'Newsbreak'

SAN MARCOS — Chelesta Amerson wore a black dress that day. As she prepared for the three-hour trip to San Marcos, she thought about the possibility that her son would be returning with her that evening. Her mood began to change as the hearing continued, realizing that she would be alone that night. Five hours prior, she had no idea that she was unknowingly dressing to mourn the loss of her son once more as she watched him exit through the courtroom. ——— Clad in dark blue jail attire and cuffed at the wrist, waist and ankles, DeVonte Amerson, who has been incarcerated since March 2018, appeared in court on Tuesday, Aug. 1 for a pretrial hearing on a capital murder charge.

— The Hays County Commissioners Court honored first responders who serve in the community on Aug. 1 by recognizing the 175th anniversary of the Hays County Sheriff’s Office.

Over the last two decades, people have been intrigued by 'The Simpsons' and their ability to “predict the future.” From Donald Trump becoming president to Super Bowl performances, many have wondered how the writers are able to foreshadow these events, but is the question really a “How?” or is it more of a “When?”

— It was December 2022. Twinkling lights were strewn about neighborhood homes. Christmas carols echoed through the aisles of stores. Spirits were high for the season as families made plans to gather and celebrate the upcoming holidays. But Beverly Wright was busy making other plans — to bury her son, Joshua Leon Wright.

“A lot of people speak and want to do things, but then there are a lot of people who do things,” said former senator Gonzalo Barrientos. “She did things.”

— Several citizens came forward to voice their concerns regarding the proposed Persimmon development at the regular Buda City Council meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 1 prior to a workshop and deliberation in an effort to establish terms for a development agreement (DA) with MileStone Community Builders.

KYLE — Recently, Kyle City Council discussed the possibility of removing “cultural” from the title of the Arts and Cultural Commission. In response, several residents voiced their concerns during public comments at the Aug. 1 meeting.

HAYS COUNTY — At approximately 3:13 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5, Hays County and state agencies received a request for assistance on a fire burning north of San Marcos. The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental, caused by equipment use. Dozens of agencies would soon respond to a fire that, as of Thursday, Aug. 10, is still burning 400 acres in grass and brush fuels with 100% containment. According to Hays County officials, crews will be monitoring and patrolling containment lines on Tuesday, ensuring that hot sports are handled. Temporary Flight Restriction has been lifted over the area. Fire is staffed today with 35 personnel, cindluing two of the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) strike teams and supporting personnel from the Texas A&M Forest Service and Hays County.

— The Hays County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy is now accepting applications for the 2023-B basic class. According to Sheriff Gary Cutler, the course will tentatively begin on Sept. 7.

KYLE — In the throes of a historic heat wave and drought, wildfires have consumed acres across Hays County following fires in San Marcos, Buda and Wimberley in late July. Hays County has had a burn ban in effect since July 11 after Hays County Fire Marshal Mark Wobus provided a recommendation to the commissioners court.

By Brittany Kelley HAYS COUNTY — At its July 25 meeting, the Hays County Commissioners Court approved threeway and four-way stops at several intersections around the county in response to requests from local residents.

— The Greater Austin YMCA has named Dione Booker as the new senior executive director, in which she will be overseeing the Hays Communities and Springs Family YMCAs.