“This fair is one of our most important outreach events of the year,” said Mike Jones, Hays County Office of Emergency Services director. “Our goal is to give residents the tools, skills and confidence to handle emergencies of all kinds. Prepared communities are resilient communities.”

This free, family-friendly event brings together emergency responders, community partners and local vendors to help residents prepare for natural or man-made disasters. Attendees can enjoy hands-on training, safety demonstrations, preparedness resources, food, raffles, live entertainment and the popular Top Dawg Chili Cook-Off.

Jones underscored the value of connecting residents with the people who serve them.

“It’s not just about learning preparedness skills — it’s about meeting the first responders who work every day to keep our county safe,” he said. “This fair gives families a chance to interact with the teams, equipment and resources that support our community during critical moments.”

Safety demonstrations at the event will include:

• Stop the Bleed

• Hands-only CPR

• Fire extinguisher training

• Recognizing heat stroke and exhaustion

• How to build a personalized emergency go-kit

Emergency vehicles and equipment will be on display throughout the day, allowing guests to explore fire engines and rescue units and speak directly with first responders.

The fair will also highlight participation from numerous preparedness partners, including the Kyle Police Department, San Marcos-Hays County EMS, Community Emergency Response Team and others.

The Top Dawg Chili Cook-Off returns for its fourth year and is open to the public. For a $20 donation, wristband holders can sample chili from competing teams and vote for their favorite. Proceeds benefit the Hays County Fire Chiefs Association, supporting firefighter training and replacing equipment lost during wildfire responses.

“Come enjoy great chili, while helping fund critical tools and training for our fire departments,” Jones said. “This year’s fair is bigger, more interactive and designed for the whole community.”

For more information, visit www.haysinformed.com/preparednessfair or follow the event on Facebook at bit.ly/4aauR6T.

Arrieta brings 15 years of head coaching experience in Texas, including the past five years as the head boys and girls wrestling coach at Pieper High School in San Antonio. During his tenure at Pieper, Arrieta built the girls wrestling program into a consistent State contender, stated a news release, and his teams recorded top-five State finishes in each of the last three seasons and earned five top-10 State finishes overall.

In recognition of his success, Arrieta was named the 2025 Girls Wrestling Coach of the Year by the Texas High School Coaches Association. He also earned three district coach of the year honors and two regional coaching awards during his career.

In addition to coaching, Arrieta will teach principles of audio/video production, audio/video production and animation I and II at DSHS.

Arrieta earned a bachelor’s degree in English and American Literature from the University of Texas at El Paso and a master’s degree in Instructional Technology from Full Sail University.

The program will cover Alzheimer’s, stigma reduction, family support and how routine, structured care and purposeful engagement improve quality of life. Attendees can expect interactive activities and guided discussion designed to help residents experience daily success within a supportive setting.

“Brain health is something every family deserves to understand, not just navigate,” said Lili Kiel, activities director of Alexis Pointe. “This talk gives our community a space to ask questions, learn what’s possible with thoughtful care and walk away feeling more informed and less alone.”

Alexis Pointe is located at 14390 Ranch Road 12, Wimberley. For more information on the senior living community, visit ​​bit.ly/4v3Qazi.

This follows council member Ana Grace Husted’s motion to appoint Geoffrey Tahuahua as mayor pro tem for a one-year term at the previous meeting, held May 19, with a nearly unanimous vote, except for council member Taline Manassian, who has served as mayor pro tem for multiple terms. The appointment is a requirement for the governing body — as Husted was newly elected to the dais — at its first meeting or soon thereafter.

Two weeks later at its next meeting, another item, sponsored by council member Sherrie Parks, was brought forward to reconsider the motion.

“After our last meeting, we rushed through the last item super fast and no discussion was held and, upon reflection, I thought it was super important to have a discussion about who we appoint as mayor pro tem,” Parks said.

She added that she is appreciative that Tahuahua is willing to step up to serve in the position, but she has concerns about the various responsibilities he has on his plate, including the Hays County judge race, his job and family.

Tahuahua shared that, despite his busy schedule, he wanted to fill that role for the reason that he was elected: to put forth change.

The word “change” was then echoed by Husted, who explained that’s what constituents in both the city limits and extraterritorial jurisdiction want to see. One of the ways that can be accomplished is by looking at the leadership roles on city council, she added.

“... When I made the motion for Geoffrey, I want to make it clear that in no way was I disrespecting mayor pro tem Manassian. I think she has done a wonderful job over the years and has served the role greatly, but I do think in the natural progression of any position serving in it for a certain amount of time, you almost peak in your effectiveness to do that job. In my mind, six years, I think at that point, it's time to see new fresh leadership in that position and that’s step one in sort of enacting the change that we've heard from citizens that we want to see.”

Mayor Bill Foulds clarified that the mayor pro tem does work closely with him in that role, but does not have any more authority, power or access than the rest of city council. According to the American Legal Publishing Code Library, the mayor pro tem performs the duties of the mayor during their absence or inability to do so.

Foulds added that just because someone is in that role for six years, that doesn’t mean that it’s time to move on.

As for the initial motion to have Tahuahua as mayor pro tem, Foulds felt like the recommendation was not in the best interest of the city, while also noting that it would be harder for them to work together and sharing concerns of potential conflict.

“I want to have separation and transparency. I feel like I have more separation, more transparency and more respect from the citizens by having Taline or someone else sitting up here with me,” the mayor said. “There is a lot of mumbling in the city that will make it harder, I think, to go with Mr. Tahuahua.”

Then, Manassian voiced the opposition she had when Husted was running to be on city council, questioning her ability to remain independent, as she currently works for Tahuahua.

“So, we now have two lobbyists for builders and contractors on this body and one of them works for the other and that causes me tremendous concern for us as a city and I think it compromises our integrity,” she said.

Tahuahua confirmed that he and Husted are colleagues — comparing the situation to Manassian having other partners inside of her law firm. While there are questions that were raised of potential conflict to remain independent, Tahuahua said that could be said for conversations between any of the council members and not just those between him and Husted.

Council member Travis Crow, who seconded the initial motion, shared that he has been “disappointed with the city, with the way we are heading” and in order to best serve the citizens, there needs to be a better working relationship to move forward.

“Ana Grace was elected by the public,” Crow said. “They made a choice and I respect that. I might not like that you and Geoffrey work together, but I have to have faith that y’all will not go behind the scenes and you will do the right thing because that’s your job.”

He added that having these difficult conversations is important and the individual council members should not take them personally: “I don’t want us all to agree all the time because I don’t think we serve the city all agreeing.”

Husted then echoed Crow’s points, sharing that she is her own person and the priorities that she has for the city — of which were in her candidacy during the May election — did not overlap with her day job. However, Husted said, if there was anything that came before council on an agenda that she or others felt like were a conflict of interest, she would excuse herself.

“I have been involved with the city for over two years now. I've been attending city council meetings. I've been attending multiple committee meetings. I've already been [having] conversations with staff about ideas that I have and I do care for the community. So, I resent the claim that I'm only here because of the will of someone else and because I don't care about this community,” she emphasized. “I'm excited to be here. I'm excited to work. I think I've already proven that. I don't think I need to prove it any further. And it disappoints me that those feelings are still alive because like Travis said, I hope that now that I'm here, we would have the trust in each other to drop that and continue to move forward and and work for what we're elected for, which is what is best for the citizens here.”

With a motion to reconsider on the table, Husted said that she would support Parks to be mayor pro tem if the mayor felt comfortable working with her.

The mayor explained that he works with Parks a lot and while he has a “great deal of respect” for her, he felt like it would be better to continue the relationship with Manassian because she brings a completely different point of view.

“[Parks] and I tend to be more on the same page and I think having [Manassian] balance that out keeps me a little bit in checkmate,” Foulds said. “I think that's a good thing and that would be my only reservation.”

Council unanimously voted to reconsider the motion for mayor pro tem.

Then, ultimately, council voted 3-2, with Tahuahua and Husted opposed, to appoint Manassian to serve as mayor pro tem for a one-year term.

Road maintenance

From 2022 to 2026, the city’s Maintenance Department has been completing annual mill and overlay — a resurfacing process for asphalt roads — projects related to the five-year maintenance plan. Prior to that, the city did not have a lot of “preventative maintenance,” explained Riley Sublett, maintenance director, before city council.

Sublett stated that the previous five-year plan, up to 2026, has been completed with the following projects and contractual, or budgeted, numbers:

•   Fiscal year 2022 at $160,000: Mercer Street

•   FY 2023 at $541,000: Sportsplex Drive

•   FY 2024 at $474,000: Old Highway 290, Bonnie Drive, Judy Drive and Retha Drive

•   FY 2025 at $586,000: Post Oak Drive, Roanoak Drive and Butler Ranch Road

•   FY 2026 at $635,000 (budgeted and in progress): Rob Shelton Boulevard and Rambo Lodge parking lot

“As we wait for roadways to be fixed, the more we wait, the more expensive it gets,” Sublett said. “The reason why this is important is the more we wait and the more we push off maintenance, the more money we are going to be spending.”

The new five-year roadway maintenance plan for 2027 through 2031 will include the following projects:

•   FY 2027: Grand Prairie Circle, Grand Prairie Circle (loop) and Goodnight Trail

•   FY 2028: Broken Lance Drive

•   FY 2029: Oak Springs Drive, Bob White Cove, Springlake Drive and entrance of Founders Ridge

•   FY 2030: Neighborhood streets in The Woods, Springwood, Blue Ridge and Hidden Springs, along with Arrowhead Boulevard

•   FY 2031: Neighborhood streets in Founders Ridge, Legacy Trails and Cortaro, along with Sports Park Road, Sportsplex Drive, EMS Drive and Peabody Place

The majority of the projects will include mill and overlay and spot repairs, specifically for 2027-2029. The total estimated budget for the new maintenance plan is $3,004,000 and is broken up as follows for each year: $664,000 for 2027, $727,000 for 2028, $750,000 for 2029, $453,000 for 2030 and $410,000 for 2031.

Crow said that the city took an active role in saying it would repair these roads because they were neglected for a long time, so a five-year plan was created in order to budget annually for the projects.

However, he shared that the city may need to extend the plan to seven years as a cost-saving measure.

“That’s kind of the whole point of preventative maintenance, is to keep us out of this position … We were doing $4 per [square] yard and if we wait five years, now we are doing $40 a square yard for mill and overlay,” Sublett responded.

Ultimately, council unanimously approved the five-year roadway maintenance plan for 2027-2031.

Dripping Springs City Council meets next at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 16.

The event, one of Hill Country Rally's largest fundraisers of the year, designated Foster Village as the beneficiary of proceeds generated from the competition.

"This event only is benefiting the people here at Foster Village," said Ross Van Burkleo, chairman of the board for Hill Country Rally for Kids.

Founded nearly 20 years ago, Hill Country Rally began as a small effort by car and motorcycle enthusiasts who wanted to provide tennis shoes for boys living at the Burke Center in Driftwood. Since then, the organization has grown into a nonprofit that supports children's charities throughout the Texas Hill Country.

"In 2027, we'll celebrate our 20th anniversary," Van Burkleo said. "We're close to scratching $2 million in 20 years. We're so blessed."

This year's beneficiary, Foster Village, was founded a decade ago in Dripping Springs by Crystal Smith and her family after experiencing firsthand the challenges of foster parenting.

"Anybody who has kids, I think we'd all agree it truly takes a village," Smith told attendees. "The proverb is true and we learned that there's really no such thing as other people's children."

Smith said her family's experience of fostering children revealed how isolated many foster families feel and how often they lack the support needed to succeed.

"There are thousands of kids in Central Texas navigating the foster care system," she said. "What we learned while we were fostering is that there is a lot of isolation and that families who step up to foster are often doing it without the support they need."

What began as a grassroots passion project has grown into a comprehensive support network serving foster, kinship and biological families. Foster Village operates a resource center that provides clothing, diapers, shoes, baby supplies and other essentials for children entering foster care or other crisis situations.

"Any given day, you're going to see kids and families there who have just been taken out of a really traumatic situation and are met with community," Smith said. "They get the essential items and support they need and we get to tell them it was provided by the community."

According to Smith, the organization's impact extends far beyond emergency supplies.

Historically, more than half of foster families stopped fostering within their first year. Smith said support provided through Foster Village has helped change that trend.

"More than 98% of the families we serve say they're able to keep going because of the support they've received," she said.

Since its founding 10 years ago, Foster Village has supported families caring for nearly 15,000 children throughout Central Texas.

Van Burkleo said Hill Country Rally focuses its charitable efforts on organizations serving children, primarily in Hays County. Through annual grant programs, fundraising events and vehicle raffles, the nonprofit works to identify needs and direct resources where they can have the greatest impact.

"We really try to focus on the Hays County area to be the most impactful," he said.

The organization hosts several events throughout the year, including a car show, championship barbecue competition, annual gala and plans to revive a golf tournament next year at Vaaler Creek Golf Club in Blanco.

Van Burkleo said one of the most meaningful lessons he has learned through the organization's charitable work is that recognition can be just as valuable as financial support.

"I delivered a check for just $2,000 once and didn't think it would mean much," he said. "The person told me it wasn't just the money. It was knowing somebody was listening and cared about what they were doing."

As Hill Country Rally approaches its 20th anniversary, organizers hope more residents will become involved by attending events, volunteering or supporting fundraising efforts.

For Smith, community support remains the key to helping vulnerable children and families thrive.

"It's things like this that make it possible," she said. "This is making it possible for these kids and families to get the support they need."

For more information about Hill Country Rally for Kids and its charitable programs, visit www.hcrally.com.

Before “and Soda Fountain” was added to its name, it was simply a pharmacy, which was started by Tammy Gray in 2006. She previously owned Western Trails Pharmacy and Lamar Plaza Drugstore in Austin, but after seeing a need in Buda and Kyle, she chose to sell her other business and open Buda Drug Store.

“There was no other pharmacy in Buda. There was no other pharmacy in Kyle. There was no Walgreens, no Walmart, no CVS — nothing, just H-E-B 20 years ago,” she recalled. “So, I decided that I wanted to open a pharmacy in the town where I live.”

While explaining her reasoning of selling, Gray noted that she is the type of small business owner that wants to focus on one business and actually work inside it — as she’s a pharmacist herself — rather than having a goal of owning multiple storefronts.

The store operated as a pharmacy for two years before the location next door was available for lease — and Gray knew exactly what she wanted to do with it.

“When I owned the Lamar Plaza Drugstore, part of its history when it opened in the 1950s was it had a soda fountain,” she shared. “Soda fountains probably started going away in the 1970s because they don’t generate a lot of revenue for the square footage required, but I’ve always been fascinated with the soda fountain and pharmacy together and the history there from the '20s and '30s. So, that was always my dream.”

Gray stated that back in the day, there was a push for soda fountains, due to the belief that carbonated water had health benefits, which is why they were initially installed in pharmacies.

The soda fountain area of the shop — accessible through its own door at the front of the building or through the drug store — features a diner-like atmosphere, where customers can order a multitude of goodies, said Gray, such as vanilla sodas, milkshakes, soups, sandwiches, coffee, ice cream and more.

The business is also a family affair, as Gray’s daughters — Hayley Gray and Mallory Barnett — work at the store, as well, as a pharmacist and chef and manager for the Soda Fountain, respectively.

As for celebrating 20 years, Gray said that it’s an achievement as her colleagues thought she was “crazy coming out here when there was already another pharmacy here: H-E-B, [but] my mentality was such that there’s a lot of people moving out here, obviously, and we have endured a lot of big-box pharmacies moving out here and we’re still continuing to grow.”

The store is available not only for residents to pick up regular prescriptions, but service long-term care facilities, veterinarians and more. They are also available 24 hours a day for hospice patients.

“The main thing is that we provide exceptional personal service. The product itself if you get it here, you [can] get it at H-E-B, so the only thing that we can offer that’s different is the experience,” the pharmacist emphasized. “We get to know our customers very well. We can call their name when they walk in the door. Most people don’t get that at another super busy big-box pharmacy.”

She shared that the community has been immensely supportive over the years and because of that, Buda Drug Store and Soda Fountain is excited to offer a week of specials, culminating with a party on Saturday, June 27:

• Monday, June 22: Free drip coffee

• Tuesday, June 23: 20% off milkshakes and a ribbon cutting at 9 a.m. with the Greater Buda Chamber of Commerce

• Wednesday, June 24: Free scoop of ice cream with a meal purchase

• Thursday, June 25: Free tea or lemonade with a meal purchase

• Friday, June 26: 20% off banana splits and sundaes

The party on Saturday will be from 4-6 p.m. and feature free ice cream, birthday cake and giveaways.

Buda Drug Store and Soda Fountain is located at 203 Railroad St. #2-B. For more information, visit www.budadrugstore.com.

MHC serves individuals 17 years of age or older who have a diagnosable mental health disorder and a pending charge in Hays County. All potential participants complete a structured referral process and are reviewed by the MHC team to ensure eligibility.

Tristan, 22, of Dripping Springs, is one such individual who has completed the program and will be graduating in this summer’s class. A bodybuilding enthusiast who also enjoys fishing, snowboarding and drawing, Tristan said he started partying in high school, occasionally using recreational marijuana to recover from bodybuilding. After going through a mental health crisis, he was arrested and referred to the MHC by his attorney.

“I was going downhill,” Tristan said, noting how he saw an opportunity in all the resources the county offered to participants.

According to MHC Judge Elaine Brown, the county has executed several contracts to provide counseling, case management, housing and transportation services to the participants. Additional community-based resources are identified and utilized by the court to assist participants.

The program offers 12 months of services for misdemeanors, with a possible three-month extension, and 18 months for felony offenses, also with a possible three-month extension.

Success in the MHC is measured by personal growth, stability and self-sufficiency. Participants work toward goals, such as returning to school, securing employment, establishing stable housing and strengthening family relationships, according to a county news release.

“Many utilize services, such as residential treatment, sober living and peer support,” said Brown. “All these services work hand-in-hand to support their mental health, physical health and help them gain confidence in working towards their personalized goals.”

To complete the program, participants must stabilize their mental health, including consistent medication adherence — if prescribed — maintain sobriety from drugs and alcohol, achieve the goals in their individualized mental health and/or substance use treatment plan and follow all court orders, probation conditions and MHC program guidelines.

Every graduate who has completed the program has a unique story of perseverance and transformation, the release stated.

“I really love working with all the people in the [MHC]. A lot of times, you think of these types of programs as people just doing their job, but I didn’t even see it as a program. I saw these people as friends — someone who is actually trying to help you … I had everything hanging over my head and [the MHC] was like a breath of fresh air,” Tristan added, noting that he now has a job and is working out again with healthy recovery methods. “It’s definitely changed my life for the better; it gave me confidence and really helped me decipher and resolve what happened and also, how I’ve been able to bounce back from it.”

This commencement ceremony celebrates not only the graduates’ achievements, but also their dedication and commitment to rebuilding their lives. Each participant's success reflects their individual goals and the support of a dedicated treatment team walking beside them throughout their journey.

The public is invited to attend the ceremony, which will take place from 3-4:30 p.m. June 15 at the Hays County Elections Building, located at 120 Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos. Alumni and two graduates will speak and there will be a special performance.

For additional details about the ceremony or the Mental Health Court program, contact the Hays County Mental Health Court Office at 512-757-0795 or by email at kaimi.mattila@hayscountytx.gov.

Founded in 2018 by Deryk Van Brunt, DrPH and Marcos Athanasoulis, DrPH, CredibleMind provides a complete population-based mental health ecosystem, including analytics reporting on service needs, use and outcomes. Focused on early intervention and prevention of mental health issues, CredibleMind offers more than 10,000 evidence-based, science-backed resources that provide users with credible self-care options to improve their overall well-being without medical intervention.

The partnership will make CredibleMind an accessible digital resource for Hays County’s rapidly growing population of more than 300,000 community members, stated a Hays County news release.Expanding access to preventive and early-intervention mental health resources remains a priority for county leaders.

“Our community members deserve accessible and efficient ways to find resources that support their wellbeing,” said Matthew Gonzales, Hays County Health Department director. “The formal partnership between CredibleMind and Hays County is one of many steps taken by the Hays County Commissioners Court and Health Department to expand meaningful behavioral health resources for our community.”

The Hays County Health Department coordinates and delivers behavioral health services on behalf of the county. Behavioral Health Coordinator, Dr. Isabella “Izzy” Vigil, PhD, works with internal and external stakeholders to strengthen behavioral health systems, expand access to care and develop community-based mental health initiatives. The creation of the Hays County Resource Directory, community wellness events, cross-sector partnerships and now, the implementation of Behavioral Health 360 are among the initiatives led through this division.

CredibleMind is not a replacement for clinical care or emergency services, but serves as an accessible first step for individuals seeking tools, education and local support resources.

“We are facing a mental health crisis in our country and the demand for mental health services is higher than ever,” said Brunt. “We are thrilled to partner with the Hays County Health Department and provide on-demand, reliable self-care and mental health resources to help community members improve their overall well-being and flourish.”

Community members can access the platform at www.hayscountytx.crediblemind.com.

DI — a global community — inspires students to work together in teams to solve open-ended STEAM challenges designed to teach the “creative process,” which is a step-by-step process that helps the students better understand problems and ask better questions, come up with solutions, learn from failure and celebrate their achievements, according to its website. The ultimate goal is to help them feel empowered and prepare them for success in their future.

Locally, the DI program at Pfluger was started five years ago by Dr. Micaela Vargas — a professor in the Department of Biology at Texas State University with her own degrees in cell and molecular biology — and specials teacher Patricia Segura. Though the two are team managers, the program itself is led by the students.

Pfluger’s most recent team for the 2025-26 school year, named Flying Colors, consisted of seven students in the fourth and fifth grade. In order to be on the team, they were required to write a small paragraph on why they were interested in DI, as well as participate in tryouts, where they were paired with another student to see how well they could collaborate together to complete a building task or performance task.

“This year's team is very special because last year, we had three teams and when you have close to 20 kids that you have to manage, you got to make sure that they're following the rules and making sure they're on track,” Vargas said. “It is very, very hard on us. Last year was very challenging and so, we decided this year that we're only going to focus on one team. We had tryouts and we made sure that the team that we were going to build worked well together … and be able to read each other. This is one reason why this team is so special because four of the seven team members, this was their first year doing this program.”

The team has had recent success, securing second place at Capital Region Finals in February, sixth place at Lone Star Finals in April and then, making a name for itself as third-place winners out of 62 global teams at the Global Finals in May.

For the competitions, the DI teams first have to develop solutions to one of the six categories, of which, Pfluger chose technical, to showcase their months-long work in the team challenge. Utilizing the resources that she has as a professor at Texas State University, Vargas was able to have the campus’ chapter of IEEE — an international organization of electrical engineers — mentor the young team, which included her son as the primary tech, during their journey of developing a game show for the challenge.

“I would bring the kids on campus and have them work on campus on their engineering project and develop out their game show,” Vargas explained. “This wonderful collaboration has lasted [with the help of the IEEE] student group mentoring our kids and teaching them the basic techniques of electrical engineering and building out their challenge.”

The second component is an instant challenge, where teams have to think on their feet by solving an unknown, rapid-fire puzzle or engineering task on the spot.

“They'll do a building challenge where they'll lay out some general [STEAM] materials, like pipe cleaners, paper towel rolls, mailing labels, paper and index cards, and they will be asked to create something within five minutes and they're looking to see how quickly they can execute the challenge,” Segura said.

Although they placed well, the road to physically get to the Global Finals in Kansas City, Missouri, was not easy as the team managers, along with parents, had to do the legwork, due to struggles with securing funding with the school district — despite Pfluger being the first Title 1 elementary school in Hays CISD to reach this level.

“I believe in this program so much. We are advocates of this program. It’s not as big of a push in the district as it used to be when it first got started and, I think, after COVID, it kind of just dwindled down and now, we are losing a lot of funds in our school district,” explained Segura, who was involved in DI even before her time at Pfluger.

She added that DI is important because it lays down the foundation of early STEAM skills for students, as well as helps them navigate a passion for these, as they continue throughout middle and high school levels.

“I’ve seen them literally grow, have confidence in themselves, have a voice and be leaders within their team. I've had parents come up to me and basically tell us, ‘This is what you did for those kids,’” Vargas said, holding back tears. “This is so important and I really do believe in this program.”

Going into the next school year, the team will look a little different, as some of them are now moving on to the middle school level and won’t be competing with each other. However, Vargas and Segura are still looking to a bright future in advocating for the vitality of the DI program at Pfluger.

“These scientists and engineers are bringing the future and this is why I need these kids to challenge themselves because they are the future,” Vargas concluded.

To learn more about the global DI program, visit www.destinationimagination.org.

Powell brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of the cooperative and utility industry. He has served in multiple leadership positions during his eight-year tenure at PEC, most recently as chief compliance officer (CCO). As CCO, Powell leads several critical areas within the cooperative including regulatory affairs, compliance and ethics, policy management, risk management, cyber and physical security, human resources, safety and technical training and real estate.

Board president Emily Pataki said the appointment reflects confidence in both the organization’s future and the strength of its internal leadership.

“Christian Powell is a respected and proven leader who understands this organization from the inside out,” Pataki said. “He brings the experience, judgment and commitment needed to lead PEC into its next chapter.”

During his tenure, Powell has played a critical part in work across PEC’s operational, regulatory and infrastructure programs, helping to position the cooperative for the challenges of a rapidly evolving utility industry, stated a news release. Prior to joining PEC, he spent more than 18 years at the Lower Colorado River Authority, serving in regulatory and compliance roles supporting various operations and business functions.

“PEC has an exceptional team and a strong foundation,” Powell said. “I’m looking forward to collaborating with our employees, leadership team and board as we focus on serving our members and preparing for the future.”

In a note to PEC employees, Powell said he is honored to take on the role. He also thanked departing CEO Julie Parsley for her leadership during a period of significant growth and progress for the organization.

The Foster 50 Challenge, through the Pedigree Foundation, challenges both foster- and shelter-based animal welfare organizations nationwide from May 1 through July 31 to get creative in trying to recruit and retain fosters — a struggle that is found especially during the summer months as more people travel and go on vacation, according to PAWS adoption counselor Katheryn White. Other goals are to increase adoptions that come directly from foster relationships and ultimately, reduce length of stay in the shelter.

While Hays County is rapidly expanding, with new neighborhoods popping up all over, there is still a disconnect when finding fosters to take in the animals that the shelters currently house, according to White, who also shared the following most recent data for PAWS:

• There have been 67 puppies placed into foster care since March

• PAWS currently has 120 pets — including adult cats and dogs, as well as puppies and kittens — available on-site between the two campuses in Kyle and Dripping Springs

• PAWS currently has 55 pets in foster homes

The critical need has also been heightened by kitten season — which typically occurs in the warmer months as more animals are out breeding — and PAWS is seeing anywhere from five to 10 people per day right now, not knowing what to do when they find stray kittens out in the community.

PAWS also knows that it could benefit from being entered into the $240,000 grant pool that is divided up and awarded to the organizations who participate in the challenge.

“Back in October, we made an announcement on social media that our Kyle campus doors would be closing, but thanks to our amazing community that rallied behind us, they raised so much money [that] we were able to keep our doors open. So, we made a promise to ourselves [and] we made a promise to the community that we would do everything in our power to be more strategic and bring in funding, so we would never be at risk of closing our doors again,” White said. “When we stumbled across this challenge, we thought it could help kind of fit those two sore spots for us, so continuing to find funding and then, continuing to save lives.”

The organizations are called on by the Pedigree Foundation to get creative in how they work to increase their number of fosters. While PAWS is implementing new initiatives, like taking an active approach in asking for help, one thing remains true: a focus on the community.

White shared that at PAWS’ Kyle campus, they hosted a “kitten shower” event a few weeks ago where they were able to take an active role in educating the community in what it means to foster and how to sign up. Knowing that it can be intimidating, they also had a baby kitten bottle feeding demonstration conducted by their medical and foster team to “start breaking down those barriers and having conversations with our community to make fostering seem less scary and daunting and then, also to let them know, ‘You're not alone when you take a foster home. Our team is right here next to you every step of the way,’” the adoption counselor said.

PAWS is also working to promote its animals for the first time, as well as increasing adoption events in Hays County, but also further into the Austin area.

White explained that they have also expanded their reach by listing the animals who need a medical foster to adopt on the PAWS website; this could be for a kitten who has a respiratory infection or ringworm or a dog who has heartworms and needs to undergo treatment, for example.

“[It] gets them out of our shelter environment [and] towards the decreasing length of stay, but also gets the animal out of that stressful kennel [and] shelter environment, which helps their overall healing process. You're more likely to get better and feel better when you're cozy in a home and not in a kennel, but for the first time, we're kind of opening that up and making those types of foster to adopt situations more accessible to our community,” she said. “We've been able to send a few pets into those medical foster to adopt with the ultimate goal of them getting healthy and then, an adoption at the end, which is great.”

PAWS encourages the community to sign up to foster, however that looks: “That is how you can help us save lives and depending on what their lifestyle looks like. We need people who are committed to fostering animals for two months, but we also need people who maybe they're a little bit more busy Monday through Friday, but they can take a dog for a shelter break Friday night, Saturday night and return the dog on Sunday for weekend sleepovers,” White said.

Those who are unable to foster are encouraged to help share the word on social media, but also by helping keep the supplies that PAWS gives to the current foster families. White shared that they are in "desperate need” of kitten supplies, including litter, formula, food, litter boxes and more.

“If you can't support us through this challenge by actively fostering — we know not everyone can — help support us by providing the supplies we need that we can extend to people who step up to foster,” she said. “Both of them are critical pieces of this challenge and then, also just engaging with us on social media, sharing our foster posts and helping us just get the word out about the amazing animals we have.”

PAWS is offering its challenge at both the Kyle and Dripping Springs campuses. To learn more about how to foster, or to ask any questions, visit the PAWS website www.pawsshelter.org and follow its Facebook page at bit.ly/4axNyS6.

The initial idea stems back years, said — now K9 — officer Benton McClaran, but there were other priorities the department needed to focus on before implementing this. After securing funding for the fiscal year 2025-26 budget, Atlas officially joined the organization in June.

KPD leaned on local agencies that have their own K9 units, specifically the Austin Police Department, when beginning the program. McClaran noted that they took the advice to stay local when looking for a training organization to allow easy access, if any questions or help was needed in the future.

The decision to be a K9 officer was easy for McClaran: “I’ve always loved K9 officers and jobs. It’s a very proactive policing style and it’s a Jack-of-all-trades because it’s not just being a proactive police officer, you’ve got to do community outreach, [too].”

So, when the opportunity came to sign up, he was quick to reach out to K9 colleagues in other agencies to gain insight on the position and begin his training at Pacesetter K9 LLC.

According to the officer, Atlas is actually from another country — and speaks a different language to ensure others cannot command him — where several puppies are chosen based on their tenacity and intelligence to travel back to the United States and be trained for the police force. Each puppy is given a specialty that it is trained in, such as bombs, drugs, missing individuals and more. Atlas was trained in narcotics searches and search operations.

McClaran stated that a Kong toy was, and still currently is, used in his training. So, Atlas was originally searching for the Kong toy, until it was replaced with several drugs that KPD wanted him to be able to find in a search.

The K9 can also differentiate between residual odors and the physical drug itself, making his alerts appear only when the actual substance is found.

Regarding missing persons, McClaran explained that he can both do article tracking — which is when an item with an individual’s scent is used — and human scent. The latter is more difficult, said the officer, but it’s important because it teaches the dog to pick up the strongest scent and follow it, without getting distracted. For example, if a child wanders out of a house and heads into the woods and then, to a busy store, he stated that Atlas would be able to start at the house and pick up the strongest scent — the child — and track it through the woods and inside the store, despite all of the other human scents around him.

This training is meticulous and requires immense patience, said McClaran, joking that whatever patience a person may think they have will surely be tested when working with a dog.

He and Atlas have had to form a strong bond based on trust to ensure they can work together accurately and efficiently.

“It’s important that you take that extra time out [to bond]. So, I would take him out on walks, I’d get him out early [and] just go sit with him. I want him to be comfortable with me … Bonding is very important for you to understand your dog and vice versa for him to understand you,” he emphasized.

Additionally, he stated that, “It’s one of those jobs where it’s just baptism by fire. You can’t learn it in a room; You’ve got to be able to see the dog, smell the dog, watch his movements, see how he’s doing things.”

Their training officially lasted six weeks beginning in April, but will be continuous, said McClaran, as dogs need consistency to sharpen the tools they’ve learned. Just like humans, they have bad days, he shared, but more training means fewer mistakes.

KPD chose Atlas, due to his breed — Belgian shepherd — which is a combination of malinois and German shepherd, said McClaran. This is because they want the temperament and intelligence of a German shepherd, with the drive of a Malinois.

Similar to the distinct reasoning behind his breed, the officer thought long and hard about his name, as well.

“I love tradition. I love trying to make something. The Kyle Police Department has been really good to me and I want to try to set this program up as best as I can. My thought was eventually we have to get more dogs … So, I figured we’d start with the letter A and move our way down [the alphabet],” explained McClaran. “With the name Atlas, just the mythology, the fable of Atlas the Titan. He had the world on his shoulders; he held the world up and I think it’s symbolic for Atlas. He’s the first K9 we’ve got. He’s holding the city up and it’s important for him to make a good mark here.”

Continuing on the sentiment of Atlas’ impact, McClaran stated that he is going to make Kyle a safer community for both residents and officers. Atlas can use his human scent training to track offenders, as well. This means that officers on the scene can follow Atlas, rather than splitting up in a large area and decreasing their numbers, which in turn makes them more susceptible to being hurt.

Furthermore, the K9 can also further bridge the gap between the KPD and residents. McClaran hopes to do school visits to educate students on general safety for younger students and harder subjects, such as drug use, for those in high school.

Atlas hasn’t formally had his first day on the job, he said, as he wants to ensure the dog is fully ready. But when he begins his duties, his days will begin with a few hours of training and then, doing daily tasks with McClaran until they’re needed.

“It’s a force multiplier, so now officers can rely on us for narcotic searches. We’ve had trouble getting K9s available to our city. There’s so many people out there, so many agencies [that] getting somebody in here for a last minute search is hard. So, now we’re able to really cut down on time,” said the officer.

Although training Atlas has been intense, he revealed that he has never been happier: “All my friends are jealous because I got a new best friend.”

They even have a routine to wind down after a hard day's work: playing fetch for 30 minutes and then, sitting in a rocking chair — Atlas on McClaran — while they relax before having dinner and going to bed.

“It is difficult. It’s not easy. I don’t know that everyone can do it. You have to have that level of commitment to the city, to your job. You have to love what you do in order for you to love something else about it … but it’s been amazing,” McClaran concluded.

According to KPD Chief Jeff Barnett, the department will evaluate operational needs in the future when it comes to expanding the program.

To keep up with K9 officer McClaran and Atlas, follow KPD on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kylepolicedepartment.

Currently, the city’s ordinance labels all swine — including potbellied or miniature pigs — as livestock, making it unlawful to keep them as pets, explained presenter and Buda Police Department Chief Bo Kidd.

Based on a request from council to consider an amendment, Kidd and an animal control officer prepared a list of pros and cons, as well as a draft ordinance and permit.

The pros, according to agenda documents, include:

1. Highly intelligent — Pot-bellied pigs are as smart as dogs. They can learn commands, tricks and even use a litter box.

2. Strong bonding — They form deep attachments to their owners and can be very affectionate and social.

3. Relatively clean animals — Despite stereotypes, pigs are naturally clean and prefer designated bathroom areas.

4. Long lifespan — They can live 12–20 years, meaning a long-term companion.

5. Unique personality — Each pig has a distinct personality — playful, curious and sometimes surprisingly goofy.

Cons include:

1. They get bigger than expected — “Mini pigs” are often misleading — most pot-bellied pigs reach 100–200-plus pounds.

2. Destructive behavior — They root (dig with their snout), which can damage floors, yards and furniture if not managed.

3. Specialized veterinary care — Not all vets treat pigs, so an exotic or farm animal vet may be needed.

4. Diet management is critical — They gain weight easily and require a controlled, balanced diet — overfeeding can lead to serious health issues.

5. Strong-willed and stubborn — Training takes consistency. They can be manipulative and push boundaries if not properly trained.

6. Social needs — Pigs need a lot of attention and mental stimulation — bored pigs can become destructive or depressed.

7. Not ideal for all living situations — Apartments or small homes usually aren’t suitable, especially without outdoor space.

“I think, from the animal control department, [we] don’t really have an opinion one way or the other as far as keeping of potbellied pigs, but it was recommended that if council does consider amending the ordinance to permit them, that perhaps [it considers] requiring a permit,” Kidd explained.

With that, he continued, there could be an inspection and more oversight to make sure that “if we are going to keep pigs, that they are kept in a manner that is desirable for the city.”

During the public testimony, resident Eric Wallis spoke in support of the item.

“I am here tonight because we would like the city to reconsider how potbellied pigs are classified under our current ordinance, specifically to recognize them for what they truly are, they are household pets. Right now, potbellied pigs are grouped under the same category as livestock, but that classification doesn’t reflect how they are actually raised, cared for or integrated into families today. Potbellied pigs are not being kept in barns or used for agriculture. They are living inside homes, sleeping on couches and being cared for just like any other animal companion. They are highly intelligent, emotionally aware animals that bond closely with their owners. They can be house trained, walked on a leash and follow routines. They receive regular vet care, have controlled diets and live in structured, supervised environments. In every meaningful way, they function as pets,” he explained. “This is an opportunity for the city to bring clarity and fairness to the ordinance, to recognize that not all animals within a specific, broad category are the same and to acknowledge that potbellied pigs, when kept as they are today, belong in the same conversation as other household pets, not livestock.”

Beginning the conversation on the dais was council member Lavonia Horne-Williams, who advocated for a policy that regulates things, such as: limiting the number of pigs a person can own, requiring a permit, requiring sterilization and microchipping, limiting outdoor housing of the animal or how much time they are outside.

“I would not necessarily be opposed to the amendment, as long as we have a policy in place — because there are other Texas cities that have a policy in place,” Horne-Williamns said. “So, before we would make an adjustment, I would ask that we come up with a policy that’s going to be comparable, so that we are not chasing the pig later. We want to make sure that, if we allow this, we have put boundaries around it already.”

A policy may be beneficial for residents who may live within a homeowners association (HOA) that restricts the keeping of potbellied pigs, Horne-Williams continued.

“If the city has a policy, then maybe that’s something that the HOA would be able to consider. So, rather than them having a hard line of saying, ‘No, we’re not going to allow it,’ the city has come up with a feasible policy that sounds reasonable and maybe it’s something that even the HOAs could get on board with," she said.

While generally on board with the amendment, council member Greg Bowles suggested that he would like to revisit the amendment in one year to identify and remedy any potential issues with the permitting process.

“I have not been generally on board with this, simply because of the sliding scale that can happen and also because of resources,” began council member Monica Davidson. “[My bigger concern would be] if we go off of what’s been presented today, that we revisit it pretty quickly to see what this does because that is now a resource of us keeping track of all this. And, while our honest and transparent neighbor that brought this forward may have a wonderful pet, someone else may not be raising theirs that way.”

Despite these reservations and the potential for a “slippery slope,” Davidson said she is open to trying “as long as it doesn’t take a lot of effort.”

“Because I’d much rather focus on keeping our community safe and have our police officers doing that, than chasing pigs,” she concluded.

Following further questions about potential outdoor access and permit fees, Mayor Lee Urbanovsky made a motion to approve the ordinance, along with a $100 permit fee, which was seconded.

However, prior to the vote, Horne-Williams requested an amendment to require that potbellied pigs be kept strictly indoors, which Urbanovsky did not agree with.

“So, I have reservations on that one, just because that moves it beyond what we do with dogs currently; we can have dogs outside now,” the mayor said.

“I understand that dogs can be outside now, but dogs are typical household pets and so, people aren’t going to have a potential complaint about the smell or the fact that it’s rooting,” retorted Horne-Williams. “I think, because this is new for us, it’s fine to create some boundaries.”

Ultimately, the mayor rescinded his original motion and made a motion to table the item, pending staff bringing back language from ordinances from other cities on best practices.

The motion to table was approved 5-0. Council members Evan Ture and Matt Smith were not in attendance.

Buda City Council will meet next at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 16.

The item — sponsored by council members Melisa Medina and Courtney Goza and Mayor Yvonne Flores-Cale — detailed that the audit would include review of potential fraud, misuse of taxpayer funds, transactions related to credit card expenditures and more.

“I know this was something as a resident that I was in favor of having before I came on council myself. So, tonight we’re bringing this item forward because we do believe it is our responsibility as elected officials to ensure that our taxpayer dollars are being managed appropriately, transparently and in accordance with all applicable policies and laws,” explained Medina. “This agenda item does not presume wrongdoing, nor does it reach any conclusions. Rather, it … provides the council with information regarding the scope, the costs and the timelines.”

She did note that she’s aware that this will cost money admist the revelation that the city is $14 million in debt, but council needs to understand why they are in so much debt, as “this process is to verify that appropriate safeguards are in place, identify any weaknesses that may exist and provide recommendations for improvement.”

Flores-Cale continued with this sentiment, stating that even if the audit came back without concern, it would at least “strengthen public confidence.”

An audit is something residents asked for after the debt was revealed, said Goza. Additionally, she stated that in 2024-25, there were many charges that were unaccounted for by council at the time. When asked to provide explanation, Goza continued, council members chose to not do so: “When you see these things happening, it makes you question what other processes may have been put by the wayside or not followed.”

Questioning the reason for a forensic audit was council member Lauralee Harris. She stated that these types of audits are usually used in a specific crime or misappropriation of funds and she “is not aware of any legal actions that have been filed that necessitate a forensic audit.” She added that requesting this indicates a lack of faith in the Finance director.

Council member Claudia Zapata echoed this statement, sharing that interim city manager and former Finance director Perwez Moheet has been serving the city for 16 years and has never filed a report with the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy regarding suspected fraud or financial misconduct. Zapata stated that the council members presenting this item want “to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars going on a goose hunt that our own Finance director is not even giving credence to,” so she is asking what the trigger to this request is.

“We are $14 million in debt,” replied council member Michael Tobias. “We have a hell of a lot of people we’ve got to answer to. For many years, there has been the rumors, the speculations of under the table contracts, things like that, credit cards that have missing receipts from former council members … I have no problem going back all the way to 2016 all the way to now.”

This decline in revenue — which is what contributed to the $14 million debt — didn’t happen overnight, said Zapata. She stated that she asked staff, “How long has Finance known this information?” The response detailed that the department regularly reported the decline to the former city manager during monthly briefings since FY 2023-24, which was then shared with council in weekly reports.

Zapata continued her argument, stating that Goza and Flores-Cale have spent years accusing the former mayor and council “of committing crimes on social media,” which Medina has “decided to join in on.” They campaigned on these premises, she alleged, adding that they are using “their newly elected position to manufacture evidence of criminal conduct from decisions they simply disagreed with.”

She compared the item to the Trump administration, which uses its “investigative authority, its resources [and] its capacity to expose and punish, to go after the people its political base believes wants punished. This is the DOGE-ing of Kyle.”

Flores-Cale then asked Moheet to describe his history with reporting to the former city manager.

He explained that at first, it was weekly, then his reporting got reorganized to be to the assistant city manager and it became infrequent. Additionally, items that were previously the Finance Department’s responsibility, such as credit card function and utility billing, were transferred into a new department called Administrative Services Department. In September 2025, this department was eliminated and some of the responsibilities came back to Finance, though others were spread out into other departments. All this to say, Flores-Cale asked whether he was able to see every procurement, credit card charge and more, to which Moheet stated, “No. That is impossible for any Finance director.”

She then motioned to approve the item, with a second from Goza. A 5-2 vote passed the item, with Zapata and Harris dissenting.

Council member Marc McKinney noted that he “hopes this is a colossal waste of our limited resources, but I am all in favor of transparency and more importantly, I have a lot of constituents who do feel like this is necessary.”

To listen to the discussion, visit bit.ly/4v0JlyQ. Kyle City Council will meet next at 10 am. Saturday, June 13.

No cases have been reported in Hays County at this time, stated a news release from the judge’s office. Current detections remain confined to South Texas, but Hays County Emergency Management and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension are actively monitoring developments and maintaining communication with state and federal partners.

"Hays County has always taken a proactive approach to emergency preparedness," said Becerra. "Whether the challenge is drought, wildfire, severe weather, public health concerns or agricultural threats, our responsibility is to stay informed, communicate clearly and ensure our residents have access to reliable information and resources."

NWS is a parasitic fly whose larvae feed on living tissue through open wounds in animals. Livestock, wildlife, horses, goats, dogs, cats and other warm-blooded animals can be affected if infestations go untreated.

Hays County encourages livestock owners and animal caretakers to:

• Regularly inspect animals for wounds or signs of infection.

• Promptly treat cuts, surgical sites and newborn animal navels.

• Monitor animals closely during periods of increased fly activity.

• Contact a veterinarian regarding appropriate prevention and treatment measures.

• Report any suspected infestations immediately.

Signs of possible infestation may include the following: deep or worsening wounds; bloody discharge or foul odors from wounds; visible maggots or larvae in living tissue; and animals showing signs of pain, distress, lethargy or unusual behavior.

If NWS is suspected:

• Immediately isolate the affected animal.

• Do not transport the animal until advised by animal health officials.

• Contact a veterinarian.

• Report suspected cases to the Texas Animal Health Commission at 1-800-550-8242.

Judge Becerra’s office is continuing to coordinate with Hays County Emergency Management, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, agricultural partners, veterinarians and state and federal officials to ensure local ranchers, livestock owners and residents receive timely information and resources as conditions evolve.

"At this time, there is no cause for panic," Becerra said. "However, there is every reason to remain informed. We will continue working alongside our local, regional, state and federal partners to ensure Hays County is prepared and our agricultural community remains supported."

For additional information, residents may visit screwworm.gov or contact the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office in Hays County, located at 200 Stillwater Road, Suite 102, Wimberley, by calling (512) 393-2120 or emailing hays-tx@tamu.edu.

KPD responded to the report of a stolen vehicle June 2 and, as officers arrived, the suspect, Rabago, attempted to flee, driving approximately 60 miles per hour through a nearby parking lot before making a U-turn and colliding head-on with the patrol vehicle, placing officers and members of the public in danger, stated a news release.

Rabago was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated assault against a public servant, evading arrest or detention with a vehicle, fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and reckless driving.  

During the investigation, officers discovered more than 80 documents containing the identifying information of another individual inside the stolen vehicle. Investigators also recovered a credit card that had reportedly been used to make fraudulent purchases the day before the arrest.  

KPD encourages residents to take simple precautions to protect themselves from theft by locking vehicle doors, removing valuables and avoiding leaving personal or financial documents inside their vehicles. Taking these steps can help reduce opportunities for theft, identity fraud and other criminal activity in the community, the department noted.

The Red Cross is making an investment by providing all new and enhanced appliances to update the existing service kitchen, while the Price Center is utilizing savings and reserve facility improvement funds from last year’s campaign to complete the remodeling project.

“The Price Center is such a well-known and accessible venue in San Marcos making it an ideal location for a disaster feeding kitchen,” stated Alyssa Ramirez, Hays County CAP coordinator. “We are so thankful for the organization’s willingness to serve the community in this way. These partnerships are ensuring San Marcos, and Hays County, are more ready, resilient and equipped in times of emergencies.

The partnership came about through the efforts of relatively new Price Center board member Brent Salone, who presented the opportunity to the board earlier this spring, continued the release. The new partnership enables the Price Center to continue serving the community by being a direct part of response and recovery efforts, while connecting the facility to the area-wide Hays Resilience Network of local Red Cross partners for other potential coordination and collaboration.

This initiative demonstrates the American Red Cross’ commitment to lessen the impact of extreme weather events and disaster caused displacement in high-risk areas, the news release said. Main goals of the program include: helping people safely remain in their homes; improving the conditions for those who are forced from their homes; and accelerating access to healthy and stable living environments before, during and after disasters.

Hays County is one of nineteen counties throughout the nation that the Red Cross has invested in through CAP.

The enhanced kitchen at the Price Center is slated to be ready to respond to disaster recovery with food prep and/or pre-made food distributed through the facility by late-June. Volunteer recruitment and community education are additional commitments the Price Center has made to the Red Cross as part of the agreement. Full kitchen demolition began after some flooring and plumbing repairs were completed by the city, which owns the property. Reconstruction began May 26 and is expected to last approximately three weeks.

“The partnership is the perfect example of the kind of win, win relationships we enjoy with a number of individuals and organizations that help keep the Price Center fully operating,” said Clay DeStefano, executive director. “We could not be more pleased for the opportunity or grateful for the funds to take on this much needed renovation and enhancement,” he added.

For more information about any of the activities at the Price Center, call 512-392-2900, stop by the Center at 222 W. San Antonio St., visit price-center.org or Facebook @ Price Center and Garden or Instagram @smtxpricecenter.

Dripping Sweat was created with the belief that fitness should help people feel stronger not only in workouts, but throughout life. Founder Nevin Spinosa, a local mom, former school administrator and certified group fitness instructor, has always valued movement, education and community, according to a news release. With a background in dance and running, fitness has long been an important part of her life and she knows how much prioritizing her own health through fitness positively impacts her ability to fully show up for all that life brings — inspiring her to create a welcoming, high-energy fitness community.

The studio offers a variety of classes designed to improve endurance, mobility and real-life strength that are approachable for beginners, while still offering a challenge for experienced participants.

Spinosa understands that strength training and traditional gym environments can feel intimidating and aims to create an encouraging atmosphere where people feel comfortable showing up exactly as they are. Through studio classes and fitness pop-ups throughout the Dripping Springs community, neighbors meet one another, friendships are formed and participants find accountability and encouragement. Her goal is to help people build healthy habits that support long, active lives with the people they love.

Dripping Sweat is located at 11601 US 290, Austin, in the Cedar Valley Shopping Center and co-located within Meta Mixed Martial Arts.

For more information, class schedules or to book a class, visit DrippingSweat.com, follow @DrippingSweatTX or call/text 512-387-5032. New clients can receive 20% off their first month of membership or class pack purchase using code LAUNCHPARTY through the end of June.

The nonprofit began in 1986 when a group of women wanted a new opportunity to get their crafts to people, since they had given as much out to their friends and family as they could, said board of directors president Marilyn Pierce. The building — originally a candle shop and front porch — in the Wimberley Square was donated and the rest is history.

Over the years, the interior of the building, which still sits in its original location, has gotten a facelift, through new flooring, shelving, expansions and more, said vice president Madonna Kimball, but its goal has remained the same: “Keep seniors active.”

The idea of the shop is simple: “It’s a place where seniors can continue making their crafts. They can work a day a month, so they get to socialize and they get extra money,” she said. “It’s a win-win situation.”

The criteria consists of being 55 years of age or older, living in the 78676 zip code, being able to physically able to go up and down stairs, having the ability to work one full day or two half days a month, attending a monthly membership meeting, passing the five half days of training and possessing the cognitive function to work a register. Then, the Membership Committee will review the applicant’s work to determine that it is not duplicating another already available in the shop.

The crafts made must be unique, explained Kimball, whether this is a varying medium or object. Each member, or employee, keeps their own inventory, sets a price and receives payment for each item sold.

From there, a vote will be taken by all members of the Craft Shop on whether the candidate joins.

The membership fluctuates between 25-30 members, according to the shop’s information sheet and if a product is already being sold, aspiring members can be put on a waiting list, in case an opportunity arises for their craft.

Because the shop emphasizes unique crafts from its members, there are a variety of options available for visitors, such as embroidered items, crochet and knit pieces, glassware, Christmas decorations, wood burnings and more.

“We have a lot of really unusual stuff in here, like the microwave bowl holders,” the vice president shared. “You put the whole thing in the microwave and then, when you take it out, you don’t burn yourself, plus the fact that the bowl is usually hotter than the food. So, this way, you don’t have to wait for the bowl to cool down … We [also] have somebody that paints bluebonnets; it’s about all she does is paint bluebonnets and cardinals on glass and on ornaments, log slices. We have jewelry [and] we have just about everything imaginable.”

Pierce herself also participates in creating some of the products. In the shop, customers can find wooden signs on the left wall with sayings displayed created by Pierce herself. She goes out, sources the wood and the rest of the materials needed to put the artwork together. Then, she brings it into the shop, where community members and visitors can then purchase them. This is why they are able to keep the prices so low, Pierce said: “There’s no middle man.” Every item is handmade or assembled by an older adult in the community. So, when customers purchase items, they really are directly supporting their neighbors.

Those that choose to purchase items at the shop, allowing it to continue running, are helping older adults in more ways than one, stressed Pierce.

“It [gives us] a chance to socialize. You have to think because you’re doing business. If some of the members are having a few problems, we pair up and work together, so everybody has an opportunity to be useful,” she said.

Kimball added to this, stating that it provides a reason for older adults to continue crafting and being creative.

This support is given back to its community, said Kimball, as although the shop’s aim is to support older adults, it also focuses on giving back to the community. She noted that they regularly provide snack bags, personal care bags and more to the Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center and recently gave a $500 donation to the local VFW.

The shop will be celebrating 40 years “of crafting with love” from 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, June 25, at the shop, where a new mural dedication will be made and residents can come out and enjoy a night of refreshments, door prizes and music by the TrebleMakers. Additionally, shops along the square have committed to staying open later that night.

“When I first walked into this building in 1990, it was a lot of little vases with pipe cleaners and little pipe cleaner animals, that kind of thing. I’d like everybody to know that we have some really talented crafters in here,” said Kimball. “The stuff we sell is very well made … We want [visitors] to go home and see the quality with which the item was made and to realize that’s what our shop is: a shop with quality items and good prices.”

The Senior Citizens Craft Shop is located at 116 Wimberley Square.

Currently, property owners who wish to operate an STR must apply with the city through the conditional use permit (CUP) process that is established in the zoning ordinance. The process then includes neighbor notifications and a public hearing before both the Planning & Zoning Commission (P&Z) and Wimberley City Council; ultimately, council makes the decision on the issuance of the permit.

In July 2025, P&Z chair Anne Ulfelder asked member Vance McCracken to assemble and oversee a committee to research the current STR — properties used for transient lodging for stays of 30 consecutive days or less — situation in Wimberley and produce a report of its findings. The STR Committee was then established and comprised of the following members: Helena Hauk, Courtney Mecklenburg, McCracken, city council member Rebecca Minnick and P&Z vice-chairperson Ben O’Kane, with Nathan Glaiser — assistant city administrator and Development Services director — providing city support.

Later, in October, following much deliberation, P&Z passed a motion to recommend that council approve an STR CUP for a property zoned R-3 — primarily detached, single-family residences on lots not less than 100 square feet, according to city zoning regulations — on River Road.

Additional discussion and public input prompted council to enact a 120-day temporary moratorium Nov. 6 on STR applications that require a CUP, pending findings of the committee.

At that time, Minnick, who was the council member who initially requested the item on the agenda, stated that citizens were concerned about the current situation surrounding the rentals, but also, council’s position on the applications has seemed inconsistent with no policy in place in commercial areas and they have been considered infrequently, as previously reported by the News-Dispatch.

The moratorium was set for 120 days, bringing it back to council at its March 5, 2026, meeting, ultimately leading to an extension to remain in effect through July 4, 2026.

Now, while the moratorium is still in effect, the STR Committee brought forth several recommendations, as well as a full report with STR history and data, for council’s consideration at its Thursday, May 21, meeting.

There is not a hard number for residential STRs in Wimberley — this is made worse through individual residents who may or may not make their units available for rental at any given time — and some may be dormant for years. According to the report, city records indicate that there are 72 properties that have CUPs qualifying them as STR2s, which are not owner occupied, and 28 as STR1s, or owner occupied; however, they are not all active.

The committee also highlighted the following:

•   26 properties were grandfathered in 2016, allowing them to make STRs without a CUP

•   Eight properties are zoned L1 — lodging for up to 15 units — that do not require a CUP, but are still paying hotel occupancy tax

•   One property is zoned PR1, or participant recreation, that does not require a CUP, but is paying tax

•   70 STRs have paid tax within the last year and have CUPs

•   40 STRs have paid tax within the last year, but do not have CUPs

Hotel occupancy tax collections in the city’s fiscal years of 2024 and 2025 "suggest that the annual contributions to the local gross domestic product [GDP] of short-term rentals were $10.53 million and $10.41 million, respectively. There are no statistics for the gross domestic product of Wimberley, but by extrapolating the calculations of the Federal Reserve of St. Louis for the 2023 per-capita GDP of Hays County to Wimberley’s population of about 2,900, the short-term rental revenue appears to comprise about 7% of the town’s GDP,” the report stated.

However, downsides to residential STRs include parties, beer-drinking, noise and indecency, as well as occupants being out of control and leaving trash everywhere. The more common problems would be parking and trespassing issues — especially on the riverfront — and renters being unable to reach the homeowner or representative during an emergency or malfunction.

Glaiser noted that when he first started in his position as assistant city administrator and Development Services director, he fielded a few complaints in 2020-2022, but since then, he has not received as many related to STRs.

Due to the various reasons laid out in the report, the STR Committee has found that there is an adequate supply of STRs in Wimberley to meet demand, but some of the issues can be alleviated by “modestly restricting the opportunities” for new rentals.

“As far as an occupancy standpoint with hotels, we, the committee, feel like we are at a pretty good place with short-term rentals right now. In other words, we don’t need more of them,” Glaiser said.

This has led the committee to request STR2 be removed for the smaller, single-family zoning categories R2, which are 0.5-2 acres, and R3, which are under 0.5 acre, explained Glaiser. This would ease some issues that occur because of the proximity of R3 lots to each other, along with those that came with septic, parking and overall density, for example.

To compensate for that, he continued, the committee wants to allow for short-term lodging in general for commercial properties.

“Right now, if you have a commercial property — C1, C2, C3, we have some office zoning, things like that — you have to apply [and] get a conditional use permit for a short-term rental or to have any lodging on those properties,” Glaiser said. “The committee recommends that we make it permitted use by right on those properties up to 30 units, so … short-term rentals that are zoned commercial, that’s a permitted use by right. If you were to adopt this, however, for the small lot, single-family residential, you could no longer apply for it.”

Along with the zoning changes, the committee proposed city staff to conduct an annual survey, either by mail or online, of all residential STRs, as well as solicit information on any problems, record all public complaints and report to P&Z on a regular basis.

The committee’s recommended zoning changes will go before P&Z and city council, with the necessary public hearings, for consideration for approval later this month.

When he was heading to a friend’s home in the Big Sky community of Dripping Springs, Trevor noticed a neighboring door standing open and from a distance, he saw what appeared to be a pool of blood. Knowing that something needed to be done, he then raced back home — first on scooter and then, on foot — while also trying to flag down help along the way.

“I pull up in [my friend’s] sidewalk and I look to the house to the right and I see a man covered with blood. Then, he mumbles some words I can’t understand, so now I ride back down the hill and go into my house,” he said. “I saw him and a little part of me thought, ‘Is he actually hurt? What happened?’ He needs help and I am going to go.”

From the time he left on his scooter to when he returned to his house, it was just under three minutes. He explained to his dad, Marc DuBransky, what was happening and he called 911, leading first responders to arrive on scene within less than 10 minutes.

“When Trevor came back, he had a sense of urgency to his voice and to his face that I don’t think I’ve ever actually seen before. In 10 seconds, I knew exactly what was going on and just the clarity in which he expressed what was going on and what I needed to do. I'd like to imagine that any parent that sees their kid do something like that, that they're going to act kind of in the same way I did without hesitation and just go into action mode,” Mark said.

Trevor’s sense of urgency and lifesaving actions are something that both of his parents are proud of.

“I was very impressed with his quick thinking. He immediately knew, ‘Hey, I've got to get to an adult.’ I'm very proud of him and I'm very thankful we were able to help save that man's life,” Mark continued.

His mom, Tanisha, echoed the same points as she heard a recollection of the events secondhand because she was out of town at the time, but hearing the story over the phone left her filled with overwhelming emotions. He was also carrying out his duties that he learned in the Hays County Junior Deputy Academy, which he has attended for the last three years, the mom added.

“A lot of people react when they see a lot of blood, they might freeze, even adults. They might get faint or feel like they're going to pass out. I was emotional because of that poor man and also just super proud of him as well and impressed,” she shared.

Additionally, Trevor was recognized at the May 19 Dripping Springs City Council meeting for his heroism. This was brought on by Tanisha sharing what happened with a close friend, who took the liberty to email the mayor directly, saying “we have a hero in Dripping Springs.”

It was there that the 12-year-old also received multiple challenge coins — small medallions that represent an achievement or affiliation to a specific group, like the military or law enforcement community — to add to his collection. Along with those, he received a lifesaving award from Hays County Sheriff Anthony Hipolio and a heroism certificate from the city.

“Trevor’s just Trevor to us, but he is definitely a hero in our eyes with what he was able to do and we are thankful that he was able to just be aware and act so quickly,” Tanisha said.

“Trevor’s actions reflect a remarkable presence of mind, bravery, compassion well beyond his years. He exemplifies the very best of Dripping Springs, reminding us that heroes don’t wait; they act,” Mayor Bill Foulds stated.

The family has remained close with the 95-year-old man, John Fednya, whom Trevor helped save, and they were even able to go pick him up to accompany them at the city council meeting.

The Hays County Child Protective Board was created in 1978 to ensure that children in the care of Child Protective Services are provided with emergency resources to minimize the trauma of abuse and neglect throughout Hays County, according to a news release.

The awardees for 2025-26 are as follows:

• Outstanding CPS Caseworker, Kathryn Garbutt;

• Two Foster Youths;

• Outstanding Foster Parents, Tran family;

• Outstanding Volunteer, Karen Housewright

• Outstanding Community Resource, Hays County Commissioners Court

The releases stated that the board is grateful for the court issuing the proclamation honoring the awardees. The board shared that it hopes publicly recognizing outstanding professionals and volunteers who engage in these efforts will raise community awareness as to the work that is being done in the community. It also hopes that recognizing the children and youths who prosper and grow in outstanding foster families will open eyes to the resilience and realized potential of these children and youths, continued the release.

“Congratulations to each award recipient. Thank you for your outstanding performance in working with and supporting families and children in Hays County who receive services from The Department of Family and Protective Service” said Dixie Camp, board president.

Kolacny has lived in Wimberley for eight years, but before her life in the small town, her memories were filled with the flavor of her favorite treat — kolaches — from her grandmother and music from her grandfather’s accordion.

Wanting to feel connected once more with her Czech grandparents, she set out to teach herself to make traditional kolaches that first Christmas in Wimberley, using the same recipe that encompassed her childhood.

“Within 15 days, I created an LLC, the business name, got the Food Manufacturer’s license, Food Handler’s [license], managerial’s license — all the things I needed — and I had the kitchen at the Old First Baptist Church permitted to be a licensed commercial kitchen,” recalled Kolacny. “I did that for six months and then, I shut it down in June because I knew I was not going to be able to do it full-time because … I had to still be a mom.”

Years passed without starting back up her business, Kolacny’s Kolaches, until spring of 2025, when she felt she had to choose herself and start baking once more. She worked on the weekends, taking her pastries to markets throughout the county for an entire year before choosing to resign from her teaching position in Hays CISD to bake full-time.

“I’m a person [who is] looking and seeing where the universe is taking me. My friends encouraged me and I feel this is my time to start a second career. I’ve been teaching since I was 25 and I’m 48 [now] and I need something different,” explained Kolacny. “I need something that excites me and makes me come alive and something that I can create and build and it’s all mine.”

She specializes in making authentic Czech kolaches and klobasneks. The first, she explained, is actually a sweet pastry, as opposed to the kolaches many Texans are used to, which are more akin to what klobasneks are.

“A true kolache is a sweet yeast dough filled with fruits or cream cheese and, typically, it’s circular in size,” said the baker. “I grew up with having them all the time and people think they’re just a breakfast food, but for me, it was like, you just eat them whenever you want to eat … A klobasnek is what people would call a hot dog or a pig in a blanket and that is just the same sweet yeast dough that’s made for kolaches, but it has sausage in it.”

Her personal favorites are a classic cream cheese kolache and a jalapeño and cheese sausage klobasnek.

Kolacny’s Kolaches will open Saturday, June 6, and has opportunities to order the pastries online or community members can pick up fresh single orders through the walk-up window. The building is located at Siren's, 801 Chestnut St. in San Marcos. Catering and online orders can be placed by texting 512-217-5582.

The journey to get to this point has been one of self-confidence and “taking a leap of faith,” said Kolacny, but it has been made easier by local business owners throughout the county offering advice and words of encouragement.

In the future, she hopes to start going to markets again, since this endeavor is pausing to focus on the storefront, and to build an authentic Czech bakery for her pastries.

“I just want to build a sense of community and want people to be happy … [as well as] honor my grandparents,” concluded Kolacny.

Kolancy’s Kolaches will be open from 7 a.m. to noon Wednesday through Sunday. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/Kolacnyskolaches.

Valenzuela began Muay Thai three years ago when he discovered the sport on YouTube after wanting to find a competitive sport that he could “take a step further.” From there, he began practicing at American Vintage Society in Buda.

“People call it the art of eight limbs. So, all your weapons are: your knees, elbows, kicks and punches, obviously. It’s similar to kickboxing, but now you’re just adding knees and elbows,” he explained.

From the first day, he knew he had found a passion, sharing that, “It was exactly where I wanted to be.”

The fighter eventually developed his own style, earning him the name “Suaytae,” which he noted means “beautiful kick” in Thai, since he focuses on kicking.

As Valenzuela’s enthusiasm for Muay Thai continued to grow, he began considering competing and entered his first Muay Thai Development League (MDL) match.

“It’s like a tiny little scrimmage. It’s just a good way to practice and there will be events around Texas that do it. It’s a way to gain experience, if you really want to fight and then, you’ll go on to do actual sanctioned fights that appear on your record,” said Valenzuela.

After competing in several of these, he put in an application to be on Team USA. He explained that, although there is no formal match to determine who is on the team, the Muay Thai community in the United States is quite small, so those deciding have been to the MDLs and will “know if you’re actually good enough because, majority of the time, they’ve seen you fight.”

He stressed that being able to represent his country is no small feat, as this is a huge accomplishment for the 15 year old.

Valenzuela competed at the USA Muay Thai Grand Nationals in Delaware — placing second — and the Southern Regional Tournament in Louisiana prior to taking the stage at the WBC Muay Thai World Festival in Bangkok.

The tournaments span across several days, where the competitors fight in a bracket to move up until the final winner is crowned.

“I took home a bronze medal that time around [in Louisana]. It was really fun, though,” recalled Valenzeula. “I got a really good fight in and really good experience, so I’m actually really proud of that … I think [these other fights are] preparing me really good, mostly because in Thailand, it’s going to be high-paced, so very touch-and-go type of style … There’s a difference between regular Muay Thai, where you have all the people watching you in a stadium and then, there’s tournament style, where it’s very fast-paced and you have power behind your shots, but you’re more looking to score for the judges.”

Despite wanting to do well in competitions, Valenzuela emphasized that his favorite part of the sport isn’t the recognition: “[It’s] the community. I met a lot of good people throughout it and it’s a good way to socialize and workout with friends at the same time. So, it’s really enjoyable.”

Valenzuela shared that he hopes to compete professionally in the future, but for now, he’s hoping to have more opportunities to compete, which is difficult, due to the lack of competitions in Texas. Because of this, his mother, Leila Valenzuela, shared that they are consistently looking for sponsors. Those looking to aid him in his Muay Thai career can email teamusa.suaytae@gmail.com. Additionally, a GoFundMe can be found at https://gofund.me/11b289992.

Although nervous for his upcoming performance in Thailand on June 25, Valenzuela emphasized that this is normal. So, he’s simply looking to do his best and if he does, then he can be proud of himself, no matter the outcome.

“As long as I’ve gained experience and gained something from that fight, I’m pretty much satisfied,” he concluded.

"Gerardo is coming home," said Lupe Sarinana, his daughter. "This victory belongs to every person who signed a petition, showed up at city hall, called the [district attorney] and refused to stay silent. We proved that when we move together, we win together."

Gerardo was arrested March 14 during a traffic stop by the San Marcos Police Department, where local nonprofit Mano Amiga alleged no crime occurred. Following this, he was transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody and faced deportation, while his 17-year-old son Esteban Reyes remained charged with interference with public duties.

On May 12, the Hays County District Attorney declined to file criminal charges against Gerardo. The city of San Marcos also noted that SMPD officer Jaciel Cortina violated three department policies during the arrest and received a 24-hour suspension.

"A 24-hour suspension did not bring our father home. Community pressure did," Sarinana said. "Detention centers profit from keeping families apart. Politicians win votes on fear. But we proved that people power is stronger."

The successful habeas corpus filing challenged the legality of Gerardo’s detention and forced ICE to release him, while his immigration case continues. His legal team filed the petition after the immigration judge denied his application for cancellation of removal May 12.

"This is not just about one family," said Eric Martinez, executive director of Mano Amiga. "This is about a system that treats immigrant families as disposable. Gerardo's release proves that accountability is possible when we organize, but the fight continues for Esteban and for every family still separated."

Esteban's charges remain in pre-file diversion status. The family is demanding full dismissal of all charges against him. Furthermore, the news release stated that they call for greater accountability for officer Cortina, policy changes at SMPD and to end the collaboration between ICE and the police in Hays County.

Over the past few months, BPD has received complaints from different residents throughout the city, especially in neighborhoods, about what’s allowed or prohibited as far as the usage of OHVs, including golf carts, electric scooters, electric bicycles, pocket bikes and minimotor bikes, especially for young kids.

“We wanted to educate the public on what's allowed and what's not allowed, where things are allowed and not allowed and just to make sure that everybody stays safe, especially as we approach the summertime, as kids are getting out of school and maybe have a little more freedom and a little less supervision,” said Matt Schima, BPD public information officer. “We just want to keep everybody safe and informed throughout the summer.”

While KPD has not seen an increase of OHVs in its community, the agency shared that it still wants to ensure that everyone is aware of the rules and risks involved with using them.

Both cities enforce state law and local ordinances as they pertain to the use of OHVs.

Golf carts

Golf carts are motor vehicles designed by the manufacturer primarily for usage on a golf course. However, the following requirements are also in effect when operating them:

• Passengers must be at least 3 years old

• Golf carts must have side reflectors, rearview mirrors, parking brake, headlamps, taillamps, mirrors and slow-moving-vehicle emblem

• Operators should have a valid driver’s license, insurance, golf cart license plate. Full registration is not required. Parents and guardians may be cited for allowing unlicensed drivers to operate a golf cart.

• They must not exceed seating capacity

• At nighttime, specifically, they must have turn signals, brake lights and horn

“We’ve had a few complaints about young kids driving them with six to 10 kids on it. Well, it’s only made for four or five, so that’s part of the city ordinance. It can only be for the number of seats; they can’t have people standing on the back, things like that,” Schima said.

The permitted use and locations for golf carts fall under state law. They can be operated in the following:

• A master planned community — such as Plum Creek in Kyle — that is a residential subdivision or has a uniform set of restrictive covenants and a county/municipality has approved one or more plats

• A highway where the posted speed limit is no more than 35 mph if it is operated during the daytime and no more than five miles from where it is usually parked and for transportation to or from a golf course

A provision in the Texas Transportation Code also allows for a person to operate a golf cart in a master planned community without a golf cart license plate on a highway where the posted speed limit is no more than 35 mph.

As stated in the city of Kyle’s code of ordinances, they are also permitted in parking areas, which are accessible to the public by motor vehicle traffic designated for temporary parking and trailways or city-owned and maintained recreational pathways.

Golf carts are allowed on streets in Buda where the posted speed limit is 35 mph or less and is not part of a state highway system, as well as parking areas. They are prohibited on sidewalks, city parks and trails, city drainage areas and roadways that exceed a 35 mph speed limit, according to BPD.

Electric scooters, bikes and more

According to the Transportation Code, there are various types of electric bicycles or e-bikes: Class 1 is equipped with a motor that assists the rider only when they are pedaling and has a top assisted speed of 20 mph; Class 2 can be propelled without the rider pedaling and has a top assisted speed of 20 mph; and Class 3 assists the rider only when pedaling, has a top assisted speed of 20-28 mph, has a 15-years-old minimum age requirement and has a speedometer.

E-bikes can also be classified as those equipped with operable pedals or an electric motor fewer than 750 watts.

Electric scooters, as defined by the Transportation Code, are self-propelled devices with at least two wheels in contact with the ground during operation, as well as the following: a braking system capable of stopping, a gas or electric motor not exceeding 40 cubic centimeters, a deck designed to sit or stand and the ability to be propelled by human power alone.

A driver’s license, state registration and insurance are required, if these have greater than 750 watts or 50 cubic centimeters, to operate on a roadway.

The Transportation Code also defines pocket bikes or minimotor bikes as a self-propelled vehicle that is equipped with an electric motor or less than 50 cubic centimeter equivalent engine designed to propel itself with not more than two wheels, has a seat or saddle for the operator and is not designed for use on a highway. These do not include a moped, motorcycle, e-bike or motorized mobility device.

It is prohibited for bicycles, skateboards, roller skates or any other modes of transportation — motorized or nonmotorized — to be operated in any city of Kyle park on any surface other than a vehicular road or path designed for that purpose, states the city code of ordinances.

Similarly, e-bikes, electric scooters, pocket bikes and minimotor bikes are not permitted in city of Buda parks, drainage areas and trails. Scooters are also not allowed on roadways that exceed 35 mph.

“What we're seeing, and really across the county and across the state, is that a lot of young kids who don't have a driver's license, don't know the rules of the road, they're driving these e-motor bikes that can go really fast and they're not obeying stop signs or any kind of laws of the road and so, that makes it really dangerous for them, as well as the other drivers and even people that are walking on the sidewalks,” Schima said.

“They're also using those on the park trails and things like that, which can be dangerous when they're turning around those curves pretty sharp and there's people that are walking in the neighborhood on the park trails, so they're only allowed on private property,” he added.

It should also be noted that golf carts, scooters, e-bike and bike riders are supposed to ride on the road and heed all traffic laws, as stated in the Transportation Code.

Ultimately, Schima shared that the last thing BPD wants to do is take away the fun from the kids in the community, but they want to keep everybody safe this summer and continue to make sure that Buda is one of the safest cities in Texas.

“It's not fun for our officers to knock on the front door of the parents' house and say, ‘Hey, we took your child to the hospital,’ or ‘Unfortunately, your child is not coming home tonight.’ Those are the things that we have to look for when we're trying to look out for the safety of our residents and visitors,” Schima said. “Yes, we understand there are a lot of fun tools and a lot of things to play with during the summer, but our job is to keep everybody safe. So, the state legislature and the city council make rules and laws and ordinances in the best interest of our communities in order to keep them safe. Our job in law enforcement is to enforce those laws, again, to keep everybody safe.”

KPD echoed: “While OHVs may offer a convenient way to get around, there are safety and legal concerns that should be taken into consideration before driving them. We are committed to keeping our community safe and will continue to work with our residents to educate OHV drivers and enforce OHV laws and ordinances. Our goal is to keep Kyle roads safe for all to enjoy.”

To encourage riders to follow safety rules this summer, BPD and Buda Soda Fountain are teaming up to pass out Bike Safety Champions certificates beginning this month for those who are being safe on their bikes. Certificate holders will be able to cash them in for a free scoop of ice cream.

To report any complaints or concerns related to OHVs, call the non-emergency BPD phone number at 512-393-7896 or visit www.budatx.gov/111/Police. KPD can be reached at 512-268-3232.

Find more information at the helpful links below.

• City of Kyle code of ordinances: www.ecode360.com/KY6871

• City of Buda code of ordinances: www.ecode360.com/BU6262

• Texas Transportation Code: www.statutes.capitol.texas.gov/?link=TN