More than a hundred people crowded the trailhead to the Karst Canyon Preserve last week for its long-awaited official passage from private land into protected public land.
Throughout the dedication ceremony that followed, one phrase resonated among the heartfelt speeches, the ribbon cutting, photo ops and applause. 
“This is your land now.”
A heartbeat from Jacob’s Well and part of the greater Jacobs Well Conservation Area, the 175-acre parcel safeguards a unique and critical karst formation of caves and conduits that percolate water to store in the Middle Trinity aquifer below. 
Karst landscapes are one of the most threatened types of habitats in the world. What makes the Karst Canyon so important is its ability to recharge the aquifer at a high rate of 30 percent, which becomes extremely significant for a county experiencing an extreme drought and rapid increases in population and development.
“With this conservation, we are able to protect the sacred springs of Jacob’s well. We’re able to protect the recharge into the aquifer that not only feeds Jacob’s well, but supports the lives of so many people in this area,” said Karl Flocke, Hays County Director of Parks and Natural Resources. 
“It also protects and conserves the headwaters of Cypress Creek and the dry Cypress Creek watershed and all the water flowing downstream into Wimberley and San Marcos, all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico,” he said.
The path to the morning’s ceremony was a long one. Executive Director of the Watershed Association David Baker told the crowd that, “this area was slated to be a mobile home park and a condo development planned for thousands of lots” directly above Jacob’s Well. In 1996, Baker joined forces with local landowners to form the Wimberley Valley Watershed Association which later became the Watershed Association. He praised the association’s board for their wisdom and generosity on behalf of the community.
He recognized former Hays County General Counsel Mark Kennedy who helped guide the Watershed Association’s purchase of the Jacob’s Well Natural Area in 2005 and 2006 with the Save Our Springs Alliance. With the purchase of other parcels, Jacob’s Well Natural Area became a Hays County Park in 2010.
In 2013, the Watershed Association began negotiating with families to purchase additional land for the preserve. In 2019, another local family helped guide a critical, program-related investment loan through the Harry L. Willet Foundation that made the initial acquisition possible.

Baker publicly acknowledged Ryan Willett, as well as Will Curtis and his mother, Louise Curtis, who “were the family that loaned us the money to buy this land.”
In 2020, Hays County voters said yes to Proposition A to approve $75M worth of projects to create open spaces, parks and trails, of which the purchase of the land for the preserve was one. In 2025, Hays County finalized the purchase from the Watershed Association through its voter-approved Parks and Open Space Bond Program and, with The Nature Conservancy, secured a permanent conservation easement to protect the land in perpetuity.
Baker acknowledged former Hays County Commissioners Will Conley and Lon Shell. “This wouldn’t have happened without collaboration and partnership with the county, The Nature Conservancy and the many experts that charted the land.
Baker praised Deputy County Administrator Tucker Furlow, a former Assistant District Attorney, for his work with the Nature Conservancy to secure the easements.
“This was a collective effort that took thousands of hours. I want to highlight Commissioners Ingalsbe and Hammer and the rest of our court for what they’ve done to make this day possible,” said Furlow in his remarks to the crowd. “Keep your eyes open for the future.” 
Tucker praised the parks department staff as did Baker who said, “I want to thank our staff, Paul Stuffel and Pat Egan who cleared this area by hand. And my friend Johnny Woods, who was so instrumental in creating the back trail.” 
When asked about their effort to construct the trail into the preserve, Egan and Stuffel said, “This is our backyard.”
As Baker ended his remarks, he said. “This is now public land. It’s your land. As residents here, it’s up to us to steward not only this place, but the places where we live. 
And so hopefully this can be a catalyst for a larger conservation movement that can restore the land and manage it to make sure that the land, the water we’re extracting, is not more than what is sustainable, to keep springs, like Jacob’s Well, flowing.”
To do that, he said, “will take 100 times the effort.”
As Baker concluded, he was met with sustained applause from the crowd. Hays County Commissioner Morgan Hammer reinforced Baker’s even-larger vision by adding her voice, “it’s all hands on deck now.”
 

The group has selected Hill Country Rally for Kids, which raises money for children's charities in the Texas Hill Country, as its featured Charity of the Year. The Hays County nonprofit holds a variety of community events to benefit kids, including a car and bike show, a BBQ cook-off, a sporting clay shoot, and a golf tournament. Over roughly 20 years, the organization says it has directed more than $1.5 million to nonprofits serving children, including Foster Village, Ancora Ministries, and the Burke Center itself.

The Burke Center for Youth is a Driftwood-based nonprofit founded in 1973 as a residential treatment center for boys aged 10 to 17 in the foster care system. It has since expanded to include a child placement and adoption agency with four locations across Texas and a transition home for young men who have aged out of foster care. The organization recently broke ground on a second transition home, made possible by a grant from the Selfless Love Foundation, with completion expected later this year.

Tickets to the luncheon are available on the Burke Center for Youth website at https://burkecenterforyouth.org. 
 

They say, “Everyone has a story to tell.” Many writers dream of publishing to share their past (memoirs), educate others (nonfiction), help others (self-help), take others on a journey (fiction and sci-fi), or titillate their senses (poetry). Now in the 21st Century, technology has caught up with aspiration.

In the past, over 70% of all published books were through traditional New York publishing houses like Simon & Shuster and Penguin Random House. However, the advent of user-friendly tools, direct access to readers through Amazon and others, and the print-on-demand convenience of self-publishing has removed most barriers. 

Today, over 80% of all books are self-published and, more astoundingly, the number published has leaped from 75,000 in 2000 to over 3 Million per year in 2025! So if you are ready to share your story, join the crowd and get started!

Getting Started

Getting started is perhaps the hardest part.

What to Write About?

There are so many genres to write about. How to choose? Jot down the kinds of books you read or movies you watch. What do you feel you know well or have a unique angle on? What are you curious about? Pick a topic or style that comes naturally to you.

What Tools Do You Need?

You really don’t need any tools to start. You can just start with a pencil and paper. However, you will find it much more convenient to migrate to Word or Google Doc on a laptop for ease in writing and editing.

How Much Time is Required?

This is another fallacy. You may hear of authors that crank out several books a year. Don’t be intimidated. If you write just one page or about 250 words a day, you would still finish a typical 60,000 word book in 8 months. Sure, it is hard to find time amongst family, work, and other leisure time, but if you dream of writing a book, you can do it!

Staying Focused

The biggest challenge in writing is not really the quality of the writing or the time it takes. It is you!

Imposter’s Syndrome

Okay, so you have a topic and your laptop is ready. But you just aren’t convinced you can or should be doing this. With so many people writing books and well known authors like Stephen King and Danielle Steel, many of us suffer from Imposter’s Syndrome. Why should we feel we can be part of this prestigious author community? 

Writing is not a competition about who can write fastest or sell more books. Writing is more of a personal journey of self-expression. If you pick a topic which you are passionate about, you will be driven to explore and share this with others through your writing. Through practice you will develop your own style and others will sense this and want to read what you have to say.

Pantsers vs. Plotters

Oftentimes, writers can be placed into one of these two categories. Pantsers tend to write “from the seat of their pants.” They might not even know what their characters will do in the chapters ahead or how their story will end. On the other hand, Plotters have an outline, sometimes in great detail, regarding the storyline for each character of their novel or the points and research that will be covered in each chapter of their nonfiction book.

If you tend to be a well-organized planner, you are a Plotter so spend some time preparing your project. This can be soothing and motivating while many Pantsers may just jump in. There is no right or wrong. Follow your intuition and your personal approach to life.

The Pressure is Off

Don’t pressure yourself to write “the next great American novel.” When you start, it is just a draft. You’re getting your thoughts out of your head and onto paper. Drafts are meant to be ugly. Let it flow. You will have plenty of time to polish your book through editing much later.

So, when you are ready, just start writing. Write whenever and wherever you’d like. Don’t pressure yourself to sit and write for an hour or 500 words or one chapter. There will be days you will “feel it” and may write for hours and other days it just isn’t flowing. Feel free to step away. Go about your day. Come back the next day. The best writing happens when we are enjoying it and don’t have any pressure.

Seek Support

Writing, like many creative arts, can be a lonely endeavor, but I encourage you to find support. Whether it’s a writing coach, a podcast or YouTube episode, a writing buddy, or a Writing Club, learning from others, sharing frustrations, and celebrating successes can be the icing on the cake

The Dripping Springs Art League, in partnership with the Dripping Springs Community Library, offers a monthly Writing Club for aspiring, new, and experienced writers. Find your tribe. Share your stories. Learn about the writing, publishing, and marketing paths ahead. Everyone is welcome and the Club is free to all. 

Join the Club mailing list at: https://artindripping.com/memberclubs/ 

Sign up for the April 30th meeting at: https://dscl.libcal.com/event/16253974

Steve Friedman serves as the DSAL/DSCL Writing Club lead. After his corporate career, he has published three nonfiction books including the award winning Corporate Introvert. He invites you to join the Writing Club and explore your many stories within…

High school students from across Texas and New Mexico brought industrial-sized robots of their own design to Dripping Springs High School on April 3-4 for the FIRST Robotics Competition Dripping Springs district event.

The Spring Konstant, Team 6357 from Dripping Springs High School, received the Autonomous Award sponsored by Google.org. The award recognizes the team that demonstrates the most consistent and reliable robot performance during the autonomous phase of match play, when robots must sense their surroundings, position themselves, and execute tasks without driver input. Judges cited the team's robot for its speed, accuracy, and advanced autonomous system, as well as the team's overall cohesion.

Recoil, Team 9577 from Innovation Treehouse, received the Engineering Inspiration Award sponsored by SpaceX. The award recognizes outstanding efforts to promote engineering within a team's school, organization, and broader community. Judges noted that despite the team's small size, it has established a distinct presence in its area and is actively working to expand STEM education and build lasting community connections.

The event was sponsored by Dripping Springs ISD and Tokyo Electron. The FIRST Robotics Competition gives student teams a matter of weeks to design, build, and program robots capable of competing in a structured, alliance-based game. The machines can weigh up to 120 pounds and are built for fast-paced head-to-head match play, with volunteers from the STEM industry serving as mentors throughout the build season and at competition events.

High school students from across Texas and New Mexico brought industrial-sized robots of their own design to Dripping Springs High School on April 3-4 for the FIRST Robotics Competition Dripping Springs district event.

The Spring Konstant, Team 6357 from Dripping Springs High School, received the Autonomous Award sponsored by Google.org. The award recognizes the team that demonstrates the most consistent and reliable robot performance during the autonomous phase of match play, when robots must sense their surroundings, position themselves, and execute tasks without driver input. Judges cited the team's robot for its speed, accuracy, and advanced autonomous system, as well as the team's overall cohesion.

Recoil, Team 9577 from Innovation Treehouse, received the Engineering Inspiration Award sponsored by SpaceX. The award recognizes outstanding efforts to promote engineering within a team's school, organization, and broader community. Judges noted that despite the team's small size, it has established a distinct presence in its area and is actively working to expand STEM education and build lasting community connections.

The event was sponsored by Dripping Springs ISD and Tokyo Electron. The FIRST Robotics Competition gives student teams a matter of weeks to design, build, and program robots capable of competing in a structured, alliance-based game. The machines can weigh up to 120 pounds and are built for fast-paced head-to-head match play, with volunteers from the STEM industry serving as mentors throughout the build season and at competition events.

Track season is fast coming to an end. For most of the competitors, it comes to an end after the district meet. District 26-6A held their two-day meet at Burger stadium in Austin. The top four places in each event earn a spot in the Area meet that competes against an adjacent district. The top four then advance to Regional, then State.

In District 26-6A, track followed the results of almost every other sport with the top four staying in place. This year Lake Travis dominated both divisions followed by Westlake. Dripping Springs was a distant fourth.

Girls standings: LT 217, Westlake 169, Bowie 85, DS 70, Del Valle 53, Austin High 17, Akins 2.

Lady Tigers results: 3200: 4. Callie Schumacher 11.45.27; 5. Quinn Hendrickson 11.52.08. 400 relay: 4. 49.12 (Talia Alvarado, Lily Aleshire, Gabriella DaCunha, Amara Mouton). 800: 2. Morgan Riley 2.19.40. 100H: 5. Meghan McClelland 16.29; 6. Aleshire 16.76. 800R: 4. 1.47.29 (McKenna Riley, DaCunha, Alvarado, Emmy Phillips). 400: 3. Mc. Riley 59.15; 5. M. Riley 59.89. 300H: 5. Aleshire 49.45. 200: 5. Mouton 26.32. 1600: 6. Hendrickson 5.22.63. 1600R: 3. 4.02.37 (Mc Riley, Eliato Amato, Jade Hanko, M. Riley). PV: 1. Adeline Spies 11'0. Disc: 4. Gracelyn Prehar 99'7.

Wheelchair: Isabelle Crew: 100: 19.21; 800: 2.13.89*; SP: 18'6.5.

Boys standings: LT 202, Westlake 138, Bowie 91, DS 58, Akins 47, Del Valle 44, Austin 40.

Tigers results: 3200: 3. Wes Anderson 9.19.62; 400R: 5. 5.45.76 (Judah Satterfield, Ben Donohoe, Grey Magby,Gavin Panska). 800: 4. Bryce Chomko 1.57.47. 110H: 5. Jairo Alacaraz 16.16; 6. Trip Wiese 16.18. 800R: 5. 1.32.32 (Thiago Valles, Harrison Rohrer, Hayden Fontenot, Frank Accetta); 300H: 4. Alacaraz 41.36; 6. Wiese 16.18. 1600: 4. Anderson 4.18.36. 1600R: 6. 3.35.17 (Alcaraz, Accetta, Valles, Keadrian Barnett). HJ: Logan Kiem 6'0. LJ: 3. Valles 20'10. TJ: 3. Landon Upchurch 41'0. Disc: 5. Cooper Schmidt 129'10. SP: 1. Major Bettridge 52'1; 5. Cash Falconer 43'4.5.
 

Vs LT: Team hits: 14-10; DS Hits: Lauren Byrnes 3, Sadie Bradford 3, Lorelei Gamble 2, Tatum Green 2. 2B: Bradford 2, Alex Wiatrek; HR: Gamble. WP: Bradford 6IP, 9H, 5R, 5ER, 4W, 4K. Green 1IP, 1H.

Vs DV: TH: 10-7; DH: McKenna Riley 4, Gamble 2. 2B: Bradford, Gamble; HR: Gamble. WP: Green 4IP, 7H, 6R, 4ER, 1W. Bradford 3IP, 2K.
 

Vs DV1: Team hits: 12-1; Hits: Jason Steele 3, Sam Branyon 2, Bobby Wilkinson 2, Anthony Delgado 2, Breydan Madeley 2. 2B: Wilkinson 2, Steele 2, Delgado, Branyon: 3B: Madeley, Delgado.WP: Logan Starnes 2IP, 5K; Cruz McBride 2IP, 1W, 6K; Nixon Badilla 1IP, 1H, 3K.

Vs DV2: TH: 8-1; Hits: Badilla 3, Wilkinson 2; 2B: Wilkinson, Badilla; 3B: Wilkinson. WP: Blake Cox 2IP, 4K; Oscar Johnson 2IP, 1H, 1W, 4K; Tyler Sanders 2IP, 4K; Rhett Strauss 1IP, 1W.
 

Four local students and their professional chef mentors will face off in a cooking challenge this Saturday at Hope Full Farm in Dripping Springs. The inaugural Farm to Fork Junior Chef Challenge runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 11 at the farm.

Emmy-nominated CBS Austin anchor Trevor Scott will serve as emcee. H-E-B is the presenting sponsor. Tickets to the event are $75 and are available at https://www.hopefullfarm.org/tickets. Hope Full Farm is a nonprofit, and this family-friendly event benefits its mission to fight childhood hunger through regenerative agriculture.

The four junior chefs - ranging in age from 13 to 17 - will each create an original dish using organic produce harvested directly from Hope Full Farm. They will be working alongside some of Central Texas's most recognized culinary names. All four will receive scholarship awards.

The pairings are Rider Scardino, 14, with Chef Michael Fojtasek of Olamaie; Aubrey Pevehouse, 13, with Chef Edgar Rico of Nixta Taqueria; Penelope Orsak, 16, with Chef Fiore Tedesco of L'Oca d'Oro; and Lauren Smets, 17, with Chef Sarah McIntosh of Épicerie.

Rider, Aubrey and Penelope are all students in Dripping Springs.

Rider, a student at Sycamore Springs Middle School, said he has been cooking since he was about three years old. It started one Thanksgiving when his father was cooking, and let Rider start experimenting alongside him. His resulting dessert was so tasty it surprised everyone.

The hobby has grown considerably since then. Every year on his birthday, Rider cooks a five-course tasting menu for his friends. Past menus have included beef wellington, Chilean sea bass, scallops in a beurre blanc sauce, and short rib ravioli made with homemade spinach pasta. 

“I like experimenting with dishes I see online that look challenging,” Rider said.

Rider said he gets the most enjoyment out of cooking main dishes, but he also makes a lot of desserts. Some recent favorites included macarons and a homemade ice cream infused with tea and lavender. He’s excited to get more experience cooking for large groups.

“I don’t have much experience cooking for more than about 15 people at a time, so that will be fun,” Rider said.

He has been paired with Chef Michael Fojtasek of Olamaie, one of Austin's most acclaimed restaurants. The two have been mapping out their approach to Saturday's competition. They plan to do extensive prep work together the day before the event.

“We met with Chef Michael and started figuring out what ingredients we’re going to use, what we’re going to make, and some of the techniques,” Rider said.

Rider said he expects one of the biggest challenges will be staying composed when challenges come up during the contest. 

"When there are a lot of people waiting for food, you don't want to make them wait longer if something goes wrong," Rider said.

Rider said he hopes the experience leads to a career in the kitchen. 

"I'd like to cook professionally and maybe open a restaurant one day," he said.

Penelope Orsak, 16, came to cooking through 4-H, where she has competed for five years. This year, her team took first place at the district level and is headed to the state competition at Texas A&M.

She was paired with Chef Fiore Tedesco of L'Oca d'Oro, an Italian restaurant in Austin. The two met at his restaurant, where Tedesco gave her a pasta book and encouraged her to start experimenting.

"I had never tried making pasta before, since I usually cook other things, so learning that was really fun," she said. “It was really cool to see what he’s been able to accomplish with cooking. It showed me what might be possible in the future if I continue with it.”

Penelope said she applied for the competition because she liked the idea of working with a chef mentor. 

“It also connects local farmers, the community and chefs, which brings together a lot of things I really enjoy,” Penelope said.

The farm's ingredients also sent her home with new ideas. After learning about the produce she would be working with, she started experimenting with unfamiliar ingredients, including an attempt at radish mousse.

"Radishes aren't unusual, but I had always used them in savory dishes," Penelope said. "I tried making a radish mousse, which was surprisingly delicious. I never would have expected to use radish in something sweet."

Penelope said the experience has already shifted the way she thinks about cooking. 

"It made me appreciate farmers more, realizing they're producing all these amazing foods," she said.

Her main goal for Saturday is to deepen her understanding of the cooking process. 

"When I think about food, I usually focus on the finished dish, but I want to understand more about the steps that get you there," Penelope said. “I want to learn about new ingredients, how to prepare them, how farmers grow them and which flavors work well together.”

Penelope said she’s both nervous and excited about the competition.

“I’m a little nervous about doing something wrong and letting my chef down,” Penelope said. “But he told me he’s there to learn with me and mentor me, which made me feel a lot better.”

Aubrey Pevehouse, 13, started cooking one morning when she was 7, almost on a whim.

“One day my mom came downstairs and I was making scrambled eggs, because I’d seen her do it so many times,” Aubrey said. “It went well, so I kept doing it.”

Today she cooks her own breakfast and lunch daily, hosts breakfast spreads for friends at sleepovers, and has tackled cuisines ranging from Mediterranean to Indian to Vietnamese. For her sister's 16th birthday last year, she made a two-tiered autumn-themed cake from scratch, complete with fondant and buttercream.

“At first, I just cooked what my mom made. I would follow her recipes, sometimes ending in a disaster, but I’d still eat it,” Aubrey said. “It’s fun to go out of my comfort zone and show people what I love to cook.” 

Aubrey is paired with Chef Edgar Rico of Nixta Taqueria, a Mexican-focused Austin restaurant known for its house-made tortillas and chips. When she visited the restaurant, Rico brought out nearly the entire menu and gave her a preview of an unreleased dessert.

“It was a mix of melting and crunchy textures and really unique,” Aubrey said. “I even got to go into the kitchen and see how things were made. It was a completely new experience.”

Aubrey said she sees cooking primarily as a hobby for now, though she hasn't ruled out a more formal role in the industry someday. 

"I love expressing myself through food and making things look neat," she said. "I've thought about a restaurant as a side experience, even if it's not my lifelong career."

The Farm to Fork Junior Chef Challenge event will include tastings, youth music performances, guided farm tours, and hands-on activities for children. All proceeds will benefit the programs of Hope Full Farm, which grows and donates certified organic produce to families across Central Texas. In 2025, the farm donated $61,185 worth of organic produce - the equivalent of 13,045 meals - to an average of 118 families per week.

For more information, or tickets to the event, visit www.hopefullfarm.org.

PEC crews brought a utility bucket truck to the campus to assist with the school’s annual first grade egg drop. More than 100 student-built contraptions were dropped from above as classmates watched to see which designs could keep a raw egg from cracking.

For the activity, students designed and built protective contraptions intended to cushion an egg during the fall from the elevated bucket. The hands-on project combines creativity and basic engineering concepts as students experiment with ways to protect their fragile cargo.

PEC journeyworkers James McCune and Caden Creamer volunteered for the event, operating the bucket truck and helping students test their creations.

The demonstration gave students a close-up look at the type of equipment lineworkers use while adding an extra layer of excitement to a classroom science challenge.

Dripping Springs Elite Real Estate Professionals (DS Elite) has launched a Food and Diaper Drive benefiting Helping Hands of Dripping Springs. The collection effort runs April 6-21 and seeks donations of nonperishable food and baby essentials to support the organization’s food assistance programs.

Members of DS Elite are coordinating donation efforts in neighborhoods across the area. Residents are encouraged to contribute items such as peanut butter, pasta, canned goods, rice and other shelf-stable foods. Diapers, pull-ups and baby wipes are also among the most-needed items, according to organizers.

In addition to community donations, the group plans to contribute $1,000 toward the effort to purchase additional high-need pantry items from the Dripping Springs H-E-B.

“This is one of those initiatives where the entire community can come together and make an immediate impact,” said Kristen Rummel, chair of the DS Elite Charitable Giving Committee. “When neighbors help neighbors, it creates something really powerful.”

The campaign provides flexible ways to give. Community members can donate items, request porch pickups through neighborhood coordination, drop off contributions through DS Elite members, or give financially. For more information or to get involved, visit www.drippingspringselite.com. 

Helping Hands provides food and other basic support to individuals and families in the Dripping Springs community experiencing food insecurity. The organization relies on donations and volunteers to provide these services. For more information, visit https://www.helpinghands-drippingsprings.org. 

The ceremony will include remarks from Superintendent Dr. Holly Morris-Kuentz, Board President Dr. Stefani Reinold, and several DSISD students. Guests will also enjoy music by the Sycamore Springs Middle School band, along with light refreshments. The event will take place near the CSE visitor parking lot, just east of the campus.

Voters approved construction of the district’s second comprehensive high school in the May 2025 bond election, following completion of the campus design, which began with voter approval of the 2023 bond program. Located on Darden Hill Road, the new campus will serve 2,500 students in grades 9-12 and is projected to open for the 2028-29 school year.

In addition to the approximately 506,000-square-foot main building, the campus will include baseball and softball fields, tennis courts, two practice fields, a band practice lot, an agriculture barn, and a sub-varsity competition stadium.

More information on High School #2 can be found at dsisdtx.us/highschool2.

The second game was home and the Tigers were not about to be embarrassed again. They started their ace, Blake Cox, and he responded with a one-hit complete game, including 8K. Branyon opened with a walk and Jake Pardue singled. With one-out, Jason Steele drove them in with a triple and then scored on Nixon Badilla's sac fly. That was it for the night.

Lake Travis has a series with Westlake ahead as does Dripping Springs. The results of those will decide the district.

Prior to the LT series, the Tigers defeated Austin Anderson 10-2 in a practice game. Getting two of the 12 hits were Pardue, Steele, Sanders, Wilkinson and Breydan Madeley.

This brought it to the regional finals with Vandegrift. The Lady Vipers would tie the game at one with 23 seconds left. After two scoreless OT's, the Lady Tigers moved on to state semis with undefeated Kingwood, by a 6-5 margin in PKs. This time Fajardo got the lone goal, assisted by Stephenson. PKs: Greenville, Thompson, Ella Castillo, Stephenson, Annabelle Pittman, Barefoot. Pittman's save on Vandegrift's final PK try for the win earned her player of the game.

The Lady Tigers push for another state championship was stopped at the semi level when undefeated Kingwood eked out a single goal and made it stand up. DS ended their season 20-2-4.

Next in line was Sadie Bradford. She would toe the rubber against Bowie and come away with a 10-3 complete game. Her ten runs was similar. 4-0-1-4-1.

Vs Austin: Hits: Brooklyn Reiling 2, Byrnes 2, Alex Wiatrek 2, Sadie Bradford 2; 2B: Byrnes, Wiatrek, Bradford, Lorelei Gamble; HR: Bradford. 

Vs Bowie: Hits: Lillian Wearden 3, Wiatrek 2, Emma Phillips 2, Green 2; 2B: Wiatrek. WP: Bradford 7IP, 8H, 3R, 2ER, 3W, 7K.

Apr 4 • 10 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Dripping Springs community is to attend the 4th Annual Eggstravaganza, presented by Dripping Springs Ranch Park and Holiday and Harvest! There will be two helicopter egg drops - one at 12 p.m., and one at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person. Children under 2 are free. Dripping Springs Ranch Park • 1042 Event Center Drive • Dripping Springs, TX 78620

Dripping Springs Farmers Market

Apr 8 & Apr 15 • 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The Dripping Springs Farmer’s Market is held on Wednesdays at Dripping Springs Ranch Park. Visitors can gather and shop for fresh agricultural and related products. Dripping Springs Ranch Park • 1042 Event Center Dr. • Dripping Springs, TX 78620

2nd Annual Kite Fest

Apr 11 • 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The City of Dripping Springs is hosting its 2nd Annual Kite Fest. Participants can bring their own kite or just come enjoy the view at this free event for all ages. Founders Memorial Park • 419b Founders Park Rd • Dripping Springs, TX 78620

Farm to Fork Junior Chef Challenge

Apr 11 • 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This family-friendly fundraising celebration at Hope Full brings together youth talent, local chefs, and community change-makers for a day of food, fun, and impact. Junior chefs will be paired up with acclaimed Central Texas culinary professionals to create farm-inspired dishes using organic produce grown at Hope Full Farm. Chef Mentors are Fiore Tedesco (L’Oca D’Oro), Edgar Rico (Nixta Taqueria), Sarah McIntosh (Épicerie), and Michael Fojtasek (Olamaie). In addition to the Junior Chef Challenge, guests will enjoy live music, farm tours, kid-friendly activities, and delicious bites — all while supporting Hope Full Farm’s mission to combat childhood hunger and support the next generation of regenerative farmers. Hope Full Farm • W Fitzhugh Rd • Dripping Springs, TX 78620

Dinner by the Bite

Apr 16 • 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

It’s time for the 21st annual Dinner By The Bite - an evening of gourmet food, drinks and auction items all to benefit the homeless pets at PAWS Shelter of Central Texas. This casual event is held at Wilson AC & Appliance in Dripping Springs. There you will find a beautiful showroom with unique, fully functioning kitchens bustling with chefs hard at work preparing their most popular dishes in bite sized form. Guests are free to roam from station to station picking their favorite bites while socializing with like-minded animal lovers. Visit www.pawshelter.org for tickets. Wilson AC & Appliance • 4205 US-290 • Dripping Springs, TX 78620

Night to Inspire - Color Our World

Apr 16 • 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Dripping Springs Art League invites the community to step inside its dazzling Kaleidoscope Gallery to be surrounded by hundreds of original works by local artists - oil and acrylic paintings, fiber arts, woodworking, writing, stained glass, metal sculpture, jewelry, photography and so on. All displayed art is available for purchase. Guests can watch art come alive as live painters will transform their canvases into vibrant masterpieces, and artists at demonstration booths share their techniques and creative processes. Tickets include tapas courses curated by Austin’s own Chef Keii (as seen on the Food Network). Three drinks tickets are also included. Details at www.artindripping.com. Dripping Springs Ranch Park • 1042 Event Center Dr. • Dripping Springs, TX 78620

Old Settler’s Music Festival

Apr 17 to Apr 19

Old Settler’s Music Festival (OSMF) offers a fun and family-friendly experience for music enthusiasts and fest goers. Ranked in the top five of USA Today’s list of North America’s 10 best festivals, OSMF’s unique atmosphere features a laid-back, community-oriented vibe that keeps music lovers returning year after year. Visit https://oldsettlersmusicfest.org/ for tickets. Camp Ben McCulloch • J18301 Ranch to Market Rd 1826 • Driftwood, TX 78619

PODS Crawfish and Shrimp Boil

Apr 18 • 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Join Pride of Dripping Springs for the 2nd Annual Crawfish Boil! This year it’s bigger and spicier! Come out for an afternoon of great food, music, and neighbors coming together in celebration and community. More information at www.prideofdrippingsprings.org. Beerburg Events • 13476 Fitzhugh Rd • Austin, TX 78736

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND EDUCATION

Dripping Springs Community Library

The Dripping Springs Community Library hosts multiple events every week. Events include Toddler Story Time, Homeschool Chess Club, Legos @ the Library, Mah-Jongg, Master Gardeners on the Porch, Yoga and more. For library events, visit dscl.org/event-calendar.

City of Dripping Springs Public Meetings

The City of Dripping Springs welcomes residents and others doing business with the city to attend any of the public meetings below. City Council meetings are traditionally held at City Hall Council Chambers, 511 W. Mercer St., Dripping Springs, TX 78620. See cityofdrippingsprings.com for streaming options and meeting agendas.

Historic Preservation Commission Regular Meeting

Apr 2 • 4 p.m.

City Council & Board of Adjustment Regular Meeting

Apr 7 • 6 p.m.

DSRP Board of Directors Regular Meeting

Apr 8 • 11 a.m.

TIRZ No. 1 & No. 2 Board Regular Meeting

Apr 13 • 4 p.m.

Founders Day Committee Regular Meeting

Apr 13 • 6:30 p.m.

Parks & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting

Apr 15 • 6 p.m.

City Council Quorum Notice - Parks & Recreation Commission

April 15 • 6 p.m.

Farmers Market Committee Regular Meeting

Apr 16 • 10 a.m.

Emergency Management Committee Regular Meeting

Apr 16 • 12 p.m.

Utility Commission Regular Meeting

Apr 16 • 2 p.m.

Hays County Commissioners Court Regular Meeting

Apr 14 • 9 a.m.

This is a regular meeting of the Hays County Commissioners Court, the governing body of the county. This group of elected officials and staff oversees the functions and budget for all county-related business. Hays County Historic Courthouse • 111 E. San Antonio St. • San Marcos, Texas. Streaming option available at hayscountytx.com.

Dripping Springs ISD Board of Trustees Monthly Meeting

Apr 27 • 6 p.m.

Live meeting of the DSISD Board of Trustees which sets policy, agenda and strategic planning for the Dripping Springs school district. Agendas and live streaming option available at dsisdtx.us. Live meeting at the Center for Learning & Leadership • 300 Sportsplex Dr. • Dripping Springs, TX 78620.

The Dripping Springs Wild Game Dinner (DSWGD) wrapped up its 36th annual event in February, raising approximately $145,000 for local charities. This year’s “Paddles Up” recipient was Sunrise Christian Schoolhouse, a faith-based K-6 school in Dripping Springs that is currently expanding. Longtime DSWGD member Bill DWinne said the response from the crowd was record-breaking.

”We just presented them a check the day before yesterday for a little bit over $43,000 - and that was just from Paddles Up,” DeWinne said. “We’re lucky if we can get $25,000, so it was very rewarding.”

DeWinne said students from the school attended the dinner and delivered a Bible verse reading that visibly moved the crowd.

”It’s hard to get 850 people to be quiet, and it was very impressive,” DeWinne said. “It was emotional and it was spiritual, and it clearly impacted the crowd. I was really proud of those little kids.”

The event, held at Dripping Springs Ranch Park and Event Center, drew an estimated 800 to 850 attendees for an evening that included wild game dinner, live and silent auctions, live music, and a raffle.

”It was actually a great event,” DeWinne said. “Mother Nature really cooperated with favorable weather. We had struggled the last two years with some really chilly weather and did our best to heat that building, but this year was really nice.”

Both the live and silent auctions set new records, DeWinne said, crediting in part a new auctioneer the committee brought in from San Antonio.

”They really got the energy and the excitement going,” DeWinne said.

DeWinne struggled to put the atmosphere of the evening into words, but said that energy is part of what keeps people coming back year after year.

”When that building is full, it’s got a vibe and electricity. You just have to feel it,” DeWinne said.

Doors opened at 5 p.m. to allow guests to browse the silent auction and find their seats, but DeWinne said people were arriving even earlier than that.

”People were showing up at like 4 o’clock. It was crazy,” he said. “It was unbelievable the amount of people.”

Among the evening’s highlights, DeWinne pointed to the national anthem.

”When they did the Star-Spangled Banner and everybody is singing, that’s pretty impressive,” DeWinne said. “That’ll give you chills.”

Planning for the event starts the October prior, and really ramps up during the final week. Over the course of several days, volunteers gather for meat cutting, prep, and sausage making. They also show up on event day to set up tables and chairs and staff the evening.

The event’s 37th edition is already in the works, with Jeremy Peele set to serve as chairman. The dinner is scheduled for February 27, 2027.

DSWGD has raised nearly $1 million for local charities since its founding in 1991, when a group of men from Dripping Springs United Methodist Church first gathered to cook a meal and give back to their neighbors.

”I’ve done it for over 20 years and I still get excited about it,” DeWinne said. “I’m really glad to be a part of it, and I can’t wait for next year.”

Lynn Krug spent six years as a U.S. Army Combat Military Police officer, deployed to Bosnia, and got out of the military two weeks before September 11, 2001. What followed was decades of living with PTSD, cycling through VA appointments, and dealing with what she describes as an inadequate mental health system.

Today, Krug says she finally feels like herself again. Her journey back is part of a film that premiered March 25 at the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington, Texas, on National Medal of Honor Day.

Healing Heroes: No Mind Left Behind, produced by Solo Vive Studios, follows six veterans and first responders through an immersive treatment experience exploring both established and emerging approaches to PTSD recovery, including plant medicine. Krug is one of those six. The film is expected to begin streaming on major platforms in April.

Krug, a Dripping Springs resident and owner of the Brass Ovaries studio in Austin, attended the film’s premiere in Arlington. Joe and Stacey Hogge, owners of 12 Fox Beer Co., were also in attendance. They are active advocates for veterans, and some of the documentary was filmed at one of their properties.

Krug said the audience of roughly 200 people was visibly moved by the film.

“Some people were crying, and they thanked us afterwards for sharing our stories and our healing,” Krug said. “Everybody was really dressed up and just out there to support the message.”

At the end of the screening, the filmmakers included updates on each of the six veterans - where they are now, what they’re doing, how their lives have changed since the cameras stopped rolling.

”It was really good to see some of the people that were also in the film and people that worked on the film,” Krug said.

The documentary follows Krug and five other veterans - Ryan Henderson, Courtney Allen, Keegan Smith, Megan Watts, and Jason Braadt - through a 10-day treatment program in Tulum, Mexico, designed specifically for veterans.

Dr. Charles “Charlie” Powell, the documentary’s creator and a former U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander and combat veteran himself, described watching the process unfold as the most meaningful work of his career.

Powell said he hid his own PTSD for 18 years before finding a treatment that worked. He also said the U.S. has been too slow to research and offer alternatives to traditional pharmaceuticals.

“Medicines like this have been known for over a decade to help with this, but no one even tried to get a study in the US,” Powell said. “Why are the people that defended this country having to leave it to go get something that finally works? That doesn’t make sense to me.”

He also pushed back on widely cited statistics about veteran suicide, arguing the real numbers are significantly underreported. Only 30 percent of veterans ever register with the VA, he said, meaning the commonly cited figure of 22 veteran suicides per day almost certainly reflects a fraction of the actual toll.

”Take that number and multiply it times three,” Powell said. “That’s a starting point, and it’s still probably on the low side.”

Krug’s path to plant medicine began with the Heroic Hearts Project, which connects veterans with plant medicine retreats - including ayahuasca, a plant-based brew with roots in Indigenous Amazonian traditions. It has drawn growing scientific interest for its potential in treating trauma.

She has now participated in seven plant medicine retreats - including experiences with ayahuasca, psilocybin mushrooms, and ibogaine, a compound derived from an African root that has shown promise in treating both PTSD and addiction. Each, she said, addressed something different.

”Ayahuasca healed me of the traumas that happened to me from other people, from other things, from other situations,” she said. “Ibogaine forced me to look at myself - the trauma I caused myself or the trauma I caused other people. It’s like really intense shadow work that my therapists have been trying to get me to do forever, but I’d been avoiding.”

She is careful to note that plant medicine is not for everyone, and emphasizes the importance of proper medical screening and supervision.

“From a toxicological standpoint there is some danger to it, so you need to make sure that who you’re going to is safe and actually doing the medical prep beforehand.”

Powell echoed that caution.

”The power of these medicines is something that has to be given enough respect,” he said. “There’s a lot of fly-by-night people out there that think they know what they’re doing. You can really mess people up.”

Krug said that one of the most valuable parts of participating in the Healing Heroes project was being vulnerable around a group of people who didn’t know each other and were thrown together in an unfamiliar place. She said she was more vulnerable in those moments than she’s ever been, even with her therapist.

“Knowing that eventually this was going to be very public, it’s just showing that it’s okay not to be okay. Just showing somebody else that it’s okay to be vulnerable,” Krug said. “You don’t have to hold it inside, because that really makes it worse.”

Krug said she also wants the show to give others hope that they can find the healing that works best for them.

“For myself I tried practically everything that the VA was offering and it got me to a certain point, but I knew there had to be something better,” Krug said.

To that end, Krug has also gotten involved in advocacy work, and has gone to Washington, DC to try to push for changes in laws around plant medicine.

“We need safe access,” Krug said. “Not everybody can afford to go out of country. Not everybody has the resources to leave for 10 days, or a job that they could leave for 10 days without having some repercussions.”

Her closing message to anyone who might see themselves in her story was simple.

”I’m hoping that it does show people there are different modalities to heal if the current pharmaceuticals and the current modalities aren’t working for them,” she said. “And hey, if it helps even one veteran, then it was worth it.”

More information is available at www.HealingHeroes.com. If you or a veteran you know is in crisis, contact the Veterans Crisis Line by calling 988 and pressing 1, or by texting 838255.

Through services such as halotherapy (dry salt therapy), infrared and oxygen/mineral sauna sessions, sound therapy, somatic-based experiences, and lymphatic support, the spa aims to provide natural, non-invasive options that help clients breathe easier, release tension, and restore balance. Halotherapy works by dispersing microscopic, medical-grade salt particles into the air, which are gently inhaled to help clear the respiratory system, reduce inflammation, and support skin health. The spa owner’s goal is to create an environment that is intentionally calm, welcoming individuals and families alike, with offerings designed to meet people where they are in their wellness journey.

“We wanted to create a space that holds people,” said owner Valerie Hemming. “A place where you can arrive as you are and leave with more of yourself. This is about supporting the body’s ability to reset, whether through the breath, the nervous system, or simply giving yourself permission to pause. Salt & Light helps clients breathe easier, release tension, and restore balance. Many clients also notice improved mental clarity and a deeper sense of calm as the body begins to unwind.”

To celebrate its opening, Salt & Light is offering a limited number of complimentary 30-minute salt therapy sessions, giving the community an opportunity to experience deep rest, nervous system support, and respiratory care firsthand.

Salt & Light is located at 701 W Hwy 290, Suite 102, Dripping Springs, TX. For more information or to book a session, visit www.saltandlightatx.com or call or text 512-400-6067.

Volunteers with Hometown Missions demolished a 1970s mobile home Monday in Dripping Springs, clearing the way for a new tiny home to be built for long-time resident Melody Snell as part of the organization’s Spring 2026 Home in a Month project.

The demolition kicks off an intensive, volunteer-driven construction timeline aimed at completing a new stick-built tiny home for Snell within a single month. Snell has lived in the Dripping Springs community for more than 40 years. According to Hometown Missions, her current mobile home had become unsafe and no longer provided adequate shelter.

Hometown Missions Operations Manager Chris Kelker-Newlan said the project reflects the organization’s mission.

”This is what community looks like — people showing up, rolling up their sleeves, and building something that truly changes a life,” Kelker-Newlan said.

A full project schedule, along with volunteer sign-up opportunities, is available on the Hometown Missions website. The Signup Genius includes organized tabs for March, April, and May, allowing volunteers to easily find opportunities that fit their availability.

Hometown Missions encourages individuals, families, businesses, and church groups to get involved and be part of this life-changing experience.

“There is a role for everyone, no matter your age or skill level,” Kelker-Newlan said.

Snell is a member of Gateway Church in Dripping Springs, where she is known as an active participant and prayer leader. She spent her early years in Peru, where her parents served as missionaries translating the Bible into native languages. In recent years, she has faced significant health challenges, including cancer, according to Hometown Missions.

The next event is the slab pour and dedication, which is set for April 9. The next volunteer day will be for the raising of the walls on April 11.

For more details, visit www.hometownmissions.org.

Luis Rangel entered his guilty plea on March 10 - one day after a jury was seated and moments before opening statements were set to begin. The three 30-year sentences will run concurrently.

Rangel was indicted in 2023 for sexually abusing his step-granddaughter over a period of years beginning when she was 7 years old. The child did not come forward until a delayed outcry in 2022. The three counts he pleaded guilty to cover acts that occurred in 2014, 2017 and 2020 and involve performing oral intercourse on the child while she slept.

Because the case was resolved through a guilty plea, the victim did not have to testify about the abuse she experienced. However, she was present in court for Rangel’s plea and sentencing, and was able to address him directly during the proceeding, speaking about the lasting trauma his actions have caused her.

The case was investigated by the Austin Police Department and the San Marcos Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Cassidy Story and Daniel Sakaida, with assistance from Sandra Groters, Avery Slocum, Zoie Sanders and Sergeant Investigator Robert Torres.

Story credited the jury pool with helping bring the case to a resolution without a full trial.

”Without their willingness to serve, a plea agreement would not have been reached,” Story said. “I would also like to thank the victim for her bravery, and we hope that the closing of this chapter will open one that leads to continued healing with the assurance that this man finally paid for the long-term damage he has done.”

How do artists create flowing, abstract 3D wall art? It is easy and tons of messy fun! The materials and “batter” recipe below are for one 12 by 12 inch canvas. Increase proportions pro rata for larger projects.

Materials:

• Cradle board, stretched canvas, or canvas board. Seal surface with two gesso coats.

• Fabric. It is best to use 100% natural fibers like cotton or silk. The batter “sticks” to natural fibers better due to their inherent texture. Also natural fibers swell when wet and tighten as they dry, stabilizing the drywall.

• The size and shape of fabric needed varies greatly based on the design. General rule: cut fabric twice as wide and high as the canvas. Fabric weight and weave can vary the body and texture of the art. I used a 24 x 24 inch piece of medium weight cotton bedsheet for my 12 x 12 canvas.

• Drywall Powder – ProForm Quick Set Lite - 20 minute drywall powder. You can use slower drying versions, but you risk fabric sagging before it sets.

• Elmer’s All Purpose Glue – I recommend this specific brand for consistent adhesion. “School”, “washable” or “glitter” glue bonds are too weak. Wood glue works, but is not archival.

• Water – Tap water is fine.

• Equipment: 2 gallon or bigger mixing bucket, three 8 ounce plastic cups, and something to stir the batter. For stirring, I used a hand drill and a paint/mud mixing drill bit. It also helps to use a discarded silicon spatula or sturdy spoon to scrape the bucket corners and sides.

Optional materials that make life easier:

• Plastic table cloth to protect your work surface

• Nitrile gloves

• Thick paper like builder’s floor paper cut a little larger than the project and placed beneath it to move the art easier before it is dry; and a timer to track your work “window” before setting begins.

The Batter Recipe (for 24 in by 24 in fabric)

• 2 ounces of glue mixed with 2 ounces of water

• 2 - 8 ounce of cups of water (you may not need it all)

• 2 – 8 ounce cups of drywall powder

Step 1: Put your canvas on the thick paper. Place the fabric on your canvas and plan your fabric shape.

Step 2: Thoroughly wet the fabric in water and squeeze it out well. Set it aside.

Step 3: Hand mix equal parts of glue with water in a cup. This prevents glue clumps in the drywall batter.

Step 4: Pour one 8 ounce glass of water and glue pre-mix into the bucket. Stir. Refill cup with 8 ounces and set aside.

Step 5: Pour drywall powder into the bucket and stir with drill for about a minute. Add ½ of the remaining water and stir for another minute. Take a sturdy spoon to bring any dry powder on bucket bottom to the surface. Stir another two minutes to get the lumps out. Pause for two minutes then check consistency. Your batter should look like a rich pancake batter, loose but with body. If it needs more water, then add some sparingly and stir for one minute.

Bear in mind that making “batter” is more of an art than a science. The water needed can vary based on humidity, drywall powder type, and how well it is blended. Generally, in 5 minutes the powder is fully hydrated, so it is better to err on less water than too much. After 5 minutes of mixing the batter, set your timer for 20 minutes.

Step 6: Put your fabric in the batter and quickly coat all sides with batter.

Step 7: Put the battered fabric on the canvas and shape it. PVA glue slows the setting process, so you have 20 minutes to shape. By 30 minutes, typically, the batter starts to set.

• Don’t worry if you can see fabric through the batter. If you follow these instructions, the fabric fibers are saturated with binding agents.

• Use fabric edges within your design or fold them to the canvas back. Cut off excess fabric either before or after drying.

Step 8: Watch it cook. Shiny surfaces will look dull starting in the driest areas. By an hour after mixing the batter, the entire surface will have a matte finish and is firm to a light touch. At this point, you can lift the thick paper and move the canvas.

Step 9: Painting. Wait at least 24 hours (48 hours preferred) so that the densest areas are bone dry. I like using acrylic spray paint as a primer layer. Consider using several thin layers of spray acrylic paint for the nooks and crannies within fabric folds.

You are done!

What an adventure. There are so many possibilities by building on this technique. Experiment and enjoy!

Sabrena Wright is a member of Dripping Springs Art League

The Lady Tigers remain undefeated in district softball play with wins over Westlake and Austin Akins. Westlake scored five in the sixth to tie the game at seven but the Lady Tigers would break loose for another seven in the top of the seventh to nail down the 14-7 win. Akins yielded 21 runs early as the game was stopped after three.

Vs Westlake: Team hits: 13-14. Hits: Tatum Green 3, Brooklyn Reiling 2, Alex Wiatrek 2, Lillian Wearden 2, Lorelei Gamble 2. 2B: Wiatrek, Gamble. HR. Gamble. WP: Green 1.1IP, 2H, 1W, 1K; Sadie Bradford 5.2IP, 12H, 7R, 6ER, 7W, 6K, 1HR.

Vs Akins: TH: 16-2. Hit: Lauren Byrnes 2, Kara Daniel 2, Emma Phillips 2, Gamble 2. 2B: Byrnes, Wearden, Daniel. 3B Gamble. HR: Bradford. WP: Green 1IP, 0H, 0R. Jackie Harrod 2IP, 2H, 2K.

In the first game Bailey Stephenson would get the lone goal on a cross shot assist by Juanita Diaz Fajardo. Carson Thompson was named Player of the Game. The winner of the Vandegrift game will draw the Kingwood-Tompkins winner in the state semis.

Vs Aus1: Team hits: 13-1. Hits: Bobby Wilkinson 2, Jason Steele 2, Breydan Madeley 2. 2B: Ryan Gambin, Jake Pardue, Sam Branyon. WP: Blake Cox 4IP, 1H, 1W, 5K. Rhett Strauss 1IP, 2K.

Vs Aus2: TH: 14-5; Hit: Cade Sanders 3, Pardue 2, Nixon Badilla 2, Colby Wilson 2, Madeley 2. 2B: Sanders. WP: Oscar Johnson 1.1IP, 1H, 4R, 2ER, 3W, 2K; Logan Starnes 1.1IP, 3W, 4K; Badilla 1.1IP, 2K; Cody McDaniel 1IP, 1H, 2R, 2ER, 1W, 2K.