HAYS COUNTY, Texas — The Hays County Health Department (HCHD) received confirmation from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) on October 31, 2025, that a mosquito trap sample collected in the 78737 ZIP code tested positive for West Nile Virus. The positive sample was collected from a site in the unincorporated area of Austin/Dripping Springs on October 28, 2025. This is the first reported West Nile Virus-positive mosquito trap of the 2025 season in Hays County. There were nine positive West Nile Virus mosquito traps during the 2024 season. In the state of Texas, DSHS reported 3,314 positive mosquito traps during the 2024 season for West Nile Virus. So far this year, DSHS has reported 1,182 positive mosquito traps for West Nile Virus. “Rainfall within the Central Texas area leads to an increase in standing water, which provides ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes,” said Eric Vangaasbeek, Chief Environmental Health Specialist at Hays County Development Services (HCDS). "We encourage everyone to take proactive steps to prevent mosquito bites by reducing areas of standing water around their homes and properties.” While 80% of people will not experience symptoms of an infection, only 20%of people may experience some symptoms. Symptoms of West Nile Virus infection can include fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, a skin rash on the torso of the body and swollen lymph nodes. While the risk for severe symptoms is low, individuals aged 50 and older and those with compromised immune systems may be at an increased risk for stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, vision loss, paralysis and, in extremely rare cases, death. Anyone experiencing these symptoms is encouraged to seek medical attention. Supportive care and treatment to improve quality of life and comfort are typically provided to diagnosed patients. Patients can expect to exhibit symptoms for three to six days, but may experience fatigue and weakness for weeks or even months. There is currently no treatment for West Nile Virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “The detection of West Nile virus in our mosquito surveillance program is a reminder that public health is a shared responsibility,” said County Judge and Emergency Services Director Ruben Becerra. “While this finding is not a cause for alarm, it is a call to action. We urge residents to take simple precautions— like using insect repellent and eliminating standing water — to protect themselves and their families. Our staff at Development Services and the Health Department are actively monitoring the situation and working to reduce the risk to our community.” “The health and safety of our residents is always our top priority. While the detection of West Nile Virus in our precinct is concerning, it’s also a reminder of the importance of our ongoing mosquito surveillance and control efforts,” said Hays County Precinct 4 Commissioner Walt Smith. “We are working closely with public health officials to ensure proactive measures are in place, and we encourage everyone to take simple precautions to protect themselves and their families.” The key to preventing West Nile Virus is to minimize the number of mosquitoes in areas where people live, work and play. Health officials strongly encourage everyone to remain vigilant about protecting themselves from mosquito bites and preventing mosquito breeding on their properties. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as one teaspoon of standing water. By draining all sources of standing water in and around your property, you reduce the number of places mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed. Common examples of sources of standing water include buckets, flowerpots, old tires, and pet bowls. “While we continue to monitor the situation, please try to avoid mosquito bites by following the three Ds: DEET, Dress and Drain,” said Ian Harris, HCHD Disease Surveillance and Preparedness Manager. DEET: Whenever outside, use insect repellents that have the active ingredient DEET or other EPA-registered repellents, and always follow label instructions. DRESS: Wear long, loose, and light-colored clothing outside. DRAIN: Drain or treat all standing water in and around your home or workplace where mosquitoes could lay eggs. Hays County Development Services (HCDS) is providing mosquito surveillance within the county to monitor and track mosquito-borne illnesses. Some mosquitoes can transfer potentially deadly diseases — known as arboviral diseases — to humans. HCDS is collecting mosquitoes to determine which areas are harboring disease-carrying mosquitoes. HCDS will set up collection traps across the county on a rotating basis to capture samples of several species of mosquitoes that will be sent to the Department of State Health Services in Austin for identification and determination of the type(s) of illness the mosquitoes could be spreading. Monitoring species, mosquito density and geographic breeding sites will provide critical early predictive data to HCDS to help monitor, prevent and combat mosquito populations and mosquito-borne illnesses. HCDS uses the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gravid-trapping method to collect mosquitoes. This trap is designed to attract female mosquitoes that are ready to lay eggs. The trap uses a fan to draw in mosquitoes that approach the liquid in the bottom of the bucket and keeps them in a collection bag until the trap is collected. HCDS also uses the BG-Sentinel trap. This trap targets other mosquito species that are vectors of other arboviruses. Collection is typically carried out from May until November throughout Texas. Hays County Development Services and the Hays County Health Department will continue to conduct mosquito pool traps and health surveillance to promote the health and safety of our residents. For more information regarding mosquito abatement, contact Hays County Development Services at 512-393-2150. Visit the Texas Department of State and Health Services West Nile website for more information on the disease at txwestnile.org. ###

SAN MARCOS, Texas — On Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, the Commissioners Court accepted changes to election precincts resulting from redistricting maps approved in the Texas 89th Legislative 2nd Special Session. The Texas Legislature passed new mid-decade redistricting maps during the 2nd Called Special Session in August 2025. Hays County Elections and Hays County GIS have been working to implement these changes while also making recommendations to comply with Texas Election Code (TEC) Sections 42.031, 42.005, 42.006 and 42.007, which define the requirements for maintaining election precincts, according to Hays County Election Administrator Jennifer Doinoff. “What we’re doing is not redistricting; we’re ensuring our precincts comply with the National Voter Registration Act. With the changes enacted into law, we still have to remain in compliance,” Doinoff said. “What we’re doing is meeting our statutory compliance in the Election Code.” The Elections Office proposed 88 voting precincts, or Voting Tabulation Districts (VTDs), adding three and removing seven. A handful of minor boundary changes were made. “We aim to avoid creating new VTDs unless it’s necessary,” she said, adding that District of Concern (DOC) boundaries are the primary constraints on VTD shapes. A DOC, Doinoff explained, refers to voting districts that draw significant public attention due to allegations of voter disenfranchisement, redistricting practices or election integrity issues. “By law, VTDs cannot cross DOC borders.” A secondary constraint on VTDs is the voting population, she noted. “Each district must fall between 100 and 5,000 active voters, unless adhering to these limits would run afoul of a DOC boundary,” Doinoff said. “We aim to keep districts small — usually under 3,500 [voters] — so that VTDs have some resiliency to grow between redistricting sessions.” The changes will not take effect until after the December runoff election. Following the court’s approval, the County will work to produce detailed maps of the district changes, which will be available to the public. ###

SAN MARCOS, Texas — The Hays County Health Department is excited to announce the release of the 2025 Hays County Resource Guide — an updated, comprehensive directory designed to help residents, community partners and organizations easily access vital support services and share information with others. Following the launch of the first edition in October 2024, this updated guide features many additions, updates and newly added sections. Expanded or added areas include: Veteran and Military Family Services; Disability; Neurodivergence and Accessibility Resources; Arts, Culture, and Healing; Reproductive Health Resources; and Animal Welfare and Care Services. The updated resource guide offers information such as services, location(s), cost, languages services are available in, and more on a wide range of resources, including healthcare, cultural centers, housing, food assistance, mental health services and more, all available to Hays County residents. “These enhancements were made possible with the help of local organizations and dedicated community leaders through submitting requests for additions and changes,” said Health Department Director Matthew Gonzales. “We thank everyone who contributed to making this guide a more inclusive and valuable resource for all of Hays County.” “This resource guide is the result of many voices coming together with a shared vision: expanding access to care and ensuring no resident is left behind. Through collaboration across our community, we are not just sharing information; we are building bridges of connection, dignity, and belonging. In doing so, we transform resources into pathways of support and resilience that serve all who call Hays County home,” said Izzy Vigil, Hays County Health Department Behavioral Health Coordinator. “In doing so, we transform resources into pathways of support and resilience that serve all who call Hays County home.” The 2025 Hays County Resource Guide is part of the department’s ongoing effort to connect the community with vital services. It is available digitally on the health department’s website at https://www.hayscountytx.gov/resource-directory and will be updated quarterly to ensure the most accurate and current information is accessible. Paper copies will be available at the health department. As we look ahead to the next edition, the health department continues to invite feedback from the public, local organizations and service providers. Suggestions for new resources, such as updates to existing listings or general feedback on the guide’s format and usability, are welcome and encouraged. Fill out a form at bit.ly/4gOM4oy to request an additional resource or contact Izzy Vigil at Isabella.Vigil@hayscountytx.gov with suggestions. “The 2025 Resource Guide reflects our department’s deep commitment to fairness, access, and community collaboration. Every update and addition represents a step toward a more connected and supported Hays County,” said Gonzales. “We’re proud to work alongside our partners to ensure that every resident — regardless of background or circumstance — can find the help they need and deserve.” To provide feedback or suggest additions for the 2025 edition of the Hays County Resource Guide, please visit https://www.hayscountytx.gov/resource-directory. The deadline for submissions is Dec. 1, 2025. ###

SAN MARCOS, Texas – The office of Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced Friday, Oct. 17, that 53-year-old Andrew Palmore, formerly of Kyle, Texas, was found guilty of continuous sexual abuse of children this week by a Hays County jury and sentenced on Oct. 16, 2025 by that same jury to life in prison, the maximum punishment allowed by law for the offense of continuous sexual abuse of children. There is no possibility of parole. In February of 2022, the Kyle Police Department began investigating Palmore, a former teacher at Blanco Vista Elementary School, after an outcry of child sexual abuse. The minor child who outcried was not a student at Blanco Vista Elementary. Throughout the course of the investigation, Det. Pedro Carrasco Jr. uncovered evidence of a previous investigation regarding another child by the San Marcos Police Department and interviewed the defendant. He admitted to sexually abusing three children. Palmore also revealed that one of the victims was part of the San Marcos Police Department investigation. The investigation also led to the discovery of additional elementary-aged children who claimed that Palmore sexually abused them, including former students of the defendant at Casey Elementary School in Austin, Texas, during the 2000s. During the trial, the jury heard testimony from six different children whom Palmore abused, as well as testimony from two adult women who were victims of the defendant during his time at Casey Elementary. It was apparent from the testimony of the witnesses that Palmore used his position as a teacher to gain access to an untold number of children and to garner the trust of the community and the parents, said Higgins. It is impossible to know the true extent of Palmore’s sexual abuse, which spanned more than two decades, he added. "This case highlights the importance of collaboration between law enforcement, prosecutors, and the community in ensuring justice is served," said Dr. Jeff Barnett, Kyle Police Chief. "Our department remains committed to protecting children, preventing abuse and holding offenders fully accountable to the fullest extent of the law." Assistant District Attorneys Daniella Garcia and Elizabeth Schmidt prosecuted this case. “Children are the most vulnerable members of our society, and today, the children of Hays County have been made safer by ensuring a dangerous sexual predator will never have access to another child again. Bringing this predator to justice was truly a team and community effort,” Schmidt said. “We’d like to thank Det. Carrasco for his hard work, thoroughly investigating this case that led to the discovery of victims that spanned the defendant’s 20-year career as a teacher, the brave survivors who stood up to their offender, the victim assistant coordinator who demonstrated extraordinary powers in managing to keep everything on track and all of the witnesses who testified in the trial. We also appreciate the time and attention of the jurors who rendered justice. We hope the victims find some measure of reassurance knowing that they are safer, and they have the community’s support.”

To view the original notice, click here FILED HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS at 8:25 o'clock AM Oct 20 2025

Residents of the Cypress Creek and Blanco River watersheds are invited to the educational program WIMBERLEY, Texas – The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas Water Resources Institute, TWRI, Hays County and the Texas Riparian Association will host a free Texas Riparian and Stream Ecosystem Education Program on Oct. 28 in Wimberley. The program, designed for area residents interested in land and water stewardship in the Cypress Creek and Blanco River watersheds, will run from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The morning session will take place at the Wimberley Community Center, 14068 Ranch Road 12. The afternoon session will include a walk and presentations along Cypress Creek. “Riparian education workshops motivate informed landowners and residents to adopt and support practices to manage riparian and stream ecosystems better,” said Alexander Neal, TWRI program specialist, College Station. “Not only are water quality and quantity directly benefited by the proper management, protection and restoration of these critical areas, but also enhanced are the soundness of stream banks, fish communities and aquatic habitats, just to name a few.” Focus on Cypress Creek Water quality improvement efforts by stakeholders in the Cypress Creek and Blanco River watersheds are the focus. “Stakeholders recognizing successful water quality improvement requires implementing a variety of management strategies,” said Jonas Rosenthal, Hays County watershed coordinator, San Marcos. “The riparian and stream workshop is an educational event supporting this effort.” Neal said the workshop will outline the nature and function of stream and riparian zones as well as the benefits and economic impacts of properly functioning riparian systems. “Riparian areas – the green vegetated land areas adjacent to the bank of a stream, creek, bayou, river or lake – are unique and important ecosystems that provide many benefits, including habitat and forage,” Neal said. “The goal of the workshop is for participants to understand better riparian and watershed processes, the benefits of healthy riparian areas and what resources are available to prevent degradation while improving water quality.” About the workshop Workshop presentations will be given by representatives of TWRI, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, AgriLife Extension, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Texas A&M Forest Service and the Texas Riparian Association. The workshop is free thanks to program funding provided through a Clean Water Act Section 319(h) nonpoint source grant from the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. CEUs offered The workshop will offer the following continuing education units: · Three for Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide license holders — two general and one integrated pest management. · Foresters and professional loggers can receive six hours from the Texas Forestry Association, six and a half hours from the Society of American Foresters, and eight hours from the International Society of Arboriculture. · Seven hours from the Texas Floodplain Management Association. · Seven hours for certified crop advisers. · Six hours for Texas Nutrient Management Planning specialists. · The program may also be used for continuing education units for professional engineers and architects.  The riparian education program is managed by TWRI, a Texas A&M AgriLife Research unit that combines expertise across The Texas A&M University System. For more information, contact Neal or visit texasriparian.org or facebook.com/TexasRiparianAssociation.

To view the original notice, click here FILED HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS at 8:15 o'clock AM.

SAN MARCOS , Texas – The Office of Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced today that 44-year-old Cameron Moore, formerly of Bexar County, Texas, was convicted of burglary of a habitation with felonious intent, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, tampering with a witness and endangering a child by Hays County District Court Judge Sherri Tibbe on September 19, 2025. Judge Tibbe assessed a sentence of life in prison.  In May of 2019, Moore was prosecuted for violence against the same victim for offenses of aggravated kidnapping, attempted capital murder, stalking, and violation of a protective order. Evidence was presented to a Hays County jury in the 2019 trial that showed that Moore had installed a GPS device on the victim’s vehicle and followed her to the police station, where he proceeded to strangle her in the parking lot. He had a zip tie and a pocketknife on his person. Moore had also stalked the victim multiple times and continuously abused her throughout the course of their eight-year relationship. The jury in that trial returned a verdict convicting Moore of lesser-included offenses and assessed a 10-year sentence. While incarcerated following the 2019 conviction, Moore made ongoing threats of violence against another victim. The state had concerns that Moore would continue to pose a threat to the community generally and to the victims specifically. He was prosecuted for the additional offenses to ensure the protection of the community. Assistant District Attorneys Katie Arnold and Courtney Hanson prosecuted this case. “We’d like to thank the survivor in this case. Without her ongoing determination and bravery, we would not be able to ensure that such a violent criminal was behind bars. It’s been a long journey for her, and we’re pleased that she will be safe from him, as well as any other women that cross his path,” said Arnold. # # #

SAN MARCOS, Texas – Following a final public hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 16, the Hays County Commissioners Court voted, 4-1, to adopt a tax rate of $.3999 per $100 valuation and a balanced budget for fiscal year 2026. In the FY26 budget, funds were approved at a total of $373,849,226, comprising operating funds of $248,226,263, debt funds of $55,300,195, and construction funds of $70,322,768. The FY26 budget focuses on key initiatives to address capital infrastructure needs, including road improvements and county facilities, as well as funding to continue essential judicial services. Additionally, it allocates funds to partner with local municipalities and non-profits for enhanced animal welfare services. The budget is expected to raise more revenue from property taxes than last year’s budget by $16.9 million, representing an 11.27% increase. The property tax revenue to be raised from new property added to the tax roll this year is $6.9 million. According to Vickie Dorsett, Hays County Budget Officer, the average home value is $460,169, representing an annual property tax increase of $225.87 for the Hays County tax portion only. “Property taxes are the primary source of revenue for counties in Texas, and our Commissioners Court is dedicated to maintaining a low tax rate while balancing the growing infrastructure needs and providing superior services to the citizens of Hays County,” Dorsett said. One of the key indicators of the tax rate is population, she said. Since 2010, the population in Hays County has grown by 93% while the tax rate has consistently decreased during that period. Since 2000, the population has increased by 210%. These are the drivers for the need for additional services. “While the tax rate has gone down consistently over the years, the recent [tax rate] increases, are directly attributed to the addition of services the County is now providing – additional Judicial Services related to pre-trial services, additional magistration, the Public Defender’s Office, animal welfare services and more – which alone account for a $.0125 increase on the tax rate,” Dorsett said. “The judicial aspect of this is essential in reducing recidivism in Hays County. These are programs for which we haven’t had to tax citizens in the past due to available American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.” “This budget reflects both the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly growing county,” said Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra. “We are delivering essential services — from judicial and public safety programs to public infrastructure and mental health support — while keeping the tax rate among the lowest in the region. Our responsibility is to balance fiscal accountability with the needs of our community, and I believe this budget strikes that balance for the people of Hays County.” Following the budget hearing, the court also voted unanimously, 5-0, to approve the FY26 salaries and allowances for elected officials. For more information or to view budget documents, visit www.hayscountytx.gov/budget-office.