JULY 22, 2020 AMAZON
NEW APP
New jobs are coming to the city of Kyle
Hays Sheriff’s Office debuts new technology
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Hays Free Press © Barton Publications, Inc.
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Vol. 126 • No. 17
HaysFreePress.com
Serving Hays County, TX
Rebel mascot petition incites messages of hate BY MEGAN WEHRING
The Hays Rebel mascot has spiked a recent controversy across social media and the community. Students banded together at the Hays CISD Board of Trustees meeting Thursday night. Many shared their thoughts and experiences related to controversy around the rebel mascot. As the board was pre-
viously adamant about a student-led effort, Hays senior Alena Hernandez organized the committee of students in favor of retiring the Rebel mascot. The committee passed around a petition that garnered over 500 signatures, while sparking mass attention across social media. While there were several signatures and positive feedback, Hernandez
“I must say the copious amount of hate we have been subjected to has been ridiculous. It seems clear that the choice to have students lead this change was not one that prides our safety.” –Alena Hernandez, Hays High senior
informed the board that the committee received negative comments from the community.
“As a leader, I feel inclined to protect the students of my committee,” Hernandez said.
“I must say the copious amount of hate we have been subjected to has been ridiculous. It seems clear that the choice to have students lead this change was not one that prizes our safety. I am one person, one student and one child.” Hernandez also questioned the board’s decision to have the campaign against the mascot be solely up to the students.
“I don’t believe the administration truly understood the extent the members of our community would go to battle us on this,” Hernandez said. “People went as far to create fake accounts just to comment on my posts and message me hateful words. … It is time Hays CISD takes accountability for its actions and finally
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Hegar, Isaac on to fall election BY ANITA MILLER Hays County Democratic and Republican voters made their choices on who will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot in the July 16 runoff elections, although turnout fell short of what HEGAR ISAAC many had anticipated. According to the Hays County Elections Office, garnered 575,460 votes the runoffs, which were (61.95 percent) compared postponed from May due to 353-399 (38.05 percent) to the COVID-19 panfor her opponent Roberto demic, drew just 12.93 R. “Beto” Alonzo. percent of In Hays the county’s County, registered Castaneda The runoffs, voters. drew 6,396 which were Results votes (66.86 are unofpostponed from percent), ficial until while May due to they are can Alonzo got be can3,170 votes the COVID-19 vassed by (33.14 perpandemic, the Comcent). missioners Castadrew just 12.93 Court. neda faces percent of On the Republican Democratic Jim Wright the county’s side, Mary in Novemregistered “MJ” Hegar ber. defeatIn the last voters. ed Royce race on the West by a Democratic statewide vote of 498,180 ballot, Donna Haschke (52.13 percent) to 457,555 won with 5,715 votes votes 47.87 percent) in the (60.57 percent) to 3,720 race for U.S. Senator. In votes (39.43 percent) Hays County, her win was for Angela “Tia Angie” even bigger, with 7,364 Villescaz. (74.79 percent) of the vote On the Republican compared to 2,482 (25.21 ballot, for State Rep. Dispercent) for West. trict 45 (Hays and Blanco Hegar will face Repucounties), Carrie Isaac bican John Cornyn in the won with 6,420 votes fall. 64.87 percent) compared In the race for the Dem- to 3,476 (35.13 percent) ocratic candidate for the for Kent “Bud” Wymore. Texas Railroad Commission, Chrysta Castaeneda RUNOFF ELECTION, 5
Homes for our Troops
Veteran cuts ribbon to new custom home, joins Wimberley community BY CHASE ROGERS
is tailored to specifically suit Guzman’s injuSurrounded by his ries sustained after his family and community deployment to Iraq and members, U.S. Army to his personal skills as a veteran Sgt. David Guzprofessional chief. man cut the ribbon to his “This home, I think, is recently finished home going to be a tool to help in Wimberley on Saturme out in doing bigger day. The house was built and better things,” Guzby the nonprofit group man said to attendees, Home for Our Troops, an including fellow veterorganization aiming to ans, community leaders build and donate special- and friends. “God gave ly built homes to recovme a second chance.” ering veterans. In 2004, Guzman, on Originally announced his first combat deto be constructed in November 2019, the home HOMES FOR OUR TROOPS, 7
PHOTOS BY CHASE ROGERS
U.S. Army veteran Sgt. David Guzman with Sheriff Gary Cutler (photo at top) and in the specialized kitchen of the new home built by the nonprofit Homes for Our Troops on Saturday in Wimberley.
Parents, educators share back to school concerns BY SAHAR CHMAIS
Delaying reopening campuses grants the schools more time to work on their safety plan and simultaneously gives more time to understand the trend in which COVID-19 cases are headed. Hays CISD kicked off its fall planning when it presented parents and teachers with a survey, but nothing is final as district decisions continue to evolve.
It’s damned if you do, damned if you do not. The decision to return to school is episodic; every few days new state regulations and orders come out. Districts are scrambling to methodically reopen their campuses to please a myriad of watchers. Then there are the people who need to make a decision between life in order to keep a roof and death. Should they send their child to school, over their head? But when their child goes, are they ensuring their job safety
OPINIONS
See what people are saying. –Page 3
safe from COVID-19? Do teachers go to campus and risk their lives to
keep their job, or do they begin searching for a new career? Some parents are wondering, how long will kids stay in fear and how long can they stunt their development? Do we reopen schools, or not? If that rush of questions felt overwhelming, this is the start of the thread. For educators and parents find themselves going down a rabbit hole as soon as they let their mind wander. The issue has many sides; its depth and complexity left some
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people thinking there is no viable solution. Some people believe that schools should reopen campuses, some believe they should be closed and some think it should be open to those who need it. Still, parents have to make a decision. On July 14, Gov. Greg Abbott told school districts they can postpone their campus reopening dates without losing funds from the state. Hays CISD used
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