Hays
Politics
Eppright Homes joins Bee Cave in fight against distribution center
Eppright Homes is a homebuilder for Madrone Canyon, a single-family residential subdivision with 110 homes abutting the distribution center. (Grace Dickens/Community Impact) Eppright Homes has joined the city of Bee Cave’s fight against the West Austin Business Park distribution center, claiming that project developers misled local residents with flawed renderings, according to a Sept. 27 court filing.
Wimberley ISD speaks on school threat
WIMBERLEY — Wimberley ISD received a non-specific threat at Danforth Junior High, as well as found concerning messages on a social media app from a Jacob’s Well Elementary student on Sept. 24. Director of Safety and School Initiatives Christi Moeller revealed that multiple students reported hearing remarks from a sixth-grade student that insinuated gun violence at the junior high campus. Following these allegations, there was an investigation that took place by the DJH school resource officer, who is employed through the Hays County Sheriff’s Office. Moeller stated that the investigation involved direct questioning of the student who made the claim and other witnesses, where the officer concluded that the threat was not credible and there was no threat to anyone on campus. “In accordance with Texas Education Code 37.115, Wimberley ISD utilizes School Behavior Threat Assessment teams comprised of trained staff members and School Resource Officers to assess situations that involve possible threats to self or others,” said Moeller. Due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, Moeller stated that the specific consequences the student will face within the school district are confidential, but that it will adhere to the WISD Code of Conduct. Within the code of conduct, various incidents are categorized from level one to level five, which can result in suspension, alternative education programs, expulsion and more. The director also said that there have been similar reports of threats in recent years, though, upon investigation, they have been determined to be rumors, duplicated threats, poor attempts at jokes or non-credible. In regards to the elementary threat, a news release stated that students allowed a user on Snapchat to enter their private chat, believing it was a friend, but, after entering, the user went on to threaten students in the chat. While there was no direct threat to the campus, school officials noted that this offense is taken seriously and administrators are continuing to monitor the situation. “Social media probably has a big part in trends that we’ve seen over the last several years,” said HCSO Deputy Anthony Hipolito. “I think maybe kids are seeing it, thinking it’s funny and are almost making a joke out of it.” It’s important to realize, Hipolito continued, that these threats are always taken seriously and, therefore, use up valuable resources on what results in a hoax report. “I don’t remember this being a problem at all last school year. I’m sure we had one-offs here and there, but nothing like we’ve seen over the last two to three weeks in our county. It seems like it’s almost happening every day.” WISD joins others in Hays County in a surge of non-credible reports over the first month of school, with six students arrested in Hays CISD and a phone number tied to multiple incidents in the nation in San Marcos CISD. Hipolito explained that the beginning of slowing down these threats starts at home through education. “Parents, specifically, need to know that they need to have those conversations with their kids because it has to stop and we have to work together to ensure that our kids understand the importance of not [making a threat]. They also need to understand the consequences if they decide to do it,” stressed the deputy. “I know I have two children and we have conversations all the time. They need to know right from wrong and these kids do; they just think it's funny and nothing bad is going to happen to them and that's just not going to be tolerated.” “We will continue to respond to every reported or observed threat utilizing a systematic process involving school officials and law enforcement. Response will include investigation, parent/community communication, our School Behavior Threat Assessment procedures and Code of Conduct consequences and criminal charges as applicable,” said Moeller. “It is also important for us to commend the students and adults who immediately report possible threats and our SRO officers and campus staff who respond swiftly and consistently to address situations and work to keep our schools safe.” There are several resources for students and parents to submit information. Visit www.iwatchtx.org or contact Hays County Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-324-TIPS (8477) or to submit a tip online at www.CallCrimeStoppers.com or by using the P3 Tips app on your smartphone. “See something, say something,” concluded Hipolito.
Auditor finds PARD employee improperly used rec center for birthday party
A new report from the Office of the City Auditor found that a Parks and Recreation Department employee violated city policy by organizing a birthday party at a recreation center he oversaw without reserving or paying the proper fees to use the facility. The report also found that Mark Vasquez, a PARD recreation program supervisor in charge of the Montopolis Recreation Center, entered a back-dated reservation into the system used to manage the facility and made a partial rental payment after he learned the auditing staff were investigating the the incident.
Texas AG Commissioner Miller Invites all Texans to go to the Texan Pavilion at the State Fair
AUSTIN – Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller invites Texans to the State Fair to experience the Texas Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) GO TEXAN Pavilion, presented by Southwest Dairy Farmers. The Pavilion showcases the finest Texas-made products from GO TEXAN partners, offering a true taste of the Lone Star State. Conveniently located near the iconic Cotton Bowl Stadium in the heart of Fair Park, the Pavilion will be bustling with food samples, Texas wine tastings, family-friendly activities, and the daily Texas Whiskey Hour where fairgoers can meet local distillers. Commissioner Miller is excited to announce that this year’s Preview Night set a new record, with the Pavilion leading 2023 sales.
Dripping Springs City Hall to temporarily close for renovations
DRIPPING SPRINGS -- Dripping Springs City Hall will be temporarily closed starting Wednesday, Oct. 2, due to an extensive renovation project aimed at improving the building’s functionality and public services. During this time, all city hall employees will operate from alternate locations to ensure uninterrupted access to city services. The city hall renovation project is due to the growth of the city. Currently, there are two to three employees in offices designed for one, therefore, the renovation will add office space and will modernize the facilities and enhance the efficiency of city services for residents, according to the city of Dripping Springs. The reconstruction, expected to be completed within six months, will include adding offices, upgrades to structural components, energy-efficient systems, better audio/visual for city council and other meetings and accessibility features in line with current safety standards. Beginning on Oct. 2 employees currently in city hall will be housed in three alternative locations:
Empire concert venue gets city dollars to buy land, plan expansion
City funds have helped to preserve another live music venue, with the Rally Austin economic development organization announcing Wednesday it had completed a deal to help Empire Control Room & Garage acquire all of the property it has used since opening in 2013 on East Seventh Street. In a post...
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