SAN MARCOS, Texas – The Hays County Commissioners Court has appointed Matthew Gonzales as the new Health Department Director, reinforcing the county’s commitment to expanding public health services and meeting the growing health needs of the community. The decision was made on Feb. 25, 2025, and Gonzales officially assumed the position on March 1, 2025. This appointment follows the Commissioners Court’s decision to separate the Health Department from Countywide Operations during the drafting of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget. The change aligns Hays County with other county health departments in Texas, ensuring dedicated leadership and resources to address infectious disease prevention, emergency preparedness and community health needs like mental health services. With public health now recognized as an economic driver, this move is part of a broader effort to strengthen the county’s ability to respond to health crises, accelerate recovery efforts and keep the local economy strong. A Central Texas native, Gonzales grew up in Caldwell County and graduated from Lockhart ISD before earning a Bachelor of Public Administration (2021) and a Master of Healthcare Administration (2023) from Texas State University. Gonzales has been a dedicated public servant in Hays County since 2021, beginning as an intern with the Health Department during the COVID-19 pandemic. He later took on key roles, including Planner in Development Services, Technical Support for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, Community Program Manager and Health Department Manager. “It’s an honor to step into this role at such a critical time for public health in Hays County,” Gonzales said. “With our growing population and evolving health challenges, my focus will be on expanding services, strengthening our department’s foundation and ensuring every resident has access to essential health resources. We’re building a healthier future for our community, and I’m excited to lead that effort.” Gonzales has played a key role in major health initiatives, including the 2022 Monkeypox outbreak response and the 2023 Community Health Assessment. He was also instrumental in expanding staff and overseeing the department’s transition to a new facility. Looking ahead, he has set ambitious goals for the Health Department, including: · Reorganizing the department to better prepare for current and future public health challenges. · Expanding community and behavioral health services to improve access for Hays County residents. · Strengthening public health infrastructure to meet the rigorous standards set by the Public Health Accreditation Board. Upcoming Health Department Event As part of its ongoing commitment to community health, the Hays County Health Department will host an MMR vaccine clinic on March 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. at 101 Thermon Drive, San Marcos, Texas. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to protect themselves and their families from measles, mumps and rubella. About the Hays County Health Department The Hays County Health Department is the local health authority for Hays County, providing essential public health services such as immunizations, tuberculosis and sexually transmitted infection services, and public health prevention and intervention programs. For more information about the Health Department’s services and initiatives, visit Hayscountytx.gov/health-department .  About Hays County Hays County is located in Central Texas and is part of the Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area. Situated just south of Travis County, it is one of the fastest-growing counties in the state. With an estimated population of 290,000, it is the 19th largest county in Texas.

SAN MARCOS, Texas — A confirmed member of the Mexican Mafia was sentenced by Hays County District Judge Joe Pool to probation for the stabbing of a Seguin man following a hearing on Thursday, Feb. 20. Christopher Eliseo Flores Jr. was sentenced to 10 years deferred adjudication community supervision in a punishment hearing after pleading no contest to assault with a deadly weapon in relation to a Sept. 19, 2021, incident. Flores is also required to serve 180 days in county jail and three months in an in-patient rehabilitation facility before he can serve the term of his probation. During the hearing, an expert on Texas gangs testified that Flores was a confirmed member of the prison gang, the Mexican Mafia. Flores had previously served two prison sentences for manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance and engaging in organized criminal activity. He also served jail time for assault causing bodily injury to a family member, a misdemeanor. The stabbing occurred around closing time at Nephews Bar on the Square in San Marcos on Sept. 19, 2021. According to testimony, the victim, who is not affiliated with a gang, was enjoying the evening with friends before a verbal disagreement broke out between Flores and the victim. At that point, the victim was attacked from behind after an unidentified individual broke a beer bottle over his head. Flores then drew a sharp weapon and struck the victim, resulting in eight wounds spread across the victim’s hand, face, arms and stomach. The cuts caused permanent nerve damage and lacerated the victim’s liver, in addition to leaving his face with a long scar on the right side. Hays County Assistant District Attorneys Jon English and Claudia Garcia presented the court with video evidence from body cameras worn by San Marcos Police officers patrolling downtown San Marcos. Prosecutors also offered hospital photos of the victim’s injuries as evidence of the severity of the crime. The victim testified that he feared retaliation from Flores should he be granted probation. He also told the court that the incident was traumatic and that he suffers from frequent nightmares, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and paranoia. The victim added that he still suffers significant pain from his injuries almost four years after the assault. In the State’s closing argument, English asked that Flores be sentenced to a maximum of 20 years but stressed that anything less than a 15-year prison sentence would not be appropriate in such a violent case.  The court took a brief recess to submit Flores to a drug test, which came back negative. Pool then sentenced the defendant to deferred adjudication — the only type of probation a judge can give — which results in the case being dismissed if the defendant successfully completes the probation.

SAN MARCOS, Texas – The Hays County Health Department (HCHD) received notification on Friday, February 21, 2025, from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) that a dead wild bird from the northwestern area of Hays County tested positive for avian bird flu. Avian influenza (commonly known as “bird flu”) is a disease that typically affects wild birds, especially waterfowl, and domestic poultry. Human bird flu infections are uncommon, however, as of today the United States’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 70 total cases nationwide, with one death being reported. The risk for the general public continues to remain low. At this time there is no known person-to-person spread. Hays County Health Department advises that those who work with wild birds, poultry, or dairy cows – or have direct contact during recreational exposure to these animals – are at a greater risk for contracting bird flu if exposed to a sick or infected animal. The CDC recommends avoiding sources of exposure as the best way to protect yourself and others from bird flu. That means avoiding direct contact with wild birds and other animals. Wild animals could potentially be infected with bird flu or other pathogens. Tips to avoid exposure include: • Do not touch sick or dead animals or their droppings, and do not bring sick wild animals into your home. • Keep your pets away from sick or dead animals and their feces. • Avoid uncooked food products such as unpasteurized raw milk or cheeses. • If you experience illness after contact with sick or dead birds, please contact your healthcare provider for evaluation. “[Hays County] Health Department Staff will continue to monitor the development of bird flu in Hays County in coordination with DSHS and the CDC,” said Health Department Manager Matthew Gonzales. “The health department wants to assure the public the threat and risk continue to remain low for human transmission within the community.” About Hays County Health Department: Hays County Health Department is the local health authority for Hays County. The Health Department provides Immunization, Tuberculosis, and Sexually Transmitted Infection services and conducts public health prevention and intervention programming. For More Information: Visit www.hayscountytx.gov/health-department

SAN MARCOS, Texas – The Hays County Health Department was notified about the potential for exposure of residents to a person who tested positive for measles by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). The Gaines County resident visited San Marcos on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, from 3 to 8 p.m. Individuals who were at Texas State University (See attached maps for specific locations and pathways provided by Texas State University) from approximately 3 to 7 p.m. and Twin Peaks Restaurant from 6 to 10 p.m. may be at risk of developing measles due to exposure to this individual. In collaboration with DSHS, individuals who may have been exposed will be notified by their respective local health authority. HCHD, DSHS and other local health agencies are working closely together to investigate the potential contacts. “Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease spread by contact with an infected person through coughing and sneezing. Texas is currently experiencing the largest outbreak of measles in decades,” said Hays County Local Health Authority John Turner, MD. “Individuals who have not been vaccinated are at greater risk of infection. To minimize the risk of infection and serious illness, individuals should make sure they are vaccinated.” HCHD will contact people who are known to have been in contact with the person who later tested positive for measles to provide guidance and conduct case investigations. Ninety percent of people who are not vaccinated or have not had a previous measles infection will become infected with the virus. If an individual has symptoms, they should contact their primary care provider, an urgent care or an emergency room to set up an appointment and quarantine for four days after the onset of a rash. People who were in the aforementioned locations during the specified times should: Review their immunization and medical records to determine if they are protected against measles infection. People who have not had measles infection or received measles immunization previously may not be protected from the measles virus and should talk with a health care provider about receiving measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) immunization . Contact and notify their health care provider as soon as possible about a potential exposure if they are pregnant, have an infant, or have a weakened immune system regardless of vaccination history Monitor themselves for illness with fever and/or an unexplained rash from four days to 21 days after their exposure (the time period when symptoms may develop) If symptoms develop, stay at home and avoid school, work and any large gatherings. Call a healthcare provider immediately. Do not enter a health care facility before calling and making them aware of your measles exposure and symptoms. The health department can assist healthcare providers in appropriately diagnosing and managing your care. “The Hays County Health Department is acting with haste to ensure the readiness and preparedness of partner agencies in response to this notification,” said Hays County Judge Ruben Beccera. “The county has taken great strides to improve our response to public health emergencies. I am confident that the department will be capable of minimizing the impact of a potential measles outbreak in our county. I will work with the [health] department and Office of Emergency Services to offer additional resources as needed.” For more information visit: https://www.hayscountytx.gov/current-public-health-situations . The site will continue to be updated as more information is available. About Measles Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes. The virus can stay in the air and on surfaces for two hours, even after the infected person has left. The infected person can spread the disease up to four days before a measles rash appears and up to four days after the rash appears. If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch the infected surface, then touch their eyes, noses or mouths, they can become infected. Common symptoms for measles include: High fever (as high as 105°F) Cough Runny nose Red and watery eyes Tiny white spots that may appear inside the mouth 2-3 days after symptoms begin Rash 3-5 days after other signs of illness. The “measles rash” typically starts at the face and then spreads down to the rest of the body Measles can be prevented with a measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR or MMRV). The MMR vaccine protects against three diseases: measles, mumps and rubella. The MMRV vaccine protects against four diseases: measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox). They are administered in two doses and are highly effective: two doses are 97% effective against measles and one dose is 93% effective. The spread of measles can be prevented if two-dose coverage of vaccine remains at 95% or above in the community. For more information on measles, visit: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/vaccine-preventable-diseases/vaccine-preventable-disease-conditions/measles-rubeola . Most health insurances cover the cost of the MMR and MMRV vaccine. Insured persons should check with their doctor or local pharmacy to see what vaccines are offered. Uninsured or underinsured children and adults can access free or low-cost vaccines at clinics enrolled in the Vaccines for Children (TVFC) and Adult Safety Net program (ASN). (See attached list of TVFC providers and qualifications for the TVFC program in Hays County). Individuals who do not qualify for TVFC and who do not have insurance can visit a Federally Qualified Health Center. The FQHC for Hays County is CommuniCare. About Hays County Health Department Hays County Health Department is the local health authority for Hays County. The Health Department provides Immunization, Tuberculosis, and Sexually Transmitted Infection services and conducts public health prevention and intervention programming. For More Information about the department: Visit www.hayscountytx.gov/health-department

To view the stamped .pdf of this public notice, click here . This Notice is posted according to the Texas Open Meetings Act. (VERNONS TEXAS CODES ANN. GOV. CODE CH.551). The Hays County Sheriff’s Office Civil Service Commission will hold a meeting at 10 am on the 18 th day of February 2025 , in the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Public Safety Building, 1 st floor, Media Room located at 810 South Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos, Texas 78666. An Open Meeting will be held concerning the following subjects: 1. Call the meeting to order 2. Roll Call 3. Public Comments, if any 4. Introduction of the Commission Members 5. No minutes to approve, due to this being the first meeting held by the Commission 6. Voting of Chairman 7. Terms of Office for each Commission Member appointment 8. Responsibilities of the Commission members and attendance requirements 9. Assistant Criminal DA Chase Young will address the Commission regarding duties under the Public Information Act and the Open Meetings Act 10. Adopt a regular time for monthly meeting 11. Adopting rules and procedures for the orderly management of the disciplinary appeals process 12. Adjournment Executive Sessions The Civil Service Commission will announce that it will go into Executive Session, if necessary, pursuant to Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, to receive advice from Legal Counsel to discuss matters of litigation and personnel matters as specifically listed on this agenda. The Civil Service Commission may also announce it will go into Executive Session, if necessary, to receive advice from Legal Counsel regarding any other item on this agenda. ADA Compliance Hays County encourages compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the conduct of all public meetings. To that end, persons with disabilities who plan to attend this meeting and who may need auxiliary aids such as an interpreter for a person who is hearing impaired are requested to contact the Director of the Civil Service Commission at (512) 393-7838 or via e-mail at Sandra.Galvan@hayscountytx.gov as soon as the meeting is posted (72 hours before the meeting) or as soon as practical so that appropriate arrangements can be made. While it would be helpful to receive as much advance notice as possible, Hays County will make every reasonable effort to accommodate any valid request regardless of when it is received. Braille is not available.

SAN MARCOS, Texas – The Hays County Health Department will conduct a Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) on Wednesday, Feb. 19 and Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to sundown. The CASPER is a Rapid Needs Assessment (RNA) that provides household-level data for use by our public health and emergency management leaders to utilize during emergencies. “This exercise is crucial for ensuring our preparedness and response capabilities,” said Brayden Watson, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator. This exercise will involve county public health and emergency management staff and volunteers will be providing a questionnaire to residents in randomly selected geographical areas at their household. The exercise aims to determine critical health needs, characterize the population residing in an area, and prepare for future disasters by evaluating community readiness. “The CASPER is a first in recent emergency preparedness efforts to understand our communities’ strengths and weaknesses to better prepare for disasters that may impact our community,” said Matthew Gonzales, Health Department Manager. “The exercise demonstrates our commitment to protecting the health and safety of our community. The department will utilize these results to continue developing the county’s response plans for disasters.” The department will be closed on Wednesday, Feb. 19 and Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. About Hays County Health Department: Hays County Health Department is the local health authority for Hays County. The Health Department provides Immunization, Tuberculosis and Sexually Transmitted Infection services and conducts public health prevention and intervention programming. For More Information About Hays County Health Department: Visit www.hayscountytx.gov/healthdepartment

WIMBERLEY, Texas – Hays County announced the beginning of construction to widen RM 3237 in Wimberley at River Mountain Road and Camino De Rancho Road to add shoulders and accommodate new turn lanes and to widen existing travel lanes on River Mountain Road and Camino De Rancho Road at RM 3237 within construction limits. "Investing in our transportation network is investing in the safety and well-being of the Hays County community,” said Precinct 3 Commissioner Morgan Hammer. “I applaud TxDOT for their partnership in helping provide safer travel conditions and supporting the growing needs of our area." At the start of construction, the westbound (northern) travel lanes of RM 3237 at River Mountain Road at Camino De Rancho Road within construction limits will be closed to accommodate construction, and traffic will be shifted to the eastbound (southern) lane, which will operate as a two-way road with one lane in each direction. The intersection safety improvements, which have a construction value of $4.9 million, are funded by the 2016 Road Bond Program and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The project team consists of American Structurepoint Inc., design engineer; Dead Word Company, contractor; and TxDOT, construction engineering inspection services. Construction began on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, and is projected to be completed in the summer of 2025.

SAN MARCOS, Texas – In February, Hays County welcomed Jennifer Moczygemba, P.E., as the new Transportation Director. Longtime Central Texas resident Moczygemba has more than 30 years of experience in the transportation industry, including 20 years at the Texas Department of Transportation and 10 years in the private sector with various consulting firms. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering and a Master of Business Administration from Oklahoma State University. She has been a licensed civil engineer for 25 years and has a diverse background, including advancing and constructing highways, rail, transit and bicycle/pedestrian projects. Her responsibilities will include maintaining the Hays County Roads and working with the Judge and Commissioners to transition the county to the future. "I am very excited for the opportunity to be part of the planning and implementation of projects in one of the fastest growing counties in the country. Hays County can play a key role in the Austin/San Antonio Metroplex, providing mobility to improve the economic viability and livability of the region,” Moczygemba said.  "I have met many talented staff and look forward to supporting them by utilizing the latest technology to improve efficiency and communication,” she added. “Together, we will provide a safer, more reliable roadway system that connects and supports state and local roadways and other modes of transportation." To learn more about the department, visit www.hayscountytx.gov.

SAN MARCOS, Texas – On Tuesday, Jan. 28, the Hays County Commissioners Court unanimously approved a resolution supporting the Countywide Polling Place Program and using electronic poll books in future elections. The program allows voters to cast their ballots at a location of their choice on Election Day.  According to Election Administrator Jennifer Doinoff, Hays County has been participating in the Countywide Polling Place Program since 2019, and approximately 80% of the state’s voters cast ballots in the program. “If [voters] commute from out of town, they can stop and vote on their way home without the risk of being too late to vote in their home precincts,” Doinoff said, noting that vote centers have become valuable in emergency situations. When natural disasters and emergency management issues arise during voting, polling locations around the state are displaced, rendering precinct-based voting unsuitable due to the limited number of public buildings in each precinct. Further, the data show that since implementing the program, the number of voting centers has increased voter turnout and reduced the number of provisional ballots for Hays County voters. Additionally, voters with disabilities can vote at a center that best fits their needs. The resolution also supports the use of electronic poll books, as their elimination would limit transparency and the ability for voters, parties and candidates to perform their own audit and reconciliation during the election. “The Commissioners Court of Hays County supports the use of Countywide Polling and Electronic Poll Books and believes that preserving these valuable assets provides the best opportunity for flexibility and accessibility to our voting public,” the resolution stated. “It would be mass confusion to get rid of this program in Texas, and getting rid of it would be difficult to explain to the citizens,” Doinoff added. “It’s a typical definition of, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’” To read the full resolution, visit www.hayscountytx.gov.