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HAYS COUNTY

Man arrested in connection with fatal convenience store shooting in Kyle

The Lone Star Fugitive Task Force arrested a third man Wednesday in connection with a shooting that <a href="https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2020/11/03/juvenile-dies-in-shooting-at-convenience-store-in-kyle-hcso-says/" target="_blank">killed a teenager</a><a href="https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2020/11/03/juvenile-dies-in-shooting-at-convenience-store-in-kyle-hcso-says/" target="_blank"> </a>in Kyle in November, according to The Hay’s County Sheriff’s Office

Sundance Record Lagoon coming back to San Marcos this summer

SAN MARCOS – Wait—did this song just skip? Sundance Record Lagoon is coming back to San Marcos this summer. “We’re super excited to announce that in June 2021, we’re going to bring this sign back to where it belongs in San Marcos, Texas, with the opening of Sundance Record Lagoon,” Escalante says in the video. The record shop told KSAT they would be aiming for a June 1st opening. Sundance Pop Up is happening at Zelicks in San Marcos - March 9th (Bobby’s birthday), 11th, and 13th!

Woman caught ‘red-handed’ after painting graffiti on Dripping Springs City Hall, officials say

A woman is in custody after she was caught “red-handed” after using red paint to vandalize the Dripping Springs City Hall building, according to the Hays County Sheriff’s Office. Surveillance video was later sent out on social media by the sheriff’s office, in hopes the public could help identify the suspect. When investigators made contact with Gibson, she was found with red paint on her hands and on the outside and inside of her vehicle, which matched the graffiti found on the city hall building, officials said. She was arrested for criminal mischief, which is a state jail felony, and was taken to the Hays County Jail. Anyone with more information on this incident is urged to contact the Hays County Sheriff’s Office at 512-393-7896, and to refer to case number HCSO 2021-14486.

San Marcos man discharged from hospital after 132-day stay, numerous COVID-related complications

SAN MARCOS – A man has been discharged from an area hospital after 132 days of battling COVID-19 and its after-effects on his body. CHRISTUS Santa Rosa officials say their patient, Alex Rivas, was fully discharged after his lengthy stay on Wednesday. Over several weeks, the 55-year-old developed complications related to COVID-19 and was eventually transported to CHRISTUS Santa Rosa New Braunfels after developing a heart complication. Rivas was eventually transferred back to the San Marcos hospital on Jan. 27. Now discharged, Rivas ends an over four-month hospital stay, no longer needs oxygen and can walk with the help of a walker.

Hays County sheriff urges people to stay off the roads saying there’s ‘no guarantee’ they could rescue you

Man shot by deputies after vehicle chase, Hays County Sheriff’s Office saysSAN MARCOS, Texas – Hays County Sheriff Gary Cutler says the sheriff’s office is receiving reports of motorists who are stranded and cannot be reached by fire, deputies or emergency medical service personnel. Cutler says he is pleading for Hays County residents not to drive during the winter storm on hazardous roadways. If you are driving in Hays County and become stranded, dispatchers will you the following questions:What is your vehicle description? However, there is no guarantee that emergency personnel can reach you or your vehicle. The sheriff’s office says that if you choose to abandon your vehicle try to get it off the roadway as best as possible and remove all personal belongings.

San Marcos mayor signs disaster declaration, urges residents to avoid travel, attend church online

SAN MARCOS, Texas – San Marcos Mayor Jane Hughson signed a disaster declaration Saturday and urged city residents to avoid traveling during the winter storm as it makes its way through the area and state. San Marcos police reported that they had responded to more than 12 ice-related crashes on Interstate 35 early Saturday morning. Hays County Emergency Management is coordinating the following temporary shelter locations for anyone unable to obtain other accommodations:AdSouthside Community Center518 S. Guadalupe St., San Marcos, TX512-557-0795The Salvation Army300 S CM Allen Parkway, Ste. 100, San Marcos, TX512-938-2596Hays Hills Baptist Church1401 N Farm to Market Rd. 1626, Buda, TX512-295-3132Dripping Springs United Methodist Church28900 RR 12, Dripping Springs, TX512-894-7123Westover Baptist Church1310 Advance St., San Marcos, TX512-214-2258First Baptist Church of Wimberley15951 Winters Mill Parkway, Wimberley, TX432-634-2364Additional resource information may be found at https://hayscountytx.com/2021/02/13/resources-for-those-in-need-during-freezing-weather/.

San Marcos police called to more than 12 ice-related crashes on I-35 Saturday

SAN MARCOS – San Marcos police responded to more than 12 ice-related crashes on Interstate 35 early Saturday morning. According to officials, no one was seriously injured in the crashes, but officials are now urging drivers to slow down and avoid traveling due to ice on bridges and roadways throughout the city. SMPD says that bridges on Wonder World Drive, west of I-35, have reopened after being closed due to “slick conditions.”Police shut down I-35 shortly after 4:30 a.m. and diverted traffic to access roads. The interstate was treated for ice and reopened just before 6:30 a.m., police say. “Winter weather conditions are expected to continue throughout the weekend so stay off the roadways if possible.

Two people dead after Jeep hits back of semi-truck, catches fire, San Marcos police say

SAN MARCOS, Texas – Two people are dead after their Jeep crashed into the back of a semi-truck on Sunday, San Marcos police said. According to police, the crash happed at 10:24 p.m. near mile marker 208 on the southbound lanes of Interstate Highway 35. At the scene, investigators said they found a 2014 Jeep that had crashed into the back of the semi-truck, which was parked off the main lanes near the Department of Public Safety weigh station. Police said the Jeep caught fire and was extinguished by the San Marcos Fire Department. Both the driver and a passenger in the Jeep were killed during the crash.

Shooting suspect turns himself in, San Marcos police say

SAN MARCOS – A 17-year-old San Marcos man is facing two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in connection with a shooting in late January. Octavius Garner turned himself in on Feb. 16, according to a news release from the San Marcos Police Department. Garner is believed to be responsible for a Jan. 30. shooting at a mobile home park in the Whispering Oaks Community, located at 503 Uhland Road. Investigators say the two men were sitting inside a parked car with Garner when an argument broke out. Police say Garner then pulled out a handgun and began shooting.

Hays County hospitalizations trend lower, increased restrictions lifted

Beccera said he received a letter from Dr. John Hellerstedt, director of the Texas Department of State health services, informing him of the situation as it affected Hays County. I received an email last... Posted by Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra on Sunday, January 31, 2021Becerra said he also shares community members’ frustration concerning vaccine supply. Mike Jones, director of the Hays County Office of Emergency Services and the Hays County Local Health Department, said the county receives less than 2,000 doses per week from the state. “While no system is perfect,” Jones said, “our goal is to take care of Hays County residents in the most efficient and effective manner possible. Capacity restrictions are still in effect for Bexar County and surrounding counties in the state’s Trauma Service Area P.Related: Man, 22, arrested in series of vehicle burglaries in Hays County, deputies say

1 adult, 3 juveniles charged with capital murder after man dies from gunshot wound, officials say

Jason Martinez, 17, is charged for capital murder following a homicide in Hays County. BUDA, Texas – Three juveniles and one adult are in custody and charged with capital murder in connection with a recent homicide in Buda, according to the Hays County Sheriff’s Office. Jason Martinez, 17, who is charged as an adult, and three juveniles are all from Austin and charged with capital murder in the shooting death of Giancarlo Perez, officials said. The four arrests were “the result of numerous witness interviews” in Hays County and in Austin, according to the HCSO. RELATED: Homicide investigation underway after man dies from gunshot wound in hospital, deputies say

Man, 22, arrested in series of vehicle burglaries in Hays County, deputies say

Jeremy Rasco, 22, is now behind bars after deputies said he was involved in a series of vehicle burglaries in Hays County. HAYS COUNTY, Texas – A 22-year-old Hays County man is now behind bars after deputies said he was involved in a series of vehicle burglaries and had 15 outstanding warrants. Jeremy Rasco was arrested Thursday, Jan. 7, on a search warrant at a motel room in Austin after the Hays County Sheriff’s Office received several reports of vehicle burglaries in the area of Quail Run in San Marcos. Rasco is being held in the Hays County Jail for 24 charges on a $100,000 bond. Anyone with more information on the vehicle burglaries in the area should contact the sheriff’s office at 512-393-7896 or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-324-8466.

Hays County judge, family test positive for COVID-19 ahead of holidays

SAN MARCOS – Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra confirmed that he and his family tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday. Less than an hour ago, I found out that my entire family has tested positive for COVID19. Becerra encouraged everyone to isolate themselves through the holidays and celebrate with extended family remotely. “Less than an hour ago, I found out that my entire family has tested positive for COVID19. That being said, I know I’m asking a lot, but please consider gathering with your extended family remotely this holiday season.

Man arrested in connection with fatal shooting in Kyle, officials say

KYLE, Texas – A man has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting in Kyle, according to the Hays County Sheriff’s Office. Officials said the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division began an investigation for an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon offense. Officials said Roberto Ochoa Jr., 31, has been charged with capital murder and is in custody at the Hays County jail. Officials said anyone with information regarding the investigation is asked to call the Hays County Sheriff’s Office at 512-393-7896. RELATED: Juvenile dies in shooting at convenience store in Kyle, HCSO says

Wimberley man arrested after setting fire to three vehicles, officials say

WIMBERLY, Texas – A Wimberley man has been arrested and charged with three counts of Felony 2 Arson after setting fire to three vehicles, Hays County officials say. Kirill O. Belchenko, 32, was arrested and booked into the Hays County jail on Sept. 21, following an investigation by the Hays County Fire Marshal and Hays County Sheriff’s Office. Fire Marshal Nathan Mendenhall said the vehicle arson occurred in the 3400 block of Ranch Road 32 on Sept. 21. In a statement, Mendenhall said Belchenko set fire to three of his uncles’ vehicles and also claimed that he placed a pipe bomb on the property. Additionally, Belchenko told fire and law enforcement investigators that he set fire to a utility pole on the property.

Juvenile dies in shooting at convenience store in Kyle, HCSO says

KYLE, Texas – A juvenile was fatally shot at a convenience store in Kyle, Texas late Monday night, the Hays County Sheriff’s Office said. Officers were called around 9:40 p.m. to a Poco Loco convenience store in the 700 block of High Road after receiving word of a shooting. According to the Hays County Sheriff’s Office, the juvenile male was dropped off at an area hospital with a gunshot wound where he later died. The sheriff’s office said the investigation into the shooting is ongoing and that no other information is available at this time. People with information on the shooting, however, are urged to contact the Hays County Sheriff’s Office at 512-393-7896.

Biden camp cancels multiple Texas events after a "Trump Train" surrounded a campaign bus

On Saturday night, Trump tweeted a video of the Trump supporters following the Biden bus saying, “I LOVE TEXAS!”When reached for comment, the Texas GOP Chairman Allen West dismissed questions regarding the incident. According to the Biden campaign, multiple trucks pulled in front of the bus and appeared to try to slow it down. During that time, the person said, the group of Trump supporters fell back behind the police. “All involved parties are being referred to the San Marcos Police Department should they desire to file any type of report with law enforcement. Democratic officials say Trump supporters created a dangerous situation on Interstate 35 and continued following the bus into Austin.

Man shot by officers after I-35 chase now jailed on multiple charges, Hays County authorities say

SAN ANTONIO – A man who was shot by Hays County authorities during a vehicle pursuit that started on Interstate 35 Monday has been released from the hospital and booked into jail. The Hays County Sheriff’s Office said Richard Pollack, 43, was seen driving at a high rate of speed on the interstate and "weaving recklessly” through traffic at the 210-mile marker. A deputy attempted to pull the vehicle over, HCSO said, but Pollack kept driving, initiating a pursuit with deputies and Buda police. Deputies and police officers were able to stop Pollack’s car on South Loop 4 near Interstate Drive. Pollack was taken to the Hays County Jail and was charged with evading arrest, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and unlawfully carrying a weapon, according to HCSO.

Juvenile arrested in connection with woman’s death, arson in Hays County

BUDA, Texas – A juvenile was arrested in connection with an arson and murder of a Buda woman, the Hays County Sheriff’s Office said. Officials said the suspect was detained on a “directive to apprehend warrant for murder” and taken to a juvenile detention center. According to HCSO, the body of Janie Rebecca Loredo Zapata, 48, was found at the scene of a fire on May 15 in the 400 block of West Overlook Mountain in Buda. Deputies had responded to the location to assist the Hays County Fire Marshal with the investigation. Related: San Antonio police seek arson suspect who set fire to sign at Northwest Side grocery store

Man shot by deputies after vehicle chase, Hays County Sheriff’s Office says

HAYS COUNTY, Texas – A man was shot by deputies following an attempted traffic stop and vehicle chase Monday night, the Hays County Sheriff’s Office said. According to the Hays County Sheriff’s Office, the deputy tried to get the vehicle to stop, but the vehicle instead sped off. Hays County deputies and officers with the Buda Police Department chased the vehicle until it was finally disabled on South Loop 4 near Interstate Drive, just south of the Buda city limits, the Hays County Sheriff’s Office said. One of the law enforcement officers shot the driver, hitting him several times, the Hays County Sheriff’s Office said. No deputies or officers were hurt in the incident.

Swamped with voter requests, the Texas secretary of state's office has become a focus of frustration

The office is set up primarily to mail voters forms they need to fill out and send to their appropriate county election office. But, like other state agencies, the secretary of state's office is hobbled by work restrictions because of the coronavirus. Many of the ballot application requests are being handled from employees' homes, a spokesperson for the agency confirmed. While the state's deadline to request a mail-in ballot application is Oct. 23, the U.S. You can print out your own application, contact your local elections office to receive one or request one from the secretary of state’s office.

Republican Chip Roy defending his Congressional seat against former state Sen. Wendy Davis in District 21

The race for U.S. Congressional District 21 has been one to watch since the primaries when election officials announced Wendy Davis won the Democratic nomination and would challenge Republican incumbent Chip Roy on Election Day. Davis is a former state senator for State District 10 who led a 13-hour filibuster to block a bill restricting abortion rights in Texas. The AreaU.S. District 21 covers a vast area north of San Antonio and many communities along the I-35 North and I-10 West corridors, including parts of Bexar, Hays Travis, and Comal counties. Texas Congressional District 21 (ESRI/Chip Roy, U.S. House)Campaign FundsAs of June 30, Davis has raised more than $4.4. Voters will decide who they want as their next congressional district representative in less than one month.

San Marcos to hold meet and greet event for police chief candidates next week

SAN MARCOS, Tx – The City of San Marcos announced Tuesday that it would be holding a meet and greet for the final two police chief candidates on Oct. 14. In late September, city officials whittled down the applicant list from five to the final two candidates: Robert Brown, current chief of police for the city of Duncanville and Stan Standridge, current chief of police in Abilene. The meet-and-greet event will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Embassy Suites San Marcos Conference Center Spring Lake Salon, 1001 East McCarty Lane. According to a press release from the city, masks are required within the hotel and conference center and attendees should maintain social distancing guidelines during the reception event. A final decision and Council confirmation of the chosen candidate will be complete by early November, city officials said.

Report: Missing tuber found dead in San Marcos River

HAYS COUNTY, Texas – The body of a missing tuber was found by authorities in the San Marcos River on Sunday afternoon, according to a report from the Hays Free Press. The man, identified as Jesse Austin Jr., 29, disappeared Saturday afternoon while on a float trip. According to the Hays Free Press' report, Austin had fallen out of his tube near Martindale and had not resurfaced. The sheriff’s office told the Hays Free Press that “multiple agencies” participated in the search for Austin in the area where he was last seen. Related: Update: Woman, 85, who disappeared in San Antonio found in El Campo

How a local Texas politician helped a serial entrepreneur use COVID-19 to boost his business

The leaders worked, sometimes vigorously, to persuade their local governments to buy COVID-19 tests from a company Hayungs was hoping to partner with. Calvert, meanwhile, did not disclose that he once held an unpaid position on the advisory board of Hayungs’ company, MRG Medical. Villalobos, the Hays County chief of staff, said in a statement that Republicans were blocking access to COVID-19 tests. “Approved to Re-Vamp / Re-Brand Hays County Indigent Healthcare Program.”The county commissioners had not approved him to do anything. He did so without input from key Hays County medical leaders or approval from his fellow commissioners, as county rules require.

35-year-old Hays County Transportation employee found safe, reunited with family

HAYS COUNTY, Texas – Update:Tyler Joseph Pendergrass has been found safe and has reunited with his family, according to the Hays County Sheriff’s Office. He is an employee with Hays County Transportation, according to officials. ---UPDATE: The Hays County Sheriff’s Office said they found the Chevrolet pickup truck in a Walmart parking lot in Lockhart, Texas on Thursday night, but that he still has not been located. ---Original:The Hays County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in finding a 35-year-old Hays County Transportation employee that is missing and is suspected of being suicidal. His vehicle also has Hays County Transportation decals on the doors.

‘No one’s life should be punished for safety': San Marcos police ask for community feedback on use of force policies

SAN MARCOS, Texas – Lee esto en español. The San Marcos Police Department is asking for the community’s input on its current use of force policy. The new citizen’s advisory committee will be made up of residents from San Marcos who will be tasked with providing feedback to SMPD. “This ad-hoc committee is just a more formalized way of doing that, looking at our use of force policies and providing some feedback,” Klett said. San Marcos City Council will choose the members in early October.

Father suspected of killing infant, toddler daughters before turning gun on self in Hays County

SAN MARCOS, Texas – A father is suspected of killing his two daughters in a double murder-suicide in San Marcos, according to a search warrant affidavit from Hays County authorities. Deputies with the Hays County Sheriff’s Office were called around 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 27 to the 900 block of Boulder Bluff in San Marcos for a child custody call. The Hays County Free Press identified the father as 30-year-old Kyle Brandon Grieb and the two children as 6-month-old Caraline Engleman and 2-year-old Amyah Engleman. She stated that when she awoke that morning and couldn’t find her children, Grieb pointed towards a bathroom but she was still unable to locate the children. The deputy went to the area and discovered Grieb’s body “with an obvious gunshot wound” next to a tarp, the affidavit states.

Texas State says students in residence halls with COVID-19 are immediately moved out

SAN MARCOS, Texas As Texas State University students head to class in person, online, and in hybrid courses the university has created a plan to mitigate the spread of the virus for residents in on-campus dorm rooms. Sandra Pantlik, the universitys assistant vice president of university advancement, said the university is reporting that no students at Texas State who have tested positive for COVID-19 are currently living in residence halls. According to Pantlik, positive cases reported to the university are immediately moved out of residence halls and if they are not able to leave campus, they are moved into isolation at a university-owned single apartment, not a residence hall. These are not positive cases, they are asymptomatic close contacts, Pantlik said in an email. RELATED: Texas State University to begin in-person, online classes this week

Father, 2 young children found dead in San Marcos

The Hays County Sheriffs Office is investigating after a man was found dead of an apparent gunshot wound next to the bodies of two young children on Thursday. Greg Abbott surveys Hurricane Laura damage, calls no widespread deaths miracleA woman told deputies her boyfriend took their two young children, a 2-year-old girl and a 6-month-old girl, and left with them. While speaking with the woman, a family member notified deputies that there was a body on the ground outside the residence. The deputy observed a deceased male with an apparent gunshot wound, according to the news release. The two children were also found deceased near the male.Investigators are still determining how the incident unfolded.

Missing 17-year-old in Hays County found safe, officials say

BUDA, TX – Update:Tanner Weaver, 17, has been found safe, according to the Hays County Sheriff’s Office. Weaver was located by his family, unharmed and safe, on Sunday afternoon, officials say. Original:The Hays County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in finding a missing 17-year-old. If you have seen Weaver or have any information regarding his whereabouts, call the Hays County Sheriff’s Office at 512-393-7896. You can also contact Crime Stoppers anonymously by calling 1-800-324-8466 or you can submit your information on-line to Tip Line at P3tips.com or submit a tip on the Hays County Sheriff’s Office App.

Trump scales back landmark environmental law, saying it will help restart the economy

To spur economic growth, the Trump administration wants to remove processes meant to protect the environment that some large-scale infrastructure projects go through. Trump and his allies in business and industry argue that the law has proved costly and cumbersome to developers. He wants to exempt some projects and activities from environmental review altogether while speeding up the time frame for reviews for other projects. In January, Trump faulted the laws lengthy review process as one of the main reasons the nations infrastructure had fallen into disrepair. Kym Hunter, a senior attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center, said in email that it made no sense to scale back the law at a time when marginalized communities were demanding greater input into decisions affecting their public health.

San Marcos to offer free walk-up testing July 12-16

SAN MARCOS The City of San Marcos announced Tuesday that it would be conducting free testing for COVID-19 at San Marcos High School from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., July 12-16. Testing is available for anyone, ages five and up, regardless of symptoms, the citys press release states. Participants are not required to be Hays County residents.The testing is exclusive to walk-up testing only, so drivers must be prepared to park and exit vehicles for testing. On average, positive results are sent within seven business days of being tested, the citys press release stated. For more information on testing in the San Marcos area, visit the Hays County COVID-19 Testing Sites page.

Bexar County residents benefit from ongoing San Marcos River conservation efforts

SAN MARCOS, Texas As the temperatures heat up, people looking to cool off will flock to local rivers and springs. In Hays County at the San Marcos River, visitors may encounter conservationists working around them, trying to preserve the streams flow and healthy habitat. In 2013, the Edwards Aquifer Authority implemented a habitat conservation plan (EAHCP) to create and maintain the habitat for federally protected species that live in the San Marcos River and the Comal Springs System. A portion of the water withdrawal fees paid by utility companies, such as the San Antonio Water System (SAWS), helps support ongoing conservation efforts. Texas wild rice is native only to Hays County, through the conservation efforts experts say theyve seen it thrive.

Hays County leaders push back against Governor Abbotts claims of batched reporting

HAYS COUNTY As cases in Texas surge, Gov. Greg Abbott placed some of the blame on the process of data input in Hays County. As of Wednesday, Texas Department of State Health Services reported a total of 96,335 cases of COVID-19 in the state. Please see my statement below regarding Governor Abbott's inaccurate statements today about Hays County COVID-19 cases. pic.twitter.com/pIgkQ3rIyl Erin Zwiener (@ErinForYall) June 16, 2020Case counts in Hays County have increased more than 5 fold in a week, Zwieners post stated.

Hays County reports 142 additional COVID-19 cases, brings total to 544

HAYS COUNTY, Texas UPDATE: June 13The Hays County Local Health Department reported 142 new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday. The county also reported two new hospitalizations since Fridays announcement of 99 new cases of COVID-19 in the county. Due to the volume of reported cases, specific details of the cases announced will be revealed in Mondays report. Original: June 12The Hays County Local Health Department reported 99 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday. Its to protect our community.Related: Hays County reports 82 new cases of COVID-19