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News-Dispatch © Barton Publications, Inc.
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HaysNewsDispatch.com
Vol. 43 • No. 17
Serving Hays County, TX
FAMILY OWNED, FAMILY OPERATED
Triple S Feed & General Store celebrates 29 years By Amira Van Leeuwen
news@haysfreepress.com
DRIPPING SPRINGS — For 29 years, Triple S Feed & General Store has grown from a mom-andpop shop to a thriving resource for the Dripping Springs community. After retiring from a government job, Gordon Swenson decided to start a business to provide for PHOTO BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN his family. He opened Monica Swenson, owner of Triple S Feed & General Store in Dripping Springs. the first location in 1988
in Creedmoor and later decided to expand to have a second location in Dripping Springs, which his daughter Monica now owns. Monica grew up with her family farming and growing crops like corn, wheat and hay. While her two brothers worked in the field, baled hay or drove the tractor, she would help in the feed store. The original building
was demolished about nine years ago and with a new space, they decided to expand their inventory and advance to a computerized system. With larger corporations coming to rural and developing communities, some local businesses might worry about being pushed out — but Monica isn’t. “We don’t worry about See TRIPLE S, Page 2
British bakery brings variety to Dripping Springs By Amira Van Leeuwen DRIPPING SPRINGS — “London Calling” — one of The Clash’s most popular songs — played over the speaker as locals strolled into Dripping Springs’ newest bakery. The Great British Baking Company is owned by a father-son duo, Andrew and Johnty Scriven. Nick, Johnty’s brother, also brings his culinary expertise after training at Le Cordon Bleu. The family is from Yorkshire, England. The idea for a bakery surfaced last November. Originally, Johnty was going to work farmers markets in Austin and Dripping Springs; there was no plan to open a brick-and-mortar so soon. But then, he and his family heard through the
grapevine that two units were available. The bakery gleans inspiration from traditional British and family recipes — a lemon pudding, Johnty’s grandmother’s go-to, could be hitting the menu soon. Johnty noted that the food they make is “unbelievably popular” in England, Canada, Australia and South Africa. “It’s only really America where it’s not really taken off yet,” the 24-year-old said. The Scrivens wanted to bring something unique to the area. “In Dripping Springs and most places in Texas, you’ve got your tacos, you’ve got your burgers, See BAKERY, Page 2
PHOTO BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN
From left: Nick, Andy and Johnty Scriven.
DSISD teacher recognized with award 'This has definitely reignited my passion' By Brittany Anderson brittany@haysfreepress.com DRIPPING SPRINGS — For one Dripping Springs ISD teacher, a recent recognition has sparked her love for teaching all over again. Jamie Malchak, a kindergarten teacher at Cypress Springs Elementary School, was recognized on Jan. 6 as the inaugural winner of the Texas Education Service Center Region 13 Star of the Month award. The region includes 102 school districts across Central Texas and winners are recognized for making a positive and lasting impact on their students and contributing to the success of the public school system. Although Malchak is fairly See MALCHAK, Page 3
Quote of the Week
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Jamie Malchak receives the Star of the Month award. From left: Foundation Innovation Founder and Chief Strategist Laurie Cromwell, Region 13 Deputy Director of Academic Services Kerry Gain, Region 13 Chief Deputy Executive Director Dr. Millie Klein, Region 13 Executive Director Dr. Rich Elsasser, Jamie Malchak, DSISD Superintendent Dr. Holly Morris-Kuentz, DSISD Board President Dr. Mary Jane Hetrick, Cypress Springs Principal Kellie Raymond, DSISD Board Vice President Ron Jones, DSISD Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Innovation Dr. Karen Kidd and Cypress Springs Assistant Principal Dr. Kristin Tudor.
"WE DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE COMPETITION. WE JUST TRY TO BE THE BEST BUSINESS WE CAN BE." – MONICA SWENSON
The News-Dispatch Barton Publications, Inc. The News-Dispatch (USPS 011-401) 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