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San Marcos Buda Kyle Edition VOLUME 15, ISSUE 10 FEB. 22 MARCH 24, 2025
Historic bond Hays CISD voters to see $968.65M bond on May ballot
arts and athletics, technology, and a new high school. “In order to keep pace [with growth], we have to do this,” Wright said. “We were build- ing 1,800 homes a year. Now we’re building and closing on 3,500 new homes a year. … In order to meet those demands, we have to ask for a little bit more.”
BY BRITTANY ANDERSON
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As demographers project Hays CISD to double in size over the next decade, school bond elections are becoming more regular in the district, Superintendent Eric Wright said. The district’s upcoming bond is the largest HCISD voters have seen—a $968.65 million package with ve propositions addressing growth, safety, rehabilitation of facilities, ne
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High school No. 4’s Career and Technical Education facility would be funded through Proposition A.
RENDERING COURTESY HAYS CISD
Also in this issue
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Impacts: Learn about the new Texas Roadhouse location that opened in Kyle (Page 9)
Development: Read about Buc-ee’s celebrating its groundbreaking in San Marcos (Page 15)
Your superpower? Knowing where to go in an emergency. 24/7 emergency care, right here in Buda. Be a h ER o
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Mobility For a Healthier Heart The Mobility Authority’s multimodal transportation
solutions support heart health while keeping you connected to the people and places you love. This Heart Health Month, explore the Mobility Authority shared use paths, bridges, and sidewalks to walk, bike, or run your way toward a healthier heart.
Learn More at www.MobilityAuthority.com/shared-use-paths
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Be a Voice in Your Community for PEC Run for the Board of Directors
You have the power to shape your community. Making a donation on Amplify Austin Day supports hundreds of local nonprofits and amplifies what makes Austin and Central Texas so good. The biggest giving event in Central Texas Amplify Austin Day
If you live in PEC district 4 or 5 and would like to be an advocate for your community at PEC, now is your chance to run for PEC’s Board of Directors. Your participation can help power PEC’s future. All original copies of candidate nomination materials are due by 5 p.m., March 24, at PEC’s Headquarters, located at 201 S. Avenue F, in Johnson City.
March 5-6 6pm until 6pm Donate now at AmplifyATX.org
Pedernales Electric Cooperative
myPEC.com/nominations Check out the process
Located in one of the fastest growing suburbs South of Austin , Crosswinds in Kyle is centered around Windy Point Amenity Center, where neighbors gather for Pickle Ball , Swimming or just relaxing in the Covered Pavilion . Younger residents can let out their energy at the Play- ground while furry friends run in the Dog Park! MASTER-PLANNED LIVING FROM THE $300s Breeze Life’s a
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CrosswindsTexas.com
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PACESETTER HOMES • MILESTONE COMMUNITY BUILDERS BRIGHTLAND HOMES • HIGHLAND HOMES PERRY HOMES • PULTE HOMES
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Impacts San Marcos
6 Layne’s Chicken Fingers The College Station-based restaurant serves chicken nger meals, sandwich combos, wraps and milkshakes. • Opened in February • 1617 Aquarena Springs Drive, San Marcos • www.layneschickeningers.com 7 Top Vape The smoke shop is located in the Sanmar Plaza shopping center and oers vape pens and CBD products. • Opened Jan. 1 • 929 Hwy. 80, Unit A, San Marcos • 737-266-1067
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8 School Fuel The local nonprot relocated to San Marcos CISD’s new administration building on Feb. 6, and provides weekend meals to eligible SMCISD students. • 1331 Hwy. 123, San Marcos • www.schoolfuelsanmarcos.org
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In the news
1979 Sculpt classes and more. • Opened in December • 750 Barnes Drive, Bldg G., Ste. 108, San Marcos • www.clubpilates.com 4 Fairview Coee Owned by John and Whitney Sanchez, the specialty coee shop has teas, pastries and healthy food options. • Opened Jan. 30 5 Glow White Studio Locally owned by Cristian and Charles Watkins, the business oers teeth whitening services. • Opened Jan. 7 • 900 Bugg Lane, Ste. 240, San Marcos • www.glowwhitestudio.com • 817 Chestnut St., San Marcos • Instagram: fairviewcoffeetx
Now open
9 Barber Factory Barber Factory is under the new ownership of local Bernardino Torres, who aims to make the barbershop a family-friendly space with extended hours. • 212 W. San Antonio St., San Marcos • Instagram: barber.factory.smtx 10 Body Shop Movement Studio New owner Laura Saunders took over the business in January and plans to rebrand with a focus on yoga. • 1917 Dutton Drive, Ste. 110, San Marcos • www.bodyshoptx.com 11 CASA of Central Texas The nonprot is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and serves as Court Appointed Special Advocates for abused and neglected children in foster care.
1 Austin Retina Eye Associates The ophthalmologist oers retinal diagnoses and treatments like macular degeneration. • Opened Dec. 18 • 220 Opportunity Blvd., Unit 2A, San Marcos • www.austinretina.com 2 Central Texas Prosthodontics The dental implant provider oers a variety of dental
restoration services. • Opened Fall 2024
• 2410 Hunter Road, Ste. 101, San Marcos • Facebook: Central Texas Prosthodontics
3 Club Pilates The Pilates studio oers introductory sessions, Cardio
RICK COFER HAYS COUNTY CRIMINAL DEFENSE
RICKCOFER.COM • PRINCIPAL OFFICE: 602 W. 11 TH ST., AUSTIN, TX 78701 • 512-200-3801
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY SARAH HERNANDEZ, JAMIE MOORE & AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN
• 2725 Hunter Road, San Marcos • www.casacentex.org
Now open
Now open
12 San Marcos River Foundation The nonprot preserves and protects the San Marcos River and celebrated its 40th anniversary on Feb. 1. • 604 W. Hopkins St., San Marcos • www.sanmarcosriver.org
Worth the trip
Red Barn Bakery and Cafe New owner Lorinda Torres has updated the menu, which oers home-cooked foods like chicken-fried steak. • 17050 San Marcos Hwy., Martindale • Facebook: Red Barn Bakery
14 Archies Coee Lounge The new coee shop on The Square operates as both a coee shop and a hemp store. According to owner Krystina Padilla, the business focuses on CBD products from a health and wellness perspective, oering education to help customers nd the right products. Its hemp selection includes edibles, smokeables, and topicals. • Opened Feb. 1 • 301 N. LBJ Drive, Ste. 119, San Marcos • www.archiescoffee.com
15 Urban Bird Hot Chicken The Houston-based veteran-owned restaurant’s new location in downtown San Marcos serves Nashville-style hot chicken sandwiches and tenders, as well as specialty French fry dishes. • Opened Jan. 20
Closings
13 Dharma Ranch The Buddhist-inspired meditation center oered yoga and meditation classes and workshops. • Closed Nov. 1 • 822 Valley View West Road, San Marcos • www.dharmaranch.com
• 205 W. Hopkins St., San Marcos • www.urbanbirdhotchicken.com
NOW OPEN 220 Opportunity BIvd, #2A San Marcos, TX 78666 (512) 451-0103
EXCITING NEWS! Groundbreaking retinal research is coming to your area! Be part of the next wave in eye care with innovative treatments for retinal health. If you are interested in learning more about retinal research, ask your retina specialist for details at your next appointment.
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
Impacts Buda & Kyle
• Opened Jan. 6 • 3425 S. FM 1626, Kyle • www.nitroswim.com/kyle-location
N. SAN MARCOS ST.
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4 Ocean Blue Oyster Bar The restaurant oers a variety of seafood, including oysters. • Opened Feb. 1 • 5695 Kyle Parkway, Ste. 100, Kyle • www.oceanblueatx.com 5 Starsh Nail Bar The nail salon oers nail enhancements, including dip, acrylic and gel nails. • Opened Jan. 30
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• 400 Wetzel, Ste. B, Kyle • www.starishnailbar.com
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6 ProCare Medical Center The Austin-based pain and injury clinic will oer head- to-toe personal injury care. • Opening Feb. 24 • 5581 Kyle Centre Drive, Ste. 205, Kyle • www.procaremedcenter.com 7 Buda HIVE The Buda Economic Development Corporation’s new co-working space will oer programs for local entrepreneurs. • Opening Feb. 28 • 307 N. San Marcos St., Buda • www.budaedc.com/hive
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2 Flux Stretch Studio Owners Nancy and Anthony Romero opened the business that specializes in relieving muscle tightness. • Opened Jan. 16 • 2610 Main St., Ste. 105, Buda • www.fluxatx.com 2 Nitro Swimming The Austin-based chain of swimming instructional facilities opened a new swim center.
Now open
Relocations
1 Beauty Studio Owned by Mary Lou Donahue and Cherry Hernandez, the salon oers precision cutting, luxury extensions and more. • Opened in December • 21195 I-35 frontage road, Ste. 301, Kyle • www.beautystudiotx.com
8 Saint Montogren’s The orist, owned by Rew Holmgren, moved from its space inside Zoi Market to a suite at Buda Mill & Grain Co. • Relocated in January • 306 S. Main St., Ste. 106, Buda • www.saintmontogren.com
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY JAMIE MOORE & SARAH HERNANDEZ
9 S&E Academy The locally owned gym relocated to Kyle from 4354 Dacy Lane in Buda. • 404 Williamson Road, Kyle • Facebook: Strength & Endurance Academy
Now open
Coming soon
In the news
10 Inspired Minds Art Center The community art center in downtown Buda celebrated its ¨fth anniversary in January. • 121 Main St., Buda • www.inspiredminds.art 11 Premier Cuts Locally owned hair salon Premier Cuts temporarily closed its Kyle location on Jan. 29. • Relocating this summer • 340 E. FM 150, Kyle • www.mypremiercuts.com Wendy’s Buda City Council approved a Special Use Permit for a new Wendy’s near the intersection of East Main Street and the I-35 frontage road on Jan. 7. • www.wendys.com
12 Texas Roadhouse Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Kyle Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 24, Kyle’s new Texas Roadhouse o¥cially opened its doors on Jan. 27. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of options, including steaks, ribs, country dinners, burgers and sandwiches. • Opened Jan. 27 • 19073 I-35 Frontage Road, Kyle • www.texasroadhouse.com/locations/kyle
13 Brevity Co ee The San Antonio-based drive-thru coee chain is set to open in Kyle later this year. Owner Fred Corpening said they expect to break ground in May and open in late 2025. Brevity Coee serves hand-crafted specialty coees including breves, lattes and mochas, as well as avor-infused energy drinks, avored tea, Italian sodas and smoothies. • Opening in late 2025 • 1220 Philomena Drive, Kyle • www.brevitycoffee.com
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
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Government
BY JAMIE MOORE
Kyle plans Texas’ 5th- largest skatepark After reviewing schematic designs at their Jan. 21 meeting, Kyle City Council directed SPA Skateparks to continue designing a skatepark at Gregg-Clarke Park. The overview After reviewing three options, the council rec- ommended a design contract with SPA Skateparks for an all-wheels skatepark, featuring a pump track, ow bowl and skate plaza. Individuals with various skill levels and di erent types of wheels can use the pump track. The all-wheels approach will allow use by skate- boarders, scooter riders, cyclists and wheelchair users, according to the City Council presentation. The proposed skatepark will be 28,000 to 34,000 square feet. The project includes eliminating the existing tennis court, which according to the presentation, requires repair. The total cost of this option is estimated at $3.4 million. The project will be funded by a 2020 bond and available Capital Improvement Countywide polling locations supported The Hays County Commissioners Court approved a resolution at its Jan. 28 meeting supporting the Countywide Polling Place Program and the use of electronic poll books in future elections. The program allows voters to cast their ballots at any polling location within the county, regardless of their specic precinct, according to a Jan. 28 news release. The details Commissioners passed the resolution after multiple Texas Senate bills, such as Senate Bill 990 and House Bill 5231 in previ- ous legislative sessions, sought to eliminate countywide polling. Key reasons for passing the resolution include voter turnout, accessibility for voters with disabilities, and election trans- parency, according to the news release.
Buda eyes potential sportsplex renovation The Buda City Council unanimously approved a schematic design for the Buda Sportsplex renovation and authorized an agreement with DCS Engineering, LLC during its Jan. 21 meeting. A closer look The renovation plan includes a quadplex for softball or baseball, the renovation of four soccer elds, and the addition of four volleyball courts and eight pickleball courts, according to a City Council presentation. The project is being funded through the city, the Buda Economic Development Corporation, and the Parks Capital Fund for a total of $6.7 million. With no delays, construction on the soft- ball or baseball facilities is expected to nish by March 31, 2026, while soccer, pickleball, and volleyball facilities are projected to be completed by Aug. 31, 2026.
The design features an all-wheels skatepark with a pump track, ow bowl and skate plaza.
Comparison of Texas skateparks
Spring Garland Frisco Travis County Kyle McKinney
78K
48K
47K
42.5K
34K
30K
0
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40K
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80K
Total square feet
SOURCE: CITY OF KYLE COMMUNITY IMPACT
Plan funds. If approved, the skatepark will become the fth-largest in Texas, according to the presentation.
Kyle City Council set to buy property on Veterans Drive
Veterans Drive Property Acquisition
City owned property Property the city is trying to acquire
Following an executive session Jan. 21, the Kyle City Council voted 5-2 to approve the acqui- sition of property at 103 and 105 Veterans Drive. Council directed the city manager to use existing city funds for a “fair and reasonable price.” Council members Miguel Zuniga and Michael Tobias voted against the item. “I don’t see the immediate strategic need to acquire these properties at this present time,” Zuniga said. “I think this is a decision that is being rushed, so I would be opposed to this.” Long story short Assistant City Manager Amber Schmeits and Council Member Mark McKinney said council will discuss potential uses for the properties at a Visioning Workshop in March. Possibilities include:
City Maintenance Shop
Gregg- Clarke Park
VFW Post
105 Veterans Dr.
Gregg- Clarke Park
103 Veterans Dr.
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SOURCE: CITY OF KYLE COMMUNITY IMPACT
• Expanding Gregg-Clarke park • Expanding the maintenance shop
• Using the land for economic development, or repurposing it as a water facility due to the nearby water tanks on Veterans Drive.
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
Texas Children’s Pediatrics Exceptional care, exceptionally close The nation’s largest pediatric healthcare network is in Kyle.
Texas Children’s Pediatrics brings top pediatric care to your neighborhood. From milestone check-ins to unexpected sick visits, our pediatric experts are here to be your partners in nurturing happy, healthy little Texans. We also offer monthly appointments for the following specialties. Schedule your visit today.
• Cardiology
• Kidney (Renal)
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
• Rheumatology
Texas Children’s Pediatrics - Kyle Crossing 5120 S. FM 1626 Suite 100
Kyle, TX 78640 737-229-9970
For more information Scan the QR code or visit texaschildrenspediatrics.org to find a location near you.
© 2025 Texas Children’s Hospital. All rights reserved. TCP-31079-25
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Transportation
BY JAMIE MOORE
Planning and design of roundabouts throughout the city of Kyle is in the works. At its Feb. 4 meeting, Kyle City Council received a presentation from Coleman & Associates Land- scape Architecture on aesthetic design elements for more than 20 roundabouts on city roadways. The overview Kyle ocials aim to enhance the aesthetic and functional appeal of the city’s roundabouts and major corridors, transforming them into “welcom- ing public spaces,” according to the City Council agenda item. The beautication e orts will focus on art, landscaping and signage within the central islands of the roundabouts. There are 25 roundabouts included in the program, along with the beauti- cation of 2 roads, for a total of 27 initiatives. The design, construction and maintenance of the roundabouts will be funded through the 2022 Kyle Road Bond and Capital Improvement Plan projects fund, according to the agenda item. The designs will be presented to City Council again in April 2025 after receiving stakeholder feedback from boards and commissions. Notable quote “We want to have something that really holds it all together, tells the story of Kyle,” Aan Coleman, founding partner of Coleman & Associates said. “But at the same time, as I mentioned, people will rely on [the roundabouts] to know where they are in the city.” Roundabouts designed in Kyle
Marketplace Avenue 8. at FM 1626
Phase 1 - Q2 2025 1. Kohlers Avenue at Bebee Rd. 2. Windy Hill Rd. Cherrywood 3. S. Goforth Rd. at Bunton Creek Rd. 4. Kyle Crossing at Kohlers Crossing
Phase 3 - Q4 2025 15. Bebee Rd. at Dacy Ln. 16. Kyle Pkwy. at Dacy Ln. 17. Dacy Ln. at Bunton Creek Rd. 18. Dacy Ln. at Downing Way Phase 4 - Q1 2026 19. Scott St. at Opal Ln. 20. Bebee Rd. at North Goforth Rd. 21. Spring Branch Dr. at Burleson St. 22. Gateway Blvd. at Vista Ridge Dr. 23. Roland Ln. at Main St.
9. at Kyle Center Dr. 10. at City Lights Dr. 11. at Kohlers Crossing Phase 2 - Q3 2025 12. Lehman Rd. at Bunton Creek Rd. Center St./FM 150 Beautication Old Stagecoach Rd. 13. at Six Creeks Blvd. 14. at Center St.
Kohlers Crossing 5. at Benner Rd. 6. at Cromwell Dr. 7. at Sanders Beautication
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
Development
BY JAMIE MOORE
The Blanco Gardens drainage improvement project was completed to mitigate the severity of future ooding events in the area. San Marcos city sta celebrated the completion of the infrastructure project at a ribbon cutting on Jan. 14. The overview In 2015, Hays County experienced two major ooding events within six months: the Memorial Day oods and the All Saints ood. The ooding resulted in severe property damage and the loss of life, according to the city website. The new drainage improvements are intended to mitigate future ooding events and include a storm sewer system, new inlets, concrete channels within alleyways and an electric duct bank. Shaun Condor, director of engineering and capital improvements, said the new channels will direct water from the neighborhood to the San Marcos River, rather than allowing it to ow through the neighborhood. The electrical duct bank involves relocating electric and telecom lines to underground con- duits, improving reliability and reducing outage risks during storms. Construction on the drainage improvements began in March 2022, according to the city’s capital improvements projects website. Zooming out These drainage improvements complement the Blanco Riverine Flood Mitigation Project, which Completed drainage project to address ooding
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City ocials celebrated the completion of the Blanco Gardens drainage improvements on Jan. 14.
COURTESY CITY OF SAN MARCOS
was completed in October. The project included the construction of a berm and oodwall, and a relief channel, which will help prevent oodwaters from entering the Blanco Gardens neighborhood during a 50-year ood event, according to city documents. The city of San Marcos secured funding for these projects through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program, receiving $33.8 million, according to the city website. Additionally, the city received $24 million through HUD’s Community Develop- ment Block Grant Mitigation program. What’s next Condor said the city is currently updating its stormwater master plan by reviewing plans from the past 20 years, identifying gaps, and analyzing new developments and future needs.
Project timeline May 23-24, 2015 The Memorial Day Flood
Oct. 30, 2015 The All Saints Flood
March 2022 work on the project begins
October 2024 Blanco Revine Flood Mitigation Project completed
Jan. 14, 2025 Ribbon cutting to celebrate project completion
SOURCE: CITY OF SAN MARCOSCOMMUNITY IMPACT
KYLE LOCATION IS TEMPORARILY CLOSED Kyle stylist are currently cutting at the San Marcos location
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NewKyle location coming this summer off FM150.
Round Rock, Kyle, San Marcos, San Antonio, New Braunfels
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Development
BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN & JAMIE MOORE
Construction kicks o for new Buc-ee’s A new Buc-ee’s set to open by May 2026 in San Marcos held a groundbreaking Jan. 29, with guests including city sta, and Buc-ee’s founder and CEO Arch “Beaver” Aplin III. The overview The San Marcos City Council rst considered a Chapter 380 Economic Development Incentive Agreement with Buc-ee’s in February 2024 and gave nal approval in March, according to previ- ous reporting by Community Impact . The new Buc-ee’s, located along I-35 near Yarrington Road, will span 74,707 square feet. The breakdown When rst presented to the council, Buc-ee’s projected a minimum of 175 positions. However, Aplin said he expects the actual number of jobs to be “substantially more” than 175.
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LivAway Suites hotel breaks ground
Arch “Beaver” Aplin III, CEO and founder of Buc-ee’s, attended the groundbreaking ceremony.
LivAway Suites broke ground at 1550 River Road in San Marcos on Dec. 19, according to a
JAMIE MOORECOMMUNITY IMPACT
news release. Project details
The “innovative extended-stay” hotel brand will be four stories with 126 rooms. LivAway Suites will have self-check-in kiosks, smart parcel lockers, and a tness area. The hotel will also have a smart laundry facility, according to an email from spokesperson Veronica Alvarez.
35
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Your family never has to leave Austin to get the care your child needs, even if it’s a complex surgery. As Austin’s only nationally ranked pediatric hospital and the largest freestanding one in Central Texas, we oer the most comprehensive services and the most specialists — all from doctors who live here, work here and get to know you. Start a conversation today. Find the doctor who’s right for your child at ascension.org/DellChildrens ” “ All our questions answered, every option explained. That’s why Dell Children’s is my children’s hospital.
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
Historic bond From the cover
Proposition A
The breakdown
Major projects
to develop the initial list of projects for the board of trustees to consider, according to FBOC Chair Jessica Bedwell. “We want sta and students to have what [they] need, but we are also attempting to balance that with responsibility to taxpayers,” Bedwell said. Katy Armstrong, an FBOC member and Fuentes Elementary School parent, said various bond projects would benet her three children as they eventually move through middle school and to Lehman High School. “It’s hard to say what would be a need and what would be a want, because pretty much everything on [the bond] is a need,” Armstrong said.
Voters living within HCISD boundaries will have the opportunity to vote for any of the ve propositions on the bond, which Chief Communication Ocer Tim Savoy said allows voters to have “some choice on things” without overloading the ballot. District ocials do not anticipate a tax rate increase—regardless of whether any or all of the propositions pass—as the total bond amount is within HCISD’s bond capacity of $1.4 billion. Ocials also said they plan to reduce project costs by working with contractors to lower the price without impacting the overall quality. HCISD’s Facilities and Bond Oversight Committee, or FBOC, worked for about a year
Elementary school rehabilitations - $139.6M • Fuentes, Hemphill, Kyle and Tom Green ES
High school rehabilitations - $98.9M • Hays and Lehman HS improvements • Johnson HS weight room expansion
Construction - $78.7M • Elementary No. 18
Middle school rehabilitations - $61.2M • Turf at Barton, Chapa, Dahlstrom MS • McCormick, Simon, Wallace MS improvements
Land for future school sites - $54M
Proposition A - $498.94 million: General growth, safety and rehabilitation of facilities
Hays CISD's $968.65 million bond The bond totals represent the maximum amount HCISD is authorized to sell, and ocials plan to reduce costs through value engineering.
Replacements - $23M • Athletics/ine arts, roofs, mechanical/electrical/plumbing
Proposition B - $396.06 million: Comprehensive high school No. 4
Design fees - $10.6M • Elementary school No. 19 • Middle school No. 7
Total: $968.65 million
Proposition D - $51.35 million: Multipurpose activity centers
32 buses with seatbelts - $7.7M
Safety and security - $5.8M • Rekeying locks, security access control buildings in high school parking lots
Proposition C - $6.1 million: High school No. 4 stadium expansion
Proposition E - $16.2 million: Technology
CTE improvements - $2.2M • Including a Fire Training Academy ire tower
SOURCE: HAYS CISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT
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BY BRITTANY ANDERSON
Proposition D
Propositions B & C
If Proposition B passes, district ocials anticipate the fourth high school opening for the 2029-30 school year. The school would have a 2,800-student capacity, which Savoy said is HCISD’s updated standard for high schools. The last high school to be on a bond was Johnson High School in 2017, which later opened in 2019. By contrast, Johnson cost $122 million to build but only has a capacity of 2,250 students. “We had a lot of folks talk about [the fourth high school’s price], and it is emblematic of the ination that we’re seeing,” Savoy said. Proposition C would expand the new high school’s stadium to seat at least 1,000 spectators and would become the district’s second shared varsity stadium after Bob Shelton Stadium, which opened in 1969.
The sole item on Proposition D is the construction of four multipurpose activity centers, or MPACs. Each high school would receive one of these covered and lighted pavilions to use for outdoor practice and educational space. Three MPACs were placed on the 2023 bond for $52.1 million, but the proposition ultimately failed. This new proposition could be more appealing for voters, Savoy said, as it is less expensive and comes with an additional pavilion. Wright said the MPACs would reduce outside temperatures by 20 to 30 degrees, allowing a more exible schedule for band, athletics and other organizations to use them at any time of the day.
The multipurpose activity centers will be used as an outdoor practice and educational space.
“Right now, all of our student populations are having to work either in the extreme [morning] hour or after school as soon as the sun goes down,” Wright said.
Proposition E
What happens next?
While state law requires technology items be placed in its own proposition, these propositions have passed with the greatest margin of support in past HCISD bonds, Savoy said. Many of HCISD’s instructional resources are also tied to technology, Wright said, and these items are needed for day-to-day classroom operations. The district also has a built-in 10-year “look ahead” for technology replacement cycles as warranties expire and devices come to the end of their life cycles, Wright said. The $16.2 million proposition includes projects for new laptops, phone systems and more.
The FBOC will also continue to plan for future bonds, as any items that don’t make it onto one bond stay on as a committee discussion item for the next. Projects such as new schools are usually a priority, Armstrong said. “It’s such a tricky time because we know construction costs are only going up at this point,” Armstrong said. “... We’re really hoping that the public will see that these are all very much needed. This is not for frills; the growth is coming.”
Dates to know April 3: last day to register to vote April 22-29: early voting May 3: election day HCISD election website: www.hayscisd.net/election2025 Bond website: www.hayscisd.net/bond2025
Launching March 11th! Kyle 3-1-1 is your one-stop contact for non-emergency city services. Whether you need to report a pothole, request utility connection, or get information about local events or city services, 3-1-1 is here for you!
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
NOW SELLING!
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Events
BY SARAH HERNANDEZ
February
Casino Night and Diamond Ra e Drawing The Rotary Club of San Marcos will host a Mardi Gras- themed Casino Night with games, food, drinks, raes and prizes. A portion of the proceeds will benet the Beth and Kelly Damphousse Foster Educational Support Endowment at Texas State University. This scholarship assists students who are the product of the Texas Foster Care system. • Feb. 28, 6:30-10:30 p.m. • $50-$600 (tickets/tables) • Commemorative Air Force Central Texas Wing, 2249 Airport Drive, San Marcos • www.smtxrotary.com
March
Veramendi Garden Day The Heritage Association of San Marcos will beautify Veramendi Plaza Park with maintenance and gardening work. • March 1, 10 a.m. • Free (admission) • 206 N. CM Allen Parkway, San Marcos • www.heritagesanmarcos.org/veramendi-plaza.html Kyle Mardi Gras Celebration The City of Kyle Parks and Recreation Department will host a Mardi Gras celebration on fat Tuesday with music, food, drinks, King Cake, beads and masks.
Annual San Marcos Mardi Gras Parade The Mistick Krewe of Okeanos will present its annual Mardi Gras celebration with ¦oats and music throughout the historic district of San Marcos. Organizations can enter a ¦oat in the parade for free.
• March 1, noon • Free (admission) • Jack’s Roadhouse, 1625 Hopkins St., San Marcos • www.mardigrassanmarcos.com
Party in Your Park San Marcos Parks and Recreation’s rst Party in Your Park of the year will have yard games, music, refreshments and more. • March 21, 5-8 p.m. • Free (admission) • Children’s Park, 205 S. CM Allen Parkway, San Marcos • www.sanmarcostx.gov/3878/Parks-Recreation Hays County Master Gardeners Spring Plant & Tree Sale The Hays County Master Gardeners Association’s annual spring plant sale will have a wide variety of spring and summer vegetables, herbs, shrubs, trees and more. • March 23, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. • Free (admission)
• 319 Main St., Buda • www.hayscountymastergardeners.org
• March 4, 6-8 p.m. • Free (admission)
Teen Job Fair Recruiters from Hays County businesses will be at the Kyle Public Library to share job opportunities for teens and help them apply on the spot. There will be volunteering opportunities for ages 12 and up, and employment opportunities for ages 16 and up. • March 29, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. • Free (admission) • 550 Scott St., Kyle • www.cityofkyle.com/library
• La Verde Park, 3901 Burnham, Kyle • www.cityofkyle.com/recreation
We All Got Crowns: A Taylor Swift Dance Party DJ Lady Versus will host a Taylor Swift-themed daytime
dance party for all ages. • March 15, noon-4 p.m.
• $10 (tickets), free for ages 13 and under • The Railhouse Bar, 107 E. Center St., Kyle • www.railhousebar.com/calendar_list
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
Education
Education
BY BRITTANY ANDERSON
Hundreds of aordable single-family homes for Hays CISD teachers are set to be built, following the board of trustees’ approval of a master lease agreement with home developer Upwards Communities during its Jan. 27 meeting. Upwards Communities co-founder and CEO Jason Roberts rst brought the agreement to the trustees during a Dec. 16 board meeting. The project aims to recruit and retain teachers by providing aordable homes within the district. The units could include four bedrooms and two bathrooms with monthly rents under market value, likely $2,000 a month or less. Unlike an individual lease, the master lease gives HCISD the ability to lease all of the units and be able to prioritize reserving them for employees, Roberts said. HCISD to provide teacher housing
Local school districts call trustee elections on May 3 ballot
Why it matters
About 100 new HCISD sta positions are added per year, said superintendent Eric Wright, and the district is expected to double in student size over the next ten years. Wright said the district is not putting any money from its Maintenance & Operations budget, Interest & Sinking budget or bond capacity toward the project. “We are simply oering this as a benet, and Upwards Communities—by their benevolence—is actually utilizing their own seed money to make this happen to the tune of around $90 million,” Wright said. Upwards Communities is set to put together a site plan for the project next, and Wright said about 300 units are expected to be built rst. Construction is expected to start within 18 months, according to Chief Human Resources Ocer Christina Courson.
Voters will have the opportunity to elect several new members to the board of trustees at local districts in May. Hays CISD voters will see candidates running for the board of trustees’ District 4 and District 5 seats. The HCISD board of trustees unanimously approved an order calling for the election during its regular Jan. 27 meeting. The details The District 4 seat is currently held by Byron Severance, who also serves as vice president. Severance was rst elected to the board in 2022. The District 5 seat is currently held by Espe- ranza Orosco. Orosco was rst elected to the board in 2016 and has previously served as president, vice president and secretary. Severance and Orosco have both led for reelection.
Of the seven HCISD trustees, ve are elected from single-member districts and two are elected at large. Severance and Orosco both hold single-mem- ber district seats. The San Marcos CISD board of trustees’ District 4 and District 5 seats will also be up for election in May. The board approved an order calling for the election during a special meeting Feb. 3. Two-minute impact The District 4 seat is currently held by Brian Shanks, who was rst elected to the board in 2022. Shanks has not led for re-election. Candi- date John W. McGlothlin is running unopposed for the seat. The District 5 seat is currently held by Clem- entine Cantu, who also serves as vice president. Cantu was rst elected to the board in 2016 and
“We’re such a fast growth district—our employees don’t have places that they can readily move into. We know that we have over a thousand of our employees that live outside of our district boundaries. This would provide at least a third of
Dates to know for May 2025 election
Feb. 14
Last day to le for a place on the ballot
April 3
Last day to register to vote
April 22
First day of early voting
April 29
Last day of early voting
those to have a place to [live].” ERIC WRIGHT, HAYS CISD SUPERINTENDENT
May 3
Election day
SOURCE: HAYS CISD, SAN MARCOS CISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT
has led for reelection. All candidates in HCISD and SMCISD will hold single-member district seats, meaning only residents living within their districts will be eligible to vote.
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FIRST EDITION!
A TOUR OF THE STATE, MADE ESPECIALLY FOR COMMUNITY IMPACT FEBRUARY 2025
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
EXCURSIONS: A Port Aransas Quest CRITTER: Black-Tailed Prairie Dog OUT THERE: Meanwhile, in Texas MADE IN TEXAS: A Western Wear Pair FEATURE PREVIEW: Panhandle Fires, One Year Later
Above: Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center, in Port Aransas.
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
TEXAS MONTHLY FEBRUARY 2025
Dear Fellow Texan, WELCOME
I couldn’t be prouder and more excited to bring you this special edition of Texas Monthly ’s February issue within the pages of Community Impact . One great Texas institution meets another. Community Impact and Texas Monthly have shared goals: to equip you with the news and perspectives that help you understand your state and your neighborhood and inspire you to engage with the people and places that surround you. Each month, we’ll provide you a kind of sampler of what Texas Monthly has to oer. Food, drink, travel, critters, and a taste of some of the award-winning storytelling Texas Monthly is known for. Enjoy the next few pages, thank you for welcoming us into your home, and please consider subscribing to Texas Monthly. ROSS McCAMMON
EXCURSIONS Among the Craniacs North America’s tallest bird stalks Port Aransas once again. Its fans are back too. BY ROSE CAHALAN
I'M LEANING ON the rail of the Scat Cat, a red-and-white charter fishing boat in Aran- sas Bay, when two bottlenose dolphins leap majestically out of the water alongside our wake. The midday February sun gleams on their fins as the pair chases us. “Look!” I shout. A few of my sixty or so fellow passengers turn to watch, but this is only a warm-up for the real stars of the show: the whooping cranes. Today’s tour is part of the Whooping Crane Festival, an annual four-day winter celebra- tion of one of the continent’s rarest avian
species—and its tallest. About two thousand birders have descended on Port Aransas, a Gulf Coast town of around 2,900 residents on Mustang Island, for the twenty-seventh iteration, which is packed with more than fifty events, including birding tours and lectures by scientists. (This year’s festival happens February 20–23.) Before the arrival of European settlers, more than ten thousand of these birds soared across the continent, but habitat destruction and overhunting drove them to the brink. By
EDITOR IN CHIEF, TEXAS MONTHLY
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Its Reputation As a Ranch Pest Is Changing. The most common of the five species of prairie dogs in North America, these charismatic creatures today inhabit only about 2 percent of their native range, which once covered roughly 100 million acres of the Great Plains. Agriculture and urban development have consumed much of that habitat, and some ranch- ers, worried that these prairie dogs were competing with cattle for grass, exter- minated them. It turns out, though, that they are beneficial for grasslands. SO HOW DO THEY HELP? Prairie dogs nibble down the woody shrubs that could hide their predators and that often take over grasslands. This preserves habitat for birds and animals such as pronghorn. Plus, the rodents’ digging mixes and aerates the soil, and their scat provides nutrients. HOW DO WE KNOW FOR SURE? Scientists collected data from a group of GPS collar–wearing cattle that grazed on three pastures within a pre- serve. In warm seasons, the herd spent more time on the prairie dog colony than in areas outside it. I HEARD THEY CARRY PLAGUE. IS THAT TRUE? Prairie dogs are susceptible to the syl- vatic plague, caused by the same bac- terium as the bubonic plague. But it’s primarily fleas, not rodents, that spread it. At a respectful distance, you can en- joy them without fear. —Robyn Ross CRITTER BLACKTAILED PRAIRIE DOG
early eorts to revive whooping cranes with captive breeding. During several breeding seasons in the late seventies and early eight- ies, he even lived in a shed with a female crane named Tex, who had imprinted on humans after hatching at the San Antonio Zoo. “Cranes require a great deal of space,” Ar- chibald said. “Each species selects a dierent type of wetland or grassland.” Unfortunately, those are some of the most easily destroyed habitats: With no trees to cut down, develop- ers can simply pave them over. Captive breed- ing has played a crucial role in the comeback of the species. In the past decade, the Dallas Zoo has picked up the baton, as one of seven organizations in the U.S. and Canada to carry on Archibald’s legacy of breeding baby whoop- ing cranes to release in the wild.
1941 only 21 whooping cranes were left in the wild. Today, after decades of extensive conservation work, there are about 700 wild whoopers left. Wherever there are cranes, there are crani- acs. The birders who visit Port Aransas—“We estimate the economic impact to be near $1 million,” says Brett Stawar, president and CEO of the town’s tourism bureau—bring with them an intense enthusiasm. The undisputed king of the craniacs is George Archibald, the 78-year-old cofounder of the International Crane Foundation. Archibald was a leader in
A birder at Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center, in Port Aransas, on December 14, 2024; birders in Port Aransas; a sign at the preserve.
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
January 18-February 14
Give your loved one the ultimate symbol of endless love… a hissing cockroach.
Stop by the Museum Store to visit our Valentine's Roach Motel!
Endless Love supports conservation efforts of the Cockrell Butterfly Center
Purchase and dedicate a cockroach at hmns.org/endlesslove
TEXAS MONTHLY FEBRUARY 2025
MADE IN TEXAS
All Loud on the Western Wear Front With its bold colors and modern designs, the Kennimer label is drawing the attention of pop stars and New York Fashion Week.
Meanwhile, In Texas OUT THERE
BY TAYLOR PREWITT
A video of a horse riding in the back seat of a pickup truck in Fort Worth went viral on social media, with one viewer commenting “living in fort worth this normal to me at this point.” A woman in Dallas booked a rental car for one day, then drove to Wash- ington State and continued to use the vehicle for 46 days , telling Spokane authorities that she didn’t return the car because she was too busy. Claiming to be a member of the U.S. Army’s Delta Force special opera- tions unit, a man from Manor de- frauded victims of more than $12 million by falsely telling them that they were at risk of violence from drug cartels and oering “protec- tion” in exchange for money. A Richardson resident was named CNN’s 2024 Hero of the Year for running a nonprofit in North Texas that helps people going into treat- ment for addiction find temporary homes for their dogs. Billionaire Tilman Fertitta became the first restaurateur in Texas to o er A5 Wagyu bone-in ribeyes from the Kagoshima region of Japan, which he sells at one of his Houston steakhouses for $1,000 each. Researchers at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi detect- ed low levels of fentanyl and other pharmaceuticals in the blubber of dolphins swimming in the Gulf of Mexico. —Meher Yeda
while Ben, who hails from the small East Tex- as town of Latch and previously worked in graphic design, handles the hats. They jump in to help each other with tedious tasks such as adding rhinestones or handsewing when needed. “We’ve always just worked well to- gether,” Ben says, recalling early collabora- tive projects that included a hot dog–cart side hustle and a screen-printing business. They work as a team to conceive a collection’s overarching look and theme. The couple are motivated by their network of musician friends, many of whom have be- come clients. “We’re excited to show people it’s not a trend,” says Bonnie of Western style. “It’s a staple.” They’re looking forward to de- buting a few couture looks in New York. Some of the pieces, which incorporate subtle nods to the Victorian era (such as high collars and covered buttons), are so intricate that they required around seventy hours of detailed handsewing.
IN LESS THAN a decade, Ben and Bonnie Kennimer have gone from teaching them- selves hat making and clothing design to cus- tomizing looks for some of music’s biggest stars. Their eponymous Western wear label, which they founded in Houston in 2017, is fa- vored by Fort Worth songwriter and soul sing- er Leon Bridges, the Houston trio Khruang- bin, DJ and producer Diplo, and pop star Joe Jonas. One of Bonnie’s dresses, for renowned songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jenee Fleenor, is housed at Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame. And this February the couple will take their creations to a New York Fashion Week runway for the first time. Now based in Bonnie’s hometown of Aus- tin, the married couple splits the work down the middle: Bonnie, who has a background in costuming and tailoring, designs the clothes,
Ben and Bonnie Kennimer.
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