Amid personal conflict, Hays County clerk turned to Republicanโs โrogueโ prosecutor law to oust fellow Democrat
Personal conflict between two newly elected Democrats briefly escalated into public view. An attempt to remove one from county office came in the background of university, state and federal impeachment attempts.
โEvil is out thereโ: Hays County authorities urge parents to monitor social media use
โItโs important that we as parents have an obligation to monitor those devices. We have a responsibility to ensure the safety of our children. And when we fail to do that, unfortunately, evil is out there,โ Opiela said. โEvil will find our kids if we donโt do our job.โ
Why some Texas cities and counties had to return millions of dollars meant to help renters during the pandemic
For some local relief programs, a lack of staffing, political support and effective community outreach got in the way of spending federal funds to prevent evictions, a new report found. More than $30 million went unspent and had to be returned.
Hays County commissioner pleads to lesser charge in 2021 DWI crash case
A Hays County commissioner who was charged with driving while intoxicated after crashing into a vehicle in Austin last year has been sentenced to nine months of community supervision in the case, Travis County court records show.
Grand jury clears two San Marcos police officers in fatal shooting of 31-year-old man
Two San Marcos police officers will not be facing charges in a shooting that resulted in the death of a 31-year-old man last April after a grand jury cleared them in the case, according to the Hays County District Attorney Wes Mau.
Habitual drunk driver facing 6th DWI charge had blood alcohol content nearly 4 times the legal limit, records show
A San Antonio-area woman charged with drunk driving six times in four counties has so far avoided a lengthy prison sentence, despite picking up additional charges last fall while on probation for felony DWI.
San Marcos officials change story again about why officer who killed woman in crash wasnโt disciplined
San Marcos city officials have offered yet another explanation as to why a police department sergeant was returned to duty late last year without being investigated internally for causing a fatal car crash.
After returning to duty from killing woman in crash, San Marcos officer used stun gun on compliant man with hands raised
A San Marcos Police Department sergeant, who was returned to duty late last year without being arrested or disciplined for causing a fatal crash, is at the center of another controversy involving misconduct, records obtained by KSAT 12 Defenders show.
โHeavily intoxicatedโ judge accused of hitting baby with door after forcing way into home, records say
A Guadalupe County court-at-law judge was โheavily intoxicatedโ and in an enraged state when he forced his way into a home, striking his baby son with a door, arrest affidavits released to the KSAT 12 Defenders show.
Sundance Record Lagoon coming back to San Marcos this summer
SAN MARCOS โ Waitโdid this song just skip? Sundance Record Lagoon is coming back to San Marcos this summer. โWeโre super excited to announce that in June 2021, weโre going to bring this sign back to where it belongs in San Marcos, Texas, with the opening of Sundance Record Lagoon,โ 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 (Bobbyโs birthday), 11th, and 13th!
Woman caught โred-handedโ after painting graffiti on Dripping Springs City Hall, officials say
A woman is in custody after she was caught โred-handedโ after using red paint to vandalize the Dripping Springs City Hall building, according to the Hays County Sheriffโs Office. Surveillance video was later sent out on social media by the sheriffโs 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 Sheriffโs 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 โ 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 thereโs โno guaranteeโ they could rescue you
Man shot by deputies after vehicle chase, Hays County Sheriffโs Office saysSAN MARCOS, Texas โ Hays County Sheriff Gary Cutler says the sheriffโs 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 sheriffโs 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 โ 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 โ 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 โslick conditions.โPolice 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. โWinter 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 โ 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 โ 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 membersโ 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. โWhile no system is perfect,โ Jones said, โour 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 stateโs 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 โ 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 Sheriffโs 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 โthe result of numerous witness interviewsโ 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 โ 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 Sheriffโs 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 sheriffโs 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 โ 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. โLess than an hour ago, I found out that my entire family has tested positive for COVID19. That being said, I know Iโm 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 โ A man has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting in Kyle, according to the Hays County Sheriffโs Office. Officials said the Hays County Sheriffโs 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 Sheriffโs 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 โ 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 Sheriffโs 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 unclesโ 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 โ A juvenile was fatally shot at a convenience store in Kyle, Texas late Monday night, the Hays County Sheriffโs 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 Sheriffโs Office, the juvenile male was dropped off at an area hospital with a gunshot wound where he later died. The sheriffโs 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 Sheriffโs 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, โI LOVE TEXAS!โWhen 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. โAll 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 โ 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 Sheriffโs Office said Richard Pollack, 43, was seen driving at a high rate of speed on the interstate and "weaving recklesslyโ 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 Pollackโs 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 womanโs death, arson in Hays County
BUDA, Texas โ A juvenile was arrested in connection with an arson and murder of a Buda woman, the Hays County Sheriffโs Office said. Officials said the suspect was detained on a โdirective to apprehend warrant for murderโ 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 Sheriffโs Office says
HAYS COUNTY, Texas โ A man was shot by deputies following an attempted traffic stop and vehicle chase Monday night, the Hays County Sheriffโs Office said. According to the Hays County Sheriffโs 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 Sheriffโs Office said. One of the law enforcement officers shot the driver, hitting him several times, the Hays County Sheriffโs 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 stateโs 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 โ 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 โ 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 sheriffโs office told the Hays Free Press that โmultiple agenciesโ 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 Hayungsโ company, MRG Medical. Villalobos, the Hays County chief of staff, said in a statement that Republicans were blocking access to COVID-19 tests. โApproved to Re-Vamp / Re-Brand Hays County Indigent Healthcare Program.โThe 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 โ Update:Tyler Joseph Pendergrass has been found safe and has reunited with his family, according to the Hays County Sheriffโs Office. He is an employee with Hays County Transportation, according to officials. ---UPDATE: The Hays County Sheriffโs 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 Sheriffโs Office is asking for the publicโs 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.
โNo oneโs life should be punished for safety': San Marcos police ask for community feedback on use of force policies
SAN MARCOS, Texas โ Lee esto en espaรฑol. The San Marcos Police Department is asking for the communityโs input on its current use of force policy. The new citizenโs advisory committee will be made up of residents from San Marcos who will be tasked with providing feedback to SMPD. โThis ad-hoc committee is just a more formalized way of doing that, looking at our use of force policies and providing some feedback,โ 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 โ 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 Sheriffโs 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 couldnโt 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 Griebโs body โwith an obvious gunshot woundโ 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