DECEMBER 2, 2020 RUNOFF
FOOD-A-THON
A runoff election for the Kyle Mayor seat this weekend.
Buda Chamber looking for talent for Dec. 5-6 12-hour Zoom food drive.
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HaysNewsDispatch.com
Vol. 41 • No. 9
Serving Hays County, TX
Hays County to aid with rent, bills COVID and kids: BY SAHAR CHMAIS
Hays County residents who have been affected by COVID-19 will be receiving financial relief soon. Judge Ruben Becerra approved assistance for mortgage, rent, utility and childcare. Residents can have access to this type of finan-
cial aid if they can prove that they have lost their job, experienced job reduction or are unable to work due to COVID-19. The COVID-19 Relief Program was administered by Hays County and Blanco River Regional Recovery Team. Funds will range between $500 to $5,000;
money allocation will be evaluated on a need-basis. The county will partner with community-based organizations, using COVID-19 funds, to help extend the aid to Hays County residents. “I am so very thankful that our Emergency Management Team and county staff
created this opportunity to assist our residents during this difficult time,” Becerra said. “Our community has come together to help those who need it most.” The county will accept applications until Dec. 22, 2020. A link will soon be posted on the county’s website.
Lighting up for the holidays
Truths and myths BY SAHAR CHMAIS Children and COVID-19 experiences differ slightly from the relationships between adults and COVID-19, but these differences have caused a lot of confusion leading some to believe that there is a bubble around kids that protects them from the disease. Even more, there have been people who believe that children cannot spread the virus to adults. Dr. Donald Murphey, a pediatric infectious disease M.D. at Dell Children’s Hospital, helps create an understanding on how the virus reacts in children, how they spread it and
Just because most children, especially those of younger age, have not had a lot of trouble with the virus it does not mean there have not been severe cases. what parents can do. Murphey’s bedside manner broke through during the video conference call; while he
COVID & KIDS, 2
Buda tree festival is newest effort to help businesses BY SAHAR CHMAIS
PHOTO BY CYNDY SLOVAK-BARTON
T’is the season
When the calendar flips to December, you can be sure that local city crews are out putting together displays. But with COVID-19 pandemic regulations, many of the area’s city events are being fashioned for drive-by viewing as well as walking enjoyment. Whether in Kyle, Buda, Dripping Springs or Wimberley, there are sights to be seen. See more about local holiday events on page 5. Vendors will be out for concessions at Buda’s holiday festivities and tree festival and Wimberley and its Market Day will have lots of vendors. In Dripping Springs, stores along Mercer Street will be open for holiday shopping. In Kyle, the official tree lighting ceremony will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2. Above, Kyle city employees work madly to put together a giant ribbon tree – straight from France – in coordination with other lights and displays being put around the square. The lighting ceremony will be held Wednesday night, Dec. 2, and the lights will be on every evening during the holiday season. Right, Mercer Street in Dripping Springs is also being lit up, with the help of donations from local businesses and citizens.
PHOTO BY CATHY JONES OF DRIPPING SPRINGS VISITORS BUREAU
Coming Up Runoff Election for Kyle Mayor Saturday
Early voting in the Kyle mayoral election runoff between Travis Mitchell and Linda Tenorio continues through Friday. Wednesday and Thursday times are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Voting locations are Kyle city hall, Kyle fire station on Bunton Creek Road, and the Hays County Pct. 2 office on FM 2770. Election day is Dec 8, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the above polling locations.
Wimberley Market Days The Wimberley Lions Club’sMarket Day will be this Saturday in Wimberley from 7 a.m.-
GIVING BACK
Learn how you can help those in need this season.
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4 p.m. at the Wimberley Lions Field on FM 2325. Hundreds of vendors are expected to show their unique items. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, face masks are mandatory and social distancing will be observed. Wimberley Lions look forward to seeing you there.
Buda Farmers Market The Downtown Buda Farmers Market at Buda Mill & Grain continues to be your local source for fresh organic baked goods, vegetables, meats and more. They are open every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dripping Springs Farmers Market
Come out every Wednesday to the Triangle in downtown Dripping Springs from 3 to 6 p.m. for fresh, organic vegetables, hand-made crafts and many more local products.
Buda continues to find new ways to light up the city for the holidays – and this time it is doing it for a cause. The coronavirus pandemic has financially crippled many small businesses across the U.S. and Buda is no exception, so the city has decided to step in to help its local stores. While Buda’s leadership has found many ways to prevent businesses from closing down shop by funding programs, this time the city is taking a new approach. Buda Main Street Program has partnered with the Downtown Buda Merchants Group, launching a fundraiser to help keep downtown businesses open this holiday season while creating a joyous ambience. The month-long Buda Festival of Trees will showcase a trail of decorated trees in the
The monthlong Buda Festival of Trees will showcase a trail of decorated trees in the midst of the Historic Downtown Buda. Families and groups will donate and decorate a tree which will surround the big tree in Greenbelt Park. midst of the Historic Downtown Buda. Families and groups will donate and decorate a tree which will surround the big tree in
FESTIVAL OF TREES, 8
I-35 shuts down as New Braunfels woman found dead on freeway KYLE – The Kyle Police Department is investigating the death of a New Braunfels woman found Sunday along Interstate 35. According to police, 20-year-old Angelica Hicks, who was staying with friends in Kyle, was observed by passing motorists walking alone toward the Center Street Bridge and standing near the edge looking
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
over prior to her death. The Kyle Police Department received a call at 9:54 a.m. reporting her body had been found. Police say there is no indication of foul play, but a cause of death is pending an autopsy that was ordered by Hays County Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 Beth Smith. This investigation is ongoing.