STAFF REPORTS The Hays County Dispute Resolution Center is offering classes in interest-based negotiations designed to promote “win-win” problem solving. “In win-win negotiations, both parties acknowledge each other’s interests as well as their own and attempt to develop solutions that give both sid...

by BOB BARTON Six months into 2010, Kyle is registering the biggest jump in sales tax thus far this year, collecting $1.43 million during the first half of the year. That’s a solid 13.6 percent increase over its share of last year’s sales tax collections based on retail activities by city merchants....

The Juneteenth flag represents a new future for the African-American culture following the end of slavery. A Texas star in the center bursts out with hope and inspiration across the red, white and blue. STAFF REPORT Hays County this weekend will celebrate Juneteenth, the traditional commemoration of...

Buda Bits by SANDRA GRIZZLE There is still time to enter the Texas Hold’em Poker tournament sponsored by the Buda Lions Club. The tournament will be Sunday, June 27, 2 p.m., at the Onion Creek Senior Citizens Center, 401 Barton’s Crossing in Buda. Cost is $30 donation which will benefit the building...

Odds & Ends by MYRTLE HEIDEMAN If you have driven along some country roads, you will have noticed the beautiful crops of corn, maize and cotton. Of course you would probably have to be a retired or working farmer or rancher to appreciate the beauty of the plants. If the hail and wind storms don’t co...

Mountain City Montage by PAULINE TOM Holly and Val Cass discovered a killing field in their Live Oak Court backyard – remains of two cats. Holly says, “We suspect that coyotes are making it down to the Live Oak Court part of the city.” Salli and Brian Wilson on Maple Drive (the wild side) found blac...

On Center by BRENDA STEWART I smiled, but was not surprised, when I stumbled across a posting on the city website from our newly elected council member, Brad Pickett, announcing the implementation of monthly Town Hall meetings. The first meeting takes place tonight, June 16, at 7 p.m. at City Hall. ...

It’s About Thyme by CHRIS WINSLOW It’s simple to create the perfect salsa garden. All you need is to grow some peppers, tomatoes, onions, cilantro and lime… and mix them together in a way that suits your taste buds. Luckily, most of them grow fairly easily in our Hays County gardens. Peppers: Plant ...

This Week in Texas History by BARTEE HAILE The case against Monroe Edwards, con artist and fugitive from Lone Star justice, went to a New York jury on June 17, 1842. The cunning Kentuckian never earned an honest dollar in his life. Already incorrigible when he came to Texas in 1827 at the age of 19,...

Check it out by LEA AHMED Last Thursday, June 3, Buda’s downtown park pavilion was filled with nearly 200 children and adults. It was Buda Library’s kick off for the summer reading program. This year’s theme is Catch the Reading Express. The program included entertainment by dance students, a clown ...