnut Springs School, 300 Sportsplex Dripping Springs, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

COVID-19 Update September 28, 2021

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County COVID-19 Update September 27, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 13:01:38 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports six (6) COVID-related fatalities: a Buda woman in her 40s, a Dripping Springs man in his 40s, a Kyle man in his 80s, a San Marcos man in his 60s, a San Marcos man in his 80s, and a Wimberley woman in her 80s. The department also reports 190 new lab-confirmed cases along with 13 new hospitalizations and 13 new hospital discharges. This report covers September 25-27.

There are 267 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 26,526. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 28,365. Hays County has 1,475 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 2,608 active cases. Hays County has had 1,291 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 43 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 38 are unvaccinated, which is about 88 percent.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos,
8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
Coming Soon: M-F, Pfizer and Moderna drive-thru vaccine clinics offered by MD Diagnostics @ Old Walnut Springs School, 300 Sportsplex Dripping Springs, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

COVID-19 Update September 27, 2021

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County COVID-19 Update September 24, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 13:09:12 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports one (1) COVID-related fatality: a Buda woman in her 50s. The department also reports 112 new lab-confirmed cases along with four (4) new hospitalizations and five (5) new hospital discharges. There are 77 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 26,259. During a routine data audit, HCLHD removed 28 cases due to out of county or duplicate.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 28,175. Hays County has 1,558 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 2,418 active cases. Hays County has had 1,278 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 43 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 38 are unvaccinated, which is about 88 percent.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos,
8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
Coming Soon : M-F, Pfizer and Moderna drive-thru vaccine clinics offered by MD Diagnostics @ Old Walnut Springs School, 300 Sportsplex Dripping Springs, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

COVID-19 Update September 24, 2021

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County COVID-19 Update September 23, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 13:16:36 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports one COVID-related fatality a woman from Kyle in her 60s. The department also reports 71 new lab-confirmed cases along with three (3) new hospitalizations and three (3) new hospital discharges. There are 242 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 26,210. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 28,091. Hays County has 1,524 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 2,460 active cases. Hays County has had 1,274 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 44 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 41 are unvaccinated, which is about 93 percent.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos,
8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
Coming Soon : M-F, Pfizer and Moderna drive-thru vaccine clinics offered by MD Diagnostics @ Old Walnut Springs School, 300 Sportsplex Dripping Springs, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

COVID-19 Update September 23, 2021

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County COVID-19 Update September 22, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 13:27:12 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports three COVID-related fatalities a woman from Kyle in her 40s, a woman from San Marcos in her 50s, and a man from San Marcos in his 70s. The department also reports 128 new lab-confirmed cases along with one (1) new hospitalization and five (5) new hospital discharges. There are 381 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 25,968.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 28,020. Hays County has 1,696 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 2,507 active cases. Hays County has had 1,271 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 44 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 38 are unvaccinated, which is about 86 percent.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos,
8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
Coming Soon : M-F, Pfizer and Moderna drive-thru vaccine clinics offered by MD Diagnostics @ Old Walnut Springs School, 300 Sportsplex Dripping Springs, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

COVID-19 Update September 22, 2021

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County COVID-19 Update September 21, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 13:36:37 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports four COVID-related fatalities: a Kyle man in his 60s, a Kyle man in his 40s, a San Marcos woman in her 90s, and a Wimberley man in his 60s. The department also reports 73 new lab-confirmed cases along with five (5) new hospitalizations and six (6) new hospital discharges. There are 75 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 25,587. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 27,892. Hays County has 1,952 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 2,574 active cases. Hays County has had 1,270 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 48 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 39 are unvaccinated, which is about 81 percent.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos,
8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
Coming Soon : M-F, Pfizer and Moderna drive-thru vaccine clinics offered by MD Diagnostics @ Old Walnut Springs School, 300 Sportsplex Dripping Springs, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

COVID-19 Update September 21, 2021

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Public Hearing to Consider Los Ranchos, Lot 12, Replat

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 10:45:22 GMT

By order of the Hays County Commissioners Court, notice is hereby given that on October 5, 2021, at 9 a.m. in the Hays County Courthouse, 111 E. San Antonio Street, the Hays County Commissioners Court will hold a public hearing to consider: Los Ranchos, Lot 12, Replat.

Hays County COVID-19 Update September 20, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 02:27:20 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports two COVID-related fatalities: a San Marcos man in his 70s and a San Marcos man in his 80s. The department also reports 246 new lab-confirmed cases along with 11 new hospitalizations and 17 new hospital discharges. This report covers September 18-20, 2021.

There are 74 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 25,512. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 27,819. Hays County has 1,958 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 2,760 active cases. Hays County has had 1,265 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 49 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 43 are unvaccinated, which is about 88 percent.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos,
8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
M-F, Drive-thru vaccine clinics offered by MD Diagnostics @ Old Walnut Springs School, 300 Sportsplex Dripping Springs, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

COVID-19 Update September 20, 2021

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Detour route closing the RM 150 ramp northbound by Hays City Store now in place

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Sun, 19 Sep 2021 08:08:02 GMT

NOTE: The contractor on the roundabout project at the intersection of RM 3237 and RM 150 in western Hays County has installed the detour route closing the RM 150 ramp northbound by Hays City Store.

This project is part of the voter-approved 2016 Road Bond Program in partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation. Read more about the project here: https://hayscountytx.com/2021/08/30/hays-county-to-begin-road-construction-on-rm-3237/

Hays County COVID-19 Update September 17, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 02:31:22 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports two COVID-related fatalities: a Driftwood man in his 70s and a San Marcos man in his 50s. The department also reports 80 new lab-confirmed cases along with seven (7) new hospitalizations and seven (7) new hospital discharges. There are 152 additional persons considered recovered. As part of a routine data audit, the HCLHD removed 24 cases from the data due to out of county or duplicate.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 27,573. Hays County has 1,788 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 2,788 active cases. Hays County has had 1,254 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 55 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 50 are unvaccinated, which is about 91 percent.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos,
8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.

COVID-19 Update September 17, 2021

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Notice of Salary Grievance Committee Hearing

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 11:30:51 GMT

Please see this PDF for the Public Notice about the Salary Grievance Committee Hearing.

Notice of Salary Grievance Committee Hearing

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 08:14:49 GMT

Please see this PDF for the Public Notice about the Salary Grievance Committee Hearing.

Road Intersection Improvements Beginning Soon on U.S. 290 West at Martin Rd.

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 08:10:01 GMT

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will construct a minor realignment of Martin Road at the intersection and a dedicated right turn lane addition on US 290 West including paving, drainage, signing, and pavement markings. This right turn will allow for more volume to travel through the intersection reducing travel times, as well as improve safety at the intersection. The work is expected to begin on or about September 24, 2021, with a targeted completion in the spring of 2022.

“This project will alleviate some of the traffic that tends to back up in the area and vastly improve safety at a key intersection on US 290,” said Commissioner Walt Smith, Pct. 4. “While the addition of turn lanes is a vast improvement, it’s just a start. We are committed to working with TxDOT to ensure folks feel safe on our roadways in Hays County.”

Travelers in the area should expect delays during that time-period. For any questions about the project, please contact Hays County Transportation at 512-560-7734 or email winton.porterfield@co.hays.tx.us ..

Hays County COVID-19 Update September 16, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 02:36:05 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports 152 new lab-confirmed cases along with two (2) new hospitalizations and three (3) new hospital discharges. There are 118 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 25,310. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 27,517. Hays County has 1,862 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 2,903 active cases. Hays County has had 1,247 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 55 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 50 are unvaccinated, which is about 91 percent.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos,
8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.

COVID-19 Update September 16, 2021

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County COVID-19 Update September 15, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 02:43:35 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports five COVID-related fatalities: a Buda man in his 60s, a Buda woman in her 90s, two Kyle men in their 60s, and a Uhland woman in her 60s. The department also reports 152 new lab-confirmed cases along with four (4) new hospitalizations and five (5) new hospital discharges. There are 190 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 25,192.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 27,365. Hays County has 1,828 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 2,923 active cases. Hays County has had 1,245 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 56 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 53 are unvaccinated, which is about 95 percent.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos,
8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.

COVID-19 Update September 15, 2021

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County COVID-19 Update September 14, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 02:49:24 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports zero COVID-related fatalities.

The department also reports 271 new lab-confirmed cases along with two (2) new hospitalizations and six (6) new hospital discharges. There are 259 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 25,002. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 27,213. Hays County has 1,871 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 2,964 active cases. Hays County has had 1,241 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 57 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 55 are unvaccinated, which is about 96 percent.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos,
8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.

COVID-19 Update September 14, 2021

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County COVID-19 Update September 13, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 03:03:46 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports seven COVID-related fatalities: an Austin woman in her 60s, a Buda man in his 80s, a Buda woman in her 80s, a Kyle man in his 30s, a San Marcos woman in her 70s, a San Marcos man in his 50s, and a San Marcos man in his 80s. This report covers September 11-13, 2021. The department also reports 273 new lab-confirmed cases along with 24 new hospitalizations and 23 new hospital discharges. There are 267 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 24,743.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 26,942. Hays County has 1,859 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 2,896 active cases. Hays County has had 1,239 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 61 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 59 are unvaccinated, which is about 97 percent.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos,
8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and J&J, plus COVID-19 testing @ Old Walnut Springs School, 300 Sportsplex Dr, Dripping Springs, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

COVID-19 Update September 13, 2021

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County COVID-19 Update September 10, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 03:10:54 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports 78 new lab-confirmed cases along with two (2) new hospitalizations and two (2) new hospital discharges. There are 195 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 24,476. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 26,669. Hays County has 1,860 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 2,971 active cases. During a routine data audit, HCLHD removed 29 cases due to out of county or duplicate.

Hays County has had 1,215 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 60 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 52 are unvaccinated, which is about 87 percent.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos,
8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.

COVID-19 Update September 10, 2021

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County COVID-19 Update September 9, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 03:15:38 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports three COVID-related fatalities: a Kyle man in his 40s, a San Marcos man in his 70s, and a Uhland man in his 40s. The department also reports 243 new lab-confirmed cases along with nine (9) new hospitalizations and four (4) new hospital discharges. There are 169 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 24,310. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 26,620. Hays County has 1,977 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 3,025 active cases. Hays County has had 1,213 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 60 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 52 are unvaccinated, which is about 87 percent.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos,
8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.

COVID-19 Update September 9, 2021

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Community Invited to Emergency Preparedness Fair

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 03:23:53 GMT

he Hays County Office of Emergency Services (OES) invites the public to attend the annual Emergency Preparedness Fair this Saturday, September 11. Several weeks ago, Hays County Commissioners Court proclaimed September as Preparedness Month. This event is geared toward offering the community an opportunity to learn about being prepared for most any emergency.

As part of the fair’s opening ceremonies, which begin at 9:30 a.m., U.S. military veterans will be on hand to lead the crowd in a moment of silence in remembrance of those lives lost on 9/11/2001. The Hays County High School Band will play taps and shortly after a Blackhawk helicopter will land near the site.

The preparedness fair begins at 10 a.m. Attendees can expect to take important classes, learn how to make a preparedness kit, and hear from experts about how to be ready to face most any emergency. They can also learn about the county’s emergency alert system, talk to first responders, and find out more about the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) – an organization comprised of volunteers from across Hays County.

OES Director Mike Jones said the fair offers an opportunity for people to learn how to be more self-sufficient during emergencies like the February 2021snowstorm when thousands across the county lost power and water for days.

“We want our residents to have the knowledge and confidence to assist their families and neighbors until help arrives,” he said. “During a major weather event or other emergency, first responders may not be able to get there right away. That’s why knowing what to do and how to help is so critical.”

Classes offered during the fair include: Stop the Bleed (tourniquets); Citizen Response Active Shooter Events (CRASE); CPR take 10, FireWise (Wildland Fire Home Preparation), Standard Response Protocol (SRP) business and school response for sheltering in place and evacuations. The class schedule is on the haysinformed.com website.

Vendors will offer ideas about everything from insurance coverage to financial issues after a crisis to knowing what documents to take in case of an evacuation, as well as taking care of pets during an emergency.

The fair also features a silent auction and a raffle. OES Coordinator Michelle Villegas said the public can bid on the auction items on the Bidding Owl website: https://www.biddingowl.com/Auction/home.cfm?auctionID=23130 .

“We received many fantastic donations from more than 20 local businesses for this auction,” she said. “Seeing all the community support is so encouraging. We’re truly humbled by their desire to help.”

Villegas added people can also buy raffle tickets for the baskets that will be on display during the fair, including several donated by Hays County employees. Tickets are $1 for five, three for $15 and six for $20. The drawing is at 3:45 p.m. – need not be present to win.

“Our hope is that community members will bid on the items and buy raffle tickets to help raise the money that will be donated to two local organizations,” she said.

Silent auction proceeds benefit the Hays County Fire Chiefs Association . Raffle basket proceeds benefit BR3T .

For more information about the Hays County Emergency Preparedness Fair, including the class schedule, vendor list, maps and more, visit haysinformed.com . The event takes place September 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hays CISD Performing Arts Center in Kyle, located at 979 Kohlers Crossing at the intersection of FM 1626.

Below are the COVID-19 protocols for the event:

Extra space between vendor booths.
Many vendors and exhibitors will be outdoors (weather permitting).
Masks and hand sanitizer will be available to all vendors and participants.
Our CERT team will periodically provide cleaning and disinfection of common areas.
Bathrooms with handwashing stations will be available.
Most OES team members are vaccinated; vaccine doses will be available for those who want one.

Hays County COVID-19 Update September 8, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 03:20:11 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports two COVID-related fatalities a man from Kyle in his 60s, a woman from San Marcos in her 80s. The department also reports 384 new lab-confirmed cases along with three (3) new hospitalizations and three (3) new hospital discharges. There are 191 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 24,141.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 26,377. Hays County has 1,906 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 2,934 active cases. Hays County has had 1,204 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 55 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 47 are unvaccinated, which is about 85 percent.

*Note: Due to a technical issue, yesterday’s data had fewer than expected lab tests from Curative for Sept. 5-7, so the number of positive cases was lower than would be expected. Those cases are included in today’s update.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos,
8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.

COVID-19 Update September 8, 2021

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Public Notice: Los Ranchos, Lot 4, Replat

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 11:39:10 GMT

By order of the Hays County Commissioners Court, notice is hereby given that on September 21st, 2021, at 9 a.m. in the Hays County Courthouse, 111 E. San Antonio Street, the Hays County Commissioners Court will hold a public hearing to consider: Los Ranchos, Lot 4, Replat.

NOTE: See the Hays County Commissioners Court agenda from September 7, 2021, beginning on page 444 for details.

Hays County COVID-19 Update September 7, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 10:53:27 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports four COVID-related fatalities: a Dripping Springs man in his 30s, a Kyle man in his 60s, a San Marcos man in his 40s, and a Wimberley woman in her 60s. The department also reports 155 new lab-confirmed cases* along with fourteen (14) new hospitalizations and fifteen (15) new hospital discharges. There are 547 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 23,950. This report covers September 4-7, 2021.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 25,993. Hays County has 1,715 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 2,741 active cases. Hays County has had 1,201 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 55 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 46 are unvaccinated, which is about 84 percent.

*Note: Due to a technical issue, HCLHD did not receive all of the lab tests from Curative for Sept. 5-7, so the number of positive cases is lower than would be expected. Those cases will be included in Wednesday’s update.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.

COVID-19 Update September 7, 2021

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Public Notice: Los Ranchos, Lot 4, Replat

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 08:22:45 GMT

NOTE: See the Hays County Commissioners Court agenda from September 7, 2021, beginning on page 444 for details.

Hays County COVID-19 Update September 3

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 03 Sep 2021 10:59:54 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports one COVID-related fatality, a San Marcos woman in her 40s. The department also reports 154 new lab-confirmed cases along with two (2) new hospitalizations and three (3) new hospital discharges. There are 131 additional persons considered recovered. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 25,838.

Please note: during a routine data audit, HCLHD removed one (1) fatality* and 19 hospitalizations*; cases are removed when they are out of county or duplicate. Hays County has 2,111 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 3,184 active cases. Hays County has had 1,187 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 56 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 47 are unvaccinated, which is about 84 percent. No report Monday as County offices are closed for Labor Day.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.

September 3 Report

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Road Work on Cotton Gin Rd. September 7-14

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 11:41:08 GMT

The work on Cotton Gin Rd. east of Kyle is approaching the final phase. The contractor will be paving the west-bound lane beginning Tuesday, September 7. According to the schedule, the remainder of the work is expected to be complete by September 14, weather permitting.

Travelers in the area should expect delays during that time period. For any questions about the project, please contact Hays County Transportation at 512-213-5329 or email bert.estrada@co.hays.tx.us .

Core 4 Partnership launches Youth Task Force – applications now open

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 11:39:52 GMT

The Core 4 Partnership (City of San Marcos, Hays County, San Marcos CISD, and Texas State University) has launched the Youth Task Force to kick off for Fall 2021. This was formerly the San Marcos Youth Commission. The Youth Task Force is now a subcommittee of the Core 4 Task Force.

The Core 4 Partnership is excited to launch the Youth Task Force and will be accepting applications for Youth in the Greater San Marcos Area who are currently in the 9th Grade through the 12th Grade. All Youth are welcome to apply we will be accepting 15 youth who will be voting members. However, the Youth Task Force will always be open to all youth to attend any meeting and attend activities that are sponsored by the Youth Task Force. For more information visit our social media on follow us Instagram @smtxytf and visit our website at www.communityaction.com/smytf .

Join Us

September 15, 2021

6:30pm-7:30pm

The Village Main- Board Room/

215 S. Reimer Ave.

San Marcos, TX 78667

Via Zoom

Meeting ID: 976 0047 4650/

Passcode: 233859

Application Closes October 1, 2021

New Members will be Notified 1st week of October 2021

New members will be inducted at the October Monthly meeting on October 20, 2021

Hays County COVID-19 Update September 2

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 11:04:42 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports two COVID-related fatalities; a Kyle man in his 50s, and a Wimberley man in his 60s. The department also reports 118 new lab-confirmed cases along with no new hospitalizations and twelve (12) new hospital discharges. There are 150 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 23,301.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 25,714. Hays County has 2,089 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 3,225 active cases. Hays County has had 1,204 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 57 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 46 are unvaccinated, which is about 80 percent.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.

September 2 Report

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County COVID-19 Update as of September 1

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 11:12:42 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports two COVID-related fatalities a Kyle woman in her 80s, a San Marcos woman in her 60s. The department also reports 195 new lab-confirmed cases along with eighteen (18) new hospitalizations and four (4) new hospital discharges. There are 189 additional persons considered recovered.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 25,596. Hays County has 2,123 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 3,349 active cases. Hays County has had 1,204 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 69 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 58 are unvaccinated, which is about 84 percent.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.

September 1 Report

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County COVID-19 Update August 31

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 11:19:54 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports two COVID-related fatalities an Austin man in his 60s, and a Kyle man in his 40s. The department also reports 259 new lab-confirmed cases. Note: that number contains two days of data; 95 Curative cases were from yesterday but not received until after 5 p.m. There are also three (3) new hospitalizations and eight (8) new hospital discharges. There are 162 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 22,962.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 25,401. Hays County has 2,119 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 3,315 active cases. Hays County has had 1,186 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 55 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 47 are unvaccinated, which is about 85 percent.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.

August 31 Report

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County to Begin Road Construction on RM 3237

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 11:44:29 GMT

Hays County will begin work on the RM 3237 road construction project beginning on or about September 13, 2021. The work is in Hays County Precinct 3, represented by Hays County Commissioner Lon Shell, who is overseeing the project.

“Under the 2016 voter-approved road bond, the county will reconstruct the T-intersection at RM 3237 and RM 150 to create a roundabout intersection,” Shell said.

He added that the design will allow for the preservation of existing trees in the center of the roundabout.

“This project will help with the flow of traffic and will also allow us to preserve a few already existing trees,” he said.

Shell said the work, which has a construction value of $1,600,000, is anticipated to be complete in spring 2022, weather and other issues permitting. The project team consists of American Structurepoint, HDR, and Cox Commercial Construction.

This video shows the concept design: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6–ajKW63I .

Hays County COVID-19 Update August 30

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 11:30:09 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports eleven COVID-related fatalities; a Buda man in his 60s, a Dripping Springs man in his 70s, three Kyle men in their 60s, two Kyle men in their 50s, a Kyle woman in her 80s, a Niederwald woman in her 50s, a San Marcos man in his 80s, and a Wimberley man in his 60s. Several of these fatalities occurred between August 21 and August 27 but were just received by the HCLHD. The rest of this report covers August 28-30.

The department also reports 274 new lab-confirmed cases along with thirty-one (31) new hospitalizations and nineteen (19) new hospital discharges. There are 423 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 22,800. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 25,142. Hays County has 2,024 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 3,299 active cases. Hays County has had 1,183 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 60 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 53 are unvaccinated.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.

August 30 Report

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Public Notices for FY 2022 Budget

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 08:25:55 GMT

Please see the following three Public Notices for Hays County relative to the FY 2022 budget.

Final Budget Hearing-Public Notice

Elected Officials Salaries Allowances-Public Notice

NOTICE OF MEETING TO VOTE ON TAX RATE

Hays County COVID-19 Update August 27, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 11:38:25 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports 195 new lab-confirmed cases along with six (6) new hospitalizations and five (5) new hospital discharges. There are 195 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 22,377.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 24,868. HCLHD removed two cases during a routine data audit for either out of county or duplicate; both were hospitalizations. Hays County has 2,184 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 3,342 active cases. Hays County has had 1,152 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 48 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 37 are unvaccinated.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.

August 27 Report

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County COVID-19 Update August 26

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 11:48:39 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports three COVID-related fatalities: a Kyle woman in her 90s, a Kyle man in his 30s, and a San Marcos woman in her 60s. The department also reports 172 new lab-confirmed cases along with three (3) new hospitalizations and eight (8) new hospital discharges. There are 239 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 22,184.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 24,675. Hays County has 2,184 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 3,291 active cases. Hays County has had 1,148 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 47 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 38 are unvaccinated.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.

August 26 Report

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County COVID-19 Update August 25, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 12:44:57 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports one COVID-related fatality; a Kyle man in his 70s. The department also reports 193 new lab-confirmed cases along with five (5) new hospitalizations and two (2) new hospital discharges. There are 160 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 21,945.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 24,503. Hays County has 2,254 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 3,189 active cases. Hays County has had 1,145 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 52 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 41 are unvaccinated.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.

August 25 Report

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County COVID-19 Update as of August 24, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 12:49:46 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports five COVID-related fatalities: an Austin man in his 80s, a Buda woman in her 40s, a Kyle woman in her 80s, a Kyle woman in her 70s, and a San Marcos woman in her 60s. The department also reports 203 new lab-confirmed cases along with six (6) new hospitalizations and seven (7) new hospital discharges. There are 238 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 21,785.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 24,310. Hays County has 2,222 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 3,163 active cases. Hays County has had 1,140 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 49 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 38 are unvaccinated.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.

August 24 Report

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

2021 Feral Hog Webinar: Central Texas Feral Hog Task Force

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 11:45:59 GMT

Updates & Next Steps for Hays County

Join the Central Texas Feral Hog Task Force for a Zoom webinar on August 26 at 11 a.m. to discuss the latest updates on the Hays County program.

Zoom link:

https://loom.ly/Fpt2iLw

Enter the password: “hogwild“

Guest Speaker: Amanda Gobeli, Project Coordinator with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Natural Resources Institute (NRI). She has played a leading role in several programs, including the Reversing the Quail Decline Initiative and Renewable Resources Extension Act, for the purposes of promoting conservation and land stewardship. Amanda’s work with the Institute involves both direct and remote programming, as well as the creation of a wide variety of educational materials including articles, YouTube videos, webinars, newsletters, and interactive online lessons. She has been integral in designing, creating, and promoting these learning materials as part of NRI’s Private Land Stewardship program.

Hays County COVID-19 Update August 23, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 12:54:19 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports two COVID-related fatalities: a Kyle man in his 50s and a San Marcos man in his 70s. The department also reports 348 new lab-confirmed cases along with eight (8) new hospitalizations and 13 new hospital discharges. This report covers August 21-23, 2021.

There are 315 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 21,547. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 24,107. Hays County has 2,262 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 3,169 active cases. Hays County has had 1,134 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 50 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 41 are unvaccinated.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.

August 21-23 Report

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Hays County COVID-19 Update August 20

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 09:20:47 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports 132 new lab-confirmed cases along with four (4) new hospitalizations and six (6) new hospital discharges. There are 144 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 21,232.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 23,759. Hays County has 2,231 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 3,292 active cases. Hays County has had 1,126 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 55 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 47 are unvaccinated and 8 are fully vaccinated.

NOTE: During a weekly routine data audit the HCLHD removed 3 cases due to out of county or duplicate.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
August 21 walk-in Pfizer clinic @ ACC Hays Campus, 1200 Kohlers Crossing, Bldg. 1000, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

August 20 Report

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here .

Hays County COVID-19 Update August 19

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 09:31:43 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports three (3) COVID-related fatalities, a Buda woman in her 60s, a Dripping Springs woman in her 90s and a Kyle man in his 90s. The department also reports 152 new lab-confirmed cases along with three (3) new hospitalizations and eight (8) new hospital discharges. There are 67 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 21,091.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 23,630. Hays County has 2,243 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 3,265 active cases. Hays County has had 1,122 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 57 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 45 are unvaccinated and 12 are fully vaccinated.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
August 21 walk-in Pfizer clinic @ ACC Hays Campus, 1200 Kohlers Crossing, Bldg. 1000, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

August 19 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here .

San Marcos Man Sentenced to 80 Years for Child Pornography

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 09:42:11 GMT

San Marcos resident Jose Nasipak, 26, was sentenced on Monday, August 17, to 80 years in prison for Possession with Intent to Promote Child Pornography. The sentence came down from 453rd Judicial District Judge Sherri Tibbe.

On June 18, 2021, a Hays County jury found Nasipak guilty of 28 counts of Possession with Intent to Promote Child Pornography, all second-degree felonies. After hearing additional evidence, Tibbe sentenced the defendant to the maximum 20 years in each count.

While pronouncing sentence, Judge Tibbe emphasized the child pornography’s heinous and deviant nature. She stated that while it may not be possible to find and help the hundreds of child victims depicted in the pornography, a lengthy sentence would serve to protect the community, deter like-minded offenders, and provide some measure of justice for the victims. Judge Tibbe elected to stack four of Nasipak’s sentences consecutively, meaning that the defendant was sentenced to a combined total of 80 years in prison.

Evidence at trial established that, in October of 2019, Hays County Sheriff’s Office detectives received a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that Nasipak was using the internet to transfer child pornography.

After conducting an investigation, HCSO detectives executed a search warrant on Nasipak’s apartment and seized his cell phone. Nasipak confessed to searching for and downloading child pornography, as well as transferring child pornography to others in exchange for additional pornographic videos and images.

HSCO detectives executed additional search warrants on Nasipak’s cell phone and Dropbox account and discovered hundreds of files of child pornography, as well as evidence that Nasipak’s activity dated back to at least 2016.

The Hays County Criminal District Attorney, Wes Mau, complimented lead prosecutor Assistant Criminal District Attorney Ben Gillis, assisted at trial by ACDA Katie Arnold, along with the Hays County Sheriff’s Department Detectives Jennifer Baker and Nelson Wray for their work in bringing the case to a successful conclusion.

Mau said, “I share Judge Tibbe’s empathy for sexually exploited children. Child pornography legitimizes and normalizes behavior that cannot be tolerated. Judge Tibbe’s sentence sends a strong warning to those who would seek out child pornography or otherwise victimize children.”

Hays County COVID-19 Update as of August 18

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 09:38:32 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports one (1) COVID-related fatality, a Kyle woman in her 80s. The department also reports 191 new lab-confirmed cases along with six (6) new hospitalizations and 11 new hospital discharges. There are 166 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 21,024.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 23,478. Hays County has 2,161 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 3,194 active cases. Hays County has had 1,119 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 62 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 49 are unvaccinated and 13 are fully vaccinated; see table

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
August 21 walk-in Pfizer clinic @ ACC Hays Campus, 1200 Kohlers Crossing, Bldg. 1000, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

August 18 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here .

Hays County COVID-19 Update August 17

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 09:49:59 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports 164 new lab-confirmed cases along with eight (8) new hospitalizations and eight (8) new hospital discharges. There are 209 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 20,858. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 23,287. Hays County has 2,137 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 3,151 active cases. Hays County has had 1,113 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 67 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 54 are unvaccinated and 13 are fully vaccinated.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
August 21 walk-in Pfizer clinic @ ACC Hays Campus, 1200 Kohlers Crossing, Bldg. 1000, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

August 17 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here .

Hays County COVID-19 Update as of August 16

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 10:59:23 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports three COVID-related fatalities: a Kyle man in his 50s, a San Marcos man in his 90s, and a San Marcos woman in her 60s. The department also reports 434 new lab-confirmed cases along with thirty-one (31) new hospitalizations and thirteen (13) new hospital discharges. This report covers August 14-16, 2021. There are 468 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 20,649.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 23,123. Hays County has 2,182 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 3,095 active cases. Hays County has had 1,105 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 67 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, 58 are unvaccinated and nine (9) are fully vaccinated.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
Walk-in Pfizer clinic @ ACC Hays Campus, 1200 Kohlers Crossing, Bldg. 1000 August 17 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. & August 21 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

August 14-16 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here .

Hays County Judge Orders Masks in Schools

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Sat, 14 Aug 2021 11:06:40 GMT

FROM THE OFFICE OF HAYS COUNTY JUDGE BECERRA:

A new Executive Order issued by Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra requires people to wear masks in schools. Becerra issued the order at approximately 10:45 p.m., Friday, August 13, 2021.*

The mutated, highly contagious COVID19 Delta variant, a spike in hospital admissions, including pediatric admissions, and the fact that children younger than 12 years old not eligible to receive the vaccine, all led to the County Judge’s decision to issue the Executive Order.

Masks will be required to be worn in public schools. Students, staff, and visitors over the age of two (2) will be required to wear a face covering while on school property or school buses. It will apply to all public schools, including public charter schools, grades K-12 in Hays County.

Judge Becerra said, “Currently, 70% of the 12-15 age group are unvaccinated, and children under 12 are not eligible for a vaccine at all. Masks are their only line of defense.”

“We are experiencing a health crisis emergency with rising hospitalizations, and limited bed space. I am concerned about the health and safety of our children and our hardworking faculty and staff members in our ISDs and hospitals,” Judge Becerra said. “This order is intended to slow down community spread of the COVID-19 virus, and free up hospital space. He added, “Personal responsibility, undefined, as a disaster response strategy for an infectious disease pandemic is not working.”

See the Mask Order 08_14_2021 .

# # #

From the Office of

Ruben Becerra, Hays County Judge

August 14, 2021

*NOTE: This Order was in effect through August 22, 2021.

Hays County COVID-19 Update August 13

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 11:13:17 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports one (1) new COVID-related fatality, a San Marcos man in his 80s. The department also reports 195 new lab-confirmed cases along with five (5) new hospitalizations and two (2) new hospital discharges. There are 104 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 20,181.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 22,689. Hays County has 2,219 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 2,781 active cases. Hays County has had 22,689 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 49 people are currently hospitalized. Out of those currently hospitalized, eight (8) are fully vaccinated while 41 are unvaccinated; this data is provided directly from the hospitals where those patients are staying. Due to technical difficulties, we were unable to break down the active cases by age. Those numbers will be updated with Monday’s report.

NOTE: During a weekly routine data audit the HCLHD removed 16 cases due to out of county or duplicate.

Vaccine opportunities:

Monday-Friday, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Monday-Friday – Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinic @ ACC Hays Campus, 1200 Kohlers Crossing, Bldg. 1000
August 17 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. & August 21 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

August 13 Report

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here .

Notice of Public Heading on Hays County FY 2020 Budget

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 08:45:41 GMT

This is a public notice for a public hearing on the proposed FY 2022 budget for Hays County. On that page, click FY 2022 Budget Planning then click Level 2 – Judge’s Recommended Budget.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON HAYS COUNTY FY 2022 BUDGET

Notice is hereby given that the County of Hays will hold a public hearing on the proposed FY 2022 budget on August

24, 2021 at 1:00 p.m., in the Commissioners’ Courtroom, Hays County Courthouse, 111 E. San Antonio St., San Marcos, TX 78666.

The proposed budget will raise more revenue from property taxes than last year’s budget by an amount of $606,995 or 0.63% increase from last year’s

budget. The property tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year is $4,381,276.

Hays County COVID-19 Update August 12

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 11:20:01 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports two (2) COVID-related fatalities, a San Marcos man in his 70s and a San Marcos woman in her 80s. The department also reports 242 new lab-confirmed cases along with three (3) new hospitalizations and no new hospital discharges. There are 79 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 20,093.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 22,510. Hays County has 2,129 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 2,781 active cases. Hays County has had 1,069 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 46 people are currently hospitalized. Out of those currently hospitalized, eight (8) are fully vaccinated while 38 are unvaccinated; this data is provided directly from the hospitals where those patients are staying.

Vaccine opportunities:

Monday-Friday, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Monday-Friday – Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.

August 12 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here .

Hays County COVID-19 Update August 11

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 11:25:50 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports three (3) COVID-related fatalities, a Buda man in his 70s, a Dripping Springs man in his 90s, and a Mountain City man in his 80s.

The department also reports 161 new lab-confirmed cases along with one (1) new hospitalization and ten (10) new hospital discharges. There are 145 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 20,014.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 22,268. Hays County has 1,968 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 2,605 active cases. Hays County has had 1,066 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 43 people are currently hospitalized. Out of those currently hospitalized, six (6) are fully vaccinated while 37 are unvaccinated.

Vaccine opportunities:

Monday-Friday, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Monday-Friday – Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.

August 11 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here .

Emergency Preparedness Fair Trains Community to be Self Sufficient

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 11:09:37 GMT

The Hays County Office of Emergency Services (OES) is once again hosting its annual Emergency Preparedness Fair on the second Saturday of September. Attendees can expect to take important classes, learn how to make a preparedness kit, and hear from experts about how to be ready to face most any emergency.

They can also learn about the county’s emergency alert system, talk to first responders, and find out more about the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

“Knowing what do to in an emergency can mean the difference between life and death,” said OES Director Mike Jones. “Being prepared gives people the confidence to help their family and neighbors until first responders arrive. This fair is an excellent way for Hays County residents to learn to be resourceful and prepared for just about anything.”

Jones cited the February 2021 “snowmageddon” that hit Central Texas and knocked out power and water for days on end as just one reason to attend the fair. During the snowstorm and in the days following, Jones and his staff delivered water to hundreds of county residents. Other local groups delivered food and supplies.

“We had county residents living in homes without running water, without any power and in some cases, unable to get any food,” he said. “How can we help prepare people for that kind of emergency?”

Jones also recalled the 2015 and 2017 flood events that devastated much of the county.

“The Preparedness Fair can help people know how to handle most any crisis,” he said. “Being prepared means having supplies on hand, knowing what to do and providing help to those in need.”

Vendors will offer ideas about everything from insurance coverage to financial issues after a crisis to knowing what documents to take in case of an evacuation.

For more information about the Hays County Emergency Preparedness Fair, visit haysinformed.com. The event takes place September 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hays CISD Performing Arts Center in Kyle.

Below are the COVID-19 protocols for the event:

Extra space between vendor booths.
Many vendors and exhibitors will be outdoors (weather permitting).
Masks and hand sanitizer will be available to all vendors and participants.
Our CERT team will periodically provide cleaning and disinfection of common areas.
Bathrooms with handwashing stations will be available.

Most OES team members are vaccinated; vaccine doses will be available for those who want one.

Interested in hosting a booth or donating a silent auction or raffle item? Contact Michelle Gardner at Michelle.Gardner@co.hays.tx.us. Raffle and silent auction proceeds benefit the Hays County Fire Chiefs Association and BR3T.

Hays County COVID-19 Update August 10

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 11:08:42 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports four (4) COVID-related fatalities, a Kyle man in his 80s, a Kyle woman in her 70s, a Kyle man in his 60s, and a San Marcos woman in her 60s. The Department also reports 243 new lab-confirmed cases along with five (5) new hospitalizations and 11 new hospital discharges. There are 104 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 19,869.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 22,107. Hays County has 1,955 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 2,533 active cases. Hays County has had 1,065 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 52 people are currently hospitalized. Out of those currently hospitalized, eight (8) are fully vaccinated while 44 are unvaccinated.

Vaccine opportunities:

Monday-Friday, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Monday-Friday – Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.

August 10 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here .

County Expands Hays Hope 4 Veterans Program

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 11:19:44 GMT

The types of assistance now available under the ‘Hope 4 Hays County Veterans’ program are broader and more encompassing, according to the county’s Veterans Services Manager Jude Prather.

“When we rolled out this program late last year, the aim was to help qualifying veterans, dependents and surviving spouses with past due rent, mortgage, utilities and car payments,” he said. “This year, as we continue to serve our local veterans, we can now offer help paying car insurance, cell phone bills and medical assistance devices not obtained through the Veterans Administration.”

Hays County is managing the program, which is funded by a $100,000 grant from the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans Assistance. Case Manager Cheryl Robinson with Hays County said the goal is finding solutions to financial problems that veterans or their families experience and allowing them to improve their quality of life.

“Money-related issues are a source of anxiety for many veterans’ families,” she said. “The threat of being evicted, losing their home or not being able to have needed medical assistance devices is a daily source of stress.”

Robinson added that her group can also connect veterans and their families to other services that may be helpful if the grant program isn’t an option.

“Our office can put them in touch with other local or state service agencies that may be able to assist them,” she said. “That might be anything from job training and technical skill building to counseling to dealing with addiction.”

Robinson said she wants local veterans to know her job is to assist them, and she wants them to reach out when they need help or even if they just have questions.

“After all, these men and women who served our country were here for us when we needed them,” Robinson said. “With the Hays County Hope 4 Veterans program, we can be there for them in their time of need.”

For information or to request assistance, please email cheryl.robinson@co.hays.tx.us or call the Hays County Veterans Services Office at 512-392-8387 or 512-781-8489. The Veterans Services website is https://hayscountytx.com/departments/veteran-services/ .

Hays County COVID-19 Update as of August 9

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 11:18:36 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports two (2) COVID-related fatalities, a Dripping Springs woman in her 80s, and a San Marcos woman in her 40s. This report covers August 7-9, 2021. HCLHD also reports 317 new lab-confirmed cases along with 35 new hospitalizations and 21 new hospital discharges. There are 258 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 19,765.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 21,864. Hays County has 1,820 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 2,333 active cases. Hays County has had 1,060 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 58 Hays County residents are currently hospitalized.

Vaccine opportunities:

Monday-Friday, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Monday-Friday – Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.

August 7-9 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here .

Hays County Fire Marshal Rolls out New Open Burning Permit System

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 06 Aug 2021 11:48:25 GMT

The Hays County Fire Marshal’s Office has implemented a new online system for Open Burning Permits in the unincorporated areas of the county. Fire Marshal Nathan Mendenhall said the system is easy to use and open burn permits are free.

“Our new online portal offers Hays County residents an easy to way register for an open burn permit,” he said. “We review permit submissions in real time, except on weekends, so it should be a relatively fast turnaround time.”

Mendenhall said open burn permits are valid for seven (7) days. He added that the new portal offers several features not previously available.

“Another nice element of the new system is that it notifies individuals, when they activate their permit, if a burn ban is in effect or if it’s a ‘Red Flag’ day and burning is not allowed,” he said.

To register, visit http://www.hayscountypermits.com and select the Login or Register button in the top right corner. If it is your first time using the system, sign up for a free account by clicking the Register link. All registered users can then simply log into the portal in the future. After completing the registration, check the email provided during sign up for a verification email; registration is then complete.

Once logged in, click the ‘Apply for a new operational permit’ link at the top of the screen and choose the Open Burning Permit and complete the required info. Using the instructions provided, individuals will activate their permit each day they wish to burn during the seven-day permit.

Hays County COVID-19 Update August 6

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 06 Aug 2021 11:25:06 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports one (1) COVID-related fatality, a Buda man in his 60s. The department also reports 144 new lab-confirmed cases along with six (6) new hospitalizations and six (6) new hospital discharges. There are 54 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 19,507.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 21,547. Hays County has 1,763 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 2,089 active cases. Hays County has had 1,025 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 44 people are currently hospitalized.

NOTE: During a weekly routine data audit the HCLHD removed nine (9) cases due to out of county or duplicate.

Vaccine opportunities:

August 6, 7 and 8 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Pfizer vaccine @ 3943 I-35 San Marcos Premium Outlets (Previously Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th); next to James Avery; across parking lot from Victoria’s Secret.
Monday-Friday, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Monday-Friday – Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.

August 6 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here .

Hays County COVID-19 Update August 5

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 12:15:34 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports one (1) COVID-related fatality, a Kyle woman in her 70s. The department also reports 70 new lab-confirmed cases along with seven (7) new hospitalizations and eight (8) new hospital discharges. There are 65 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 19,462.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 21,412. Hays County has 1,674 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 1,996 active cases. Hays County has had 1,019 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 44 people are currently hospitalized.

Vaccine opportunities:

August 6, 7 and 8 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Pfizer vaccine @ 3943 I-35 San Marcos Premium Outlets (Previously Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th); next to James Avery; across parking lot from Victoria’s Secret.
Monday-Friday, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Every Thursday and Friday – Pfizer vaccine @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

August 5 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here .

Hays County COVID-19 Update August 4

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 12:25:26 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports 167 new lab-confirmed cases along with no new hospitalizations and one (1) new hospital discharge. There are 89 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 19,397.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 21,342. Hays County has 1,670 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 1,948 active cases. Hays County has had 1,012 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 45 people are currently hospitalized.

Vaccine opportunities:

August 6, 7 and 8 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Pfizer vaccine @ 3943 I-35 San Marcos Premium Outlets (Previously Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th); next to James Avery; across parking lot from Victoria’s Secret.
Monday-Friday, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Every Thursday and Friday – Pfizer vaccine @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

August 4 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here .

County Reports Passing of Former Hays County Judge Bert Cobb

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 12:09:23 GMT

With deep sadness we report the passing of former Hays County Judge Bert Cobb, M.D. Cobb served two terms as the county judge. He was elected in 2010 and retired December 31, 2018.

Details about a funeral service are not available at this time.

During his eight years at the helm of Hays County, Cobb oversaw implementation of numerous road projects, expansion of medical services to un- and under-insured residents through an agreement with Live Oak Health Partners, and a return of federal dollars to local hospitals for indigent care through what is known as a “1115 Waiver Program.” He supervised flood remediation as well as implemented video magistration to streamline the entry into the legal/justice system.

We ask that you keep his family in your hearts.

Hays County Judge Proposes FY 2022 Budget

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 03 Aug 2021 12:38:14 GMT

Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra presented his Fiscal Year 2022 recommended County budget of $292,901,584 to the Commissioners Court on August 3, 2021.

“My proposed budget is a starting point for Commissioners to debate and for the public to provide comment,” Becerra said. “This is the catalyst to get the process rolling.”

The Judge said his philosophy in preparing this draft was to budget just what each department needs and nothing more. Initial budget requests, which were submitted by staff and elected officials in late May, were approximately $18.7 million over the amount needed to balance.

Some highlights of the Judge’s recommended budget include:

Tax Rate

Balanced budget reducing Tax Rate to No New Revenue Rate .3867 (FY21 Adopted Rate .4212). This is the lowest it has been since 1990.

Additional Leased Vehicles

Sheriff’s Office – 25 replacement patrol vehicles & five new patrol vehicles
Animal Control – one new ACO truck
Juvenile Probation – one new transport vehicle
Juvenile Detention – one new transport vehicle

Capital Assets

$250,000 – Planning for Mental Health /Veteran’s Services Facility (pending American Rescue Plan Funds approval)
$100,000 – Planning for Evacuation/Civic Center Facility (reserves or American Rescue Plan Funds approval)
$500,000 – Architectural Planning for new District Courtroom (50% reserves/50% Civil Courts Building Fund)

Personnel (includes fringe)

$918,000 – 20 new positions for expansion of jail operations
$72,000 – specialty court program for County Courts-at-Law
$90,000 – establish Budget Office
$600,000 – establish a Public Defender Office
$538,000 – 2% COLA for employees and dept. heads effective 1/1/2022 (excludes elected officials)
$270,000 – merit base salary increases for CBA law enforcement positions
Funding set aside to consider deputy constable positions post re‐districting
Funding set aside for new district judge & district court reporter effective 9/1/2022

Average Home Values

New Improvements added to the tax roll: $1,207,295,762

Public Meetings

The Court also set three budget workshops for the public to provide feedback on the draft budget:

August 10 at 11 a.m.
August 17 at 11 a.m.
August 24 at 1 p.m.

Judge Becerra said he welcomes public input on his draft budget.

“The Commissioners Court wants to hear from our residents about budgetary process,” he said. “Our goal is to develop a balanced budget that meets the needs of our county and provides adequate levels of service. It’s important to receive public feedback during this process so we can achieve our common goals.”

Each budget workshop will be livestreamed and archived at https://hayscountytx.com/commissioners-court/court-video/ .

The Judge’s recommended budget and related financial information is available through the Financial Transparency icon on the County’s website at https://hayscountytx.com (once you click that icon, scroll down to the FY 2022 Budget Planning section under Auditor’s Reports).

Your specific taxes owed under the above rate can be calculated using this formula:

Property tax amount = (rate) x (taxable value of your property) divided by 100.

The effective tax rate is the tax rate that would generate the same amount of revenue in the current tax year as was generated by a taxing unit’s adopted tax rate in the preceding tax year from property that is taxable in both the current tax year and the preceding tax year. The tax rate applies only to Hays County government; other taxing entities within the county such as cities, school districts, and special districts set their own tax rates.

Hays County COVID-19 Update August 3

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 03 Aug 2021 12:31:02 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports four COVID-related fatalities a man from Buda in his 60s, a man from Dripping Springs in his 90s, a man from Kyle in his 30s, a man from Wimberley in his 70s. The department also reports 209 new lab-confirmed cases along with seven (7) new hospitalizations and five (5) new hospital discharges. There are 38 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 19,308.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 21,175. Hays County has 1,592 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 1,832 active cases. Hays County has had 1,012 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 46 people are currently hospitalized.

Vaccine opportunities:

August 6, 7 and 8 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Pfizer vaccine @ 3943 I-35 San Marcos Premium Outlets (Previously Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th); next to James Avery; across parking lot from Victoria’s Secret.
Monday-Friday, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Every Thursday and Friday – Pfizer vaccine @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

August 3 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here .

Hays County COVID-19 Update July 31 – August 2

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 12:44:34 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports two (2) COVID-related fatalities, a Kyle woman in her 60s and a Kyle woman in her 70s. The department also reports 470 new lab-confirmed cases along with 30 new hospitalizations and 17 new hospital discharges. There are 71 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 19,270. This report covers July 31 – August 2, 2021.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 20,966. Hays County has 1,425 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 1,627 active cases. Hays County has had 1,005 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 44 people are currently hospitalized.

Upcoming ‘no appointment needed’ vaccine clinics:

Monday-Friday, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Every Thursday and Friday – Pfizer vaccine @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

July 31 – August 2 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here .

Hays County COVID-19 Update as of July 30

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 11:13:25 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports one (1) new COVID-related fatality, a Kyle man in his 80s. The department also reports 186 new lab-confirmed cases along with two (2) new hospitalizations and no new hospital discharges. There are 72 additional persons considered recovered.

The total number of persons considered recovered is 19,199. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 20,496. Hays County has 1,028 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 1,267 active cases. Hays County has had 975 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 31 people are currently hospitalized.

The HCLHD removed two cases this week for duplicate or out of county.

COVID-19 vaccines are available:

Monday thru Friday – Pfizer (age 12+), Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines (age 18+) @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Every Thursday & Friday – Pfizer vaccine @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

July 29-30 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here .

Hays County COVID-19 Update July 27-28

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 11:31:31 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports two (2) COVID-related fatalities, a woman from Buda in her 60s and an 18-year-old woman from San Marcos. The Department also reports 256 new lab-confirmed cases along with five (5) new hospitalizations and seven (7) new hospital discharges. There are 54 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 19,129.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 20,312. Hays County has 915 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 1,128 active cases. Hays County has had 973 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 29 people are currently hospitalized.

Upcoming ‘no appointment needed’ vaccine clinics:

Monday-Friday, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Every Thursday and Friday – Pfizer vaccine @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
July 29 – Pfizer vaccines at three locations from 1-8 p.m. – Redwood Baptist Church, 2050 Poplar St., San Marcos; Scudder Primary School, 400 Green Acres Dr., Wimberley; Old Walnut Springs School, 300 Sportsplex Dr., Dripping Springs

July 27-28 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here .

Hays County COVID-19 Update July 24-26

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 11:35:23 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports 260 new lab-confirmed cases along with 25 new hospitalizations and four (4) new hospital discharges. There are 110 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 19,075. This report covers July 24-26, 2021.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 20,056. Hays County has 715 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 928 active cases. Hays County has had 968 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 31 people are currently hospitalized.

Upcoming ‘no appointment needed’ vaccine clinics:

Monday-Friday, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Every Thursday and Friday – Pfizer vaccine @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
July 29 – Pfizer vaccines at three locations from 1-8 p.m. – Redwood Baptist Church, 2050 Poplar St., San Marcos; Scudder Primary School, 400 Green Acres Dr., Wimberley; Walnut Spring School, 113 Tiger Ln., Dripping Springs

July 24-26 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here .

Regional Flood Planning Group to Hold Meeting, Open to Public

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 11:49:47 GMT

Following massive and devastating floods in 2013, 2015, and 2017, the Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 8 in 2019 initiating the first ever statewide flood planning effort. The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) later designated 15 planning area regions across the state including the Region 11 Guadalupe Regional Flood Planning Region. Hays County is part of Region 11, led by the Guadalupe Regional Flood Planning Group (RFPG). Hays County Commissioner Lon Shell, Pct. 3, represents the counties in that group.

The purpose of the Guadalupe RFPG is to provide comprehensive regional flood planning and develop a regional flood plan while also estimating the funding required to implement the recommended solutions to protect against the loss of life and property.

“We will identify flood risks, establish flood mitigation and floodplain management goals, and recommend strategies and projects to reduce flood risks in our communities,” Shell said of the RFPG. “After the historic flooding we experienced here in Hays County, it is imperative to discuss these issues and create a plan that will benefit all residents in the Guadalupe Basin well into the future.”

To aid in flood mitigation planning, the RFPG will host a public meeting on August 4 in Wimberley to learn about flood-prone areas that need to be addressed and flood management evaluations/projects that need to be developed. Shell said community insight is valuable in helping the Guadalupe RFPG to better address the flood mitigation needs of all communities throughout the region.

“It is also critical that the projects are included in the regional flood plan so that they can considered for state funding,” he said.

This planning meeting is open to the public and will be held immediately following a regularly scheduled RFPG meeting. The public and media are invited to attend.

See the meeting details below:

RFPG Public Meeting

Wednesday, August 4, 2021, at 4 p.m.

Wimberley Community Center

14068 Ranch Road 12

Wimberley, TX 78676

For more information, please visit the Guadalupe Regional Flood Plan website at: www.guadalupeRFPG.org .

Hays County COVID-19 Update July 22-23

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 11:46:21 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department reports one (1) new COVID-related fatality, a Kyle man in his 30s. The department also reports 121 new lab-confirmed cases along with two (2) new hospitalizations and six (6) new hospital discharges. This report covers July 22-23, 2021. There are 46 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 18,965.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 19,796. Hays County has 565 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 678 active cases. Hays County has had 943 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 10 people are currently hospitalized.

NOTE: During a weekly routine data audit the HCLHD removed one (1) case due to out of county or duplicate.

Upcoming ‘no appointment needed’ vaccine clinics:

Monday-Friday, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Every Thursday and Friday – Pfizer vaccine @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
July 29 – Pfizer vaccines at three locations from 1-8 p.m. – Redwood Baptist Church, 2050 Poplar St., San Marcos; Scudder Primary School, 400 Green Acres Dr., Wimberley; Walnut Spring School, 113 Tiger Ln., Dripping Springs

July 22-23 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here .

Hays County COVID-19 Update July 20-21

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 11:54:18 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department reports one (1) new COVID-related fatality, a Kyle man in his 60s. The department also reports 132 new lab-confirmed cases along with three (3) new hospitalizations and four (4) new hospital discharges. This report covers July 20-21, 2021. There are 35 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 18,920.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 19,676. Hays County has 491 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 576 active cases. Hays County has had 941 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 14 people are currently hospitalized.

Upcoming ‘no appointment needed’ vaccine clinics:

Monday-Friday, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Every Thursday and Friday – Pfizer vaccine @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

July 20-21 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here .

Hays County COVID-19 Update July 17-19

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 12:01:20 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports 73 new lab-confirmed cases along with seven (7) new hospitalizations and five (5) new hospital discharges. There are 20 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 18,885. This report covers July 17-19, 2021.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 19,544. Hays County has 395 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 479 active cases. Hays County has had 938 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 15 people are currently hospitalized.

Upcoming ‘no appointment needed’ vaccine clinics:

Monday-Friday, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Every Thursday and Friday – Pfizer vaccine @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

July 17-19 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here .

Hays County COVID-19 Update July 15-16

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 16 Jul 2021 12:08:37 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports 73 new lab-confirmed cases along with one (1) new hospitalization and two (2) new hospital discharges. There are 29 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 18,865. This report covers July 15-16, 2021.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 19,471. Hays County has 342 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 438 active cases. Hays County has had 931 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 13 people are currently hospitalized.

NOTE: During a weekly routine data audit the HCLHD removed six (6) cases due to out of county or duplicate.

Upcoming ‘no appointment needed’ vaccine clinics:

Monday-Friday, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Every Thursday and Friday – Pfizer vaccine @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

July 15-16 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here . An FAQ page can be found here .

Many local municipality websites also have information. Several local school districts also have their own COVID-19 dashboards as does Texas State University.

Hays County COVID-19 Update July 13-14

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 14 Jul 2021 12:15:28 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports 56 new lab-confirmed cases along with one (1) new hospitalization and two (2) new hospital discharges. There are 35 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 18,842. This report covers July 13-14, 2021.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 19,404. Hays County has 298 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 402 active cases. Hays County has had 930 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 14 people are currently hospitalized.

Upcoming ‘no appointment needed’ vaccine clinics:

Monday-Friday, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Every Thursday and Friday – Pfizer vaccine @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

July 13-14 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here . An FAQ page can be found here .

Many local municipality websites also have information. Several local school districts also have their own COVID-19 dashboards as does Texas State University.

Mark Stevens Convicted of Capital Murder

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 14 Jul 2021 12:09:17 GMT

Mark James Stevens, 41, of Buda, Texas, was convicted today, July 14, 2021, for the murder of Brandon Fontenette. He was sentenced to life in prison.

During the jury trial before 428th District Judge Bill Henry, which began on July 6, the prosecution presented evidence that on the evening of July 25, 2018, Mark and Jeanette Stevens went out to the Railhouse Bar in Kyle, Texas, where they were introduced to Brandon Fontenette.

After drinking and socializing with Mr. Fontenette for about an hour, they invited him back to their residence in Buda. There they continued drinking and this led to a consensual sexual encounter between the Stevens and Mr. Fontenette. Mr. Stevens then killed Mr. Fontenette, strangling him, shooting him with a BB gun 13 times, and fatally stabbing him in the back.

Mr. Stevens then called his brother and discussed how to dismember and dispose of the body. Mr. Stevens’ brother then told their father about their discussion and the father called 911, leading to police discovering Mr. Fontenette’s body in the Stevens’ master bathroom, and some of Mr. Fontenette’s belongings removed from his body and placed in plastic bags.

On July 13, the jury returned verdicts of guilty on murder and tampering with evidence. Following a punishment hearing on July 14, the jury sentenced Mr. Stevens to life in prison for the murder charge, and ten years for the tampering. The sentences will be served concurrently.

The Hays County Criminal District Attorney, Wes Mau, complimented his prosecutors, the Hays County Sheriff’s Department, and the Department of Public Safety Crime laboratory personnel for their efforts in piecing together the events that led to Mr. Fontenette’s murder. Mr. Mau declined further comment on the case because Jeanette Stevens’ case is still pending.

The Stevens’ case is the latest in a string of Hays County jury trials that have taken place since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted at the beginning of June. It is the second murder conviction, following the conviction of Jimmy Lee Rhodes on July 6. Mr. Rhodes’ sentencing hearing is set for August 23 before 22nd District Judge Bruce Boyer.

Austin Water Planning Prescribed Burn near Buda July 15

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 12:15:44 GMT

Austin Water will conduct a prescribed burn on Thursday, July 15 (weather and other conditions pending) in the Buda area. See their website for all the details: https://www.austintexas.gov/news/prescribed-burns-planned-july-15-help-restore-native-grasslands-austins-water-quality-protection-lands

Hays County COVID-19 Update July 10-12

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 12:16:52 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports one (1) COVID-related fatality, a Woodcreek man in his 80s. The department also reports 110 new lab-confirmed cases along with 11 new hospitalizations and four (4) new hospital discharges.

There are 31 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 18,807. This report covers July 10-12, 2021.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 19,348. Hays County has 277 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 359 active cases. Hays County has had 929 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 15 people are currently hospitalized.

Upcoming ‘no appointment needed’ vaccine clinics:

Monday-Friday, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Every Thursday and Friday – Pfizer vaccine @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

July 10-12 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here . An FAQ page can be found here .

Many local municipality websites also have information. Several local school districts also have their own COVID-19 dashboards as does Texas State University.

Hays County COVID-19 Update July 8-9

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 09 Jul 2021 10:14:03 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports 47 new lab-confirmed cases along with one (1) new hospitalization and no new hospital discharges. There are 37 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 18,776. This report covers July 8-9, 2021.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 19,238. Hays County has 199 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 280 active cases. Hays County has had 918 total COVID-related hospitalizations and eight (8) people are currently hospitalized.

NOTE: During a routine weekly data audit, HCLHD removed one (1) case due to out of county or duplicate.

Upcoming ‘no appointment needed’ vaccine clinics:

Monday-Friday, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Every Thursday and Friday – Pfizer vaccine @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

July 8-9 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here . An FAQ page can be found here .

Many local municipality websites also have information. Several local school districts also have their own COVID-19 dashboards as does Texas State University.

Hays County Emergency Rental Assistance Program Rolls Out July 12

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 10:22:03 GMT

Hays County Commissioners Court recently approved the implementation of a COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERA). This program may help with rental, utility and late fee assistance for applicants who have had difficulty paying rent or utility bills due to the COVID-19 pandemic and who meet the program criteria. The funds will come from a federal grant.

“We know people in our community are still dealing with the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Wesley Matthews, the ERA Program Administrator. “This new Emergency Rental Assistance program may help keep people from being evicted or having critical services turned off if they are facing challenges with respect to paying their rent or utilities.”

Beginning July 12, 2021, landlords and tenants can register and receive a receipt of their registration, which can be used to show a Hays County court proof of application if eviction proceedings are already in progress. Landlords should contact the County’s ERA Program for tenant flyers and encourage tenants with arrears rent (past due) to apply. If approved, payments from the program grant are made directly to the landlord.

Eligible households may receive up to 12 months of rent and or utility assistance (accrued after March 13, 2020). After an initial one to three months of provided support, households may reapply for additional assistance (in three-month increments, not to exceed a total of 12 months).

Applicants having income at or below 50 percent of the area median ($98,900) OR households with one or more individuals that have been unemployed for at least a 90-day period preceding the date of application will be prioritized for the first twenty-one (21) days of the program per policy. The Hays County ERA program start date is July 12, 2021.

For information about the ERA program, email erap@co.hays.tx.us.

FY 2021 Income Limits Documentation System (per HUD)

First 21-Days those at or below 50% mark: See link below to find your level

FY 2021 Income Limits Documentation System — Summary for Hays County, Texas (huduser.gov)

The documentation needed for the application submission includes, but is not limited to:

the amount due in rent,
utility if not included in rent,
reasonable accrued late fees,
W9 (provided by landlord),
PDF bank deposit statements for months’ rent not paid,
previous W2, and
other applicant expenses.

Proof of approval, non-approval, or non-participation is available to landlords and officials.

Applicant Eligibility

Renter household must be in Hays County, have an income of no more than 80 percent of area medium income, AND one or more members of the household have either:

Qualified for unemployment benefits, OR due to or during the pandemic:
Experienced a reduction in income,
Incurred significant costs, or
Experienced other financial hardship.
AND one or more individuals within the household must demonstrate they:
Are at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability, which may include a past due utility or rent notice or eviction notice, OR
Live in unsafe or unhealthy housing conditions.

Priority Guidelines

Applicants that meet the eligibility criteria above will be prioritized as follows:

Priority 1 – applicants that have an income at or below 50 percent of the area median OR households with one or more individuals that have been unemployed for at least a 90-day period preceding the date of application will be prioritized for assistance for the first twenty-one (21) days of the program.

Priority 2 – after phase I is completed, applicants facing immediate eviction that meet the income eligibility requirement will be prioritized.

Priority 3 – after Phase I is completed, all applicants that meet the income eligibility requirements and are not facing immediate eviction will be reviewed on a first come, first serve basis.

Eligible Expenses

Past due rent; Current and future rent
Reasonable accrued late fees
Eligible utility fees

Eviction prevention is a county-wide community support effort. If your business or agency is able to support those in need with free faxing, scanning, computer support, etc., or breaking language barriers, please contact erap@co.hays.tx.us .

To learn more, visit our website .

Hays County COVID-19 Update July 3-7

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 10:25:31 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports one (1) new COVID-related fatality since Friday’s report, a Woodcreek man in his 70s. The department also reports 56 new lab-confirmed cases along with two (2) new hospitalizations and one (1) new hospital discharge. There are 43 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 18,740. This report covers July 3-7, 2021.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 19,192. Hays County has 189 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 250 active cases. Hays County has had 917 total COVID-related hospitalizations and seven (7) people are currently hospitalized.

Upcoming ‘no appointment needed’ vaccine clinics:

Monday-Friday, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Every Thursday and Friday – Pfizer vaccine @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

July 3-7 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here . An FAQ page can be found here .

Many local municipality websites also have information. Several local school districts also have their own COVID-19 dashboards as does Texas State University.

Johnson & Johnson Vaccines Available this July 4 at County Courthouse

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 02 Jul 2021 10:30:54 GMT

Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccines will be available this Sunday, July 4, from 3-8 p.m. at the Historic Hays County Courthouse, 111 E. San Antonio St. The Texas Army National Guard will be administering the shots, which are free and available to anyone age 18 and older.*

The vaccine event will take place inside the Courthouse on the first floor. Ramp access to the building is on the Hopkins Street side (north entrance). No appointment, identification or insurance are required.

The J&J vaccine is a one-shot dose, so no follow-up booster is needed.

“We are offering another option for Hays County residents who aren’t able to make it to the many other vaccine clinics and locations throughout the county,” said Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra. “Our hope is to reach everyone who wants a vaccine so that we can move forward together as a community and achieve overall immunity from COVID-19.”

*Anyone who would like a Pfizer vaccine (age 12+, two-shot dosage), see info below:

Monday-Friday, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic,

401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Every Thursday and Friday – Pfizer vaccine @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

210031 I-35, Kyle (Hays CISD Administration, in the old Transportation Building), on Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Hays County COVID-19 Update July 1-2, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 02 Jul 2021 10:29:11 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports one new COVID-related fatality since Wednesday’s update, a San Marcos man in his 40s. The department also reports 29 new lab-confirmed cases along with no new hospitalizations and no new hospital discharges. HCLHD removed 19 cases during a routine data audit due to out of county and duplicate records.

There are 12 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 18,697. The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 19,136. Hays County has 177 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 230 active cases. Hays County has had 915 total COVID-related hospitalizations and six (6) people are currently hospitalized.

July 1-2, 2021, Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

Upcoming ‘no appointment needed’ vaccine opportunities:

Sunday, July 4, Hays County Historic Courthouse, 111 E. San Antonio St., San Marcos, 3-8 p.m. Offering only Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Monday-Friday, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Every Thursday and Friday – Pfizer vaccine @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Pfizer vaccines are also offered by Curative at 210031 I-35, Kyle (Hays CISD Administration, in the old Transportation Building), on Thursdays and Fridays 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Hays County COVID-19 Update June 29-30

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 10:34:53 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports 35 new lab-confirmed cases along with no new hospitalizations and no new hospital discharges. There are 14 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 18,700. This report covers July 29-30, 2021.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 19,126. Hays County has 165 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 232 active cases. Hays County has had 916 total COVID-related hospitalizations and two (2) people are currently hospitalized.

Upcoming ‘no appointment needed’ vaccine clinics:

Monday-Friday, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Every Thursday and Friday – Pfizer vaccine @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Pfizer vaccines are also offered by Curative at 210031 I-35, Kyle (Hays CISD Administration, in the old Transportation Building), on Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

June 29-30 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here . An FAQ page can be found here .

Many local municipality websites also have information. Several local school districts also have their own COVID-19 dashboards as does Texas State University.

McCarty Lane Closed 7-7-21 to 7-8-21 Between Hunter & Barnes

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 12:17:29 GMT

The section of road on McCarty Ln. from Hunter Rd. to Barnes will be close to thru traffic between July 7 and July 8 as crews from Union Pacific Rail Road repair the crossing at that location. See map below for details.

Message boards will be placed in the area to alert drivers. Please find an alternate route during the time period when this section of roadway will be closed.

Hays County COVID-19 Update June 26-28

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 10:11:24 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports one (1) COVID-related fatality, a Kyle man in his 70s. The Department also reports 32 new lab-confirmed cases along with two (2) new hospitalizations and two (2) new hospital discharges. There are 21 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 18,686. This report covers June 26-28, 2021.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 19,091. Hays County has 144 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 224 active cases. Hays County has had 916 total COVID-related hospitalizations and two (2) people are currently hospitalized.

Upcoming ‘no appointment needed’ vaccine clinics:

Monday-Friday, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Every Thursday and Friday – Pfizer vaccine @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

June 26-28 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here . An FAQ page can be found here .

Many local municipality websites also have information. Several local school districts also have their own COVID-19 dashboards as does Texas State University.

Hays County COVID-19 Update June 24-25

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 10:15:17 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports one (1) COVID-related fatality, a Buda man in his 60s. The department also reports 37 new lab-confirmed cases along with one (1) new hospitalization and two (2) new hospital discharges. There are 30 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 18,648. This report covers June 24-25, 2021.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 19,059. Hays County has 134 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 205 active cases. Hays County has had 914 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 2 people are currently hospitalized.

NOTE: During a weekly routine data audit the HCLHD removed 13 cases due to out of county or duplicate.

Upcoming ‘no appointment needed’ vaccine clinics:

Monday-Friday, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Every Thursday and Friday – Pfizer vaccine @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

June 24-25 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here . An FAQ page can be found here .

Many local municipality websites also have information. Several local school districts also have their own COVID-19 dashboards as does Texas State University.

Austin Water Plans Prescribed Burn July 19

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 12:13:50 GMT

After a successful burn on July 15, Austin Water plans to conduct a prescribed burn on 210 acres of the Water Quality Protection Lands on Monday, July 19, 2021.

Smoke may be visible south of State Highway 45, east of FM1826, west of Brodie Lane, west of FM 1626, and north of FM 967 from 10am to sunset.

The Water Quality Protection Lands (WQPL) program actively manages more than 30,000 acres to benefit the quality and quantity of water recharging the Edwards Aquifer, which provides water to both Barton Springs and to groundwater wells in Hays and Travis Counties. Austin Water Wildland Conservation Division manages the lands.

Prescribed burns mimic the natural fire cycle in a way that can be planned and organized to limit fire intensity and can serve both natural landscapes and human communities by reducing the potential for destructive wildfires. Prescribed fire reduces brush and promotes grasslands which provide the optimal quality and quantity of water to recharge the aquifer. Wildland Conservation staff has seen wildflowers and native grass communities experience greater biodiversity after prescribed fires. Grassland birds like quail and northern harrier hawks benefit from open habitat, found after a fire, for nesting and feeding.

A team of highly trained professionals comprised of Austin Water staff, city and county fire departments, and federal, state and local land management agencies ensures that safety is their primary objective. Partnerships with agencies such as the US Fish and Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy, the Wildflower Center, the Texas Forest Service, and Travis County Natural Resources as well as coordination with the Austin Fire Department, neighboring fire departments and emergency service districts all contribute to successful prescribed burns.

All personnel meet specific training, experience, fitness and personal protective equipment requirements for the position they perform on the fireline. The prescription for each fire takes into account weather conditions– including wind and past precipitation – and requires specific parameters for the burn to ensure the fire behavior will meet objectives and can be safely controlled.

Hays County COVID-19 Update June 15-16, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 10:18:51 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports two COVID-related fatalities since the last update on June 14; a Driftwood man and a San Marcos man, both in their 50s. The department also reports 14 new lab-confirmed cases along with one (1) new hospitalization and one (1) new hospital discharge. There are 30 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 18,604.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 18,988. Hays County has 127 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 192 active cases. Hays County has had 907 total COVID-related hospitalizations and seven (7) people are currently hospitalized.

Upcoming ‘no appointment needed’ vaccine clinics:

Monday-Friday, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Every Thursday and Friday – Pfizer vaccine @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

June 15-16 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here . An FAQ page can be found here .

Many local municipality websites also have information. Several local school districts also have their own COVID-19 dashboards as does Texas State University.

Hays County COVID-19 Update June 12-14, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 10:19:44 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports one COVID-related fatality; a San Marcos woman in her 90s. The department also reports 22 new lab-confirmed cases along with three (3) new hospitalizations and seven (7) new hospital discharges. There are seven (7) additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 18,574.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 18,974. Hays County has 145 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 206 active cases. Hays County has had 906 total COVID-related hospitalizations and seven (7) people are currently hospitalized.

Upcoming ‘no appointment needed’ vaccine clinics:

Monday-Friday, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.

Every Thursday and Friday – Pfizer vaccine @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

June 12-14 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here . An FAQ page can be found here .

Many local municipality websites also have information. Several local school districts also have their own COVID-19 dashboards as does Texas State University.

Hays County COVID-19 Update 10-11

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 11 Jun 2021 10:25:43 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports 31 new lab-confirmed cases along with two (2) new hospitalizations and two (2) new hospital discharges. There are 25 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 18,567. This report covers June 10-11, 2021.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 18,952. Hays County has 131 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 237 active cases. Hays County has had 903 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 11 people are currently hospitalized.

NOTE: During a weekly routine data audit the HCLHD removed 17 cases due to out of county or duplicate.

Upcoming ‘no appointment needed’ vaccine clinics:

Monday-Friday, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.

Every Thursday and Friday – Pfizer vaccine @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

June 10-11 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here . An FAQ page can be found here .

Many local municipality websites also have information. Several local school districts also have their own COVID-19 dashboards as does Texas State University.

Hays County COVID-19 Update June 8-9

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 10:33:38 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports one (1) COVID-related fatality, a Kyle woman in her 80s. This report covers June 8-9, 2021.

The Department also reports 27 new lab-confirmed cases along with one (1) new hospitalization and one (1) new hospital discharge. There are 27 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 18,559.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 18,938. Hays County has 125 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 247 active cases. Hays County has had 901 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 11 people are currently hospitalized.

Upcoming ‘no appointment needed’ vaccine clinics:

Monday-Friday, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.

Every Thursday and Friday – Pfizer vaccine @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

June 8-9 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here . An FAQ page can be found here .

Many local municipality websites also have information. Several local school districts also have their own COVID-19 dashboards as does Texas State University.

Hays County COVID-19 Update June 5-7

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 11:05:58 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports 13 new lab-confirmed cases along with eight (8) new hospitalizations and five (5) new hospital discharges. There are 53 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 18,532. This report covers June 5-7, 2021.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 18,911. Hays County has 126 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 264 active cases. Hays County has had 900 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 11 people are currently hospitalized.

Upcoming ‘no appointment needed’ vaccine clinics:

Monday-Friday, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.

Every Thursday and Friday – Pfizer vaccine @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

June 5-7 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here . An FAQ page can be found here .

Many local municipality websites also have information. Several local school districts also have their own COVID-19 dashboards as does Texas State University.

Hays County COVID-19 Update June 3-4

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 11:10:43 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports one (1) COVID-related fatality, a Buda man in his 30s. The department also reports 20 new lab-confirmed cases along with one (1) new hospitalization and four (4) new hospital discharges. There are 40 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 18,479. This report covers June 3-4, 2021.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 18,898. Hays County has 166 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 299 active cases. Hays County has had 892 total COVID-related hospitalizations and eight (8) people are currently hospitalized.

NOTE: During a routine weekly data audit, HCLHD removed 26 cases due to out of county or duplicate.

Upcoming ‘no appointment needed’ vaccine clinics:

Monday-Friday, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.

Every Thursday and Friday – Pfizer vaccine @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Hays County will be providing Pfizer vaccines at the following locations June 4-6:

Friday 5-10 p.m. | Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Sunday 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

San Marcos High, 2601 Rattler Rd, San Marcos | Simon Middle School, 3829 FM 150 East, Kyle

McCormick Middle School, 5700 Dacy Lane, Buda | Hays CISD Transportation HQ, 2385 High Road, Kyle

June 3-4 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here . An FAQ page can be found here .

Many local municipality websites also have information. Several local school districts also have their own COVID-19 dashboards as does Texas State University.

Hays County District Courts resume for jury trials June 7; new health safety standards in effect

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 11:11:57 GMT

More than a year after COVID-19 caused jury trials to be suspended, Hays County District Courts will resume jury trials beginning Monday, June 7. Hays County Courts-at-Law will resume for jury trials on July 6. Judicial officials say with jurors returning, new health safety standards will be in place.

“It is important that we ensure the health and safety of litigants, attorneys, visitors, court staff, judges and any other individual entering the buildings housing the courts,” said Judge Gary Steel, who serves as the Local Administrative District Judge.

Steel was instrumental in coordinating the health safety standards among Hays County judges/courts, including the District Court, County Courts-at-Law and Justices of the Peace.

“Face coverings are optional but social distancing will be consistent with the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),” Steel said. “Protective protocols may be required for: hearings on objections or motions related to proceedings, communication protocols, summoning jurors.”

Each judge will require the respective parties to communicate with the court if any participant in a jury proceeding has tested positive for COVID-19 within the previous 30 days, currently has COVID-19 symptoms or has recent known exposure to COVID-19.

“Judges may permit witnesses to testify remotely via videoconference, especially if the individual has symptoms or a recent positive test for COVID-19, has been recently exposed, or is vulnerable to contracting COVID-19,” Steel said.

Vulnerable populations are individuals over age 65 and individuals with underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma, and those who immune systems are compromised. Jurors who believe they meet one or more of these criteria may contact the District Clerk’s Office at 512.393.7660 to be excused. This includes teleconferencing, hybrid teleconferencing or an in-person proceeding in a limited access courtroom.

Judges may limit the use of physical or paper exhibits/evidence where reasonable by converting the exhibit/evidence to a digital form as well as limiting the passing and shared use of microphones during the jury proceeding.

Hays County COVID-19 Update May 29 – June 2

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 11:59:08 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports five (5) COVID-related fatalities, a Buda man in his 60s, a Buda woman in her 70s, a Dripping Springs woman in her 70s, a San Marcos man in his 70s, and a Wimberley woman in her 80s. This report covers May 29 – June 2, 2021.

The department also reports 40 new lab-confirmed cases along with 12 new hospitalizations and 12 new hospital discharges. There are 87 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 18,465.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 18,904. Hays County has 187 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 328 active cases. Hays County has had 891 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 11 people are currently hospitalized.

Upcoming ‘no appointment needed’ vaccine clinics:

Monday-Friday, Pfizer vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.

Every Thursday and Friday – Pfizer vaccine @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Hays County will be providing Pfizer vaccines at the following locations June 4-6:

Friday 5-10 p.m. | Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Sunday 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

San Marcos High, 2601 Rattler Rd, San Marcos | Simon Middle School, 3829 FM 150 East, Kyle

McCormick Middle School, 5700 Dacy Lane, Buda | Hays CISD Transportation HQ, 2385 High Road, Kyle

May 29-June 2 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here . An FAQ page can be found here .

Many local municipality websites also have information. Several local school districts also have their own COVID-19 dashboards as does Texas State University.

Calendar of Events for Juneteenth Celebration 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 12:26:19 GMT

On June 1, the Hays County Commissioners Court proclaimed the 19th day of June 2021 as Juneteenth. Other proclamation readings will occur in city council meetings in Buda, Dripping Springs, Kyle and Wimberley.

Below are several events happening around Hays County in celebration of Juneteenth.

Calendar of Events for Juneteenth Celebration

June 4, 2021

Drive-thru Fish Fry Fund Raiser sponsored the San Marcos Juneteenth Foundation, Inc. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Dunbar Park, 801 Martin Luther King Dr., San Marcos; Dunbar Park, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Lunch/dinner is a $10 donation by pre-purchase ticket or cash.

June 5, 12, 19, 26, 2021

Voters Registration Drive On Saturdays with a focus on recently graduated high school seniors. Eligible citizens in Hays County can stop at the voters registration booth to register to complete a voter registration form with a deputy voter registrar from 12:00 noon until 4 p.m. Locations include Wonder World Park, 1000 Prospect St., San Marcos; San Marcos Plaza Park, 401 East Hopkins St., San Marcos Texas. Other locations: TBA

June 12, 2021

Kyle Market Day at Gregg Clarke Park, 1231-1301 W. Center St., Kyle; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Local vendors, arts & crafts, farm to market items, live music and MORE! Great outdoor event for the whole family.

June 17, 2021

“Then and Now: Illuminating Black Voices in the Historic Dunbar Community” hosted by The ACCEYSS Network, 174 S Guadalupe Street, Suite 105, San Marcos; Space for 20-30 people. Will also be live streamed on Facebook, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

June 18, 2021

City of Kyle Peace and Progress Panel; Juneteenth Discussion – 7 p.m. start time. Join community leaders for the Dialogue for Peace and Progress 2021 – Celebrating Juneteenth; Kyle City Councilmember Dex Ellison will be moderating a group of panelists discussing issues from a multitude of perspectives with culturally significant and nationally recognized historical events as the backdrop. Kyle City Hall, 100 W. Center St., also on Kyle Spectrum Channel 10, Kyle’s YouTube channel, or City of Kyle Facebook page.

June 18, 2021

Dripping Springs Community – Empowering Positive Change will sponsor a virtual art show that highlights art pieces from a variety of genre with a Juneteenth theme. Pieces are being accepted through June 5. Viewing of Art will begin on June 18 and can be found at: https://tejasfolkarts.wixsite.com/juneteenthart/2021-gallery

June 18, 2021

NEWLY ADDDED EVENT! Rose Brooks Juneteenth Cake Auction – join the community for this San Marcos Juneteenth tradition hosted by a beloved local treasure. Takes place from 6-8 p.m. at the San Marcos Activity Center on Hopkins St.

**June 19, 2021 – Juneteenth (Multiple Events Happening on this Day)**

Juneteenth Celebration

City of Buda 2nd Annual Juneteenth Celebration 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Come and Celebrate with Music, Activities, Food; Buda City Park Pavilion, 204 San Antonio St, Buda.

Juneteenth Unity Walk

Come together at the intersection of LBJ and Martin Luther King, Jr in San Marcos at the LBJ MLK Crossroad Memorial 9 a.m. to begin the walk that will “Celebrate the Juneteenth Holiday”. With family, friends, and neighbors, all will walk a designated route that will end at Dunbar Park, 801 Martin Luther King Dr., San Marcos; Walk begins at 9:30 a.m.

Events taking place on Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive:

“Juneteenth Celebration” Elementary School Students Art Display

Elementary students from selected schools in San Marcos CISD will have art pieces displayed at the Cephas House, 213 Martin Luther King Dr., San Marcos; Sponsored by local Soulful Creations Tx.; Viewing times: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Juneteenth Celebration at Dunbar Recreation Center

Dunbar Heritage Association will also host a traditional Juneteenth Celebration from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. at the Dunbar Recreation Center featuring a gospel concert, games, speakers, live soul music, vendors, food trucks, a virtual 5K Fundraiser and more!” Dunbar Recreation Center, 801 Martin Luther King Dr., San Marcos; For details see https://www.facebook.com/dunbarheritage/

Re-opening of Calaboose Museum

Come enjoy the re-opening of Calaboose Museum with activities to celebrate Juneteenth from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Calaboose Museum, 200 Martin Luther King Dr., San Marcos. See website for more details: https://www.calaboosemuseum.org/

San Marcos Juneteenth Foundation Inc. Charity BBQ Cook-off

It’s back! The popular Charity BBQ Cook-off to celebrate the Juneteenth Holiday. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the public can enjoy, open space with all day music, a children’s place section with activities, BBQ taste test line-up, and vendors. City Plaza Park, 401 East Hopkins St., San Marcos. Visit: https://www.juneteenthfoundationinc.org/ .

June 20, 2021

Wimberley’s Voices at the Table Discussion: History of Juneteenth

“Voices at the Table” is a monthly Wimberley Zoom panel discussion curated by moderator, Sandra Organ Solís, and produced by Dr. Carlos Solís. This last of a six-month series will have a panel to discuss Juneteenth, the day set aside to celebrate the emancipation of slaves. To participate in this Sunday afternoon virtual event, register at the website: https://yosoyx.net/table/

June 26, 2021

Juneteenth Party at Wonder World Amusement Park and Cave sponsored by Soulful Creations Tx. Includes live music, a DJ, outdoor space, dancing and live Facebook posting. The public is invited to come out to Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park, 1000 Prospect, San Marcos; 12 p.m. – 9 p.m. See info at https://www.facebook.com/SoulfulCreationsTX/ .

Source: This information on this page was created by Vanessa Westbrook, Chair of the Hays County Historical Commission African American Heritage Committee, vanedani61@gmail.com

Hays County Offices Closed May 31 for Memorial Day

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 31 May 2021 11:03:18 GMT

Hays County offices will be closed on Monday, May 31, in observance of Memorial Day. We extend our thanks and gratitude for all U.S. military personnel who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Hays County COVID-19 Update May 27-28

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 28 May 2021 10:43:19 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports one (1) COVID-related fatality, a Kyle woman in her 50s. The department also reports 25 new lab-confirmed cases along with one (1) new hospitalization and five (5) new hospital discharges. There are 48 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 18,378.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 18,864. Hays County has 239 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 361 active cases. Hays County has had 879 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 11 people are currently hospitalized.

Note: During a routine weekly data audit, the HCLHD removed 17 cases due to out of county or duplicate record.

Upcoming ‘no appointment needed’ vaccine clinics:

Monday-Friday, Pfizer vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.

Every Thursday and Friday – Pfizer vaccine @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Hays County will be providing Pfizer vaccines at the following locations June 4-6:

Friday 5-10 p.m. | Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Sunday 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

San Marcos High, 2601 Rattler Rd, San Marcos | Simon Middle School, 3829 FM 150 East, Kyle

McCormick Middle School, 5700 Dacy Lane, Buda | Hays CISD Transportation HQ, 2385 High Road, Kyle

May 27-28 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here . An FAQ page can be found here .

Many local municipality websites also have information. Several local school districts also have their own COVID-19 dashboards as does Texas State University.

Hays County COVID-19 Update May 25-26

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 26 May 2021 10:49:02 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports 28 new lab-confirmed cases along with four (4) new hospitalizations and eight (8) new hospital discharges. There are 28 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 18,347. This report covers May 25-26.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 18,856. Hays County has 263 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 387 active cases. Hays County has had 878 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 15 people are currently hospitalized.

Upcoming ‘no appointment needed’ vaccine clinics:

May 27 – Moderna second dose vaccine clinic @ Sinai Pentecostal, 208 Laredo Street, San Marcos, 5-10 p.m.

Monday-Friday, Pfizer vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.

Every Thursday and Friday – Pfizer vaccine @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Hays County will be providing vaccines at the following locations June 4-6:

Friday 5-10 p.m. | Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Sunday 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

San Marcos High, 2601 Rattler Rd, San Marcos

Simon Middle School, 3829 FM 150 East, Kyle

McCormick Middle School, 5700 Dacy Lane, Buda

Hays CISD Transportation, 2385 High Road, Kyle

May 25-26 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here . An FAQ page can be found here .

Many local municipality websites also have information. Several local school districts also have their own COVID-19 dashboards as does Texas State University.

Hays County COVID-19 Update May 22-24

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 24 May 2021 10:52:38 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports one COVID-related fatality; a Buda woman in her 40s. The department also reports 53 new lab-confirmed cases along with 11 new hospitalizations and one (1) new hospital discharge. There are 44 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 18,319. Note: this report covers May 22-24.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 18,828. Hays County has 263 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 433 active cases. Hays County has had 874 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 19 people are currently hospitalized.

Upcoming ‘no appointment needed’ vaccine clinics:

May 27 – Moderna second dose vaccine clinic @ Sinai Pentecostal, 208 Laredo Street, San Marcos, 5-10 p.m.

Monday-Friday, Pfizer vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.

Every Thursday and Friday – Pfizer vaccine @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

May 22-24 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here . An FAQ page can be found here .

Many local municipality websites also have information. Several local school districts also have their own COVID-19 dashboards as does Texas State University.

Hays County Shares New COVID-19 Resources from FEMA

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 21 May 2021 11:01:00 GMT

Hays County is sharing several COVID-19 resources available to the public from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), including funeral assistance, emergency broadband and a crisis hotline. See the information below and be sure to click the links to the various websites for more details and program requirements.

FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance

FEMA will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020, under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

To be eligible for funeral assistance, applicants must meet these conditions:

The death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19.
The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after January 20, 2020.
There is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien.

Call the dedicated toll-free phone number to get a COVID-19 Funeral Assistance application completed with help from FEMA’s representatives. COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line 844-684-6333 (Multilingual services available.) | TTY: 800-462-7585. Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time. Please review the FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance FAQs for further information and guidance.

Emergency Broadband Benefit

The Emergency Broadband Benefit is an FCC program to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. This new benefit will connect eligible households to jobs, critical healthcare services, virtual classrooms, and so much more. The Emergency Broadband Benefit will provide a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

The Emergency Broadband Benefit is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household. A household is eligible if a member of the household meets one of the criteria below:

Has an income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, or Lifeline;
Approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year;
Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;
Experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020, and the household had a total income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers; or
Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program.

There are three ways for eligible households to apply:

Contact your preferred participating broadband provider directly to learn about their application process.
Go to GetEmergencyBroadband.org to apply online and find participating providers near you.
Call 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application; return it along with copies of documents showing proof of eligibility to:

Emergency Broadband Support Center

P.O. Box 7081

London, KY 40742

Visit the Emergency Broadband Benefit webpage for more information and guidance.

Disaster Distress Helpline

Stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions after a disaster. The Disaster Distress Helpline is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress. To reach the hotline: From the United States and its territories, call or text 1-800-985-5990 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. Spanish-speakers can call the hotline and press “2” for 24/7 bilingual support; callers to the hotline can also connect with counselors in more than 100 other languages. This crisis support service is for anyone experiencing emotional distress related to disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and wildfires, but also for those who need support related to COVID-19 and incidents of community unrest. Please visit the Disaster Distress Helpline page for more information.

# # #

Hays County COVID-19 Update May 20-21

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 21 May 2021 10:57:08 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports 41 new lab-confirmed cases along with three (3) new hospitalizations and two (2) new hospital discharges. There are 51 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 18,275. This report covers May 20-21.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 18,775. Hays County has 255 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 462 active cases. Hays County has had 863 total COVID-related hospitalizations and nine (9) people are currently hospitalized.

NOTE: During the HCLHD weekly data audit 41 cases were removed, 16 of which were hospitalizations.

Upcoming ‘no appointment needed’ vaccine clinics:

May 27 – Moderna second dose vaccine clinic @ Sinai Pentecostal, 208 Laredo Street, San Marcos, 5-10 p.m.

Monday-Friday, Pfizer vaccines @ Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.

Every Thursday and Friday – Pfizer vaccine @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

May 20-21 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here . An FAQ page can be found here .

Many local municipality websites also have information. Several local school districts also have their own COVID-19 dashboards as does Texas State University.

Hays County COVID-19 Update May 18-19

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 19 May 2021 11:08:36 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports 44 new lab-confirmed cases along with no new hospitalizations and two (2) new hospital discharges. There are 74 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 18,265. This report covers May 18-19, 2021.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 18,775. Hays County has 265 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 539 active cases. Hays County has had 876 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 8 people are currently hospitalized.

Upcoming ‘no appointment needed’ vaccine clinics:

May 20-21 – Pfizer vaccine clinic @ Hays CISD Administration, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

May 27 – Moderna second dose vaccine clinic @ Sinai Pentecostal, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Every Thursday and Friday – CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

May 18-19 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here . An FAQ page can be found here .

Many local municipality websites also have information. Several local school districts also have their own COVID-19 dashboards as does Texas State University.

Hays County POSAC seeking new project submissions

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 18 May 2021 11:05:17 GMT

The Hays County Parks and Open Space Advisory Commission (POSAC), which was created in 2020 and recently restarted, is seeking additional project submissions that would be funded by Proposition A, a Parks & Open Space Bond, approved by voters in the November General Election.

Prior to the passing of the bond, POSAC members announced a call for projects which resulted in an initial set of 15 recommended projects to the Hays County Commissioners Court.

“The role of POSAC was to establish a process to study a parks, open space, and conservation bond program and to solicit project recommendations to the Hays County Commissioners Court,” said Natural Resource Coordinator Alexandra Thompson. “The Commission is announcing a second call for project submissions to support ideas beyond those already submitted, expand upon the variety of project opportunities, and provide equity amongst the diverse stakeholders and residents of Hays County.”

Any organization or individual interested in submitting a project idea should visit the POSAC website to learn more. The deadline to submit a Project Information Form (PIF) is July 30, 2021 .

Submissions will be accepted by emailing a PIF to the Hays County Natural Resources Coordinator at Alexandra.thompson@co.hays.tx.us . The PIF can be found on the POSAC webpage. Please note the PIF is meant to serve as a project summary form and is a useful tool for POSAC when it comes time to rank the project. The PIF is not meant to serve as the project proposal, which should be a separate document with detailed project information and include any supplemental information as appendices. If the submitting party’s final proposal, supplemental material, GIS shapefiles, CAD files, KMZ files, and POSAC presentation are complete at the time the submitting party submits their PIF, they are more than welcome to turn all materials in at the same time.

The official and final project proposal should be 3-5 pages at a minimum, not including supplemental material, and will need to be submitted to the Hays County Natural Resources Coordinator no later than five business days before the submitting party is scheduled to conduct their project presentation to POSAC.

Details about the Hays County POSAC are on the County’s website: https://hayscountytx.com/departments/hays-county-parks-recreation/parks-open-space-advisory-commission-posac/ .

Hays County COVID-19 Update May 15-17

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 17 May 2021 11:11:58 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports 48 new lab-confirmed cases along with three (3) new hospitalizations and eight (8) new hospital discharges. There are 82 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 18,191. This report covers May 15-17, 2021.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 18,731. Hays County has 295 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 532 active cases. Hays County has had 876 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 10 people are currently hospitalized.

Upcoming ‘no appointment needed’ vaccine clinics:

May 18, 19 – Dripping Springs Ranch Park, 1042 Event Center Dr., 10 a.m.- 5:45 p.m.

May 15-17 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here . An FAQ page can be found here .

Many local municipality websites also have information. Several local school districts also have their own COVID-19 dashboards as does Texas State University.

Hays County COVID-19 Update May 13-14

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 14 May 2021 11:15:17 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports two (2) COVID-related fatalities: a Buda man in his 50s and a San Marcos man in his 60s. This report covers May 13-14, 2021.

The Department also reports 49 new lab-confirmed cases along with four (4) new hospitalizations and five (5) new hospital discharges. There are 116 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 18,109.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 18,683. Hays County has 329 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 622 active cases. Hays County has had 873 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 15 people are currently hospitalized.

Upcoming ‘no appointment needed’ vaccine clinics:

May 15 – Wimberley Community Center, 14068 Ranch Road 12, Wimberley, 8am-12pm.

May 18, 19 – Dripping Springs Ranch Park, 1042 Event Center Dr., 10 a.m.- 5:45 p.m.

May 13-14 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here . An FAQ page can be found here .

Many local municipality websites also have information. Several local school districts also have their own COVID-19 dashboards as does Texas State University.

Youth 12-15 now eligible for Pfizer vaccine with parental consent

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 13 May 2021 11:17:00 GMT

Vaccine providers are now able to give the Pfizer COVID-19 shot to adolescents between ages 12-15 following a Federal Drug Administration (FDA) expansion of the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) with the manufacturer.

“Based on a recent recommendation by the Texas Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the Pfizer vaccine can now be dispensed to adolescents between the ages of 12 and 15,” said Hays County Local Health Director Tammy Crumley.

She added that the vaccine must be administered in accordance with the FDA’s updated emergency use authorization (EUA). If the vaccine recipient is a minor, a parent, guardian or caregiver must be provided a fact sheet prior to vaccination. In Texas, parental consent is required for the vaccination of children in this age group, which may be given orally or in writing. The HCLHD recommends that a parent or legal guardian accompany the adolescent receiving the vaccine.

“Having a parent or guardian present ensures we receive necessary and accurate medical information regarding the minor,” Crumley said.

She said she is in agreement with the Texas Department of State Health Services that promptly vaccinating the adolescents in this age group is another valuable tool that will help end the COVID-19 pandemic.

Crumley reminded the public that only the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is currently authorized for immunizing adolescents 12 years and older. Both Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines are authorized for ages 18 years and older. Most Hays County vaccine clinics use the Pfizer product.

Learn more about vaccine opportunities on haysinformed.com.

Important Vaccine Update: State Mobile Vaccination Team Call Center

On May 7, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and the Texas Military Department (TMD) launched the State Mobile Vaccination Team Call Center. Businesses and civic organizations can call 844-90-TEXAS (908-3927) and select option 3 to schedule a visit from a vaccine team to vaccinate their employees, visitors, and members who want to be vaccinated. Homebound Texans can select option 1 to request a team visit.

Hays County COVID-19 Update May 12

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 12 May 2021 07:24:26 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports two (2) COVID-related fatalities: a Kyle woman in her 20s and a San Marcos woman in her 60s. This report covers May 11-12, 2021.

The Department also reports 28 new lab-confirmed cases along with seven (7) new hospitalizations and five (5) new hospital discharges. There are 35 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 17,993.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 18,634. Hays County has 398 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 655 active cases. Hays County has had 869 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 16 people are currently hospitalized.

Upcoming ‘no appointment needed’ vaccine clinics:

May 13, Dunbar Recreation Center, 801 MLK Blvd., San Marcos, 5-10 p.m.

May 13-14, Hays CISD Central Office, 21003 I-35, Kyle, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

May 15, Wimberley Community Center, 14068 RR 12, Wimberley, 8 a.m.-noon

May 11-12 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here . An FAQ page can be found here .

Many local municipality websites also have information. Several local school districts also have their own COVID-19 dashboards as does Texas State University.

Hays County COVID-19 Update May 8-10, 2021

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 10 May 2021 07:31:21 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports one COVID-related fatality; a San Marcos man in his 70s. This report covers May 8-10, 2021.

The Department also reports 45 new lab-confirmed cases along with four (4) new hospitalizations and six (6) new hospital discharges. There are 181 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 17,958.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 18,606. Hays County has 407 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 730 active cases. Hays County has had 862 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 14 people are currently hospitalized.

Upcoming ‘no appointment needed’ vaccine clinics:

May 11, Live Oak Community Clinic, 401 Broadway, San Marcos, between 8-11:30 a.m. and 1-4:30 p.m.

May 12-14, Hays CISD Central Office, 21003 I-35, Kyle, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

May 13, Dunbar Recreation Center, 801 MLK Blvd., San Marcos, 5-10 p.m.

May 8-10 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here . An FAQ page can be found here .

Many local municipality websites also have information. Several local school districts also have their own COVID-19 dashboards as does Texas State University.

Hays County COVID-19 Update May 1-3

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 03 May 2021 07:40:39 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports one (1) COVID-related fatality, a Kyle woman in her 50s. The Department also reports 82 new lab-confirmed cases along with seven (7) new hospitalizations and six (6) new hospital discharges. There are 115 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 17,636. Please note: today’s report covers May 1-3.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 18,436. Hays County has 560 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 839 active cases. Hays County has had 853 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 14 people are currently hospitalized.

May 1-3 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here . An FAQ page can be found here .

Many local municipality websites also have information. Several local school districts also have their own COVID-19 dashboards as does Texas State University.

Hays County COVID-19 Update April 29-30

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 07:51:18 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports 118 new lab-confirmed cases along with no new hospitalizations and one (1) new hospital discharges. There are 115 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 17,521. Please note: today’s report covers April 29-30.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 18,354. Hays County has 594 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 910 active cases. Hays County has had 846 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 13 people are currently hospitalized.

April 29-30 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here . An FAQ page can be found here .

Many local municipality websites also have information. Several local school districts also have their own COVID-19 dashboards as does Texas State University.

Hays County COVID-19 Update April 27-28

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 28 Apr 2021 09:15:35 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports 37 new lab-confirmed cases along with two (2) new hospitalizations and six (6) new hospital discharges. There are 48 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 17,406. Please note: today’s report covers April 27 – April 28.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 18,236. Hays County has 591 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 881 active cases. Hays County has had 846 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 14 people are currently hospitalized.

April 27-28 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here . An FAQ page can be found here .

Many local municipality websites also have information. Several local school districts also have their own COVID-19 dashboards as does Texas State University.

Election Day May 1, Early Voting Ends April 27

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 09:22:27 GMT

April 27 is the last day of Early Voting in Hays County; until 5 p.m. Election Day is Saturday May 1.

Elections are being held for:

Hays CISD

SM CISD

DS ISD

City of Dripping Springs of Hays

City of Uhland

City of Austin

Learn more on our website.

El 27 de abril es el último día de votación anticipada en el condado de Hays; hasta las 5 p.m.

El día de las elecciones es el sábado 1 de mayo.

Se están celebrando elecciones para:

Obtenga más información en nuestro sitio web.

Hays County COVID-19 Update April 24-26

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 26 Apr 2021 10:47:04 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports 138 new lab-confirmed cases along with 11 new hospitalizations and six (6) new hospital discharges. There are 153 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 17,358. Please note: today’s report covers April 24 – April 26.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 18,199. Hays County has 602 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 865 active cases. Hays County has had 844 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 18 people are currently hospitalized.

April 24-26 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here . An FAQ page can be found here .

Many local municipality websites also have information. Several local school districts also have their own COVID-19 dashboards as does Texas State University.

Notice of Meeting to Vote on Tax Rate

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 26 Apr 2021 08:39:29 GMT

NOTICE OF MEETING TO VOTE ON TAX RATE ( download PDF )
A tax rate of $0.3867 per $100 valuation has been proposed by the governing body of Hays County.

PROPOSED TAX RATE $0.3867 per $100
NO-NEW-REVENUE TAX RATE $0.3867 per $100
VOTER-APPROVAL TAX RATE $0.4532 per $100

The no-new-revenue tax rate is the tax rate for the 2021 tax year that will raise the same amount of property
tax revenue for Hays County from the same properties in both the 2020 tax year and the 2021 tax year.
The voter-approval rate is the highest tax rate that Hays County may adopt without holding an election to
seek voter approval of the rate.

The proposed tax rate is not greater than the no-new-revenue tax rate. This means that Hays County is not
proposing to increase property taxes for the 2021 tax year.

A PUBLIC MEETING TO VOTE ON THE PROPOSED TAX RATE WILL BE HELD ON
September 21,2021 at 1:00 PM at
Hays County Commissioners Courtroom – 111 E. San Antonio Street, San Marcos, TX 78666.

The proposed tax rate is also not greater than the voter-approval tax rate. As a result, Hays County is not
required to hold an election at which voters may accept or reject the proposed tax rate. However, you may
express your support for or opposition to the proposed tax rate by contacting the members of the
Commissioners Court of Hays County at their offices or by attending the public meeting mentioned above.

YOUR TAXES OWED UNDER ANY OF THE RATES MENTIONED
ABOVE CAN BE CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS:

Property tax amount= (tax rate) x (taxable value of your property)/100

FOR the proposal:
Ruben Becerra
Walt Smith
Lon Shell Mark Jones
Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe

AGAINST the proposal: None
PRESENT and not voting: None
ABSENT: None

The 86th Texas Legislature modified the manner in which the voter-approval tax rate is calculated to limit
the rate of growth of property taxes in the state.

The following table compares the taxes imposed on the average residence homestead by Hays County last
year to the taxes proposed to be imposed on the average residence homestead by Hays County this year.

2020 2021 Change
Total tax rate (per $100 of value)
$0.4212 $0.3867 decrease of -0.0345, or -8.19%

Average homestead taxable value
$275,872 $309,038 increase of 33,166, or 12.02%

Tax on average homestead
$1,161.97 $1,195.05 increase of 33.08, or 2.85%

Total tax levy on all properties
$92,611,468 $97,081,003 increase of 4,469,535, or 4.83%

Indigent Defense Compensation Expenditures
Hays County spent $2,026,796 from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021 to provide appointed counsel for
indigent individuals in criminal or civil proceedings in accordance with the schedule of fees adopted under
Article 26.05, Code of Criminal Procedure, less the amount of state grants received. For the current tax year,
the amount of increase above last year’s indigent defense compensation expenditures is $617,621. This
increased the no-new-revenue tax rate by $0.0002/$100.

For assistance with tax calculations, please contact the tax assessor for Hays County at 512-393-5545 or
jenifer.okane@co.hays.tx.us , or visit www.hayscountytx.com/taxoffice for more information.

Census 2020 Data Session – You’re Invited!

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 11:08:39 GMT

Census 2020 Data Session

Join us during Hays County Commissioners Court for this informative workshop. Learn how to effectively utilize Census Data for local stats in support of critical planning topics. Data include:

age,
number of children,
veterans,
commuting,
education,
income, and
employment

Takes place Tuesday April 27, 2021 @ 2 p.m. during Hays County Commissioners Court

Hays County Courthouse

111 E. San Antonio

San Marcos, Texas

Meeting will also be live streamed: https://hayscountytx.com/commissioners-court/court-video/

Presented by William Horton

U.S. Census Bureau

RSVP:

If attending in person, please RSVP @ http://evite.me/kaSWRPuAsV

Hays County COVID-19 Update April 22-23

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 10:50:41 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports 82 new lab-confirmed cases along with one (1) new hospitalizations and three (3) new hospital discharges. There are 89 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 17,205.

Please note: today’s report covers April 22 – April 23.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 18,061. Hays County has 617 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 877 active cases. Hays County has had 833 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 13 people are currently hospitalized.

April 22-23 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here . An FAQ page can be found here .

Many local municipality websites also have information. Several local school districts also have their own COVID-19 dashboards as does Texas State University.

Hays County COVID-19 Update April 20-21

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 10:57:07 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports one COVID-related fatality, a man from San Marcos in his 40s. The department also reports 103 new lab-confirmed cases along with six (6) new hospitalizations and five (5) new hospital discharges. There are 20 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 17,116. Note, today’s report covers April 20-21, 2021.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 17,979. Hays County has 624 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 833 active cases. Hays County has had 832 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 15 people are currently hospitalized.

April 20-21 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here . An FAQ page can be found here .

Many local municipality websites also have information. Several local school districts also have their own COVID-19 dashboards as does Texas State University.

County Rolls Out New Vaccine Appointment Scheduler

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Sat, 17 Apr 2021 10:58:08 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD), in collaboration with Texas State University, will host a mass Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine clinic on April 22. County and University officials aim to vaccine 4,800 people that day. The clinic, which will take place at the Texas State Events Center, is by appointment only, but anyone from the community (age 16+) is welcome to sign up for a time slot.

This event also signals the rollout of a new vaccination appointment scheduling system that allows individuals to find a time that works best for them and then secure their spot.

“The new system is easy to use and will give people their choice of vaccine appointments,” said Emergency Office of Emergency Services Director Mike Jones, whose team has been collaborating with the HCLHD on the vaccine clinics for the County over the past several months.

“We are pleased with the appointment scheduling system and believe it will be a very easy way for people to sign up to get the vaccine,” said Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra. “Additionally, the site is in English and Spanish.”

Appointments will be staged in 15-minute increments from 9 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. on April 22. Future shot clinics with various partners around the County will be added to the scheduler in the coming weeks.

“Folks can visit haysinformed.com for future appointment opportunities,” Jones said.

For those who are not tech savvy or who do not have internet access, they can call 833-521-2766 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 12 and 4 p.m. Volunteers can assist in getting them signed up for a vaccine appointment. Spanish-speaking volunteers are available.

Hays County COVID-19 Update April 16

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 08:57:07 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports 115 new lab-confirmed cases along with four (4) new hospitalizations and three (3) new hospital discharges. There are 63 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 16,946. Please note: today’s report covers April 15 – April 16.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 17,760. Hays County has 576 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 748 active cases. Hays County has had 818 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 13 people are currently hospitalized.

During the HCLHD routine data audit, 3 cases were removed from the total COVID-related fatalities.

HCLHD will send the COVID-19 report on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The data will continue to be available on the COVID-19 dashboard Monday – Friday. We anticipate that in June we will scale back to Monday and Friday updates only.

April 15-16 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here . An FAQ page can be found here .

Many local municipality websites also have information. Several local school districts also have their own COVID-19 dashboards as does Texas State University.

Hays County COVID-19 Update April 13-14

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 09:01:35 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports 48 new lab-confirmed cases along with four (4) new hospitalizations and two (2) new hospital discharges. There are 80 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 16,883. Please note: today’s report covers April 13 – April 14.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 17,648. Hays County has 524 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 705 active cases. Hays County has had 814 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 12 people are currently hospitalized.

April 13-14 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here . An FAQ page can be found here .

Many local municipality websites also have information. Several local school districts also have their own COVID-19 dashboards as does Texas State University.

National Telecommunicators Week

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 11:13:08 GMT

Hays County Commissioners Court adopted a proclamation on April 13 recognizing April 11-17, 2021, as National Telecommunicators Week. Sheriff Gary Cutler thanked the Court for recognizing the challenging work of the County’s 911 and dispatch staff.

Below is the Proclamation:

PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING APRIL 11-17, 2021 AS

NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATORS WEEK

WHEREAS, emergencies can occur at anytime that require police, fire or emergency medical

services; and

WHEREAS, when an emergency occurs, the prompt response of police officers, firefighters and

paramedics is critical to the protection of life and preservation of property; and

WHEREAS, Public Safety Dispatchers are the first contact our residents have with emergency

services. They provide steady guidance and support in a caller’s most frantic and panicked moments; and

WHEREAS, Public Safety Dispatchers are the a vital link for our police officers and firefighters

by monitoring their activities, providing them information and insuring their safety; and

WHEREAS, Public Safety Dispatchers are more than a calm and reassuring voice at the other end

of the phone, they are the “unseen first responders.” They are knowledgeable and highly trained individuals

who work closely with other police, fire, and medical personnel; and

WHEREAS, Public Safety Dispatchers of Hays County have contributed substantially to the

apprehension of criminals, suppression of fires and treatment of patients; and

WHEREAS, each dispatcher has exhibited compassion, understanding, dedication and

professionalism during the performance of their job in the past year; and

WHEREAS, Public Safety Dispatchers serve the public in countless ways without recognition by

the beneficiaries of their services.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Hays County Commissioners Court does

hereby proclaim April 11-17, 2021 as

National Telecommunicators Week

ADOPTED THIS THE 13th DAY OF APRIL 2021

Hays County Child Protective Board Opens Remme Rainbow Room

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 11:11:31 GMT

Hays County Commissioners Court received a presentation by the Hays County Child Protective Board (HCCPB) regarding the opening of the Remme Rainbow Room (RRR), which specifically addresses the special emergency needs of Hays County Child Protective Service (CPS) children and families. Supplies available at the facility will assist foster, relative, fictive, and adoptive families in providing a safe home for children in CPS substitute care.

The RRR is now a bright, well-furnished facility where county Child Protective Service caseworkers can comfort abused and neglected children who have just been removed from dangerous situations, feed them snacks, help them clean up, and find items they need immediately, such as clothing, hygiene products, blankets, and infant-care supplies.

Planning for the RRR began in 2017, when Brenda and Kaare Remme, long-time contributors to the Hays County Child Protective Board, asked Board member Karen Brown, “What do you need most?” After consultation with the Board and CPS staff, Brown and the Remmes determined that CPS most needed an expanded, well-supplied space for attending to the immediate needs of children who have just come into CPS care. At the time, the CPS Rainbow Room was located in a small, cramped room in CPS offices, and the HCCPB stored larger items such as car seats and cribs in a rented storage unit. If children needed bathing, it was done in an office bathroom sink.

Cooperation between the Community, the County and the State on this project enhances service to Hays County Child Protective Services children and families. The Remme family provided initial funding for a new Rainbow Room and for the services of the local architect Ron Balderach and his assistant, BJ Spencer. Hays County Commissioners matched the Reemes’ funding by appropriating $100,000 to help with the project. Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe, Pct. 1, provided essential guidance, and all the Commissioners supported the project throughout the process. Commissioner Ingalsbe suggested, and helped secure, the use of an already-existing County building. Commissioner Mark Jones, Pct. 2, secured additional funding from the Capital Area Housing Finance Committee. Several other County staff members contributed their time and talent to help get the Rainbow Room off the ground.

During the meeting, Commissioners thanked the members of the HCCPB for their dedication to provide the crucial services needed for foster, adoptive and other families. In particular, commissioners thanked the Remme family for their generosity.

Pictures of the Remme Rainbow Room and links for making donations are at the HCCPB website .

Hays County COVID-19 Update April 8-9

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 09:07:26 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports one (1) new COVID-19 related fatality, a Buda woman in her 60s. The department also reports 89 new lab-confirmed cases along with one (1) new hospitalization and one (1) new hospital discharge since Wednesday’s update. There are 71 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 16,775.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 17,447. Hays County has 432 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 593 active cases. Hays County has had 805 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 12 people are currently hospitalized.

April 8-9 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here . An FAQ page can be found here .

Many local municipality websites also have information. Several local school districts also have their own COVID-19 dashboards as does Texas State University.

Hays County COVID-19 Update April 7

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 07:27:47 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports one (1) COVID-related fatality, a San Marcos man in his 80s. Please note: today’s report covers April 6 – April 7. The department also reports 21 new lab-confirmed cases along with four (4) new hospitalizations and two (2) new hospital discharges. There are 67 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 16,704.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 17,358. Hays County has 415 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 576 active cases. Hays County has had 804 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 12 people are currently hospitalized.

April 6-7 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here . An FAQ page can be found here .

As with any emergency situation, www.HaysInformed.com , the countywide emergency notification blog, has a rolling list of important information regarding COVID-19. Many local municipality websites also have information. Several local school districts also have their own COVID-19 dashboards as does Texas State University.

Hays County COVID-19 Update April 5

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 06:09:56 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports two (2) COVID-related fatalities, a Driftwood man in his 50s and a San Marcos man in his 60s. Please note: today’s report covers April 2 – April 5. The department also reports 150 new lab-confirmed cases along with four (4) new hospitalizations and six (6) new hospital discharges. There are 86 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 16,637.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 17,337. Hays County has 462 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 671 active cases. Hays County has had 800 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 10 people are currently hospitalized.

Beginning today, HCLHD will begin sending the COVID-19 report on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays. The data will continue to be available on the COVID-19 dashboard Monday – Friday. We anticipate that in June we will scale back to Monday and Friday updates only.

April 2-5 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here . An FAQ page can be found here .

Hays County COVID-19 Update April 1

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 06:13:42 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports one COVID-related fatality, a Buda man in his 60s. The department also reports 38 new lab-confirmed cases along with five (5) new hospitalizations and four (4) new hospital discharges. There are four (4) additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 16,551.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 17,187. Hays County has 400 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 574 active cases. Hays County has had 796 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 12 people are currently hospitalized. During a routine data audit, one (1) case was removed from the COVID-related fatalities as it was a duplicate.

Starting April 5, HCLHD will provide a COVID-19 update on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays via news release; however, the data will continue to be available on the COVID-19 dashboard Monday through Friday. We anticipate that beginning in June we will scale back to Monday and Friday updates only.

Please note, due to county offices being closed Friday, April 2, there will be no COVID-19 report tomorrow.

April 1 Report

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.

The County’s COVID-19 info, including the online dashboard, is here . An FAQ page can be found here .

County, Vera Institute of Justice, Partner on Jail Data Dashboard

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 23:05:12 GMT

County, Vera Institute of Justice, Partner on Jail Data Dashboard

On March 22, 2021, Hays County will unveil a new public-facing jail population dashboard, developed in partnership with the Vera Institute of Justice. Commissioner Lon Shell (Pct. 3) will present the dashboard at a virtual news conference at 9 a.m. (CDT) on Monday , featuring representatives of Vera as well as directly impacted community members, followed by a walk-through of the data and analysis presented in the dashboard for members of the news media and the public.

While local jails are one of the most ubiquitous facets of the justice system, the drivers and consequences of jail incarceration often receive inadequate attention. The Hays County Jail Dashboard will enable timely insight into the Hays County Jail population, furthering good governance, community oversight of the local justice system, and evidence-driven policy reforms.

The Dashboard was developed in partnership with the Vera Institute of Justice’s ‘In Our Backyards’ (IOB) initiative. The IOB team developed the innovative Jail Population Project to provide granular, real-time data about local jail populations.

Monday’s news conference will include a walk-through of the dashboard and the opportunity for a public question and answer session via Zoom.

WHEN: Monday, March 22 at 9 a.m. CDT

WHERE: Register to attend the News Conference HERE

Hays County COVID-19 Update March 22

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 21:52:27 GMT

Hays County COVID-19 Update March 22

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports 36 new lab-confirmed cases along with nine (9) new hospitalizations and one (1) new hospital discharge since Friday’s report. There are 34 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 16,255.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 16,913. Hays County has 423 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 645 active cases. Hays County has had 781 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 14 people are currently hospitalized.

HCLHD officials urge everyone to continue following COVID-19 health and safety protocols, including frequent vigorous hand washing, social distancing, wearing face masks and avoiding in-person gatherings.

Hays County Seeks Public Input on Three Transportation Projects

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 21:50:05 GMT

Hays County Seeks Public Input on Three Transportation Projects

Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX — The County is hosting three separate Virtual Open Houses to share information and collect input from the community for the Hillside Terrace Improvements Project , the Windy Hill Road Project , and the Dripping Springs Southwest Connection Study (also known as the Improve 150 Project).

“Road safety continues to be a top priority for Hays County.” said Jerry Borcherding, Hays County Transportation Director. “The County is sharing information with the community and asking for input so we can continue to focus on transportation to improve mobility, safety, and connectivity in Hays County.”

The virtual events run from Monday, March 22 to Friday, April 9 . The online Open Houses will allow area residents to be involved in sharing input on existing road conditions, travel needs, and proposed improvements where identified. The public can visit the project website links for open house videos and comment opportunities. Comments may be submitted through online comment forms, email, mail, or voicemail through the April 9 deadline.

Additionally, the project teams have set aside Wednesday, March 31 , for individual phone or web appointments .

Please use the project-specific contact information below to schedule an appointment, learn more about a project, see the project area maps, or to submit comments.

VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSES

March 22 – April 9, 2021

Hillside Terrace Improvements Project – includes road widening and improvements to Hillside Terrace from I-35 Northbound Frontage Road to FM 2001, and Old Goforth Road from north of Hillside Terrace to Green Meadows Lane.

Web: www.hillsideterraceimprovements.com

Email: info@hillsideterraceimprovements.com

Phone: (512) 400-4297

Windy Hill Road Project – includes road widening and improvements to Windy Hill Road from the Kyle city limits to FM 2001.

Web: www.windyhillimprovements.com

Email: info@windyhillimprovements.com

Phone: (512) 400-4297

Dripping Spring Southwest Connection – is a study of the extension of the RM 150 Corridor and development of a roadway from RM 12 around the southwest side of Dripping Springs to US 290 near the area of Holder Lane.

Web: www.improve150.com/connection

Email: info@improve150.com

Phone: (512) 400-4297

Hays County COVID-19 Update January 4, 2022

duda@munission.com (Daniel Bratone) — Mon, 04 Jan 2021 12:47:44 GMT

Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) reports two COVID-related fatalities since the update on December 31, 2021: a Buda woman in her 60s, a Kyle man in his 50s. The department also reports 1,722 new lab-confirmed cases along with eight (8) new hospitalizations and 10 new hospital discharges. There are 241 additional persons considered recovered. The total number of persons considered recovered is 30,671.

The current total of lab-confirmed cases for Hays County since the beginning of the pandemic is 35,259. Hays County has 4,172 active cases. In the past 21 days there have been 4,530 active cases. Hays County has had 1,428 total COVID-related hospitalizations and 13 people are currently hospitalized. Of those, eight (8) people (62%) are unvaccinated.

With COVID-19 spreading rapidly in Hays County, we remind everyone of some simple measures to help slow the spread of the virus, including frequent hand washing, social distancing and wearing a mask when indoors around large groups of people. Additionally, a COVID-19 vaccine may reduce the risk of severe symptoms or death. Children age 5-11 are eligible to receive pediatric doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

Vaccine opportunities:

M-F, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines @ Christus Trinity Clinic (formerly Live Oak), 401 Broadway, San Marcos, 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
M-F, Walk-in Pfizer vaccine clinics @ CommuniCare, 2810 Dacy Ln., Kyle, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m.
More locations can be found here: https://www.vaccines.gov

COVID-19 Update January 4, 2022

*Includes any Hays County resident with at least one dose of a two-shot vaccine

Active Cases

NOTE: Some Hays County residents have Austin addresses. Because of HIPAA laws, additional information is not allowed to be shared.