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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
VOLUME 12, ISSUE 7 NOV. 7 DEC. 9, 2022
Hays County and Travis County are at odds over the future of the SH 45 road project that could create an I-35 alternative. The project could help alleviate tra c on I-35 as the Hays County population continues to grow. tied up Traffic 2020 By 2050 the population in Hays County is projected to increase by 209.5% 241,067
SMFD breaks ground on training facility
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HOLIDAY GUIDE 2022
746,149
2050
Holiday gift guide
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VOLUNTEER GUIDE 2022
of Hays County residents commute to Austin
for work. 40%
Volunteer opportunities
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20%
of commuter students at Texas State University are from Austin.
If found to be feasible and bene cial, the SH 45 road project could alleviate tra c for those traveling to and from Austin and Buda. (Zara Flores/Community Impact)
SOURCES: HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, U.S. CENSUS BUREAU COMMUNITY IMPACT
Hays, Travis counties spar over potential SH 45 road project With the Austin metro poised as one of the areas with the most growth between 2020-21, accord- ing to the U.S. Census Bureau, the in ux of residents is only adding to the rush hour tra c; and with the majority of cities in Hays County dubbed “bedroom communities,” local leaders are searching for ways to add more infrastructure to the area to meet capacity needs. Hays and Travis counties signi - cantly increased in population over the course of a decade at 53% and 25% growth, respectively, accord- ing to the U.S. Census Bureau. Major corporations, such as Tesla and Sam- sung, have also relocated, opting for an Austin-area ZIP code, attracting potential employees to the area. The rising population has led to an increase in developments and infrastructure throughout Central Texas to accommodate the migration. To this end, some Hays County commissioners are pushing for the completion of the SH 45 road project that would create an I-35 alternative and redirect tra c onto MoPac. SH 45 sprawls from Buda to Cedar Park, traveling on the east side of I-35. The nearly 4-mile “gap” in ques- tion spans from FM 1626 in Manchaca CONTINUED ON 34 BY ZARA FLORES
Yoga for all levels at Wild Rice Studio
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Photography may include models or actors and may not represent actual patients. Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers or Baylor Scott & White Health ©2022 Baylor Scott & White Health. 53-ATX-670710-CIPrimaryCareAdGAR AM
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SAN MARCOS - BUDA - KYLE EDITION • NOVEMBER 2022
CROSSWINDSTEXAS.COM
We’re Getting Our
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Medicare Annual Election Period is October 15th-December 7th, the time of year to check your Medicare benefits!
Barajas Insurance Group Medicare Resource Center
At the Barajas Insurance Group, our goal is to simplify and individualize your insur- ance needs. We are licensed independent agents offering: • Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, Medicare Prescription Drug Plans • Affordable Care Act (ACA) • Group Health Insurance • Life & Final Expense Insurance
is an insurance agency with no government affiliation. We are now open for all your Medicare insurance needs.
2500 W. William Cannon Drive Bldg. 1, Ste. 101 Austin, TX 78745
We offer most Medicare plans available in this area. Now booking appointments for the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period in both English and Spanish with a local Austin licensed agent.
1-888-347-2278
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048) 24 hours a day/7 days a week to get information on all of your options.
Joe and Monique Barajas
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THIS ISSUE
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-plus localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes. MARKET TEAM GENERAL MANAGER Heather Demere EDITOR Eric Weilbacher REPORTER Zara Flores SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Rachal Elliott ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Adrian Martinez METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Travis Baker MANAGING EDITOR Wendy Sturges COPY EDITOR Andy Comer ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Lindsay Scott CONTACT US 16225 Impact Way, Ste. 1, P ugerville, TX 78660 • 512 989 6808 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 PODCAST communityimpact.com/podcast 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
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH
FROM TRAVIS: After our October edition of the San Marcos, Buda and Kyle paper was delivered to homes, we received several calls and emails about an advertisement that covered part of the front-page story. We appreciate hearing from readers and the advertiser in this case, and we understand the concern. The “sticky note” advertisement is an option o ered by our newspapers and many others. As we print the paper, the advertisement is placed on the covers by machine in the same spot whenever an advertiser purchases a sticky note. Some readers asked if this was our endorsement of the candidate. It was not. Community Impact does not endorse candidates, and the sticky note had the mandatory "paid for by" language as required by the Texas Ethics Commission. Others felt it was insensitive to have an advertisement on the front with the story. While our editorial and advertising departments work collaboratively, we write stories we feel are best for our readers without determining which advertisers will be on the page. With that said, we will have discussions as we plan stories for sensitive topics in our newspapers with the goal to always do better. Thank you for being a reader, an advertiser and a partner in these great communities. We will never take that for granted. Travis Baker, PUBLISHER
WE ARE THANKFUL FOR YOU THIS NOVEMBER Each year at this time, we launch our annual Community Impact Giving Campaign. It's an opportunity for our print and digital readers and podcast subscribers to learn more about our journalists and values behind the scenes. We hope once you do, you'll become a CI Patron by giving any one-time or monthly amount. Feel good knowing you're supporting our mission to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets.
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION • NOVEMBER 2022
IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
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for the new training facility located at 4710 Airport Hwy., San Marcos. The training center is being built to keep up with the growth in the city and will provide training sta with the space to practice new techniques in a safe environment. Phase 1 of the project is expected to be completed in 2023 and will feature a two-story residential structure for the training sta . 512-805-2660. 7 Santi’s Tacos , which was previously located at 201 S. LBJ Drive, San Marcos, opened in August inside The Aquarium on the Square at 126 S. Guadalupe St., San Marcos. Santi’s Tacos features a variety of taco styles, tortas, mini quesadillas, veg- etarian options and more. 512-256-1440. Facebook: Santi’s Tacos San Marcos EXPANSIONS Comfort-Air Engineering, Inc. and Primo Plumbing held a ribbon-cutting cere- mony Oct. 20 to celebrate its expansion of service into San Marcos, Buda and Kyle. The San Antonio-based company was founded in 1964 and o ers a variety of services for HVAC, such as repair, www.sanmarcostx.gov RELOCATIONS maintenance, replacement and installa- tion. Plumbing services are also o ered and include 24-hour emergency services, remodeling, leak detection and more. 210-987-5407. www.comfort-air.com ANNIVERSARIES 8 Christus Trinity Clinic , located at 1920 Corporate Drive, Ste. 208, San Marcos, celebrated its one-year anniver-
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NOW OPEN 1 The Aquarium on the Square , a maritime-themed bar, opened in August at 126 S. Guadalupe St., San Marcos. The Aquarium on the Square features signature “ sh bowl” drinks similar to its counterpart on Sixth Street in Austin, with shareable cocktail bowls for two, three, and four or more drinkers with sizes dubbed snapper, marlin and great white, respectively. 512-499-8003. www.aquariumonthesquare.com 2 Business & Community Lenders of Texas held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Nov. 3 at 302 W. Hopkins St., Ste. 3, San Marcos, to celebrate its new o ce. BCL is a U.S. Treasury Certi ed Development
Financial Institution and a Small Business Administration Certi ed Development Corporation with o ces in Austin and Dallas. BCL helps community members and business owners with homeowner- ship and entrepreneurship with an em- phasis on diversity, equity and inclusion. 512-383-0027. www.bcloftexas.org 3 The Native Blends opened in Sep- tember at 309 N. Edward Gary St., San Marcos. The Native Blends menu features a range of drinks from co ee and teas in a variety of avors and levels of ca eine as well as preworkout drinks for energy and protein-packed waes in avors, such as blueberry and banana nut. 512-210-8299. thenativeblendssmtx@gmail.com. 4 Texas Iowa Reclaimed opened a new location Oct. 14 at 9315 RR 12,
Wimberley. The company was founded by Juli Middleton and Emilie Crockett to provide home products using reclaimed wood and other materials. 512-277-4322. www.texasiowareclaimed.com 5 Daughter of the Wild , a boutique retailer, opened in September at 218 N. Guadalupe St., San Marcos. The store o ers a variety of handmade products, such as stone jewelry, pa- per products, vintage clothing and antiques as well as house plants. daughterofthewild@gmail.com. www.daughterofthewild.com COMING SOON 6 The San Marcos Fire Department held a groundbreaking ceremony Sept. 30
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COMPILED BY ZARA FLORES, CHRISTOPHER GREEN, SIERRA MARTIN & ERIC WEILBACHER
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San Marcos Fire Department
Boyhood Alley
Dr. Lacey Dupré’s acupuncture practice is expanding to o er new services at a new location.
COURTESY CITY OF SAN MARCOS
ERIC WEILBACHERCOMMUNITY IMPACT
ERIC WEILBACHERCOMMUNITY IMPACT
FEATURED IMPACT RELOCATION Dr. Lacy Dupré, who operated Lacy Dupré Acupuncture since September 2021 in San Marcos, has relocated and expanded the business to become J ade Seed Wellness , 300 S. CM Allen Parkway, Ste. A, San Marcos. A grand opening for the new space is slated for Dec. 3. In addition to the traditional and needle-free acupuncture practice, Dupré will bring on a massage therapist and a physical therapy chiropractor. While there will be a retail component featuring traditional Chinese medicine, botanical therapies and more, Dupré said
sary Oct. 5. The clinic has more than 20 physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners who provide pediatric and primary care services. The clinic also has extended evening and weekend hours. 512-396-3911. www.christushealth.org 9 Dos Gatos Kolache Bakery , located at 243 Wonder World Drive, San Marcos, will celebrate ve years of business in December. Brothers Seth and Chase Katz founded the rst location in 2009 and eventually expanded with a second. The Dos Gatos menu features Texas and Czech kolaches with avors, such as sausage and cheese, apple, poppy seed, and more. The Wonder World location also has a full co ee drink menu. 512-667-7400. www.dosgatoskolaches.com 10 Splash Coworking will be celebrat- ing its ve-year business anniversary in November. The shared working space
located at 326 N. LBJ Drive allows members of the San Marcos community to rent out desks or conference rooms to conduct business. 512-667-0492. www.splashcoworking.com COMMUNITY 11 The San Marcos City Council voted Sept. 20 to approve renaming the alley- way located at 120 E. San Antonio St. in downtown San Marcos to Boyhood Alley . The new name was proposed by the Lost River Film Festival and Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra’s o ce to pay tribute to the lm “Boyhood,” written and directed by Richard Linklater and released in 2014. The alleyway can be seen in shots used in the Oscar-nominated lm. 512-393-5930. www.visitsanmarcos.com/listing/ boyhood-alley/1010/
acupuncture will remain center stage. “Acupuncture is central to the wellness center. I’ll bring on other therapists as well as wellness classes and retail, but acupuncture is the main o ering,” Dupré said. 337-298-3852 www.jadeseedwellness.laceydupre.com
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MODELS OPEN DAILY!
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IMPACTS
Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding
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RENDERING COURTESY RUDY'S COUNTRY STORE & BBQ
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midcentury, modern and rustic furniture. www.fourhands.com COMING SOON 3 Forever Polished Nail Bar is set to open soon at 1949 Firecracker Drive, Ste 130, Buda, though an exact date is not yet known. The nail salon will o er a range of services from classic nail polish and gel polish manicures to nail extensions and pedicures. There will also be services for kids. Facebook: Forever Polished Nail Bar. 4 Northern Tool & Equipment is set to open Nov. 19 at 16290 S. I-35, Buda. The store is a new build at around 22,000 square feet. Northern Tool & Equipment was founded in 1981, and there are more than 100 stores in more than 20 states o ering products from a variety of brands for construction, car maintenance and more. www.northerntool.com 5 A new location of Pet Paradise is set to open in 2023 at 2361 Kohlers Crossing, Kyle, next to EVO Entertainment and Schlotzky’s. Pet Paradise is known for its veterinary clinic, animal boarding services for cats and dogs, grooming, and more. Most locations also have web cameras on-site, so owners can check in on their pets while away. www.petparadise.com 6 Providence Behavior Therapy is set to open a second location in December at 668 N. Main St., Ste. D, Buda. Provi- dence Behavior Therapy provides applied behavior analysis therapy, mental health and group therapy as well as speech-lan- guage therapy. All services o ered will be available in sign language. 512-200-2792. www.providencebehaviortherapy.com
7 The Kyle Planning and Zoning Com- mission approved a conditional-use permit Sept. 27 for the construction of a Rudy’s Country Store & BBQ at the corner of I-35 and Kohlers Crossing in Kyle. The new build will be around 8,350 square feet, though a construction and opening time- line is not yet known. Rudy’s is known for its array of barbecue o erings and sides, such as Rudy’s beans and jumbo smoked potato. www.rudysbbq.com 8 Teapioca Lounge will open a new location at 21150 I-35, Ste. C, Kyle, though an opening date is not yet known. Teapioca Lounge specializes in Taiwanese drinks and deserts, such as iced cream tea with tapioca pearls, hot tea, smoothies and more. The chain was founded in Cen- tral Texas in 2010 and now has locations throughout the state as well as Colorado and Oklahoma. www.teapiocalounge.com EXPANSIONS 9 Adventure ATX , located at 5500 FM 2770, Kyle, expanded in October and began o ering rooftop tent rentals and adventure packages with other local agencies, such as the Lower Colorado River Authority. Adventure ATX is known for its trailer rentals and o -road campers that can rig onto vehicles for camping, hunting, biking and more. adventureatxrentals@gmail.com. www.adventureatxrentals.com IN THE NEWS The Kyle Area Chamber of Commerce named Texas Disposal Systems as the
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NOW OPEN 1 Airstream of Austin held a ribbon cutting ceremony Oct. 20 to celebrate the new facility at 15855 S. I-35, Buda. The existing lot was demolished, and the RV retailer broke ground in September 2021 on the larger, upgraded facility that now has almost 20 shop bays. Air- stream of Austin sells new and used RVs in a range of sizes for smaller and larger groups. The shop also purchases used
RVs and takes in trades. 512-312-1478. www.airstreamofaustin.com 2 Four Hands Home signed a lease at Buda Midway, a seven-building industrial campus, located at 1795 Fire Cracker Drive, Buda, and began operations slow- ly in October. The new spaces at Buda Midway, at more than 300,000 square feet serve as the company’s distribution headquarters. Four Hands Home also has a showroom located at 2090 Wood- ward St., Austin, and specializes in
Are you or your child experiencing difficulties at school or at work? The professionals at Psychological Associates of Central Texas (PACT) offer a range of services to address your needs including comprehensive psychological assessments, independent educational evaluations (IEEs), psychological consultation, and therapy. PACT is currently offering either in-person or remote services throughout Central Texas. To schedule an appointment or to find out more information, please contact us either via our website www.pactpllc.com or via phone at 512-553-5388. 101 Uhland Rd., Suite 214 San Marcos, TX 78666 512-553-5388 Fax: 512-720-7344
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COMPILED BY ZARA FLORES & CHRISTOPHER GREEN
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Teapioca Lounge
Adventure ATX
Buda Place RV Resort is set to open Feb. 2023 on 30 acres of land in Buda.
COURTESY TEAPIOCA LOUNGE
COURTESY ADVENTURE ATX
COURTESY BUDA PLACE RV RESORT
FEATURED IMPACT COMING SOON Buda Place RV Resort is set to open in February 2023 at 5267 Hillside Terrace, Buda. Currently under construction, the resort sits on 30 acres of land and will have a variety of amenities to accommodate campers for di erent lengths of stay. There will be multiple camping areas throughout the property that highlight some of the amenities, such as the 5-acre lake that can be used for shing, paddle boarding and more. The property will also have a private swimming pool, an outdoor courtyard, large grass areas for lounging, and on-site bathrooms and showers t for
2022 Large Business of the year in Sep- tember. TDS was founded in 1977 and has o ces in Austin, San Antonio and more throughout Texas. Not only does TDS pro- vide residential and commercial waste col- lection, but they were also recognized for committing $1.5 million to the city’s He- roes Memorial Park that o cially opened in September. www.kylechamber.org
Williamson counties. The scholarships are awarded to students who seek an education in health care studies at a Texas university or college, and are awarded based on merit and need. Along with the nancial support, the scholarship also provides students with mentorship opportunities, mental health resources and additional academic support. Applications for the 2023 scholarship open in Novem- ber. www.stdavidsfoundation.org COMMUNITY 10 Jaywalkers Alcoholics Anonymous began hosting weekly meetings in Octo- ber at the Kyle AmVets building, located at 401 Veterans Drive, Kyle. The group is open to any individuals who are interest- ed in learning more about AA and the 12 steps to sobriety program. 512-557-0834.
those who are camping for a weekend, or are leading a nomadic lifestyle and traveling in an RV. Those interested in booking a spot at the resort can sign up on the website. Those interested in a long-term stay more than a month will need to call to make a reservation. 737-282-4162. www.budaplace.com
www.texasdisposal.com SCHOOL NOTES
St. David’s Foundation awarded schol- arships to seven high school students from Hays County, including Buda and Kyle, in September. The students received scholarships from the St. David’s Neal Kocurek Scholarship Fund, a large program within Texas and is provided to students within Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis and
HILLSIDE TERRACE
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION • NOVEMBER 2022
Hiring CNAs and Care Givers. Full-time shifts available from 2:00-10:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m $1,500 sign on bonus for Certified Nursing Aides and $500 for Caregivers Benefits, 401k, Health Insurance, Competitive Pay Apply at Marbridge.org/careers
Marbridge offers lifetime care to adults with cognitive and intellectual disabilities and provides them opportunities to learn, experience, and achieve a whole new life.
2310 Bliss Spillar Road Manchaca, Texas 78652
P: 512.735.2715 F: 512.282.3723
HHS license #146805, 146548, 147337
Kyle Holiday Happenings!
Veterans Day Parade November 12th starting at 12 pm Veterans Day Parade and festivities on Saturday, Nov. 12 starting at noon to honor local veterans. After the parade, participants and citizens are invited to attend the festivities at Mary Kyle Hartson Park. Santas Arrival December 1st from 4 - 9 p.m. Join us at Mary Kyle Hartson City Square Park for the official Kyle Kick off to the Holidays! Santa will be available for visiting and pictures, local choirs will be singing, and vendors will be supplying food, drinks, and great gift ideas. Santa Rides in Kyle December 13 - 15 from 6 - 9 p.m. The Kyle Police Department and Kyle Parks and Recreation Department are partnering to provide Santa Rides in Kyle. Children will have the opportunity to wave and see Santa as he rides through the City of Kyle visiting neighborhoods around town! 25 Days of Christmas December 1 - 25 The City of Kyle Parks and Recreation Department is celebrating the 25 Days of Christmas all month long at Mary Kyle Hartson Park, 101 S. Burleson St. Stop by for live music and local vendors and get in the holiday spirit! Visit CityofKyle.com/Calendar for more info!
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TO DO LIST
November & December events
COMPILED BY CHRISTOPHER GREEN
LIVE MUSIC BUCK’S BACKYARD 1750 S. FM 1626, Buda 512-312-9456 www.bucksbackyard.com NOVEMBER 11 Bobby Pounds, 9 p.m. 12 LC Rocks, 9 p.m. DECEMBER 02 Small Town Habit, 9:30 p.m. 03 Suede, 8 p.m. CHEATHAM STREET WAREHOUSE 119 Cheatham St., San Marcos 512-353-3777 www.cheathamstreet.com NOVEMBER 12 Slade Coulter, 8 p.m. 18 Braxton Keith, 8 p.m. 19 Treaty Oak Revival, 8 p.m. DECEMBER 09 Dallas Burrow, 8 p.m. 10 Carson Je rey, 8 p.m. THE MARC 120 E. San Antonio St., San Marcos 512-757-5443 www.themarcsm.com NOVEMBER 12 Bear Grillz, 8 p.m. 19 KAYZO x SWARM, 8 p.m. DECEMBER 08 KAIVON, 9 p.m. 10 Valentino Khan, 9 p.m. RILEY'S TAVERN 8894 FM 1102, New Braunfels 512-392-3123 www.rileystavern.com NOVEMBER 18 The Homebodies, 7 p.m. 19 Bakersfeild Texas, 9 p.m. 26 Roy Heinrich and the Pickups, 8 p.m.
NOV. 12
HONOR LOCAL VETERANS MARY KYLE HARTSON PARK
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ENJOY CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES CITY PARK, SAN MARCOS
The city of Kyle will host a Veterans Day Parade and festivities to honor local veterans. Citizens are invited to attend the festivities at Mary Kyle Hartson Park. The day will include live music, market vendors and activities. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Parade begins at noon. Free. 101 S. Burleson St., Kyle. 512-262-3939. www.cityo yle.com (Courtesy city of Kyle)
The annual Sights and Sounds returns this December to San Marcos. The event features carnival rides, games, Christmas spirits, a petting zoo and a food court and runs daily from 5:30-11 p.m. Free (children under age 12), $5. 170 Charles Austin Drive, San Marcos. www.sights-n-sounds.org (Zara Flores/Community Impact)
19 BID IN A SILENT AUCTION Buda United Methodist Church’s United Women in Faith is hosting the Craft Bazaar and Silent Auction. The event will feature shopping for donated items, a silent auction, a chili lunch and more. Buda United Methodist Church is accepting donations for the silent auction. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. 302 Elm St., Buda. 512-295-6981. www.budaumc.org/events 25 THROUGH 27 GET A HEAD START ON THE HOLIDAY SEASON The fourth annual Angels & Mistletoe Holiday Market will be hosted at the Embassy Suites by Hilton. The event will feature holiday decor, Christmas music, pictures with Santa and shopping. Vendors will be selling clothing, gifts, holiday and home decor, jewelry, photography, art, candles and more. First look preview party 5-8 p.m. (Nov. 25), 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Nov. 26), 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (Nov. 27). $15 (three-day shopping-only pass), $20 (three-day shopping pass and wine). 888-225-3427. 1001 E. McCarty Lane, San Marcos. www.eventbrite.com/e/ angels-mistletoe-holiday-market-2022
NOVEMBER 18 WALK AND ENJOY SAMPLES OF SPIRITS Buda is hosting the Holiday Sip n Stroll: Cheers to Tinseltown event. Patrons can go through downtown shops sampling spirits as well as menu items from restaurants in the downtown area. Ticket holders will receive a commemorative glass and a tote bag. Buda is accepting volunteers for the event. 5:30-9 p.m. $35. 303 Main St., Buda. 512-523-1075. www.downtownbudatx.com 19 RUN FOR A CAUSE The Bluebonnets Lions Club is hosting a 5K walk and run event in San Marcos to raise funds for local charities and youth programs. This event is on a rolling course on McCarty Lane with an elevation change of 85 feet. The top three male and female nishers in each age division will receive awards as follows: a turkey for rst place, a ham for second place and a pie for third place. The overall male and female winners and the male and female Masters winners (age 40 and over) will receive a turkey. 9 a.m. $30. 325 W. McCarty Ln., San Marcos. 512-787-0364. www.bluebonnetlions.org
DECEMBER 02 THROUGH 04
EXPERIENCE A WEEKEND
OF HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES For three days, Buda will host the 42nd annual Budafest downtown. The event will feature live music at the Buda Amphitheater, a craft and art market in the downtown greenbelt, and a night parade and reworks show along Main Street. On Dec. 2, Buda will host the downtown tree lighting event at 6:30 p.m. The parade will be held at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 3. The Vendor Market runs Dec. 3-4. Free. 512-295-7170. www.budafest.org 03 EXPERIENCE AN ALICE IN WONDERLAND ADVENTURE Team up to play through a series of immersive games in an “Alice in Wonderland”-themed event. Cluedupp Games, a geo-gaming events company, is hosting the one-day event in San Marcos with locations varying by game. Participants will team up and engage in an outdoor escape room-style experience and start anytime from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. $40 per team. www.cluedupp.com/products/ alice-san-marcos
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.
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION • NOVEMBER 2022
You don’t have to wait any longer to find the right spine specialist. Getting back to your daily life can start with one call to book a consultation for our comprehensive spine program. Call today to schedule with our multidisciplinary network of experienced neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons who specialize in spine surgery, pain management and rehabilitation at Ascension Texas. We answer your questions and connect the dots to help you find the treatment options and a recovery plan that are right for you. Minimally invasive options are available . Leading the way in spine care
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TRANSPORTATION UPDATES
COMPILED BY ERIC WEILBACHER
and River Road. The project is expected to mitigate drainage issues with a new stormwater drainage outfall to the Blanco River, according to the city of San Marcos. A sidewalk extension up to 10 feet wide along Uhland Drive is also planned along with an additional bus stop and upgrades to two existing bus stops. Timeline: March 2021-spring 2023 Cost: $6.54 million Funding sources: CDBG-DR, USHUD 3 Blanco Gardens drainage improvements To prevent ooding on the scale of the 2015 ood events in San Marcos, new underground and open channel storm- water improvements as well as plans to move electric lines underground are in the works, according to the city of San Marcos. New storm sewer systems along Conway Street, Barbara Drive and River Road are part of the plans. Inlets along River Road are also planned to connect to an existing parallel channel next to the Red Point Apartments to relieve existing storm systems and tie into water quality treatment methods, among other improvements to the neighborhood. Timeline: April 2022-fall 2024 Cost: $12.25 million Funding source: CDBG-DR, USHUD 4 Mobility I-35 River Ridge Parkway to Aquarena Springs Drive ramp work Northbound ramps between River Ridge Parkway and Aquarena Springs Drive along I-35 are nearing completion. New northbound entrance and exit ramps are being completed along with moving an existing entrance ramp south along I-35 were part of the project, according to the city of San Marcos. Northbound front- age road reconstruction along the areas where the ramps were built was also part of this project. An Advanced Funding Agreement between the city and the Texas Department of Transportation allowed for the inclusion of waterline and electric bore improvements. Timeline: January 2021-fall 2022 Cost: $555,400 Funding source: TxDOT
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Hays County o cials held a ribbon cutting Oct. 25. (Courtesy Hays County)
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FM 1626 & RM 967 improvements Hays County hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony Oct. 25 for the completion of the FM 1626 and RM 967 improve- ments project in Buda. The FM 1626 project included roadway expansions to four lanes and was completed in 2020. The most recent project included a continuous center turn lane that was added to RM 967 from Oak Forest Drive to FM 1626, a painted median from Ruby Ranch Road to Oak Forest Drive and drainage improvements. Funding for the RM 967 project came from several sources, according to the county, including the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization and the 2016 Hays County Road Bond.
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ONGOING PROJECTS 1 Academy Street and West Sessom Drive improvements Construction crews are still in the begin- ning stages of this drainage improvement project that stretches along West Sessom Drive at the intersection of LBJ Drive and winds up Academy Street to West Holland Street in San Marcos. Drainage improvements are being addressed as part of the city’s Drainage Master Plan projects, according to the city of San Marcos. Water and wastewater lines along Academy Street will be replaced, and sidewalks along Academy Street and Sessom Drive between Yale Street and Alamo Street will be reconstructed. Multimodal improvements for cyclists
and pedestrians at intersections along this stretch of roadway are also part of the project. Timeline: May 2022-spring 2024 Cost: $5.8 million Funding source: city of San Marcos 2 Uhland Road improvements Funded by the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, this project calls for full depth reconstruction of County Road and Uhland Road between I-35 and approximately 200 feet south of the intersection with Aquarena Springs Drive. A roundabout is included in this project at the intersection of Uhland Road
Timeline: fall 2021-fall 2022 Cost: $6.6 million (RM 967)
Funding sources: CAMPO, 2016 Hays County Road Bond, Texas Department of Transportation ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF OCT. 31. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT SBKNEWS COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM.
Now Enrolling! Pre-K2 through 8th Grade Call 512-847-9857 to schedule your visit. ststephenswimberley.org
Nurturing today for a better tomorrow Providing an enriching educational environment with intimate class sizes , we empower students to live authentically , think expansively , and serve selflessly .
13
SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION • NOVEMBER 2022
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
We have a new test where we are comparing the performance of these two technologies side by side.” -EH Does HESOLAR install batteries? “Yes, HESOLAR is a certified installer of the Tesla Powerwall. With the Tesla Powerwall, a solar pv system can continue to operate in the event of a power outage. The Powerwalls can be added now or retrofitted to a system in the future without replacing existing equipment. This year we added Tesla Powerwalls to the test array and will continue to make suggestions based on our findings.” -DH What makes HESOLAR different from their competitors? “We have many answers to that question. The most common feedback we get is that our customers value working directly with Derrick and I from start to finish. Customers also have our direct contact after installation. On the sales side, we don’t knock on doors and we don’t push the sell, we just educate. Behind the scenes is where we really differentiate ourselves. Derrick and I have been Master Electricians for over 10 years, and we’re NABCEP Certi- fied Solar Installation Professionals. We lead our team through the design, installation, and warranty of your system. We don’t subcontract our labor and we use the highest quality materials available. Below is a table we use to display the differences between HESOLAR and our competitors.” -EH
Every design. Every installation. By The Hoffman Brothers.
Q & A with the Hoffman Brothers
What exactly does HESOLAR Do? “The service we provide is a specialized form of electrical contracting. Derrick and I are second generation Master Electricians that grew up in the electrical industry. We’ve spent the last 10 years building on our skill-sets as Master Electricians specializing in solar power, energy storage, and electric vehicle charging. ” -Eric Hoffman Why are customers adding solar? “Saving money, back-up power capabilities, lowering their carbon footprint, energy independence... Ultimately, solar power allows customers to invest in their own energy needs. The cost of solar installation will be offset by savings gained on their electric bills. Additionally, the current Federal Tax Credit of 26% has motivated a lot of our customers to act now before the credit goes away.” - Derrick Hoffman How does the Tax Credit work? “The credit is factored on the entire system cost. It is currently at 26% and will ramp down to 22% next year. Homeowners should consult with a Tax Professional regarding applicability.” -DH Are all solar panels the same? “Not at all. Solar panels come in different colors, sizes, and quality. That’s why we created the HESOLAR Test Array. We are actively monitoring the top solar panels in the solar industry and specify our material based on the results. We are also testing leading inverter technologies.” -DH
SALESMAN SOLAR
HESOLAR
Local
Not Often
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Salesmen On-Site Master Electrician
(NO, we sell direct)
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On-Site NABCEP Professional
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Subcontract Labor Premium Materials
Often Not Often Not Often Not Often Not Often Not Often
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Solar Panel 25 Yr Warranty Solar Inverter 25 Yr Warranty Workmanship 25 Yr Warranty Module Level Monitoring
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Any advice for homeowners ready to go solar? “Be careful with sales companies knocking on doors and advertising bogus claims on social media like Facebook. Their goal is to get in your house and convince you to make a rush decision. Our advice is to politely close the door. Don’t rush this purchase, take your time and do your research. Craftsmen don’t find you, you find us.” -EH
The HESOLAR Test Array video is available at hesolarllc.com
What are inverters? “The inverter converts the solar panel’s DC voltage to an AC voltage. Solar consumers will have a choice between Microinverters and DC-Optimized String Inverters. Microinverters convert the DC to AC under the solar panel. A DC-Optimized string inverter manipulates the DC voltage under the solar panel and then sends it to an inverter near the electrical service.
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PAID ADVERTISEMENT BY HESOLAR
14
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
DEVELOPMENT UPDATES
Developments underway in Hays County
COMPILED BY ZARA FLORES & ERIC WEILBACHER
RENDERING COURTESY EASTGROUP PROPERTIES
ZARA FLORES COMMUNITY IMPACT
RENDERING COURTESY CITY OF KYLE
STONEFIELD 35 Real estate investment rm EastGroup Properties broke ground on an industrial park called Stone eld 35 on Sept. 12 at the corner of Robert S. Light Boulevard and I-35 in Buda. Sitting on a 21-acre lot of land, the project will consist of three rear-loaded industrial buildings totaling just over 275,000 square feet. The three buildings will vary in square footage with the smallest sitting at 53,232 square feet and the largest sitting at 148,223. The last building will be 74,104 square feet. “We are excited about the long-term growth and potential of the larger Austin metro area and even more excited about the high growth we are seeing in the Hays County/Buda submarket,” said EastGroup Properties Vice President David Hicks. EastGroup aims to capitalize on the geographical location of Buda along I-35 and at one corner of the Texas Triangle and its nearby port city that is a major distribution route for domestic, interstate and international goods. The location of Stone eld 35 will also have direct and quick access to north- and southbound I-35. Space: 275,559 square feet Timeline: September 2022-mid-2023
TXB Convenience store chain TXB, which stands for “Texas born,” broke ground on its 68th store Oct. 25 at 145 Lehman Road, Kyle. The chain, formerly known as Kwik Check, has stores throughout the state as well as a handful of stores in Oklahoma. “When we decided to create the new brand, TXB, we wanted to accentuate our roots in Texas. … Our mission, as a company, is to leave them better. Our intent is to leave our customers, our communities and our employees better o than when they knew us before,” TXB CEO Kevin Smartt said. In addition to the groundbreaking, TXB leadership presented a $5,000 check to Court Appointed Special Advocates of Central Texas. “Our ultimate goal is to provide a trained CASA advocate to every child in foster care, so this donation will certainly help us to get closer and closer to that goal,” CASA Community Engagement Coordinator Jade Dimitri said. The store itself will be around 6,000 square feet with a patio, and there will be an additional 7,000 square feet for the fuel canopy outside. Space: 13,489 square feet Timeline: October 2023-May 2023
BUILDERS FIRSTSOURCE The nation’s largest manufacturer and supplier of building materials, Builders FirstSource, will relocate its lumber yard and building supply distribution facility from Buda to a larger facility in Kyle, according to a statement from the city of Kyle Department of Economic Development. The 47,000-square foot project will be located along I-35 and will focus on supplying residential construction projects along the I-35 corridor between Austin and San Antonio. Construction of the building is set to begin in the rst quarter of 2023. Rail spur work has already begun at the site. “Hays County was the perfect launchpad for Builders FirstSource, and the company’s strategic decision to remain in Hays County during this growth underscores the region’s attributes that continue to set companies up for success,” said Jason Giulietti, president and CEO of the Greater San Marcos Partnership. A performance-based grant agreement was approved by the Kyle City Council on Nov. 1. About 40 new jobs and an investment of $16 million in the region are
anticipated from the project. Space: 47,000 square feet Timeline: January-July 2023
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We invite you to join Hope Hospice and friends for a special tree lighting event in honor of loved ones lost. 37th Annual Tree of Lights Tuesday, December 6th at 5:30 p.m. New Braunfels Marketplace For more information visit, www.hopehospice.net or call 830.625.7525
Christmas Carols Cookie Decorating Crafts Hot Chocolate Photos with Santa
15
SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION • NOVEMBER 2022
Hello, Austin! Texas Children’s Hospital is set to make its biggest impression yet on the state capital.
Opening February 2024! Our state-of-the-art facility, Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus , will be led by the finest pediatric and women’s faculty in the nation. We’ve grown to more than 20 locations offering pediatric, urgent care and specialty care services to the Austin community and we won’t stop there.
At Texas Children’s, the difference is life changing. Come see why at texaschildrensaustin.org.
Bringing the best to Austin Now ranked #2 in the nation
Meet our Leadership
Mark A. Wallace President and Chief Executive Officer Texas Children’s Hospital Tenure: 33 years
Michael A. Belfort, MD, PhD OB/GYN In-Chief at Texas Children’s Hospital & Chair of OB/GYN at Baylor College of Medicine Tenure: 12 years
Lara Shekerdemian, MD Pediatrician In-Chief at Texas Children’s Hospital & Chair of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine Tenure: 12 years
Larry H. Hollier Jr., MD Surgeon In-Chief & Chair of Surgery at Texas Children’s Hospital Tenure: 24 years
Thierry A.G.M. Huisman, MD Radiologist In-Chief & Chair of Radiology at Texas Children’s Hospital Tenure: 4 years
Jeffrey S. Shilt, MD Community In-Chief at Texas Children’s Hospital & Medical Director of the Motion Analysis Lab Tenure: 6 years
James Versalovic, MD, PhD Pathologist In-Chief & Chair of Pathology at Texas Children’s Hospital Tenure: 21 years
Huda Y. Zoghbi, MD Research In-Chief at Texas Children’s Hospital & Distinguished Service Professor at Baylor College of Medicine Tenure: 34 years
Dean B. Andropoulos, MD Anesthesiologist In-Chief & Chair of Anesthesiology at Texas Children’s Hospital Tenure: 25 years
Edward P. Buchanan, MD Chief Surgical Officer at Texas Children’s Hospital Austin Tenure: 11 years
Bryan Vartabedian, MD Chief Medical Officer at Texas Children’s Hospital Austin Tenure: 31 years
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18
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
STATEWIDE EDUCATION School districts struggle with state funding due to COVID-19’s effect on daily attendance rates
FUNDING EDUCATION IN TEXAS
Texas is one of six states that funds schools based on attendance rates, alongside California, Idaho, Kentucky, Mississippi and Missouri. Texas schools receive per-student funding under the basic allotment. This is based on average daily attendance, or the number of students in attendance on average. Nearly 433,000 students were uncounted during the 2020-21 school year, or about 8% of all Texas students. Nearly 300,000 students were uncounted during the 2021-22 school year. Schools earn $6,160 per student. If adjusted for inflation, the basic allotment could be at least $7,100 . Texas is behind the national average for student funding by over $4,000 .
BY HANNAH NORTON
Every Texan. Roughly 433,000 were uncounted during the 2020-21 school year, or about 8% of all students in Texas. The basic allotment also is not adjusted for inflation. With inflationary adjustments, the basic allotment should reach at least $7,100, according to Raise Your Hand Texas, a public policy organization focused on public education. School districts also receive funding from local property tax rates. Bob Popinski, the senior director of policy for RYHT, said lawmakers need to continue to invest in public schools, even when property taxes increase. Last biennium, the state saved about $5 billion due to property tax hikes. Popinski said that money was used to fund other programs across Texas. “A big chunk of it did not go back into public education,” Popinski said. “[And] our contention is that any kind of savings to the state due to local [property] value increases needs to be pumped back into public education through increases in the basic allotment or funding for other public education programs.” During the first year of the pandemic, the TEA funded schools based on attendance and enrollment estimates made before the pandemic. As districts began to shift to more in-person instruction during the 2021-22 school year, officials issued an opera- tional minutes adjustment, which excluded periods with low attendance rates from districts’ averages. However, the adjustment was only in effect for the first two-thirds of the school year. During the latter portion of the year, average daily attendance rates were calculated normally. The TEA reported that schools were not held harmless for enrollment declines last school year. After the operational minutes adjustment ended, Pflugerville ISD’s attendance rates hovered around 92%. The district missed out on approximately $1 million during the last 12 weeks of the 2021-22 school year, Land said.
Pflugerville ISD lost roughly $1 million during the last 12 weeks of the 2021-22 school year, officials said. The district serves about 25,000 students, but due to gaps in attendance, it only received funding for 23,000 students, Pflugerville ISD chief communi- cations officer Tamra Spence said. These gaps were primarily fueled by COVID-19 cases and students who participated in classes remotely. Because Texas public schools are financed based on attendance rates, many districts across the state faced similar issues. Schools receive per-student funding under the basic allotment. This is based on average daily attendance, or the number of students in attendance on average. Average daily attendance is calculated by finding the sum of attendance counts throughout the school year and dividing that by the number of days that schools are required to be open, according to the Texas Education Agency. Schools then earn $6,160 per student who meets the average daily attendance threshold. If a student is absent, they are not counted for the day. If a student is frequently absent, they are not counted at all, in terms of funding, according to the TEA. But day-to-day school operations do not change when students are absent, officials said. “We don’t pay teachers based on the number of kids or percentage of kids who come to school for a day; teachers don’t prepare lessons assuming that only 92% of the kids are going to be there,” said Jennifer Land, Pflugerville ISD’s chief financial officer. “We still have to prepare and fund and act as though we’re going to have 100% of our students at school every day.” Land also serves as the board president for the Texas Association of School Business Officials, a nonprofit organization that supports public school officials. Nearly 300,000 students were uncounted during the 2021-22 school year, according to policy nonprofit
SOURCES: EDUCATION WEEK, EVERY TEXAN, RAISE YOUR HAND TEXAS/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Attendance rates are now around 94%, a 4 percentage-point decrease from prepandemic levels. Land said she thinks this is the new normal, because parents and administrators are more aware of viral illnesses and the importance of increased caution to keep students healthy. Texas is one of just six states that funds schools based on attendance rates, alongside California, Idaho, Kentucky, Mississippi and Missouri. According to Every Texan, there are four methods commonly used to fund schools based on enroll- ment: average daily membership, single count days, enrollment periods and multiday counts. The most common method, average daily membership, is used in 23 states. Villanueva said it is similar to Texas’ existing funding model. In this case, enrollment is recorded throughout the year and used to determine district-by-district funding. Two bills in favor of enrollment-based fund- ing—Senate Bill 728 and House Bill 1246—were filed during the 87th Texas Legislature, which occurred in 2021. But despite support from bipartisan lawmakers and educators across the state, neither bill received a hearing or reached the chamber floors. The 88th Texas Legislature begins in January.
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SAN MARCOS - BUDA - KYLE EDITION • NOVEMBER 2022
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