Staff Report Residential households are now eligible to receive free at-home COVID-19 tests in the mail. Every home in the U.S. can order four at-home COVID-19 tests without having to worry about paying a hefty price, which is something that many have been experiencing since the beginning of the pan...

By Megan Wehring School districts and cities implemented protocols after health officials released new quarantine and isolation guidelines.  On Dec. 27, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shortened the recommended isolation time for the public. People who test positive for CO...

By Megan Wehring With the recent emergence of the Omicron variant, doctors and health officials are urging people to get fully vaccinated and boosted.  “Vaccination is extremely critical for people,” said Dr. Michael Kerr at Ascension Seton Hays, “especially at high risk to give them both protection...

By Brittany Anderson Following a recent surge in COVID-19 cases, Hays CISD is working to implement air purifiers across the district that were approved months ago to help keep the air clean at every campus. HCISD is installing more than 1,700 Novaerus NV900 air purifiers — a $4.4 million purchase wh...

By Megan Wehring   HAYS COUNTY — Many animals sit in kennels for weeks or months on end, just waiting to be taken home. “I think there is a perception that some people have that shelter animals are damaged goods,” said Christie Banduch, supervisor at the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter (SMRAS), “...

By Brittany Anderson Adults aged 18 and older can now officially receive a COVID-19 booster shot at least six months after their initial vaccinations, regardless of their health status. The Hays County Local Health Department (LHD) is following guidance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), w...

Volunteers from the parish at the Buda United Methodist Church gathered Friday morning to plant 375 crosses on the church grounds to recognize the Hays County residents that have died of COVID-19. Senior Pastor at the church, Lisa Straus, said since the crosses were made a few days ago — nine more p...

By Megan Wehring While COVID-19 boosters may be on many minds, doctors say it’s important to not forget about flu shots. “We have been dealing with the flu vaccine for a lot of years,” said Dr. David Martin, Chief Medical Officer at Ascension Seton Hays. “We know what the adverse effects are.” The t...

By Brittany Anderson Air purifiers that will offer an added layer of safety against COVID-19, allergens and other viruses are coming to every Hays CISD campus in the coming weeks. In a 6-0 vote, board members approved during their board meeting on Sept. 27 the $4.4 million purchase of over 1,700 Nov...

By Brittany Anderson Parents, students, teachers and school board members have gone back and forth regarding masks in schools for weeks – but there might be an extra layer of safety coming to classrooms that will satisfy everyone. During their board meeting Monday, Hays CISD board members discussed ...