San Marcos - Buda - Kyle Edition | June 2023

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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION

VOLUME 13, ISSUE 2 JUNE 15JULY 19, 2023

FENTANYL’S WRATH INSIDE HEALTH CARE EDITION 2023

New owner reopens Sign Arts in San Marcos

Kyle hosts Independence Day festivities HEALTH CARE EDITION 2023 SPONSORED BY • Baylor Scott & White

Health care snapshot

Jennifer McCormick of Plum Creek Pharmacy in Kyle said that the pharmacy was one of the sources Hays CISD turned to for their Narcan supply. Each box of Narcan comes with two doses and the pharmacy provides it free to the public. (Nell Carroll/Community Impact)

Nonprot brings mobile dentistry to underserved

Hays CISD, local nonprots, Hays County coordinate to combat fentanyl use

Pull the newest teaser from CC Libraries

BY ERIC WEILBACHER

Narcan—a drug that serves as an antidote for an opioid overdose if administered within minutes of an opioid taking its eect on the body. The drug was administered seven times this school year. In addition to stocking up on that medicine and making it more avail- able to nurses, the district took

steps to educate students through multiple means of communicating the fatal danger posed by fentanyl, including educational videos and school assemblies. “I know our district is very ada- mant about advocating for our stu- dents and spreading the word and CONTINUED ON 29

Since summer 2022, Hays CISD has seen six deaths of high school students from fentanyl overdoses and poisonings. In response to those deaths of adolescent students, the district increased the presence of naloxone— otherwise known by its trademark

Already have solar? HESOLAR is now installing batteries for all solar owners.

Home Batteries are becoming more and more popular…. Since the winter storm of 2021, we’ve seen a huge increase in demand for home batteries. Home batteries can compliment solar panels and provide the following benefits for homeowners: The Hoffman Brothers have been installing solar panels and battery back up for over 10 years! Tradi- tionally, we only added batteries for existing HESO- LAR customers. We are happy to announce that we will begin installing batteries for ALL solar owners, reagardless of original installer. The addition of batteries to a solar panel system allows the homeowner to back up their loads and continue to use their solar panels during a power outage. Multiple batteries can be stacked to back up an entire home! Keep the lights on during a power outage.

Use more of your solar energy.

Without batteries, a lot of the energy produced by solar panels on a home will flow back into the grid. With batteries, excess solar energy can be stored in the batteries instead of exporting to the grid. The solar energy that is stored in the batteries can be used to feed the home loads later on in the day or later at night. Best of all, more savings! – Many Texans have experi- enced an increase in their electricity rates. At the same time, some electric providers are starting to provide less credit for exported solar energy (what gives?) Batteries help homeowners use more of their solar energy resulting in even lower electric bills. Transportation Independence. Electric vehicles can charge directly from solar panels and home batteries allowing you to stay on the move during an extended grid outage. The Hoffman Brothers are helping current customers prepare for future Vehicle to Home applications where you can use an electric vehicle to assist a home energy system during a power outage.

HOME MONITORING SYSTEM DURING AN OUTAGE

Tax Credit.

Tax credit update! Solar and batteries are eligible for a 30% tax credit. This means that 30% of what you spend on solar and batteries may be eligible as a credit on your taxes.

for energy independence throughout the year.

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Comprehensive care, Buda address.

We’re proud to provide our Buda community with a Better model of care — hospital, clinic, primary care, specialists and 24-hour ER, all working together, right here where you want it.

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SAN MARCOS - BUDA - KYLE EDITION • JUNE 2023

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THIS ISSUE

MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Heather Demere EDITOR Eric Weilbacher REPORTERS Zara Flores, Amira Van Leeuwen GRAPHIC DESIGNER Melissa Johnson ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Adrian Martinez METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Travis Baker MANAGING EDITOR William C. Wadsack COPY EDITOR Kasey Salisbury ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Rachal Elliott CONTACT US 16225 Impact Way, Ste. 1, Pugerville, TX 78660 • 5129896808 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES sbknews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING sbkads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter SUPPORT US Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35+ localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH

FROM HEATHER: For our front page story, Editor Eric Weilbacher shares the latest news around fentanyl overdoses and how Hays CISD and a new nonprot are working on better mental health and safety education for their students. The Texas Legislature considered changes to these laws during the 88th legislative session. Heather Demere, GENERAL MANAGER

FROM ERIC: In addition to news on St. David’s HealthCare acquiring urgent care centers, including one in Kyle and one in San Marcos, and the expansion of the Hays County Local Health Department, we oer a variety of health care-related stories in this edition. Check out the feature by Reporter Zara Flores on a free and mobile pediatric dental clinic (see Page 25). Eric Weilbacher, EDITOR

Meet Travis Baker

Austin Metro Publisher

What’s your typical day as a CI Publisher? TB: One thing I love about my job is that no two days are the same, each lled with new challenges and opportunities. On average, my day starts with some internal meetings. Next, I am in the eld riding along with a sales rep to help pitch a local business as to why our advertising portfolio is the best investment they can make. Then I’m at a chamber networking event, and throughout the day I may be mixing in some editorial decisions on late breaking content, scheduling future stories, etc. Each day my calendar is booked, but rarely is there a day playing out as planned.

What’s your favorite memory working for CI? TB: I’ve had many great memories over my 13 years. One that sticks out the most is when we launched a paper in my hometown of New Braunfels and saw the emails ooding in after our rst delivery. I started documenting them, and when I got to page seven or eight, I realized it was never going to end. The launch was rewarding for myself and also the community.

Where might CI expand to next in your metro? TB: Good question. We have quite a few fans out there, and they are not shy to let us know where we’re needed. I’ve heard from people in Waco, Killeen, Temple, Bastrop and Highland Lakes, to name a few. I look forward to the day that every community across Texas has Community Impact serving it.

communityimpact.com

@impactnewsatx

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linkedin.com/company/communityimpact

@communityimpactaustin

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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION • JUNE 2023

IMPACTS

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding

SAN MARCOS

AQUARENA SPRINGS DR.

WARDEN LN.

1984

Karl Lagerfeld Paris

AMIRA VAN LEEUWENCOMMUNITY IMPACT

WONDER WORLD DR.

SAN MARCOS RIVER

737-667-6064. www.dwr.com RENOVATIONS 7 Texas State University held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new $37 million Football Performance Center at Bobcat Stadium, located at 1100 Aquarena Springs Drive, San Marcos, on May 22. The Football Per- formance Center is a renovation to the existing complex and will include a new 8,000-square-foot weight room, a new players lounge, a new training room with hydrotherapy, individual position meeting rooms and a recruiting room. The conference rooms will also receive an upgrade with additional oces along with additional premium hospitality spaces to “enhance the game expe- rience.” Construction is expected to start this summer and be completed by fall 2024. www.txstfootballcenter.com NAME CHANGES 8 Antibes Nails & Spa, located at 243 Wonder World Drive, Ste. 102, San Marcos, changed its name to Lush Nails & Spa amid new management. Lush Nails & Spa oers manicures, pedicures, facials and waxes. Lush Nails & Spa also welcomes walk-ins. 512-210-8665 NEW OWNERSHIP 9 Sign Arts , a sign-making shop lo- cated at 205 Cheatham St., San Marcos, reopened May 11 with a new owner, Celeste Manz, after former owner John

123

WHITETAIL DR.

1979

MAP NOT TO SCALE

NOW OPEN 1 Karl Lagerfeld Paris , an acces- sible luxury apparel store, opened May 5 in the San Marcos Premium Outlets, at 3939 S. I-35 Ste. 1355, San Marcos. The store sells a vari- ety of handbags, shoes, and men’s and women’s apparel. 512-396-7446. www.karllagerfeldparis.com 2 Braeden Cordova, a San Mar- cos-based tattoo artist, opened private tattoo studio Super Bloom Tattoos at 102 Whitetail Drive, Ste. 200, San Marcos, in mid-June. Cordova chose this space for her studio so it can serve as an arming and therapeutic space for clients. She specializes in illustrative, anime and manga, black and white, and color tattoos. Super Bloom Tattoos is open Fridays and Saturdays by appoint- ment only. Those interested in booking

with Cordova can ll out the form on her website. www.ladycordovatattoos.com 3 Hair salon Yourshearjoy opened in San Marcos on April 1. Yourshearjoy is located at 115 Warden Lane, Ste. 7, inside the Plex Business Center. The hair salon oers precision women’s, men’s and children’s haircuts; beard and bang trims; hair tinsels; blowouts; styling; and brow and lip waxing. The salon is open by appointment only. https://yourshearjoy.glossgenius.com COMING SOON 4 An Ashley Furniture Home Store is coming soon to the Stonecreek Crossing Shopping Center, located at 850 Barnes Drive, San Marcos. The furni- ture store will replace the former location of a Bealls retail store. Ashley Furniture Home Store sells a variety of mattresses,

indoor and outdoor furniture, rugs, light- ing, and more. They anticipate opening June 26. www.ashleyfurniture.com 5 Balcón , a new modern Mexican restaurant and bar, is opening soon at 407 S. Stagecoach Trail, Ste. 201 in San Marcos. It’s owned by Javier Equihua and in the location formerly occupied by Elevate Bar + Table. Balcón will be equipped with a full bar with modern Mexican cuisine and is expected to open in early June. www.balconsmtx.com EXPANSIONS 6 Design Within Reach , a furniture store located at 4015 S. I-35, Ste. 860, in the Tanger Outlets San Marcos, will expand its storefront late this sum- mer. DWR oers a variety of outdoor and indoor furniture, bedding, rugs, lighting, and other home accessories.

Austin Habitat for Humanity

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COMPILED BY ZARA FLORES & AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

City of San Marcos sta held a ribbon-cutting for Sessom Creek on May 23.

AMIRA VAN LEEUWENCOMMUNITY IMPACT

FEATURED IMPACT IN THE NEWS The city of San Marcos celebrated the completion of the Sessom Creek Improvements Project Phase 1 on May 23. The scope of the project was removing the wastewater line and stabilizing the soft spots that had been degraded over time by fast, high-volume urban stormwater ows. Some of the improvements included the removal of an exposed wastewater main, a storm drain upgrade and stream restoration. The project was designed to stabilize the creek banks and slow the stormwater runo to reduce creek erosion and sediment entering the San Marcos River. The project costs came in at

Yourshearjoy

Sign Arts

$3.2 million with $1 million being funded by the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan. The second phase of the project has 90% of the design completed and will focus on improving Sessom Creek between Canyon Road and Canyon Fork. Phase 2 of the project is expected to

AMIRA VAN LEEUWENCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Diaz died following a brain injury in 2021. Sign Arts oers banners, business cards, logo creation, lighted signs, vinyl let- tering and other promotional products. 512-396-4140 IN THE NEWS 10 Hofmann’s Supply , located at 440 S. Guadalupe St., San Marcos, re- ceived the Texas Treasure business award from the Texas Historical Commission in May. The award is presented to Texas businesses that have provided employ- ment and exceptional contributions to the state’s economic growth for at least 50 years, according to the commission. Hofmann’s Supply opened in 1937 and carries auto body supplies, paint and

welding supplies, and materials for body shop professionals in Hays, Comal and Guadalupe counties. 512-396-8606. www.hofmannssupply.com 11 In April, the city of San Marcos trans- ferred the low-power FM radio license the city used for emergency broadcasts to the nonprot San Marcos Community Radio Association —the group that runs the internet broadcasting station KZSM. Station Manager Rob Roark said the sta- tion, located at 216 N. Guadalupe St., San Marcos, is in the process of moving the broadcast equipment and antenna from a re station to the studio’s downtown location. KZSM is scheduled to begin broadcasting on the airwaves by Oct. 30 and will be assigned a frequency by the end of July. www.kzsm.org

begin in summer 2024. www.sanmarcostx.gov

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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION • JUNE 2023

IMPACTS

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding

967

45 TOLL

BUDA

CABELAS DR.

Bi-Cha

CycleBar

ZARA FLORES/COMMUNITY IMPACT

AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

1626

ROBERT S LIGHT BLVD.

studio offers indoor cycling classes that are high-intensity, low-impact full-body workouts. Classes at CycleBar are suited for those with all experience levels. 512-888-3390. www.cyclebar.com 5 Jeff Parks, the owner of Mud Bugs A Cajun Joint, opened his second business June 19. Located at 407 E. Main St., Buda, the new business is called J. Parks Saloon & Standard. The new business was previously a house that has since undergone renovations and restorations for the past several months, a majority of which was done using salvaged and repurposed materials. The saloon has indoor dining, which is by reservation only, and an outdoor bar area on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, the saloon is for those age 21 and older only, and is a cellphone-free zone so customers can “unplug” and “indulge.” Facebook: J Parks Saloon and Standard 6 The Kyle Public Library held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand opening of its Seed Library on April 22 at 550 Scott St., Kyle. The Seed Library is a free, self-service program that operates on the honor system. Individuals fill out a checkout form and may take out up to five packets of seeds per visit. The Seed Library operates during the same times the library is open. 512-268-7411. www.cityofkyle.com/library 7 Mexican restaurant Taco Clem opened at 15295 S. I-35, Ste. 400, Buda on May 9. Taco Clem serves a variety of classic and special tacos, including tacos al pastor and cochinita pibil. It also serves quesadillas, flautas and birria tacos. Taco Clem also has a kids menu with a variety 2001 21

of sides and drinks, such as Jarritos and Mexican Coke. www.tacoclembuda.com 8 Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ will open its doors at the Buda Mill & Grain Co., 306 S. Main St. Buda, sometime in mid-June, more than a year following the announcement of its relocation to Buda from Austin. The new restaurant space is around 6,500 square feet, enough to accommodate around 235 customers. The new space also has a full-service bar. The city of Buda and the Buda Economic Development Corp. have partnered with and invested $228,707 in the business for equipment purchas- es and other necessities to create jobs for the community. Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ is known for its barbecue by the pound, sandwiches, tacos and more. www.valentinastexmexbbq.com COMING SOON 9 Stream Realty Partners broke ground on a new industrial project called Buda Commerce Center at the end of 2022, located along the I-35 frontage road between Cabela's Drive and Robert S. Light Boulevard. The five-building industrial park is under- way on a 70-acre parcel of land and will be close to 1 million square feet. Crews are working to level out the land, and the project is expected to be completed by early 2024 at the latest. www.budacommerce.com 10 Einstein Bros. Bagels is slated to open a new location sometime this sum- mer at 19920 I-35, Ste. 200, Kyle, though the exact date is unknown. The chain is known for its savory and sweet bagels

2001

SUFFIELD DR.

WINDY HILL RD.

150

S MEYER ST.

KYLE

150

MAP NOT TO SCALE

NOW OPEN 1 A food truck called Bi-Cha opened in April at 401 FM 1626, Buda. The truck’s menu features plates with a choice of fried rice or lo mein along with a choice of entree, such as sesame chicken, beef and broccoli, Chinese barbecue ribs, and more. 512-820-6673. www.bi-cha.com 2 Chipotle Mexican Grill opened June 2 at 5180 S. FM 1626, Ste. 120, Kyle. The new restaurant features the chain’s Chipotlane, a drive-thru lane where guests can pick up their online orders without leaving their

cars. Chipotle is known for its customizable menu of burritos, tacos, salads and more. 737-312-4986. www.chipotle.com 3 A new medical clinic called Clínica Fa- miliar Kyle opened May 20 at 21511 I-35, Ste. 105. Clínica Familiar Kyle offers general exams, emergency services, help with managing diabetes and heart conditions, and more. The medical clinic caters to Spanish speakers. 512-262-7307. Facebook: Clínica Familiar Kyle 4 CycleBar opened May 25 at 19230 S. I-35, Ste. 100, Kyle. The new

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Mean-Eyed Cat II will serve a variety of local and craft beers as well as cocktails.

RENDERING COURTESY CH-AT STUDIO

FEATURED IMPACT COMING SOON Austin-based bar Mean-Eyed Cat is coming to Kyle and will be located at 8600 FM 150 W., Lot 3. Mean-Eyed Cat II will be a 2,700-square-foot bar with a 1,100-square-foot patio. Co-owner Max Moreland said the owners felt the location was the “perfect spot” for another Mean-Eyed Cat bar. The bar will feature a variety of draft selections of local and craft beers, a full bar and a creative cocktail list. Moreland said the second location is aimed to have the same soul that was created with the original, emphasizing they want it to be a place where everyone feels welcome. “We want to create this very welcoming atmosphere not only from employee to

Taco Clem

Inta Juice

ZARA FLORES/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COURTESY INTA JUICE

guest, but also from guest to guest,” he said. “Our downtown [Austin] location has turned into what some people call ‘the clubhouse,’ and we’re [going to] try to create that same vibe and welcoming atmosphere with this location.” Moreland said the bar is in its permitting phase but is expected to be

as well as bagel sandwiches. It also serves coffee and espresso-based drinks. www.einsteinbros.com 11 Smoothie and juice franchise Inta Juice is coming to Kyle. The smoothie shop will be located at 5401 FM 1626, Ste. 185, and will sell a variety of fruit smoothies, acai bowls and juices. Inta Juice also sells berry and veggie blends along with tea shots and dairy-free options. The shop is expected to open in the summer. www.intajuice.com 12 A new apartment complex called The Mansions of Buda is under con- struction and is slated to start leasing to residents in August at 476 Suffield Drive, Buda. The complex will feature one- to four-bedroom units throughout ranging from 764-2,739 square feet. Amenities will feature a 24-hour fitness center,

walking trails, a clubroom with games and more. www.mansionsbuda.com ANNIVERSARIES 13 Pedernales Electric Cooperative , an electric utility company located at 1810 FM 150, Kyle, celebrated its 85th an- niversary May 19. In 1938, then-Texas Sen. Lyndon B. Johnson and area rancher E. “Babe” Smith met in Austin with represen- tatives from rural counties such as Blanco, Burnet, Gillespie, Hays and Lance to sign documents, beginning the process of hav- ing the PEC bring electricity to the rural parts of the Texas Hill Country, according to a statement from the cooperative. CEO Julie C. Parsley said the PEC was created by Hill Country Texans to provide “safe, reliable and low-cost power” to their com- munities. 888-554-4732. www.pec.coop

open in late spring 2024. www.themeaneyedcat.com

BILL KUYKENDALL RD.

150

OLD KYLE RD.

Dell Children’s is home to the Texas Center for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease, which means we offer the most advanced heart care for children in the region. Led by world-renowned pediatric heart surgeons, we performed 375 open-heart surgeries in the past year, and over the past two years, have completed 17 heart transplants. Our care team is dedicated to your child’s care whether your child has congenital heart disease or needs care for another rare or complex heart condition. We’re also close by, which means your family doesn’t need to travel outside of Central Texas. Start a conversation with a pediatric heart specialist today. ascension.org/DellChildrens

The most advanced pediatric heart care in the region

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SAN MARCOS - BUDA - KYLE EDITION • JUNE 2023

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CHECK OUT OUR NEW AMENITIES: PLAYGROUND STRUCTURE, SPLASH PARK, AND SPORT COURT WITH PICKLE BALL! Out where gentle breezes blow across the rolling Texas prairie, there’s a place for families to connect in an active community with all the comforts of home. Crosswinds features a swimming pool, splash area, dog park, hike & bike trails and playgrounds – and even more exciting new additions coming soon to this beautiful master-planned community!

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

TODO LIST

June & July events

COMPILED BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

LIVE MUSIC CHEATHAM ST. WAREHOUSE 119 Cheatham St., San Marcos 512-353-3777 www.cheathamstreet.com JUNE 23 The Droptines, 8 p.m. 24 Dallas Burrow, 8 p.m. JULY 07 Shaker Hymns and Graycie York - Galleywinter River Jam, 8 p.m. 08 Hank Weaver, 8 p.m. 15 Monte Montgomery, 8 p.m.

LOOK AT CONTEMPORARY ART SAN MARCOS ART CENTER

CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE DAY HAYS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

JUNE 0130

JULY 4

The San Marcos Art League will present Perspectives, an exhibition showcasing the artwork of LGBTQ+ identifying artists at the San Marcos Art Center. The exhibit will feature works that celebrate the viewpoints of the LGBTQ+ experience. Wed.-Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 117 N. Guadalupe St. Ste. 101. 737-213-4003. www.sanmarcosartcenter.com

The city of Kyle will host an Independence Day rework celebration. The show will be approximately 20 minutes long. Attendees can listen to KAZI 88.7 FM to stream music while watching the show. They will be able to watch the show from the Hays Performing Arts Center. 9:30 p.m. Free. 979 Kohlers Crossing, Kyle. www.cityoyle.com

WILLIE’S JOINT 824 Main St., Buda 512-295-0483 www.williesjoint.com JUNE

JUNE 24 THROUGH 25

JULY 02 GO TO A FARMER’S MARKET The Railhouse will host a Market Day in Kyle. The event is family-friendly. There will be arts and crafts, live music, drink specials, vendors and more. 12 p.m.-4 p.m. Free. 107 E. Center St., Kyle. www.railhousebar.com 04 COMMEMORATE THE RED, WHITE AND BLUE The city of Buda will host Red, white and Buda, an all day 4th of July event. There will be a downtown bike parade beginning at the corner of Houston and Main Street at 9 a.m. The parade will end at Buda City Park and there will be a Bike Awards ceremony recognizing the Most Patriotic, Most Festive and Best Decorated. There will also be a vendor market and food court at the park from 5 p.m. until dusk. There will be a rework show at 9:15 p.m. on the park’s lawn. 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Free. Buda Amphitheater & City Park, 204 San Antonio St., Buda. www.budaamphitheater.com 07 WATCH A MOVIE The city of Kyle will host Movies in the Park at the Gregg Clarke Park basketball courts. The selected movie is “Top Gun: Maverick.” Attendees are

encouraged to arrive early to get parking and bring blankets or chairs to sit on. The city will allow food and coolers but asks participants to dispose of items in the trash and recycle bins. Pets are allowed but must be on a leash. Movie begins at sundown. Free. 1231 W. Center St., Kyle. www.cityoyle.com 09 RUN FOR THE RED, WHITE AND BLUE There will be an annual Firecracker 4-mile run at 5 Mile Dam Park. The event is patriotic themed with free photos, pacers, chip timing with live results and awards. Participants will also receive a custom bib, a designer shirt and a nisher medal. 7 a.m. Ticket prices vary. 4440 S. Old Stagecoach Road, San Marcos. www.runsignup.com/Race/TX/SanMarcos/ Firecracker48MileAustin 11 JOURNEY THROUGH THE SAN MARCOS RIVER The Price Center will present “Yakona: Water Rising,” a lm that takes viewers on an adventure through prehistoric times to the modern era on an impressionistic journey from the perspective of the river. 6:30 p.m. $5. The Price Center, 222 W. San Antonio St., San Marcos. www.rsttuesdaysmtx.com

22 Sam Downing, 7 p.m. 23 Janie Balderas, 9 p.m. 29 Michael Myers, 7 p.m. 30 Rochelle & the Sidewinders, 8 p.m. JULY 13 Donovan Amaya, 7 p.m. THE MARC 120 E. San Antonio St., San Marcos 512-757-5443 www.themarcsm.com JUNE 22 Waka Flocka, 9 p.m. 24 Jawns, 9 p.m. JULY

PLAY DISC GOLF Rad Disc Golf will host its rst Hays County Disc Golf Championship at the Flying Armadillo Disc Golf Club. There will be one round per day. Players will tee o at Steeplechase Park in Kyle on June 24, and on June 25, players will tee o at Flying Amarillo near San Marcos. There will be an optional Doubles round at Bucks Backyard in Buda on Friday and an option scoring round on the mini course at Flying Armadillo on Sunday. After the championship, there will be free beer, live music and awards. Preregistration is required. Times vary. $80-$100. 3115 Hilliard Road, San Marcos. www.bit.ly/3Ojf2 30 HEAD TO A LUAU The San Marcos Parks and Recreation will host a luau-themed dance for adults with disabilities. Door prizes and $1 concession items are part of the fun. Anyone requiring assistance needs to be accompanied by an assistant. Volunteers can sign up through the city’s website. 7-10 p.m. Free. San Marcos Activity Center, 501 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos. 512-393-8280. www.sanmarcostx.gov

03 Svdden Death, 9 p.m. 15 Myles O’ Neal, 9 p.m. BUCK’S BACKYARD 1750 S. FM 1626, Buda 512-312-9456 www.bucksbackyard.com JUNE 23 Tex Zep, 8 p.m. JULY 01 Del Castillo, 8 p.m.

Find more or submit San Marcos, Buda and Kyle events at communityimpact.com/event-calendar. Event organizers can submit local events online to be considered for the print edition. Submitting details for consideration does not guarantee publication.

SMHS Class of 2003 20th Reunion benefiting School Fuel Special thanks to those who sponsored the event!

BUILDING BRIGHTER FUTURES since 1973

austincc.edu

Sterling R.

SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION • JUNE 2023

TRANSPORTATION UPDATES

COMPILED BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

ONGOING PROJECTS

UPCOMING PROJECTS

SUNLIGHT BLVD.

ROBERT S LIGHT BLVD.

PURPLE MARTIN AVE.

KYLE

HILLSIDE TERRACE

WILLOW TERRACE

GUADALUPE ST.

WINDY HILL RD.

KYLE

FLORES ST.

SAN MARCOS

123

CHERRYWOOD

YARRINGTON RD.

KYLE

ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF MAY 15. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT SBKNEWS@COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM. constructing new roadway lanes from Robert S Light Boulevard to north of Yarrington Road. Timeline: TBD Cost: $257.4 million Funding source: TxDOT Resurfaced I-35 lanes A large section of I-35 is anticipated to be reconstructed. The Texas Depart- ment of Transportation will begin

1 Windy Hill Road Intermittent lane closures on Windy Hill Road from Purple Martin Avenue to the I-35 frontage road are expected to last at least through June. City of Kyle staff said road work will begin after the morning rush hours, and the project will add capacity from I-35 to Purple Martin Avenue, a roundabout at the Cherrywood intersection and a roadway section that will include a center turn lane. Timeline: May 12-TBD Cost: $15.1 million Funding source: 2022 Kyle road bond

2 Bebee Road There will be intermittent lane closures on Bebee Road from the I-35 North front- age road to Willow Terrace. City of Kyle staff said work will be on weekdays from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and is expected to last for three weeks. The sharp curves of Be- bee Road between I-35 and Sunlight Bou- levard will be realigned. Bebee Road between I-35 and Goforth Road will be expanded to four lanes. Timeline: May 18-mid-June (weather permitting) Cost: $67.1 million Funding source: 2022 Kyle road bond

3 I-35 at Hwy. 123 The Texas Department of Transportation will reconstruct I-35 from Wonder World Drive to past Hopkins Street, as well as a bridge over Hwy. 123. Several entrance and exit ramps will be relocated. The project will extend entrance and exit lanes between Hwy. 80 and RR 12. The frontage road will be reduced to one lane from Flores Street to River Road through mid-2023. Timeline: August 2021-early 2025 Cost: $107 million Funding sources: Capital Area Metropoli- tan Planning Organization, TxDOT

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EDUCATION BRIEFS

News from San Marcos & Hays CISDs

COMPILED BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

HIGHLIGHTS HAYS CISD The board of trustees named the Dahlstrom Middle School Fine Arts building in honor of Leroy Gerdes on May 22. He was director of bands at Dahlstrom Middle School, Kyle Middle School and Barton Middle School. He was also the rst band director to serve at Dahlstrom when it opened in fall 1985. SAN MARCOS CISD On May 15, the board of trustees unanimously approved Cynthia Rinehart as San Marcos High School’s new principal. The board also approved Marlyn Young as Miller Middle School’s new principal. HAYS CISD Following Superintendent Eric Wright’s recommendation and board action May 22, Lehman High School will see a new academic dean, Brad Lancaster, and Hays High School will see a new assistant principal, Claudia Vasquez. SAN MARCOS CISD The board of trustees held a special meeting June 5 to discuss the agenda for its upcoming meeting. There will be a public hearing to discuss the district’s proposed tax rate and proposed budget for the 2023- 2024 school year June 20. Hays CISD will meet June 20 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the Historic Buda Elementary Campus, 300 San Marcos St., Buda 512-268-2141 • www.hayscisd.net San Marcos CISD will meet June 20 and Aug. 1 at 6 p.m. at San Marcos High School, 2601 Rattler Road, San Marcos 512-393-6700 • www.smcisd.net MEETINGS WE COVER NUMBER TO KNOW This is the cost from the Hays CISD 2021 Bond to go toward replacing damaged hand wash station countertops at Fuentes and Hemphill elementary schools. $504,750

Pay increase set for SMCISD teachers and nurses SAN MARCOS CISD Teachers and nurses in the school district are get- ting a 3% pay increase after the board of trustees approved the increases May 15. INCREASES IN TEACHER SALARIES Teachers and nurses will receive a 3% pay increase for the 2023-2024 school year. Years with SMCISD 2022-23 Annual salary 2023-24 Annual salary with 3% increase 3% Salary increase with longevity

5 years 6 years 7 years 8 years

$54,488 $54,888 $55,288 $55,688

$56,238 $56,639 $57,038 $57,438

$56,378 $56,922 $57,465 $58,012

What happened: Trustee Anne Halsey motioned to increase teacher salaries by 4% and increase the longevity plan for all sta, not just teachers, which was seconded by newly elected Trustee Jessica Cain. But Halsey’s motion raised a concern among the board due to the nancial impact it would pose to the district’s budget. “I’m for giving the pay raise to the teachers with the longevity; I don’t have a problem with that part; it’s doing it across the board that’s putting a big question mark as to what the bottom line is going to be,” board President Clementine Cantu said. Chief of Human Resources E. Dale Contract approved for turf replacement SAN MARCOS CISD The board of trustees unanimously approved a contract with Paragon Sports Constructors for eld turf replace- ment at Rattler Stadium and the track practice eld. The contract approval comes days after voters approved the district’s $166 million bond. The turf replace- ment is funded through the bond’s Proposition B and is expected to cost no more than $984,563. “We want to go ahead and move

NOTE: THIS IS A NONCOMPREHENSIVE LIST OF TEACHER SALARIES.

SOURCE: SAN MARCOS CISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Mitchell said any salary increase with a longevity plan would be a $235,345 cost increase for teachers and nurses. But Mitchell did not have an estimate for Halsey’s proposal. Halsey amended her motion to give all sta a 4% additional pay increase in addition to teachers and nurses, who would receive a longevity incen- tive based on the scale presented by

Original Hays CISD spring break restored HAYS CISD The board of trustees amended its 2023-24 school calendar and restored its original spring break to March 11-15, 2024. According to board documents, Hays CISD preemptively adopted its 2023-24 school calendar in January, moving spring break to March 18-22 to match The University of Texas, under the guise that other campuses would follow suit. Board members said they were pleased with the new calendar. human resources. The board settled on a 3% raise but agreed to look into additional funding at a later date to get to the 4% point. Stay tuned: According to the district’s legal counsel, the board can amend pay increases until July 1. Education funding in the Texas Legislature could allow the district to amend pay.

Rattler Stadium is located at 2602 Rattler Road, San Marcos.

on it quick so that way we can have the turf installed before football season starts,” said Mike Doyle, the district’s director of state and federal programs. Paragon Sports Constructors is a Texas-based, family-owned sports construction company.

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News from San Marcos, Buda & Kyle CITY & COUNTY Revised police contract enacted in San Marcos

San Marcos City Council will meet June 20, July 18 at 6 p.m. 630 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos 512-393-8000 www.sanmarcostx.gov Kyle City Council will meet June 20, July 18 at 7 p.m. 100 W. Center St., Kyle 512-262-1010 • www.cityoyle.com Buda City Council will meet June 20 and July 18 at 6 p.m., 405 E. Loop St., Buda 512-312-0084 • www.budatx.gov Hays County Commissioners Court will meet June 20 and July 11 at 9 a.m. 111 E. San Antonio St., San Marcos 512-393-2205 www.hayscountytx.com MEETINGS WE COVER water main and a force main to the scope of work on the project. Construction began in October 2022 and consists of a berm—or ood wall structure—to mitigate ood waters that build up between River Road and the Blanco River during ood events. A relief channel is also planned to divert water downstream o of Hwy. 80 as part of the project. BUDA The Buda Economic Development Corp. entered into an agreement with the city of Buda to expand its oce within City Hall to accommodate growing sta May 16. According to agenda documents, the overall cost of the expansion will be $46,232 which will cover demolition, construction of two doors between the oces, wiring for electrical in two oces, paint, drywall repair in one oce and personnel furniture. NUMBER TO KNOW is the year-to- date amount of actual expenses for the city of San Marcos. The city had projected—and budgeted for—more than $108.9 million in expenses and received $63.70 million in actual revenues. $45.10 M HIGHLIGHTS SAN MARCOS The local state of disaster order issued in March 2020 will be terminated by June 30, according to a vote to lift it by City Council. The declaration provided authority for council to address public health and safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This declaration particularly gave renters in the community more leeway in rent payment delinquency, including a requirement that landlord’s provide tenants with 90-day notice prior to issuing a notice to vacate if that delinquency on rent payments was due to COVID-19-related issues. SAN MARCOS A change order for $1.98 million for the contractor conducting work on the Blanco Riverine Flood Mitigation project was approved May 16 to add a reclaimed

BY ERIC WEILBACHER

and the San Marcos Police Ocers’ Association brought forth a new meet and confer agreement after the former contract was repealed in February, following a petition eort led by local activist group Mano Amiga and a Feb. 7 City Council vote. • That eort pushed ve reform proposals to increase police over- sight and transparency, including ending a 180-day rule preventing ocer discipline eorts after that time frame, ending delays of interviews for misconduct investigations and more. The takeaway: Council members discussed both the progress made in the new agreement and also griev- ances with the way the whole process played out. “I think this is a fair agreement. I really do,” Council Member Mark Gleason said. “And I think both sides got some things they wanted and some things that they didn’t.” Gleason was referring to the sugges- tion that Mano Amiga has stated it will push to repeal the contract again, this time to revoke the meet and confer proceedings and place police ocers under the same provisions in state law that other city sta—with the excep- tion of reghters—are hired under. Garza outlined several reasons for

A NEW CONTRACT While many of the reforms pushed by activists that brought a repeal of the September police contract remain elusive, the new contract has the following updated provisions: 1 Arbitration will be limited in disciplinary appeals compared to civil service law. 2 A new performance review system for promotions will consider letters of reprimand. 3 Livestreaming of negotiation meetings is now allowed. 4 The new agreement spans June 8, 2023, to Sept. 30, 2026, and allows for a one-year extension. 5 Modications were made to a civil service 180-day rule during which the police chief must conclude disciplinary action.

SAN MARCOS After several months of negotiations, a new contract between the city and the San Marcos Police Ocers’ Association was approved May 16. The vote passed council by a 6-1 vote with Council Member Alyssa Garza providing the dissenting vote. The context: This comes after months of negotiations between the city and police association along with a successful citizens petition eort to revoke a previously approved meet and confer contract approved in September. • That contract would have been in place through September 2025. • Three months of negotiations between the city of San Marcos

“I want to focus on how we move forward. It doesn’t mean that because this agreement goes into place that there’s still not work to be done. ... [We’re] committed to open dialogue with our community members.” CITY MANAGER STEPHANIE REYES WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

SOURCE: CITY OF SAN MARCOS COMMUNITY IMPACT

choosing to vote against the con- tract, including the way the process transpired, she said. “Instead of having a dialogue to ensure our neighbors, all our neighbors on either side, had a fuller understanding of the contract and the process to learn from each other, ... all of this could have been avoided with open dialogue,” she said.

Kyle Urgent Care site plan approved

Residents aected by development to hear from city on relocation

Properties condemned Six homes within Quail Ridge Drive will be displaced by the new road.

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

KYLE A site plan was approved for a Kyle Urgent Care cen- ter that will be located at 4580 S. FM 1626 on May 16. The Kyle Planning and Zoning Commission voted 6-0 to approve the site plan, which is zoned for an urgent care facility and restaurant. According to agenda docu- ments, the urgent care facility will be 3,000 square feet, and the restaurant will be about 2,000 square feet. The next step in the process will be for building permits to be reviewed and approved.

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

150

KYLE Quail Ridge residents who will be displaced by the Limestone Creek development were mailed relocation letters May 5. The background: The communica- tion with residents comes nearly two months after the council approved the development agreement. The residents reside in Council Member Yvonne Flores-Cale’s District 2. The city of Kyle will receive $135,000 for consulting costs related to the acquisition of property relating to the Limestone Creek Development from

QUAIL RIDGE DR.

SOURCE: CITY OF KYLECOMMUNITY IMPACT

the developer, Meritage Homes of Texas LLC. What’s next: Relocation specialists will make phone calls to set up the initial visits with the aected property owners.

SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION • JUNE 2023

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HEALTH CARE SNAPSHOT

Local health care data and information

COMPILED BY ERIC WEILBACHER

HOW HEALTHY IS YOUR COUNTY?

HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE BY COUNTY Nearly 1,000 new health care and social assistance industry employment jobs were added in Hays County from September 2020-September 2022.

These rankings of all counties statewide are updated annually but include data from previous years. The factors listed are not comprehensive.

Primary care physicians, 2022 Profession count

HEALTH OUTCOMES INCLUDE:

HAYS COUNTY

Per 100,000 residents

County rank statewide

• LENGTH OF LIFE • QUALITY OF LIFE , such as the number of poor mental and physical health days reported

165

2023 STATEWIDE HEALTH CARE RANKINGS OUT OF 244 RANKED COUNTIES

HEALTH FACTORS INCLUDE:

Sept. 2020 Sept. 2021 Sept. 2022 HEALTH CARE EMPLOYMENT TRENDS Health care and social assistance industry employment 2-year change +15.01%

• HEALTHBEHAVIORS , such as smoking, obesity, physical activity, excessive drinking, alcohol-impaired driving deaths, sexually transmitted infections and teen births • CLINICALCARE , including health insurance coverage; number of physicians, dentists and mental health providers; preventable hospital stays; and u vaccinations • SOCIOECONOMICFACTORS , such as educational attainment levels, children in poverty, income inequality and violent crimes • PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT FACTORS , such as air pollution, drinking water violations, housing problems and long commutes

HEALTH OUTCOMES

7 5

Length of life Overall Quality of life

HEALTH FACTORS

9 12 25 15

Overall

Health behaviors

Socioeconomic Physical environment Clinical care

SOURCES: ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON FOUNDATION, UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN POPULATION HEALTH INSTITUTE, COUNTYHEALTHRANKINGS.ORG, U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS, TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICESCOMMUNITY IMPACT

153

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