SAN MARCOS , Texas – The office of Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced that on November 7, 44-year-old Richard Santa Ana was sentenced to a total of 218 years in prison by Hays County District Court Judge Joe Pool after being found guilty of two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child and one count of indecency with a child by sexual contact. The sentence followed a bench trial that proved that Santa Ana had repeatedly drugged and sexually assaulted the teenage daughter of a friend. Evidence during the punishment phase included testimony from a previous victim that the defendant had sexually assaulted in 2007.  Despite the verdict, the defendant remained unremorseful. Judge Pool stated, "This gives notice to others in the community that we're not going to accept this type of behavior." Judge Pool announced he was ordering the sentences to run consecutively, or “stacked,” requiring the first sentence to be served before the second sentence can begin, and the second to be served before the third starts. Santa Ana must also register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, and a lifetime protective order on behalf of the victim was put into place against him. “This defendant had already shown he won’t be rehabilitated,” said lead prosecutor, Assistant District Attorney Abigail Whitaker, “We asked the Court to make sure he wouldn’t be able to reoffend again. Both of the girls who came forward and told their stories in this trial were extremely brave, and we are grateful we were able to get justice for them.” The case was investigated by Kyle Police Department Detective Jerritt Bean. It included scientific analysis by the Texas Department of Public Safety, the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification and NMS Labs. The State’s trial team that appeared on behalf of Hays County District Attorney Kelly Higgins in this matter included prosecutors Whitaker and Phillip Guebert, Victim’s Assistance Coordinator Annalise Brewer-Hall, Investigator Sergeant Rheanne Garcia, Legal Assistant Avery Slocum and Digital Media Evidence and Discovery Coordinator Mercedes Pena. # # #

SAN MARCOS, Texas — The Hays County Mental Health Court (MHC) is proud to announce its sixth commencement ceremony, celebrating the achievements of 10 graduating participants — the largest graduation class to date. The public is invited to attend the ceremony, which will take place from 3-4:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 8, at the San Marcos Activity Center, 501 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos, Texas. MHC serves individuals 17 years of age or older who have a diagnosable mental health disorder and a pending charge in Hays County. All potential participants complete a structured referral process and are reviewed by the MHC team to ensure eligibility. “The County has executed several contracts to provide counseling, case management, housing and transportation services to the participants,” said Mental Health Court Judge Elaine Brown. “Additional community-based resources are identified and utilized by the Court to assist participants.” The program offers 12 months of services for misdemeanors, with a possible three-month extension, and 18 months for felony offenses, also with a possible three-month extension. Success in the Mental Health Court is measured by personal growth, stability and self-sufficiency. Participants work toward goals such as returning to school, securing employment, establishing stable housing and strengthening family relationships. “Many utilize services such as residential treatment, sober living and peer support,” said Brown. “All these services work hand-in-hand to support their mental health, physical health and help them gain confidence in working towards their personalized goals.” To complete the program, participants must stabilize their mental health, including consistent medication adherence (if prescribed), maintain sobriety from drugs and alcohol, achieve the goals in their individualized mental health and/or substance use treatment plan and follow all court orders, probation conditions and MHC program guidelines. Every graduate who has completed the program has a unique story of perseverance and transformation. “One individual we engaged with was incarcerated at the time we met with them. During their time in the program, they were able to get stabilized on medications, start therapy and work with a Benefits Navigator to apply for benefits,” said Mental Health Court Administrator Kaimi Mattila. “This individual has been able to gain a deeper understanding of their mental illness and the importance of taking medications. Their mental health is much more stable.” This commencement ceremony celebrates not only the graduates’ achievements but also their dedication and commitment to rebuilding their lives. Each participant's success reflects their individual goals and the support of a dedicated treatment team walking beside them throughout their journey. For additional details about the ceremony or the Mental Health Court program, contact the Hays County Mental Health Court Office at 512-757-0795 or by email at k aimi.mattila@hayscountytx.gov . ###

For the original document, click here Hays County Health Department 101 Thermon Drive, San Marcos, Texas 78666 Public Health Advisory Board Meeting Notice Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 6:30 PM Kyle Precinct 2 Building Multipurpose Conference Room 5458 FM2770, Kyle, TX 78640 This Notice has been posted with Hays County, Office of the County Clerk, according to the provisions of the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code, Chapter 551. Area Reserved for the Hays County Clerk’s Office

WIMBERLEY, Texas —Hays County Development Services (HCDS) received confirmation from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) on November 6, 2025, that a mosquito trap sample collected in the 78676 ZIP code tested positive for West Nile Virus. The positive sample was collected from a site in the unincorporated area of Wimberley on November 4, 2025. This is the second reported West Nile Virus-positive mosquito trap of the 2025 season in Hays County. There were nine positive West Nile Virus mosquito traps during the 2024 season. In the state of Texas, DSHS reported 3,314 positive mosquito traps during the 2024 season for West Nile Virus. So far this year, DSHS has reported 1,243 positive mosquito traps for West Nile Virus. While 80% of people will not experience symptoms of an infection, only 20% of people may experience some symptoms. Symptoms of West Nile Virus infection can include fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, a skin rash on the torso of the body and swollen lymph nodes. While the risk for severe symptoms is low, individuals aged 50 and older and those with compromised immune systems may be at an increased risk for stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, vision loss, paralysis and, in extremely rare cases, death. Anyone experiencing these symptoms is encouraged to seek medical attention. Supportive care and treatment to improve quality of life and comfort are typically provided to diagnosed patients. Patients can expect to exhibit symptoms for three to six days but may experience fatigue and weakness for weeks or even months. There is currently no treatment for West Nile Virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The key to preventing West Nile Virus is to minimize the number of mosquitoes in areas where people live, work and play. Health officials strongly encourage everyone to remain vigilant about protecting themselves from mosquito bites and preventing mosquito breeding on their properties. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as one teaspoon of standing water. By draining all sources of standing water in and around your property, you reduce the number of places mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed. Common examples of sources of standing water include buckets, flowerpots, old tires, and pet bowls. Residents can reduce their risk of mosquito bites and West Nile Virus infection by following the three Ds: DEET, Dress and Drain. DEET: Whenever outside, use insect repellents that have the active ingredient DEET or other EPA-registered repellents, and always follow label instructions. DRESS: Wear long, loose and light-colored clothing outside. DRAIN: Drain or treat all standing water in and around your home or workplace where mosquitoes could lay eggs. “Hays County is committed to protecting the health and well-being of our residents, and we’re staying proactive in monitoring mosquito activity across the county. With a second trap in Hays County testing positive for West Nile Virus, it’s important for all of us to take simple steps to stay safe — use insect repellent, wear long sleeves when outdoors and empty any standing water around your home,” said Hays County Judge and Director of Emergency Services Ruben Becerra. “I want to thank our Health Department and Development Services teams for their continued efforts to keep our community informed and protected, and we appreciate our residents for doing their part as well. Together, we can help reduce the risk and keep Hays County safe and healthy.” HCDS is providing mosquito surveillance within the county to monitor and track mosquito-borne illnesses. Some mosquitoes can transfer potentially deadly diseases — known as arboviral diseases — to humans. HCDS is collecting mosquitoes to determine which areas are harboring disease-carrying mosquitoes. HCDS will set up collection traps across the county on a rotating basis to capture samples of several species of mosquitoes that will be sent to the Department of State Health Services in Austin for identification and determination of the type(s) of illness the mosquitoes could be spreading. Monitoring species, mosquito density and geographic breeding sites will provide critical early predictive data to HCDS to help monitor, prevent and combat mosquito populations and mosquito-borne illnesses. HCDS uses the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gravid-trapping method to collect mosquitoes. This trap is designed to attract female mosquitoes that are ready to lay eggs. The trap uses a fan to draw in mosquitoes that approach the liquid in the bottom of the bucket and keeps them in a collection bag until the trap is collected. HCDS also uses the BG-Sentinel trap. This trap targets other mosquito species that are vectors of other arboviruses. Collection is typically carried out from May until November throughout Texas. Hays County Development Services and the Hays County Health Department will continue to conduct mosquito pool traps and health surveillance to promote the health and safety of our residents. For more information regarding mosquito abatement, contact Hays County Development Services at 512-393-2150. Visit the Texas Department of State and Health Services West Nile website for more information on the disease at txwestnile.org. ### 

SAN MARCOS, Texas - Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced today that 51-year-old Javier Ortega Gonzalez of San Marcos was sentenced to life in prison on October 31, 2025. On October 30, 2025, a jury found Gonzalez guilty of continuous sexual abuse of a child. The evidence in the trial showed that Gonzalez sexually abused a child over the course of several years, starting when the child was around 5 years old. After the jury found the defendant guilty, the State presented additional evidence that Gonzalez had also been physically abusive to multiple children and adults throughout the years. The jury sentenced him to life in prison. Due to the charge of continuous sexual abuse of a child, he will not be eligible for parole. This case was investigated by the San Marcos Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Miranda Ebersole and Rebecca Lopez. The ADAs in this case were assisted by Jose Torres, Kendall Evans, Maureen Herrera, Stacy Miles-Thorpe and John Paul Garza. “It took extraordinary courage for the victim to come forward and testify about the abuse,” Ebersole said. “We thank the jury for their verdict and for ensuring that this defendant can never sexually abuse a child again. We also want to thank Detective Benavides from the San Marcos Police Department for her extensive work on this case.” # # #

HAYS COUNTY, Texas — The Hays County Health Department (HCHD) received confirmation from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) on October 31, 2025, that a mosquito trap sample collected in the 78737 ZIP code tested positive for West Nile Virus. The positive sample was collected from a site in the unincorporated area of Austin/Dripping Springs on October 28, 2025. This is the first reported West Nile Virus-positive mosquito trap of the 2025 season in Hays County. There were nine positive West Nile Virus mosquito traps during the 2024 season. In the state of Texas, DSHS reported 3,314 positive mosquito traps during the 2024 season for West Nile Virus. So far this year, DSHS has reported 1,182 positive mosquito traps for West Nile Virus. “Rainfall within the Central Texas area leads to an increase in standing water, which provides ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes,” said Eric Vangaasbeek, Chief Environmental Health Specialist at Hays County Development Services (HCDS). "We encourage everyone to take proactive steps to prevent mosquito bites by reducing areas of standing water around their homes and properties.” While 80% of people will not experience symptoms of an infection, only 20%of people may experience some symptoms. Symptoms of West Nile Virus infection can include fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, a skin rash on the torso of the body and swollen lymph nodes. While the risk for severe symptoms is low, individuals aged 50 and older and those with compromised immune systems may be at an increased risk for stiffness, disorientation, coma, tremors, vision loss, paralysis and, in extremely rare cases, death. Anyone experiencing these symptoms is encouraged to seek medical attention. Supportive care and treatment to improve quality of life and comfort are typically provided to diagnosed patients. Patients can expect to exhibit symptoms for three to six days, but may experience fatigue and weakness for weeks or even months. There is currently no treatment for West Nile Virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “The detection of West Nile virus in our mosquito surveillance program is a reminder that public health is a shared responsibility,” said County Judge and Emergency Services Director Ruben Becerra. “While this finding is not a cause for alarm, it is a call to action. We urge residents to take simple precautions— like using insect repellent and eliminating standing water — to protect themselves and their families. Our staff at Development Services and the Health Department are actively monitoring the situation and working to reduce the risk to our community.” “The health and safety of our residents is always our top priority. While the detection of West Nile Virus in our precinct is concerning, it’s also a reminder of the importance of our ongoing mosquito surveillance and control efforts,” said Hays County Precinct 4 Commissioner Walt Smith. “We are working closely with public health officials to ensure proactive measures are in place, and we encourage everyone to take simple precautions to protect themselves and their families.” The key to preventing West Nile Virus is to minimize the number of mosquitoes in areas where people live, work and play. Health officials strongly encourage everyone to remain vigilant about protecting themselves from mosquito bites and preventing mosquito breeding on their properties. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as one teaspoon of standing water. By draining all sources of standing water in and around your property, you reduce the number of places mosquitoes can lay their eggs and breed. Common examples of sources of standing water include buckets, flowerpots, old tires, and pet bowls. “While we continue to monitor the situation, please try to avoid mosquito bites by following the three Ds: DEET, Dress and Drain,” said Ian Harris, HCHD Disease Surveillance and Preparedness Manager. DEET: Whenever outside, use insect repellents that have the active ingredient DEET or other EPA-registered repellents, and always follow label instructions. DRESS: Wear long, loose, and light-colored clothing outside. DRAIN: Drain or treat all standing water in and around your home or workplace where mosquitoes could lay eggs. Hays County Development Services (HCDS) is providing mosquito surveillance within the county to monitor and track mosquito-borne illnesses. Some mosquitoes can transfer potentially deadly diseases — known as arboviral diseases — to humans. HCDS is collecting mosquitoes to determine which areas are harboring disease-carrying mosquitoes. HCDS will set up collection traps across the county on a rotating basis to capture samples of several species of mosquitoes that will be sent to the Department of State Health Services in Austin for identification and determination of the type(s) of illness the mosquitoes could be spreading. Monitoring species, mosquito density and geographic breeding sites will provide critical early predictive data to HCDS to help monitor, prevent and combat mosquito populations and mosquito-borne illnesses. HCDS uses the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gravid-trapping method to collect mosquitoes. This trap is designed to attract female mosquitoes that are ready to lay eggs. The trap uses a fan to draw in mosquitoes that approach the liquid in the bottom of the bucket and keeps them in a collection bag until the trap is collected. HCDS also uses the BG-Sentinel trap. This trap targets other mosquito species that are vectors of other arboviruses. Collection is typically carried out from May until November throughout Texas. Hays County Development Services and the Hays County Health Department will continue to conduct mosquito pool traps and health surveillance to promote the health and safety of our residents. For more information regarding mosquito abatement, contact Hays County Development Services at 512-393-2150. Visit the Texas Department of State and Health Services West Nile website for more information on the disease at txwestnile.org. ###

SAN MARCOS, Texas — On Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, the Commissioners Court accepted changes to election precincts resulting from redistricting maps approved in the Texas 89th Legislative 2nd Special Session. The Texas Legislature passed new mid-decade redistricting maps during the 2nd Called Special Session in August 2025. Hays County Elections and Hays County GIS have been working to implement these changes while also making recommendations to comply with Texas Election Code (TEC) Sections 42.031, 42.005, 42.006 and 42.007, which define the requirements for maintaining election precincts, according to Hays County Election Administrator Jennifer Doinoff. “What we’re doing is not redistricting; we’re ensuring our precincts comply with the National Voter Registration Act. With the changes enacted into law, we still have to remain in compliance,” Doinoff said. “What we’re doing is meeting our statutory compliance in the Election Code.” The Elections Office proposed 88 voting precincts, or Voting Tabulation Districts (VTDs), adding three and removing seven. A handful of minor boundary changes were made. “We aim to avoid creating new VTDs unless it’s necessary,” she said, adding that District of Concern (DOC) boundaries are the primary constraints on VTD shapes. A DOC, Doinoff explained, refers to voting districts that draw significant public attention due to allegations of voter disenfranchisement, redistricting practices or election integrity issues. “By law, VTDs cannot cross DOC borders.” A secondary constraint on VTDs is the voting population, she noted. “Each district must fall between 100 and 5,000 active voters, unless adhering to these limits would run afoul of a DOC boundary,” Doinoff said. “We aim to keep districts small — usually under 3,500 [voters] — so that VTDs have some resiliency to grow between redistricting sessions.” The changes will not take effect until after the December runoff election. Following the court’s approval, the County will work to produce detailed maps of the district changes, which will be available to the public. ###

SAN MARCOS, Texas — The Hays County Health Department is excited to announce the release of the 2025 Hays County Resource Guide — an updated, comprehensive directory designed to help residents, community partners and organizations easily access vital support services and share information with others. Following the launch of the first edition in October 2024, this updated guide features many additions, updates and newly added sections. Expanded or added areas include: Veteran and Military Family Services; Disability; Neurodivergence and Accessibility Resources; Arts, Culture, and Healing; Reproductive Health Resources; and Animal Welfare and Care Services. The updated resource guide offers information such as services, location(s), cost, languages services are available in, and more on a wide range of resources, including healthcare, cultural centers, housing, food assistance, mental health services and more, all available to Hays County residents. “These enhancements were made possible with the help of local organizations and dedicated community leaders through submitting requests for additions and changes,” said Health Department Director Matthew Gonzales. “We thank everyone who contributed to making this guide a more inclusive and valuable resource for all of Hays County.” “This resource guide is the result of many voices coming together with a shared vision: expanding access to care and ensuring no resident is left behind. Through collaboration across our community, we are not just sharing information; we are building bridges of connection, dignity, and belonging. In doing so, we transform resources into pathways of support and resilience that serve all who call Hays County home,” said Izzy Vigil, Hays County Health Department Behavioral Health Coordinator. “In doing so, we transform resources into pathways of support and resilience that serve all who call Hays County home.” The 2025 Hays County Resource Guide is part of the department’s ongoing effort to connect the community with vital services. It is available digitally on the health department’s website at https://www.hayscountytx.gov/resource-directory and will be updated quarterly to ensure the most accurate and current information is accessible. Paper copies will be available at the health department. As we look ahead to the next edition, the health department continues to invite feedback from the public, local organizations and service providers. Suggestions for new resources, such as updates to existing listings or general feedback on the guide’s format and usability, are welcome and encouraged. Fill out a form at bit.ly/4gOM4oy to request an additional resource or contact Izzy Vigil at Isabella.Vigil@hayscountytx.gov with suggestions. “The 2025 Resource Guide reflects our department’s deep commitment to fairness, access, and community collaboration. Every update and addition represents a step toward a more connected and supported Hays County,” said Gonzales. “We’re proud to work alongside our partners to ensure that every resident — regardless of background or circumstance — can find the help they need and deserve.” To provide feedback or suggest additions for the 2025 edition of the Hays County Resource Guide, please visit https://www.hayscountytx.gov/resource-directory. The deadline for submissions is Dec. 1, 2025. ###

SAN MARCOS, Texas— On Tuesday, Oct. 14, the Hays County Commissioners Court voted to approve changes to the list of voting locations for the Nov. 4, 2025, General Election to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility standards. “Many of the issues cited include slopes of parking lots that exceed the maximum requirements, and changes in foundation levels that cause barriers to voters with disabilities,” said Hays County Elections Administrator Jennifer Doinoff. “Additionally, pathways to the voting location from the public right-of-way had compliance issues that couldn’t be overcome before early voting started.” The changes to the list of voting locations are as follows: · Sunfield Station has been relocated to Holiday Inn Express (next door) · Dripping Springs Learning Center has been relocated to Patriot’s Hall Wellness Center · Driftwood Community Center was closed “It’s important to comply with ADA standards to ensure that voters with disabilities have every opportunity to vote in-person independently, like all other voters,” Doinoff said. “Hays County Elections is dedicated to finding locations that are fully and equally accessible for all voters. Our team will work with the affected locations to make permanent remedies, so that we can use them for future elections.” Early voting began on October 20 and runs through October 31. For more information, visit https://www.hayscountytx.gov/elections.