MARCH 2, 2022 SCOOOORE!
START OF SART
Hays CISD to get new video scoreboard for Shelton Stadium.
Hays County implements adult Sexual Assault Response Team.
– Page 4
– Page 8
Hays Free Press © Barton Publications, Inc.
75¢
HaysFreePress.com
Vol. 127 • No. 49
Serving Hays County, TX
Buda initiates 2021 bond projects
March 2
Today is Ash Wednesday and Texas Independence Day
Son arrested in connection with mother’s homicide in Wimberley
STAFF REPORT
STAFF REPORT WIMBERLEY — A 29-yearold man was arrested and charged with murder after Hays County Sheriff’s Office deputies found his 60-year-old mother dead inside of a Wimberley residence early Saturday morning. On Feb. KUENZLI 26, deputies responded to an abandoned 911 call and subsequent welfare concern at a residence on Brookmeadow Drive in Woodcreek. During their investigation, deputies located a deceased female subject inside the residence, identified as Sara Kuenzli; her son, Jeremiah Kuenzli, was also found at the scene. Detectives responded to the scene and began conducting an investigation into Sara’s death. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Jeremiah, who was transported to the Hays County Jail and charged with murder, a first degree felony. Jeremiah is currently being held awaiting magistration. Official cause of death is pending an autopsy. This case is being actively investigated and there are no other details available at this time. If you have information regarding this investigation, contact Detective David Marshall with the Hays County Sheriff’s Office at 512-3937896 or david.marshall@ co.hays.tx.us and refer to case number HCSO 202211505. You can also contact Crime Stoppers anonymously by calling 1-800-324-8466 or you can submit your information on-line to Tip Line P3tips.com as well as submit a tip on the new Hays County Sheriff’s Office App.
PHOTOS BY MOSES LEOS III/HAYS CISD Jaxson Vandegarde, holding trophy, celebrates with his team as they won the Area round of the playoffs last Thursday, below, Faheem Baghezza powers through the opposition.
Jags earn Area Championship as they continue playoff run SUBMITTED REPORT
The Johnson Jaguars men's basketball team continued their historic playoff run with a thrilling 64-57 victory over the San Antonio Lanier Voks in the Area round of the playoffs last Thursday. Johnson (30-6) led 36-20 at halftime before the Voks mounted a determined second half comeback, cutting the lead to 60-57 with :18 seconds to go in the game. But key 4-0 Jaguar run down the stretch, including a critical two-pointer from junior Jordan Harding in the waning seconds, placed the game out of reach. The Jags advance to the Region IV-5A Quarterfinals where they'll play the winner of Boerne Champion/San Antonio Jefferson in the next round. More details to come on when, where and who the Jags will play in the Regional Quarterfinal. Congratulations to Johnson on the historic postseason win.
The City of Kyle is conducting a community survey to assist city leaders in developing priorities for the 2022-2023 budget, as well as address any areas of concern. To participate, visit www.cityofkyle.com/survey. You must be at least 16 years old and a Kyle resident to
OBITUARIES – Page 6
BONDS IN MOTION, 10
Hays CISD teacher arrested for indecency with child STAFF REPORT
Kyle community survey
Bishop, Blake, Burdette
Buda city officials have begun mobilizing to initiate the implementation of the November 2021 bond projects by forming a Buda Bond Oversight Committee (BBOC) which will be charged with establishing the scope of bond projects and monitoring progress. During the November 2021 election, Buda voters approved a $89.66 million bond package designed to improve transportation and parks and recreation. The bond consists of more than 13 transportation projects and six parks projects. Some will take months or years to complete depending on the project’s complexity; however, the city will “work diligently to provide bond updates throughout the bond’s lifetime.”
participate. One survey submission per person. Responses are completely confidential. The survey deadline is April 4. If you complete the survey by the deadline, email communicationsdept@cityofkyle. com to be entered to win a Treat Yourself in Kyle prize pack.
The Hays Free Press Barton Publications, Inc. The Hays Free Press (USPS 361-430) published weekly by Barton Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 339, Buda, TX 78610. Periodicals postage paid at Buda, TX 78610 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Barton Publications, Inc., P.O. Box 339, Buda, TX 78610. ISSN#1087-9323
Officers from the Kyle Police Department arrested Blanco Vista Elementary 2nd grade teacher Andrew Palmore on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, and charged him with ‘Indecency with a Child.’ The arrest stems from an exhaustive investigation by law enforcement officers. Hays CISD was first alerted to the investigation by the Kyle Police Department on Feb. 1. On that date, the district immediately placed Palmore on leave and removed his access to Hays CISD campuses and students. Additionally, the district reported the case to the State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC), which is the clearing house in Texas for educator licensing. Because of his arrest, the district will recommend to the Board of Trustees that he be fired. At present, law enforcement officers do not have evidence that the alleged acts occurred during school operating times. However, parents who have concerns or information they believe would be important to investigators, should contact the Kyle Police Department at (512) 268-3232. Andrew Palmore was a substitute teacher for Hays CISD during the spring semester of 2012. He substituted at Blanco Vista and
TEACHER ARRESTED, 10