by JEN BIUNDO After snapping a photo to back up their story, Owen Wheeler and Mike Sutton released this massive bullfrog back into the wild. (Photo by Judy Sutton) When Negley Elementary School kindergartener Owen Wheeler, 6, and his grandfather Mike Sutton heard a loud croak that sounded like a fog...

Check it out by BOB STRAUB Bob Straub, a frequent patron of the Kyle Community Library, wrote the following review of one of the new bestsellers available at the library. Stop by and check it out! Once again, Vince Flynn demonstrates that he is on top of what happens in the world of espionage, cover...

It’s About Thyme by CHRIS WINSLOW 1. Plant flowers: This is a perfect time for flowering annuals and perennials. Begonias, zinnias, marigolds, moss-roses, purslanes and vinca are all good choices. Perennials might include lantanas, salvias and verbenas. 2. Vegetable garden care: Water thoroughly to ...

This Week in Texas History by BARTEE HAILE Thousands of Texans showed up in Austin on May 16, 1888 for the grand opening of the new state capitol paid for with three million acres of West Texas real estate. Billowing smoke and the crackling of a raging inferno interrupted Austinites’ lunch on Nov. 9...

STAFF REPORT Camp Heartsong helps bereaved children work through their grief. Last year, campers set sail paper boats with messages to their loved one. (Courtesy photo) CTMC Hospice Care is accepting applications for Camp HeartSong, a special bereavement camp for children ages 8 – 13 who have experi...

Buda Bits by SANDRA GRIZZLE Memories of old Buda High School have been put away for another year. The reunion for grads of Buda High School was held on Saturday with an attendance of 115. Several people walked away with prized items in the silent auction. Winner of the fabulous hand made quilt was K...

Hays CISD Teachers of the Year for 2010 are (back, left to right) Tracy Campos, Jon Rholes, Lisa Atkins, Margarita Limon-Ordonez, Kiley Sanderson, Kristi Marzullo, Melissa Sweet, Adrian Reyes, Rich Cusson, Adrienne Simes, Keli Mogonye, Lili Silva, Joanne Lytle, Devi Puckett, Melissa Cain; (front, le...

Counselor’s Corner by ALLISON TILLOTSON May is one of the busiest months of the year in our school system. We are all running toward the finish line of a great race! It is an ending for students and staff members who are wrapping up another great school year. It is also a beginning for some – the se...

by JAYNE BAKER Buda Elementary School students (left to right) Cambria Henry, Sage Bartlett and Maddy Mosel are all smiles at their school’s Playathon, a recent fund-raiser for relief in Haiti. (Photo by Jayne Baker) Special to the Hays Free Press Buda Elementary School and its Kids Care Club recent...

Kindergarten Roundup this week Hays CISD Kindergarten Roundup is on for Thursday and Friday, May 13-14, at all local elementary campuses during school hours. Children five years old on or before September 1, 2010, are eligible and parents should bring the child’s birth certificate, current immunizat...