Staff Report   HAYS COUNTY — The Office of Emergency Services (OES) is preparing for its 5th annual Emergency Preparedness Fair on Sept. 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hays CISD Performing Arts Center in Kyle.   According to a press release, the event theme “Ready. Prep. Go.” is a call for Hays Co...

By Amira Van Leeuwen   HAYS COUNTY — The Hays County Local Health Department partnered with Christus Trinity Clinic to host its Back to School Fair at 1401 Broadway St., Ste. A in San Marcos from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday.   While the event was held in San Marcos, all residents of Hays County were ...

By Megan Wehring   HAYS COUNTY – Through federal funding, the San Marcos Hays County EMS will be receiving two additional ambulances.   On Aug. 9, the Hays County Commissioners Court unanimously approved to execute the Hays County American Rescue Plan Recovery Grant Agreement between Hays County and...

By Amira Van Leeuwen HAYS COUNTY — The Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (BSEACD) could declare a Stage 3 Critical Drought if drought conditions continue to worsen, but BSEACD remains optimistic.   According to the district’s principal hydrogeologist, Brian Smith, BSEACD expects m...

Staff Report HAYS COUNTY -- Benjamin Wilcox, 44, was sentenced to 90 years in prison for several counts: one count of Sexual Performance by a Child, three counts of possession of child pornography with intent to promote and eleven counts of possession of child pornography. Benjamin Wilcox. Photo cou...

By Megan Wehring   HAYS COUNTY – The League of Women Voters of Hays County is gearing up for the upcoming election season.   “This year, we are going to focus on ensuring that every person who lives in Hays County and is eligible to vote has the opportunity to vote,” said Mary Earls, Board President...

Staff Report Hays County  – As part of its new Healthy Hays Forum Series, the Hays County Local Health Department (HCLHD) will host Immunization and Vaccine Community Forums on August 18 (in Spanish) and August 25 (in English) at Gemstone Palace at 1101 Bunton Creek Rd in Kyle.   Local pediatricians...

By Amira Van Leeuwen HAYS COUNTY – The Hays CISD Board of Trustees discussed upcoming school safety and security measures during a special meeting on Aug. 4.   In a 7-0 vote, the board approved the purchase of student ID card supplies from Secured Mobility, dba SMART Tag, the addition of three schoo...

By Megan Wehring   HAYS COUNTY – Dripping Springs and Wimberley Valley are among the six areas in Texas that are classified as certified International Dark Sky Communities.   To protect the billions of migratory birds that fly over the state annually, the Lights Out Texas campaign is encouraging all...

By Brittany Anderson   HAYS COUNTY — Firefighters from Hays County and across the state have battled two separate wildfires for nearly a week now, with one fully contained and another nearly contained.   On Aug. 2 around 1 p.m., a 200 to 250-acre wildfire (“Smoke Rider”) ignited near the Hays/Blanco...