2020 YEAR IN REVIEW

Publication Date: January 9

New chamber director hired

The Wimberley Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is excited to introduce our new Executive Director Michaelanne Hurst. Michaelanne assumed the position of Executive Director on January 2, 2020.

January 16

ACLU warns WISD over response to logo alteration

American Civil Liberties Union (ALCU) has alleged that Wimberley ISD is violating the First Amendment in actions taken by the school district in an attempt to enforce a copyright claim on the high school logo.

Alexis Pointe Senior Living opens for business

Alexis Pointe Senior Living opened its doors to the community last week for a grand opening of one of the largest facilities of any kind in the Wimberley Valley. In the main building, there are 49 assisted living apartments along with 16 secured private memory care apartments, a dining room, gym and activity spaces. The apartments are full sized ranging from one to two bedrooms. Behind the main building is a set of 10 cottages with independent living apartments.

January 23

Chamber announces Business, Nonprofit of the Year

The Wimberley Valley Chamber of Commerce announced both the Business and Nonprofit of the Year last week. Sonora Bank, which opened the doors on a new facility in October, was named the Business of the Year. Wimberley EMS was named the Nonprofit of the Year.

January 30

County to join new lawsuit against Kinder Morgan

Hays County will join a new lawsuit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Kinder Morgan for violation of the Endangered Species Act in connection with the Permian Highway Pipeline. The vote will also allow counsel to release up to $75,000 from the general fund for legal expense in support of the lawsuit.

Jarosz wins third Grammy Award

Sarah Jarosz collected her third Grammy Award over the weekend winning Best American Roots Song for “Call My Name” with her band I’m With Her. Jarosz and her band members Aoife O’Donovan and Sara Watkins wrote the song.

February 6

CTMC sold, includes local Live Oak Health Clinic

Central Texas Medical Center will become part of the CHRISTUS Health system, following an agreement made between CHRISTUS and AdventHealth. CTMC and its subsidiaries will join the Irving-based health system after CHRISTUS and AdventHealth agreed on terms of a binding definitive agreement announced Monday.

ACLU files grievance with Wimberley ISD

The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a grievance against Wimberley ISD on behalf of a local parent in relation to the district’s handling of the logo trademark enforcement. The grievance calls the actions taken by Wimberley ISD “unconstitutional” and claims that they are “attempting to silence (a parent’s) freedom of speech.” Wimberley ISD Superintendent Dwain York said that he couldn’t comment on the grievance at this point due to confidentiality concerns.

February 16

Pipeline construction imminent, lawsuit filed

The imminent Permian Highway Pipeline project by Kinder Morgan that has been in the works since fall 2018 threatens to start construction as soon as they have federal permits, which are expected soon. However, the $2 billion, 42-inch natural gas pipeline that is set to run through multiple counties including Hays, Gillespie and Blanco has put a number of concerns on the minds of many Texas Hill Country communities and landowners leading to a lawsuit filed on February 5 by multiple cities, districts, property owners and Hays County.

Constable’s staff involved in political forum altercation

An altercation between staff members of Hays County Precinct 3 Ray Helm’s office and Austin-area television crewmembers last week has resulted in an investigation by the Texas Rangers. The altercation occurred after a political forum hosted by two Hays County law enforcement associations at the Wimberley Community Center on Wednesday, February 5. One bystander was injured during the altercation.

February 20

Pipeline construction cleared

Clearing has already begun in Wimberley on the Permian Highway Pipeline as a District Court Judge denied the request for an injunction over the weekend. U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman denied the request for an injunction that was the start of a lawsuit filed by Hays County, the Texas Real Estate Advocacy and Defense Coalition and multiple other counties, cities, districts and property owners

Wimberley City Council races unopposed

The Wimberley City Council race was over just as soon as it started. All three seats on the council up for election are unopposed. Come May, Gina Fulkerson will be the Mayor of Wimberley and Teresa Shell and Jim Chiles will take their seat on the council. Mayor Susan Jaggers and council members Craig Fore and Gary Barchfeld did not run for re-election.

Woodcreek appoints Alvord to city council

The Woodcreek City Council appointed a new member last week to fill the vacancy of Charles LeCompte, who resigned last month. Vicki Alvord was recommended by Mayor Gloria Whitehead out of 10 candidates that applied for the position. Alvord was appointed unanimously by the city council.

February 27

Sales within city hit record high

Sales tax allocations were once again high this time setting a record for collections for the city of Wimberley. The allocations show that more money was spent within the Wimberley city limits in December 2019 than any other month of the last 20 years. The total for this year represents a nearly 16 percent increase over last year’s high, which set the previous record.

March 5

Virus threat is not imminent

Hays County Local Health Department Epidemiologist Eric Schneider said the coronavirus shouldn’t be viewed as an immediate threat to the county. “It was expected that cases would show up, so this is not a surprise, nor is it an immediate threat to our community,” Schneider said in a statement. “Should we begin to see cases in the general population, you can protect yourself, your family, and your community by using the same healthy behaviors that prevent a Flu outbreak.”

Play highlights local act of organ donation

“The Tin Woman,” at the Wimberley Playhouse, opens with a woman in a hospital bed clutching a heartshaped pillow to her chest. She has just received a donated heart. Shift to stage left, the family of the heart donor is sitting on a cold park bench dealing with the sudden loss of their son. The mother is strong and pragmatic and wants to move on. The father is angry and in denial. The play is based on a true story. Local residents Carmen and Paul Polhemus have lived that story. Carmen and Paul’s son, 19-yearold Daniel, who grew up in Wimberley, was killed in a single-car traffic accident in 2005. Daniel’s kidneys, liver and pancreas were donated. Earlier, another son of Carmen and Paul had received a tissue transplant, a heart valve. For the last 15 years, Carmen and Paul have devoted their energies to spreading the word about organ donation.

March 12

Local couple on quarantined cruise ship

The Grand Princess cruise ship with at least 21 confirmed coronavirus cases docked in California on March 9. Among the 3,500 passengers on the ship were Skip and Anna Casteel of Wimberley. The couple had shown no symptoms of the virus as of March 8.

March 19

First confirmed COVID-19 cases in Hays County

A 44-year-old Hays County resident tested positive for COVID-19 on March 13. On March 16 two more cases were reported. The first resident traveled to multiple cities on the United States West Coast where they are believed to have been exposed to the illness there.

WISD extends Spring Break two weeks

Wimberley ISD has extended spring break an additional two weeks due to ongoing concern about COVID-19. “Wimberley ISD will be extending Spring Break and closing our campuses for an additional two weeks through the week of March 30-April 3 as we assess the situation in our community,” Wimberley ISD Superintendent Dwain York said.

County declares State of Disaster to access funds

Hays County issued a State of Disaster declaration after a 44-year-old county resident tested positive for COVID-19. With a state of disaster, the county will be able to access state and federal funds to aid response to COVID-19.

March 26

COVID-19 economic impacts begin

The economic impacts of COVID-19 are readily apparent across the state and the nation. Wimberley is no exception. Due to state mandate, schools are closed, restaurants have closed their dining rooms and turned into curb-side pick and delivery only. Bars are closed. As a town that relies on tourism, Wimberley is facing a difficult time through even the first few days or weeks of the shut down.

WISD plans to feed children still in need

Wimberley ISD is responding to situations created by COVID-19 on many different fronts. All campuses are closed through Friday April, 3. This week, the district finalized plans for online learning. Teachers have created instructional packets that will largely be issued electronically this week. Additionally, the Child Nutrition Department will serve breakfast and lunch to students that qualify to receive free or reduced meals at Jacob’s Well Elementary.

Crisis Bread Basket readies

“With further closures, our first priority is immediate food needs that need to be filled but also to keep clients and volunteers safe,” John Urban, Chairman of Crisis Bread Basket, said. The increase in need is happening. There are usually 18 to 20 families per distribution (twice a week), but families don’t usually come every week. Now they have been. They have had 64 families as clients, five of them are new client families, more than usual. “We plan for more. We’re expecting this as it goes on,” Urban said.

April 2

County issues ‘Stay At Home, Work Safe’ Order

Hays County issued a “Stay at Home, Work Safe” order last week, which mandates all county residents to stay at home at their place of residence. County residents may leave their residence to perform essential activities, perform essential business or perform essential government functions. The stay-at-home order went into effect Thursday, March 26.

Tennyson passes away after battle with cancer

One of Wimberley’s favorite children passed away after multiple battles with cancer. Lizzie Tennyson, 22, passed away on March 30, 2020. With the beaming personality of a cheerleader and the heart of a warrior, Tennyson inspired the Wimberley community as she battled cancer throughout her school years and beyond. Rally cries of “Team Lizzie” echoed from the hallways and throughout town.

April 9

Wimberley’s first confirmed case of COVID-19

The first lab-confirmed case of COVID-19 in Wimberley was reported on April 3. Officials confirmed that the case is in the Wimberley area, but not within the Wimberley city limits. The city of Woodcreek still does not have a lab-confirmed case as of April 6. Hays County said that the case was community transmitted but that it was unable to share any further details.

Home values increase 10%

The value of homes in the Wimberley Valley increased more than 10 percent in the last year, according to the Hays Central Appraisal District. That is more than the 7.9 percent average increase in market value for homes in Hays County.

April 16

Drilling fluid spill sparks pipeline lawsuit

Attorneys acting for the Trinity Edwards Springs Protection Association issued a notice of intent to sue the Permian Highway Pipeline LLC and Kinder Morgan for allegedly contaminating an underground source of drinking water as a result of the pipeline’s construction operations in Blanco County on March 28. According to a spokesperson for Kinder Morgan, the company “experienced an underground drilling fluid loss during construction in Blanco County, Texas.”

First county COVID death, third confirmed case in Wimberley

The first fatality from COVID-19 in Hays County was confirmed on Monday afternoon. According to a press release from Hays County, the death was a woman in her 80s who had been living in Buda with a relative. The third lab-confirmed case of COVID-19 in the Wimberley Valley was confirmed this week.

April 23

One SMPD officer dead, two wounded in ambush

San Marcos Police Officer Justin Putnam was killed Saturday after a suspect in an assault/domestic violence case ambushed him and his fellow officers. Putnam, 31, was a 5-year San Marcos Police Department veteran. Officers Franco Stewart and Justin Mueller were injured during Saturday’s incident and were transported to Ascension Seton Hays in Kyle. Stewart and Mueller both underwent surgery and currently are in critical but stable condition.

Schools are online only for remainder of the year

Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced last week that all Texas schools, including Wimberley Independent School District, will remain closed through the end of the current school year. WISD will continue to provide remote instruction and meal services until the final day of school.

April 30

Pipeline hits roadblock, county pulls permits

Hays County rescinded county road permits, which allowed Kinder Morgan to install its Permian Highway Pipeline. The Hays County Commissioners Court voted Tuesday following executive session to immediately rescind the permits, which allowed Kinder Morgan to cut through and drill underneath county roads.

Shops beginning to reopen

Many of the shops on the Wimberley Square, and throughout town, have begun the process of opening their doors. Over the weekend, retail establishments were allowed to open for curbside service and soon they will be allowed to begin letting limited numbers of customers inside following Governor Abbott’s new executive order.

VFW Rodeo canceled

Wimberley’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6441 has canceled the annual rodeo scheduled for July 2-4 this year. This is the first time since 1946 that Wimberley will not have its VFW July 4 rodeo. Post Commander John Thompson said, “We made the decision out of a concern for the safety for our rodeo fans and contestants as well as for the economic burden that some in our community are experiencing.”

May 7

Wimberley signs Aqua Texas sewer contract

The Wimberley City Council unanimously approved a contract with Aqua Texas for sewer system services during tonight’s special council meeting. The long-term debate over whether the city should own its own effluent treatment plant or have effluent processed by Aqua Texas has been settled with a 10-year contract

May 14

Wimberley person dies from COVID-19 complications

A Wimberley person died from complications of COVID-19 last week. This is the first death in Wimberley related to the disease and the second such death in Hays County. The person, who passed away Thursday, May 7, was a Wimberley resident in their 90s.

May 21

The ‘epic’ Wimberley flood of 2015

This week marked the five year anniversary of the Memorial Day Weekend Flood of 2015. Eleven lives were lost in the flood. More than 350 homes were damaged or destroyed accounting for more than estimated $100 million in damage. Since 2015, the city has issued 42 flood demolition permits and 229 flood remodel/repair permits, one of which was issued in 2020 compared to 178 in 2015. More than 15,000 trees were washed away. In one night, an entire community changed.

WHS Academic Excellence awards

The Wimberley High School Class of 2020 graduates ranking in the top-10 percent of their class: The topranked senior and valedictorian is Anika Hawes. The second-ranked student and salutatorian is Kaitlyn Sloan. Other students ranked among the top-10 percent of the 173 graduates are (in order): Heath Schake, Shelby Morris, Lauren Walker, Benjamin Wilson, Cullen Cable, Cooper McCollum, Audrey Newman, Isis Harper, Daniela Guel, Grant Cabler, Ian Crain, Declan Duggan, Gregory “Cade” Houghton, Kennedee Shroyer, and Gabriela Perez.

May 28

WISD board attempts to finish logo issue

Wimberley ISD has moved on from the logo issue and is now looking to the future when it comes to protecting its trademark. The board unanimously approved a motion that denied the requested remedies from the grievant and effectively closed the grievance. The board also issued a statement that said the district would not pursue any legal action toward the individuals involved in the grievance process, but moving forward will protect the Texan flag logo by evaluating any future logo or trademark issues on a case-by-case basis. In its statement the board reaffirmed its support of the LGBTQ community within WISD, and also urged WISD administration and the community to focus on improving the district for the betterment of all students and the enrichment of the community.

June 4

Vice Admiral from Wimberley retires from duty

Vice Admiral Mary Jackson, who hails from Wimberley, retired from duty after 32 years. Jackson was the commander of the Navy Installations Command. CNIC is responsible for worldwide U.S. Navy shore installation management, designing and developing integrated solutions for sustainment and development of Navy shore programs and infrastructure.

Vigil and protest for George Floyd

Around 200 people showed up to the Wimberley Square to hold a vigil and show solidarity for George Floyd, who was killed by a police officer in Minnesota sparking protests across the country, and support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

June 11

Hays County COVID-19 seeing ‘drastic’ climb

The amount of COVID-19 cases confirmed in Hays County has been rising significantly over the last few weeks including a record report of 43 new cases on Monday. However, the data released Monday included totals from the weekend that were not previously released. “We are definitely on a drastic uphill climb at the moment,” Hays County Epidemiologist Eric Schneider said.

Congratulations graduates!

Wimberley High School held a graduation ceremony on Friday June 5 at Texan Stadium. The graduation was socially distanced and held outdoors on the field, but it was also the first time many of the seniors had met in person since spring break was extended indefinitely in March.

No virus cases found in county nursing homes

Out of 967 nursing home staff and residents who were tested in Hays County by Governor Greg Abbott’s order, zero tests came back positive.

June 18

Woodcreek Mayor’s comments called ‘racist’

Woodcreek Mayor Gloria Whitehead said that Black Lives Matter is a “threat to our lives” and a “Socialist attempt to take over our lives, using guilt and shame… the race card,” in a Facebook post on June 9. The post spurred hundreds of comments, many of which have called Whitehead and her comments racist as well as requesting that she resign from her position as mayor

COVID-19 closing local businesses

Multiple businesses in Wimberley have temporarily closed in the last week due to employees testing positive for COVID-19. Each business is handling the situation a bit differently. Some like H-E-B alerted customers and continued operating. Others like Community Pizza, Wimberley Café and Creekside Cookers temporarily closed until they felt they had enough staffing that had tested negative to reopen.

COVID-19 cases hit record highs in county

Hays County has seen a steep increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases over the last week. With 69 more cases reported on Monday, the total cases within the county has more than doubled in the last week. The new single day record for COVID-19 confirmed cases is 142, which was reported on June 14.

June 24

TESPA files new pipeline lawsuit

The Trinity Edwards Springs Protection Association (TESPA), acting on behalf of Blanco County landowners whose water was impacted in a spill of drilling fluid, has filed a lawsuit in federal court against the Permian Highway Pipeline and Kinder Morgan. The case alleges violations of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, which protects “underground sources of drinking water” by prohibiting the injection of “contaminants” into underground drinking water. Kinder Morgan said that the lawsuit doesn’t have any merit.

City Administrator contract not renewed

The contract for Wimberley City Administrator Shawn Cox, which expires September 1, will not be renewed. The Wimberley City Council voted unanimously in favor of allowing the contact to expire.

Masks required: Judge creates new COVID-19 order on face coverings

Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra unveiled a new COVID-19-related executive order June 18, which requires county residents to wear face masks in public.

July 2

Racist sign causes Black visitors to leave Wimberley

A racist sign was left on the front porch of a Black family’s cabin rental at 7A Ranch causing the family to leave town and head back home to Houston. Kevin Burrell and his family were staying in Wimberley. In the early morning hours of June 20, Burrell heard a “loud boom” at the front door. Outside, he found a sign that said, “White lives matter too!! Us people have a noise curfew in this town noise out at 10 pm or get your a**es out of town you people have a nice day now!,” on the front. The back of the sign said, “To the late night A****les Big Mouth up to 2:00 AM.”

Gov. Abbott orders bars to close down

Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday took his most drastic action yet to respond to the post-reopening coronavirus surge in Texas, shutting bars back down and scaling back restaurant capacity to 50%. He also shut down river-rafting trips, which have been blamed for a swift rise in cases in Hays County, and banned outdoor gatherings of over 100 people unless local officials approve.

Local hospital reaching COVID-19 capacity

CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital — San Marcos (formerly Central Texas Medical Center) is reportedly at capacity on any given day for COVID-19 patients, Director of Public Safety Chase Stapp announced at a special called San Marcos City Council last week

July 9

New principal for Jacob’s Well

During the current summer transition time between school years Wimberley ISD is restructuring some administrative personnel roles. Ms. Andrea Pope was asked by Superintendent Dwain York to serve Wimberley ISD as Student Academic Services Advisor. Replacing her as Principal at Jacob’s Well will be current Blue Hole/ Scudder Primary Assistant Principal Mrs. SueAnna Thomas

Fourth of July shines in Wimberley

The VFW Rodeo, annually held on the weekend of Independence Day, was canceled this year. But the Wimberley VFW found a way to celebrate also. A community fireworks show, with appropriate social distancing and masks, was still put on display at the rodeo arena. The annual “Best Little Parade in Texas” was also cancelled. However, the Wimberley Valley Chamber of Commerce Board and Parade Committee worked to come up with a different way to celebrate and decided to produce our first ever Neighborhood Drive Through 4th of July Parade. It turned out to be a blast.

Abbott orders Texans to wear masks

Gov. Greg Abbott issued a statewide mask mandate July 2 as Texas scrambles to get its coronavirus surge under control. The order requires Texans living in counties with more than 20 coronavirus cases to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth while in a business or other building open to the public, as well as outdoor public spaces, whenever social distancing is not possible. But it provides several exceptions, including for children who are younger than 10 years old, people who have a medical condition that prevents them from wearing a mask, people who are eating or drinking, and people who are exercising outdoors

July 16

WISD to offer on-campus, at home options

The Wimberley Independent School District has announced plans for re-opening with a daily school schedule at the beginning of next school year in line with Texas Education Agency guidelines and requirements for school systems throughout the state. It is a TEA requirement that the district offer an on campus schooling option to all students that want to attend, but families will have other options that do not require in-person attendance. Classes will begin August 19, and the district plans to follow the academic calendar that was previously adopted by the Board of Trustees. The district will also offer two “full-time at-home learning” options for students.

33-foot deep lift station installed

A milestone project for the Wimberley sewer system was completed last week as the 33-foot long, six-foot diameter lift station was placed vertically into the ground. A crane lifted the 3,500-pound fiberglass lift station and placed it in a hole near the intersection of FM 3237 and Ranch Road 12, which is the lowest point in the sewer system.

Suit filed against Woodcreek mayor by council member

Woodcreek Councilmember Brent Pulley has filed a lawsuit against Woodcreek Mayor Gloria Whitehead asking the courts to step in and correct issues he believes are taking place against either Woodcreek code or the Texas Open Meetings Act.

July 23

Constable announces resignation

Hays County Constable Precinct 3 Ray Helm resigned this week effective July 31 amidst “several investigations” from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. Helm, who heavily won the Republican Primary Election and would not have had a Democratic challenger, stated that the resignation is for both “personal and political reasons.”

School re-opening split between in-person and online only initially

Wimberley ISD will start in-person school for two campuses on the original start date of August 19 while two campuses will do online schooling until September 8. The decision was made by the WISD Board of Trustees after the administration delivered a comprehensive school restart safety plan, but the board also stressed that the community would still have a chance to comment on the new plan.

A new home for a local wounded warrior

The national nonprofit organization, Homes For Our Troops donated a home in the Wimberley Valley to Army Sergeant David Guzman on Saturday, July 18, 2020. SGT Guzman was severely injured while serving in Iraq.

July 30

As housing sales surge, supply drops record lows

Empty shelves at the supermarket are not the only shortage in the pandemic. Homes are in short supply, too, according to the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University. Hays County’s home supply is at a 5-year low, with an inventory lasting 2 months in June, compared to 3.2 months in June of 2019 and 3.3 months in June of 2018 and 2017. Researchers consider a six-month inventory a balanced market.

Library expansion to be ‘One Water’

The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University and Wimberley Village Library District Board of Trustees have executed a memorandum of understanding to launch a new One Water project for the Wimberley Valley community. With technical support from the Meadows Center, the planned 15,000-squarefoot library expansion and 3.8-acre lot will be designed for both water conservation and water quality protection while serving as a community laboratory and educational resource for natural resources protection

August 6

Helm ‘fabricated’ documents, surrenders license

Constable Ray Helm has permanently surrendered his peace officer’s license and submitted his resignation while also admitting to investigators that he falsely reported training to the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement that he knew did not constitute training for TCOLE purposes. A TCOLE investigation says that Helm “fabricated” documents to “memorialize” the training session they say did not occur. Helm confirmed that the resignation and surrender of license is part of a Non-Prosecution Agreement with the Texas Attorney Generals’ Office. The deal offered to Helm, in general, is to resign and surrender his peace officer’s license instead of facing criminal prosecution. This also keeps him from being a law enforcement officer in the future.

New Sculpture to grace Martha Knies Community Park

Plans may have been slowed down a bit, but come March of 2021, the little pocket park closest to the Wimberley Square will receive its new name. Not only that, it will have a beautiful bronze sculpture to highlight the newly named Martha Knies Community Park.

August 13

Former sheriff named new constable

The Hays County Commissioners Court appointed former Sheriff Don Montague for the vacant Precinct 3 Constable position. Montague accepted the position and was sworn in by Justice of the Peace Andrew Cable this week.

Football back on the field

August 3rd kicked off the official start of the 2020 season for the Wimberley Texans football team. This year will be one of the most unique seasons, and one that both players and coaches will never forget. After the UIL canceled all remaining spring sports seasons, in which many Wimberley athletes saw their season vanish, the pandemic refuses to slow down. But the UIL announced fall sports could continue. This year’s football season has a lot of uncertainty still, but Head Coach Doug Warren hopes to lead the Texans back to the State Title game.

August 20

Pipeline moving forward, around Blanco River

The county has reissued permits for the Permian Highway Pipeline to cross county roads and Kinder Morgan has stated the pipeline will be rerouted around the Blanco River, as opposed to drilling under the river. The change does not impact the route of the pipeline in Hays County. Last week, the Hays County Commissioners Court voted to reissue road crossing permits for the Kinder Morgan Permian Highway Pipeline after rescinding them three months ago, when horizontal directional drilling damaged karst features and caused drilling fluids to enter the groundwater and pollute wells in Blanco County.

Parks bond on the ballot

The Hays County Commissioners Court voted in favor of a bond election this November for parks, conservation, connectivity and flood mitigation projects at $75 million. All but Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe voted in favor of putting the bond on the ballot, leaving it up to the residents to decide in what will likely be a record turnout election year.

August 27

Man dies in shootout after standoff, chase

A man driving a stolen car had a standoff with officers leading to a car chase that ended in a gunfight on August 20. Nathan Harrington, 43, of Pflugerville, was killed by police after crashing a second stolen vehicle on FM150 between Wimberley and Dripping Springs and firing upon officers. The incident began with Harrington having a self described ‘stand off’ with police near the Post Office.

Back to School

After being home since spring break, the youngest of Wimberley ISD got the chance to go back to school last week. Students at the newly opened Blue Hole Primary and Jacob’s Well Elementary were allowed to return to class on August 19.

Defying the odds and beating COVID-19

In March, Wimberley resident Woody Franke was facing major heart surgery. In May, he was facing a fight for his life battling some of the most severe impacts of COVID-19. After 73 days on a ventilator, Franke got to go home in late August to continue his recovery.

September 3

Bank robber pleads guilty

A 59-year-old Kemah, Texas man has pleaded guilty to federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, including the Broadway Bank robbery in Wimberley, announced U.S. Attorney Stephen J. Cox.

September 10

‘Suspicious device’ on pipeline deemed hoax

A “suspicious device” was found at a work site for the Permian Highway Pipeline the morning of Tuesday, September 1 that was later determined to be a fake explosive device. “It was intentionally placed there,” Chief Deputy Neal Leonard of the Blanco County Sheriff’s Office told Reuters. “It looked like an explosive device. There was a cylinder with wires coming out of it connected to a large 9-volt battery.”

New interim city administrator hired

The city of Wimberley has officially parted ways with City Administrator Shawn Cox and appointed Paul Parker as Interim City Administrator. Cox officially resigned on September 3. Cox was originally hired on February 20, 2018. Parker was previously Interim City Manager from late 2017 through February of 2018 before Cox was hired.

September 17

From WHS to a Navy Officer

Wimberley High School graduate Marshall Andrews has chosen to take a path from college to the military as he makes his way through Officer Candidate School. Officer Candidate School is a 13-week course that prepares college graduates to become naval officers. Andrews grew up his entire life in Wimberley going through Wimberley ISD from kindergarten through 12th grade. He graduated from Wimberley High School in 2014 and was a member of the 2011 State Championship football team. He was a multi-sport athlete, but he also impressed off the field.

Extended car chase leads to DWI arrest

Police attempted to pull over Charles Lawrence Howard III, 35, of San Antonio, for a traffic violation on the north side of Wimberley around 7 p.m. on September 8. The chase started on FM 3237 and went past Hays City Store before Howard turned around and raced back through Wimberley, passing through the Square and continuing on Ranch Road 12 towards Dripping Springs. The chase ended when deputies were able to immobilize the vehicle in the 18,000 block of Ranch Road 12 just north of town.

September 24

Lawsuit against County Judge calls for removal

A recently filed lawsuit calls for the removal of Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra, alleging he accepted a stipend for duties he did not perform. Plaintiff Nathan Kaspar alleges that Becerra accepted two stipends of $25,000 each to perform judicial functions, although there are no records of documents to show that work was done. Becerra called the lawsuit baseless.

Market Days is back

After a six month hiatus, Wimberley Lions Club Market Day will be back in business on Saturday, October 3, just in time for cooler weather. Following the current government guidelines, facemasks and six-feet-distancing will be required in all of the areas of the field. Facemasks will be available for purchase, if necessary. Rodgers Holt, Market Day General Manager, added, “Hand sanitizer will be at all gates, concessions and restrooms. The restrooms will be cleansed prior to Market Day and then, periodically during the day.”

October 1

County Judge under investigation for courting faulty tests

Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra and county Chief of Staff Alex Villalobos are currently under investigation by the Texas Attorney General’s Criminal Prosecution Division and the Texas Rangers after they allegedly courted a business relationship with a single vendor for COVID-19 tests in early 2020.

Hospitalizations double after audit catches error

An additional 160 hospitalizations caused by COVID-19 were discovered through an audit conducted by the Hays County Local Health Department almost doubling the total reported previously. The 160 hospitalizations had previously gone unreported in the county’s daily updates. According to the local health department, reports of hospitalizations that were not previously provided were reported. The new data was released on September 24 and brought the total hospitalizations related to COVID-19 in Hays County from 180 to 341.

Commissioners approve 5% tax revenue increase

The Hays County Commissioners Court set the new property tax rate Tuesday at 0.4212. The new rate will raise 5.18% more revenue for the county than last year, resulting in an additional $4,619,577. Of the new revenue, $4,396,386 will come from new properties.

October 8

WISD is taking measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Keeping up with the rule changes from everybody from the CDC, Governor Greg Abbot and others is challenging to say the least. Calming the fears of teachers, parents and students, the Administration has done a lot to provide information. “At this point, we are pleased with how the school year has gone,” Wimberley ISD Communications Officer Allen Bruggman said. “Our protocols have shown to work, and we are educating kids at a high level despite the circumstances. When we have had COVID-19 cases, like we knew we would, the protocols have limited them and prevented them from becoming a bigger issue. That is a cause for celebration.”

October 15

DSWSC declines contract with Electro Purification

The Dripping Springs area needs water and Electro Purification (EP) wants to provide it, but at a special meeting held on Monday, October 12, the Dripping Springs Water Supply Corporation board stated they are not interested in doing business. At least, not in regard to the contract most recently offered by EP to the DSWSC for the purchase of water.

Hays County bars allowed to reopen

Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra announced October 9 that he will allow bars within the county to reopen following Gov. Greg Abbott’s most recent executive order. Under Abbott’s newest order and with Becerra’s approval, bars throughout Hays County will be allowed to reopen at 50% capacity beginning October 14.

October 22

Woodcreek commits to spend on roads

The Woodcreek City Council unanimously voted to commit $450,000 of reserve funding to road projects during last week’s council meeting. Exactly which roads will be worked on is still up in the air, but the money will likely be focused on the main thoroughfares of the city.

October 29

Hays County passes 2016 voting total

Hays County residents have turned out in historic fashion this year with numbers surpassing totals in the last presidential election. There have been 74,808 county residents who have voted either in-person or by mail as of Sunday. With 152,840 registered voters, 48.95% of registered voters in Hays County have voted already with four days left of early voting. In 2016, Hays County saw 72,164 county residents cast their vote in the general election.

Asynchronous learning nixed

The Wimberley ISD Board of Trustees unanimously approved the removal of asynchronous learning following the return from Thanksgiving break. Asynchronous learning is when learning does not match up with the time of instruction – the teaching isn’t live. It is done remotely through online or paper lesson plans. The removal of asynchronous learning as an option for WISD students limits the options students have to continue school from home, but it does not remove all at-home options.

Texans clinch District Championship

The Wimberley Texan Volleyball team clinched the district title outright with victories over Canyon Lake and Fredericksburg. The Texans finished district play at 8-0 and finished the regular season with a 23-4 record overall.

November 5

San Marcos Biden Bus incident goes national

The San Marcos Police Department is working in cooperation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation after an incident occurred between a Biden campaign bus and a “Trump Train.” An accident happened between an SUV following the bus and a black truck that was a part of a group of Trump supporters Friday afternoon on northbound Interstate 35 near Exit 210 in San Marcos. Viral videos posted on Twitter show the two vehicles colliding. SMPD said further investigation was needed to determine who was at fault.

Lawsuit denied requesting County Judge’s removal

A lawsuit calling for the removal of Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra was ruled in his favor on Oct. 15, denying the plaintiff’s request for his removal and citation. Becerra stated that the lawsuit was “a baseless allegation intended to undermine public trust.”

Homecoming 2020

Rhyan Masur was named the WHS Homecoming Queen and Nash Rawlings-Elsner was named the Homecoming King. Others on the Homecoming Court were Madison Killion, Bryce Medlock, Ryan Rodriquez, Koko Ruangrangsee, Kyla Simpson, and Wyatt Wisdom.

November 12

Purple Hays shades blue this election

Hays County voted blue in all but one state level race; at the local level, conservative candidates saw more support. In the 2020 Nov. 3 General Elections’ unofficial results, Joe Biden won 54.28% of the vote and 11,785 more votes than President Donald Trump who received 43.47% of the vote in Hays County. However, Wimberley precincts voted much differently in the presidential race. Precincts 333, 335, 337, 338 and 339, which make up the Wimberley Valley and even extend slightly beyond the immediate local area, voted 57.59% for Trump and 40.88% for Joe Biden.

November 19

Outlook promising as local economy strengthens

Although COVID-19 continues to cloud the future, economic leaders are hopeful 2021 will provide a bounce back year for the Greater San Marcos region and beyond. The Greater San Marcos Partnership held its 2020 Greater San Marcos Economic Outlook luncheon. The event discussed the economic outlook within the Greater San Marcos region, a state-level discussion, national overview and a panel discussion on commercial real estate

November 26

Championship run reignites legacy

Wimberley lost the State Championship to Decatur, but the senior class will be remembered for bringing back the volleyball team’s historic winning tradition after making it to the championship game for the first time since 2010.

Woodcreek swears in new council

The Woodcreek City Council has multiple new members of the 2020-2021 City Council. The members sworn in were Judy Brizendine, Bob Hambrick, Aurora F. LeBrun. Mayor Gloria Whitehead gave the city’s gratitude to the outgoing members for their service to the city including Vicky Alvord, Nancye Britner and Bill Scheel

‘We are still in the middle of a pandemic’

Hays County Epidemiologist Eric Schneider stressed the importance of staying safe during the upcoming holiday season as COVID-19 cases increase in the county and throughout the state. Schneider stated that having large, indoor gatherings is not recommended.

December 3

Hays County practices mass medication distribution

Emergency management officials, first responders and volunteers gathered in the parking lot at Dripping Springs Middle School last week to participate in a point of dispensing or POD exercise. According to the CDC, “POD or points of dispensing, are community locations in which state and local agencies dispense medical countermeasures (MCMs) to the public during a public health emergency. MCMs such as vaccines, antiviral drugs, antibiotics, antitoxins, and chemical antidotes are used to effectively prevent, mitigate, or treat adverse health effects of an intentional, accidental, or naturally occurring public health emergency.”

Jarosz receives ninth Grammy nomination

Sarah Jarosz was nominated for her 8th and 9th Grammy Awards last week, one of which was for her new song “Hometown.” She has been nominated for Best Americana Album for her newly released album ‘World On The Ground’ and for Best American Roots Song for ‘Hometown.’

Hal Ketchum dies at age 67

Rolling Stone called him a “hit country singer” while CNN called him “legendary.” The title of his last album deemed him a “troubadour.” For everything that he was to the world of country music, he was also special to the people of the Wimberley Valley as he passed in and out of town over his years moving from Nashville back to Central Texas before settling into Fischer for what would be the final decade of his life. Hal Michael Ketchum, 67, of Fischer, Texas died on the night of November 23, 2020.

December 10

Mental health needs rising among students

Hays County is considering awarding $200,000 in funding to school districts for mental health related expenses, acknowledging an increased need. As schools near the end of the first in-person semester during the pandemic, Wimberley ISD’s Director of Student Support Services Amy Lyles recognized there was an increased need for mental health services even before COVID-19.

Texans heading to State Semifinals

The Texan football team jumped out to a 28-0 lead in the first half and never looked back as Wimberley defeated the Navarro Panthers 35-14 to capture the Region IV title for the third time in the last four years and avenging their 24-22 loss in the district championship.

December 17

FCC expanding rural broadband access

The Federal Communications Commission authorized over $362 million for rural broadband connection in Texas. Two bidders, LTD Broadband LLC, and Resound Networks, LLC, were each awarded areas in Hays County and will receive just over $1.3 million to support the 2,527 individual locations

December 24

16-unit housing project approved in Woodcreek

The Woodcreek City Council approved a Planned Development District that will allow four individual four-plex multi-family housing units to be built on Deerfield Drive. The project was approved during the December 2 city council meeting.

Local healthcare workers getting COVID vaccine

Area hospitals have begun the process of administering the COVID-19 vaccine to employees. “Caregivers continue to lead by example, and I encourage everyone in the communities we serve to get vaccinated when it’s made available to you,” said Dr. Nicholas Steinour, emergency department medical director at Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin.