SAN MARCOS, Texas – The Hays County Health Department (HCHD) was notified that a Kyle resident tested positive for measles by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). The individual is considered unvaccinated because they were unable to provide documentation of receiving the measles vaccine. The individual was contagious beginning Thursday May 11, 2025, until May 19, 2025. The individual has received care, and public health officials are working to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed. Individuals who were at the places at the times listed below may be at risk of developing measles due to exposure to this individual. While the individual was not considered infectious during visits to the listed locations before May 11, these locations are being included out of an abundance of caution due to the small possibility of early transmission. May 10, 2025 8:00 AM- 6:00 PM Kohls – Sephora 20185 Marketplace Ave, Kyle, TX 78640 May 10, 2025 8:00 AM- 6:00 PM H-E-B Plus 5401 Farm to Market 1626, Kyle, TX 78640 May 13, 2025 11:47 AM- 2:23 PM CommuniCare- Kyle Clinic 2810 Dacy Lane, Kyle, TX 78640 May 13, 2025 8:00 AM- 1:00 PM Texas Department of Public Safety 1400 N IH 35, San Marcos, TX 78666 May 16, 2025 12:50 PM- 5:30 PM Ascension Seton Hays 6001 Kyle Parkway, Kyle, TX 78640 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. “Our department has thoroughly prepared for the chance of a positive measles case within the county. We have learned from the many lessons identified from the measles exposure in February of this year,” Gonzales said. “We are working closely with the healthcare providers and businesses exposed to ensure the safety of their patients and customers. The health and safety of our residents is our priority. Our focus will be ensuring those who are exposed are notified and capable of taking the proper precautions for their health and to prevent the further exposure of other individuals.” 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. Post-exposure prophylaxis: Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) refers to medical treatment given after someone has been exposed to a contagious disease, in this case measles, with the goal of preventing infection or reducing the severity of illness. PEP is most effective when administered as soon as possible after exposure and can significantly lower the risk of developing the disease. There are two primary forms of PEP for measles: the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine and immune globulin (IG), each appropriate for different situations. MMR Vaccine as post-exposure prophylaxis: The Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine can provide protection if administered within 72 hours (3 days) of the initial exposure. This option is recommended for most healthy individuals aged 6 months and older who have not been fully vaccinated or whose immunity is uncertain. Immune Globulin (IG) IG is a preparation of antibodies that provides temporary protection against measles. It can be administered after exposure to help prevent or lessen the severity of the disease, especially in people who are at higher risk of serious illness. Immune globulin (IG) may offer protection when given within 6 days of exposure. IG is typically reserved for infants, pregnant individuals without immunity or those who are immunocompromised. If you think you may have been in close contact with someone who has measles and are unsure of your immunity: Contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to find out if post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is appropriate for you and which type (MMR vaccine or immune globulin) is best based on your age, health status, and vaccination history. You can also call the Hays County Health Department at (512) 393-5520 for additional guidance or assistance. If you are a resident of Travis County who was exposed, please contact Austin Public Health at (512) 972-5555. 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: www.hayscountytx.gov/health-department

HAYS COUNTY – May 9, 2025 – As part of its ongoing commitment to addressing the opioid overdose crisis and supporting community harm reduction efforts, the Hays County Jail has installed a Narcan vending machine on its premises.  Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, is a life-saving medication that can reverse the potentially fatal effects of opioid overdoses, including those caused by heroin, fentanyl, and prescription painkillers. By making Narcan easily accessible, the Hays County Jail joins a growing number of correctional facilities across the country that are proactively tackling the opioid epidemic. The vending machine will be available to the public and discharged inmates, ensuring timely access to this critical intervention for themselves or their loved ones in the event of an overdose. This initiative was made possible through a partnership between the Hays County Sheriff’s Office, the Behavioral Health Program of the Hays County Health Department, and the Texas Integrated Community Opioid Network (ICON). This collaboration highlights the shared commitment to improving public health and safety across Hays County. “It’s a privilege to work with individuals who are genuinely dedicated to the health and well-being of all Hays County residents,” said Chief Deputy Brett Bailey. “This is a significant proactive step toward saving lives, and I’m extremely grateful for our partnership with the Hays County Health Department and ICON.” Lt. Monica Shaffer also expressed her appreciation: "It was a true honor to work alongside the Hays County Health Department and ICON. This career is a calling for me, and to witness the county’s progress in becoming more innovative and supportive of the community without judgment makes me proud to serve at the Sheriff’s Office.” The Behavioral Health Program of the Hays County Health Department will also provide educational materials and resources near the vending machine. These resources will ensure that individuals not only have access to naloxone but also receive vital guidance and support for addressing substance use disorders. In addition, the Health Department has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Texas Health Science Center to strengthen collaboration on community infrastructure initiatives related to drug use and mental health. This formalized partnership paves the way for future efforts like this one. “I’m thrilled to see this project come together,” said Hays County Behavioral Health Coordinator Peyton Wagner. “True public safety is about protecting lives through proactive, compassionate measures. The Health Department is proud of this cross-sector collaboration that benefits the entirety of the county. As a community, we must support and protect one another.” Looking ahead, Hays County remains committed to exploring and implementing innovative solutions that promote health, safety, and recovery for all residents.

SAN MARCOS, Texas - Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced today that Hays County District Judge Sherri K. Tibbe sentenced 33-year-old Kevin McLean to a total of 60 years in prison on April 29. McLean entered a plea of “guilty” to six counts of possession of child pornography and was sentenced to 10 years on each count. Judge Tibbe ordered that the sentences run consecutively, commonly referred to as stacked sentences. McLean was a teacher at a middle school in Hays County when he was arrested in 2022. The child pornography was found through a search of McLean’s phone during an investigation into alleged inappropriate behavior toward students. His wife had called the police to report finding inappropriate communications with several female middle school students on his phone. Law enforcement seized McLean’s phone and interviewed the students he had communicated with. Through the investigation, it was determined that McLean had been grooming the female students by sending them nude photos of himself and trying to convince them to send him pictures. The investigation further revealed that McLean had sold or provided some students with alcohol and illegal narcotics, including THC vape pens and prescription drugs. No child pornography involving students from the middle school was located, and there were no reports of sexual contact with a student.  The case was investigated by the Hays County Sheriff’s Department and the Austin Police Department. Assistant District Attorney Courtney Hansen prosecuted the case. Following the sentencing, Hansen noted, “We hope this verdict provides healing and closure to the families whose lives were impacted by this defendant’s abuse of trust as an educator in our community.” District Attorney Higgins added, "Students and their families should be able to trust that school is safe. We will hold anyone who violates that trust accountable.”

SAN MARCOS, Texas - Hays County District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced today that 30-year-old Breana Nicole Smith was sentenced by Hays County District Judge Sherri K. Tibbe to 20 years in prison for possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine. Smith was found guilty by a Hays County jury on March 13 and elected to have her punishment assessed by the judge. The evidence at trial showed that Smith is a member of the criminal street gang known as the Gangster Disciples. During the punishment hearing, it was demonstrated that Smith had previously committed the offense of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Detectives with the San Marcos Police Department investigated the case. Assistant District Attorneys Christopher Griffith and Daniella Garcia prosecuted the case. Following the verdict, Griffith said, “We appreciate the dedicated efforts of the law enforcement officers involved in this case. We take offenses committed by gang members seriously, as these individuals present a clear danger to the safety of our community.” District Attorney Higgins added, “Hays County will not tolerate violent offenders selling drugs in our community.”

SAN MARCOS, Texas - Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced that a Hays County man, Zachary Kinsey, 34, was sentenced by Judge Wright-Reneau on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, to 10 years in prison for stalking and eight years of probation for violation of the protective order. A jury convicted Kinsey of the two crimes on March 5, 2025, in the 207th District Court of Hays County. The evidence at trial showed that Kinsey threatened to kidnap his child and force his wife and child to watch him commit suicide. Kinsey, who was supposed to be undergoing mental health treatment in Arizona, flew to Austin to carry out his threat. He had landed at the Austin airport and was waiting for a rideshare when a Texas Ranger located him and took him into custody. While in custody awaiting trial, Kinsey continued to threaten and abuse the victim via the email system provided to inmates. The Hays County District Attorney’s Office wishes to recognize the San Marcos Police Department and the Texas Rangers for their vigilance and dedication. Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Cyrus Morgan and Shelby Griffin prosecuted the case.  After sentencing, Higgins stated, “The victim in this case did not deserve the life-changing torture and abuse inflicted on her by Mr. Kinsey. Without the victim’s strength and resolve, our office could not have achieved this result.”

SAN MARCOS, Texas - Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced today that a Hays County Grand Jury issued a “no-bill” this week in the arson causing death case against Jacobe Ferguson. Ferguson had been accused of starting the 2018 fire at the Iconic Village apartments in San Marcos. A no-bill means that a grand jury did not find sufficient evidence to issue an indictment against a person accused of a felony in Texas. The Grand Jury met several times over the course of two months and diligently considered the evidence related to the arson investigation. Following the presentation, the Grand Jury issued a no-bill that stated that they “failed to find a bill of indictment against the accused” and that they “encourage law enforcement to continue this investigation.” The fire at the Iconic Village apartments occurred on July 20, 2018, and five people were killed in the blaze. The case remained unsolved until a task force that included the ATF, Texas Rangers, the San Marcos Fire Marshal and San Marcos Police obtained an arrest warrant accusing Jacobe Ferguson in July 2023. Ferguson was held in jail for a time, but has been free on bond awaiting a decision on the matter since 2023. The decision of the grand jury releases Ferguson from that bond. Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins pledged that his office would continue to work with law enforcement to ensure that the investigation into the fire continues.  He stated, “I want to thank the members of the Grand Jury for their time and attention to this matter. I also want to thank the families of the young people killed and injured in this tragic fire for their patience and understanding. We feel for their loss every day and we remain committed to bringing the arsonist to justice to provide closure to those who have lost so much. We take the Grand Jury’s encouragement to continue the investigation to heart and will continue to work with the task force to that end.”

Click here for the original notice. 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 17 th day of April 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. Approval of March 20, 2025, minutes 5. Discussion and possible action to appoint a member of the Civil Service Commission to the Board of Examiners (Kresta) 6. Discussion and possible action to approve the selection of Donnoe and Associates for promotional exam and assessment services. (Kresta) 7. Discussion and possible action to appoint an e-mail address and physical address for Public Information Requests to be received. (Kresta) 8. 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 — In a progressive step toward strengthening community well-being, the Hays County Commissioners Court has approved the creation of a new Animal Welfare Services Division housed within the Hays County Health Department. This newly established division reflects the County’s commitment to a holistic approach to public health — one that recognizes the essential connection between people, animals, and the environment. The division will operate under the nationally recognized Human Animal Support Services (HASS) model, a community-centric framework focused on keeping pets and their people together, removing barriers to care and creating safer, healthier neighborhoods through collaborative programming. The court also approved the creation of three key positions to support the launch and operation of the division: · Animal Welfare Division Manager · Animal Welfare Services Coordinator · Animal Welfare Services Specialist These roles will lead the development of programs and services aimed at prevention, public education, field support alignment and direct assistance for pet owners and unowned animals in need. The agenda item was led by Commissioner Michelle Cohen, Precinct 2, with co-sponsorship from Commissioner Walt Smith, Precinct 4. “This initiative represents a community-first approach to public health,” said Dr. Cohen. “Our residents have made it clear that they value both the well-being of animals and access to humane, inclusive services. This new division will help us deliver on those priorities through strategic, sustainable programming.” “We’ve heard from residents and community partners that this kind of support is essential,” added Smith. “Whether it’s preventing shelter overcrowding, improving field services, or making pet care more accessible, this division is a win for our animals and our residents.” “The health of a community extends beyond human well-being,” said Hays County Judge Ruben Beccera. “This division allows us to address health holistically — supporting the physical, emotional and environmental needs of people and their pets. We are proud to see Hays County take this compassionate, forward-thinking step.” The Hays County Health Department emphasized this division's role in advancing the One Health philosophy. This globally recognized approach integrates human, animal and environmental health into a unified strategy. “Public health is evolving, and Hays County is evolving with it,” said Matthew Gonzales, director of the Hays County Health Department. “The creation of this division reflects our strategic commitment to the One Health model. It’s about taking smart, integrated steps that improve outcomes for everyone — humans and animals alike — through prevention, outreach and equitable access to services.”  The Animal Welfare Services Division will build upon existing efforts to provide outreach, connect underserved communities to veterinary and wellness services and support safe, humane outcomes for pets across the county. In alignment with the HASS model, the division will emphasize prevention, community support and resource accessibility.

SAN MARCOS, Texas — On April 8, the Hays County Commissioners Court approved a resolution to establish a Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) & Drug Court Program. The Hays County DWI & Drug Court Program is a County Court and District Court specialized judicial initiative, designed to reduce substance-related offenses by providing an alternative to traditional sentencing. This joint endeavor focuses on rehabilitation rather than incarceration, targeting non-violent offenders with substance abuse disorders. Through judicial oversight, comprehensive treatment and community collaboration, this program is dedicated to enhancing public safety and reducing repeat offenses by providing a structured, accountability-driven program for qualifying individuals with drug and alcohol-related offenses. Its creation received support from court officials across the county. Hays County District Attorney Kelly Higgins explained that his office will review cases for eligibility and recommend defendants if they’re a good fit for the program. “The goal here will always be sobriety,” Higgins said. “Our office looks forward to participating with these dockets so we can be more efficient with our jail [population], and our interactions with people who have addictions will be more meaningful. These aren’t the kind of people who deserve punitive measures; they deserve therapeutic measures, and they deserve treatment. This is more humane.” Judge Alicia Key also spoke in favor of the program, noting it was one of her goals in running for office. “Looking at state and countywide statistics, how many people are sitting in our jails because they have addiction problems? Drugs are ruling their lives,” Key said. “These programs help [offenders] get out of jail and help them be productive members of society instead of being a drain.” Hays County Paralegal Matthew Hammons, the DWI & Drug Court facilitator, noted that there were 260 or more eligible cases for this type of program last year, and the need will only increase as the county grows. “We provide accountability, structure, incentives for good behavior and personal support for offenders,” Hammons said. “Change is possible and is worth striving for. It’s more than a court; it’s a combat for their lives.” The DWI & Drug Court program has a tentative start date of Dec. 1, 2025. # # #