Hays County Commissioner Walt Smith Presents Patriots’ Hall with $1,500,000 Check

Ysabella Agular • November 14, 2023

HAYS COUNTY, Texas — The Hays County Mental Health Court hosted the first commencement in celebration of those graduating from the Court program. The event was held from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, December 11 in the County Court of Law, Courtroom Three. Those in attendance included the family and friends of the program participants.


According to Kaimi Mattila, LCSW, the program’s administrator, this is a momentous occasion for participants who have spent countless hours improving their lives through this process.


“This is a whole year’s worth of them engaging in these services, coming to court two times a month and updating the judge on their process. They met with myself and my staff regularly for different assessments and to just help guide them throughout the program and in reaching their goals,” said Mattila. “It’s just a big achievement and I’m really excited to celebrate them and have them see how many people are invested.”


The graduates began the program between August and December of 2022 as part of an open enrollment. Requirements included engaging in social services and meeting with a counselor, caseworker or a psychiatrist. A main point of the program for the court is to provide support if needed, such as employment, education and housing.


There are four inaugural graduates being honored at the commencement. The event included guest speakers such as the Judicial Commission on Mental Health and an individual who has participated in a drug court in Travis County.


The Hays County Mental Health Court was created in 2022 and is headed by Judge Elaine Brown alongside Mattila. The program is dedicated to assisting individuals with mental health issues, substance abuse or intellectual developmental disabilities who are facing legal charges. Its purpose is to provide participants an alternative to incarceration.


“It is a really profound and powerful thing that hasn’t necessarily been done here. Our population also faces a lot of barriers,” said Mattila. “That’s the most profound thing about [commencement]: it shows that the court is effective in helping people reach their goals and serves as a stabilizing force in their lives. And it’s not only us that have been supporting them, but also the community.”


For more information about the Hays County Mental Health Court, visit hayscountytx.com/courts/hays-county-mental-health-court/.

By Natalie Frels September 15, 2025
SAN MARCOS, Texas – The Hays County community came together on Saturday, Sept. 6, for the Health Department’s inaugural Suicide Awareness Walk & Resource Fair: Together for Tomorrow. Approximately 88 participants joined to walk, connect and stand together for suicide prevention and mental health awareness. The event began with heartfelt opening words from Hays County Health Department Behavioral Health Coordinator Izzy Vigil, who reminded the community of the reason for their gathering and helped set the tone for a day of connection, healing, and hope. Following Vigil, David James of the Peyton Heart Project shared the story of his son Peyton and the mission to end the stigma surrounding suicide and bullying. His testimony deepened the meaning of the day and grounded participants in the importance of this work. Despite the rain, spirits remained high. The community embraced the weather and set off together on the 1-mile walk through San Marcos Plaza Park, guided by balloons in shades of teal and purple, the symbolic colors of suicide awareness. Along the way, community members forged new connections, shared stories and reminded one another of the importance of showing up and standing together. To keep energy levels up, participants were also provided with granola bars, cold water and goodie bags, generously donated by community partners, adding another touch of care and support to the day. The resource fair was a highlight of the event, as vendors and supporters provided attendees with valuable resources on mental health and suicide prevention, while also fostering meaningful connections. Their presence brought a strong sense of togetherness to the day. The Health Department is grateful to the following partners for sharing their time, knowledge, and care with the community: Hill Country MHDD Centers Greater San Marcos Youth Council Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center (HCWC) Community Action, Inc. of Central Texas Austin Oaks Branches in San Marcos Prevention and Research in Suicide Mechanisms (PRISM) Lab DJ X-Ray (Gabriel Vasquez) “The inaugural event was a true success,” said Health Department Director Matthew Gonzales. “It brought nearly 90 people together in solidarity, opened conversations about mental health and connected individuals with the resources they need. The turnout demonstrated the strength of our community and its commitment to fostering awareness, breaking down stigma and supporting one another. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended, volunteered, or partnered with us to make this event possible. Together for tomorrow is more than a theme. It is a commitment we share as a community to keep showing up, raising awareness and supporting healing and hope.” ###
By Jose Garcia September 10, 2025
To view the original notice, Click here
By Natalie Frels August 29, 2025
HAYS COUNTY, Texas – Hays County has launched a comprehensive revision of its Development Regulations and is seeking public input to inform future development policies and practices. To kick off the project’s community engagement phase, several open-house meetings will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, in locations across the county. These sessions will allow residents to hear directly from Hays County staff and consultants from Freese and Nichols, Inc., who have been tasked with reviewing, analyzing and recommending updates to the County’s existing development regulations. The upcoming revision will be the first comprehensive update to Hays County’s Development Regulations since they were initially created in 2010. The new regulations will impact a wide range of development-related issues, with an emphasis on water availability, water quality, and erosion control, as well as floodplain management, environmental protection, and transportation infrastructure. “This is a vital process in revision,” said Marcus Pacheco, Development Services Director. “We want the community involved not just during this initial stage, but throughout the project. This is a long-anticipated update over 15 years in the making, and hearing from our residents is essential in creating meaningful, effective policies that reflect the needs and priorities of our growing county.”  Community Open House Meeting Schedule – Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025 · Dripping Springs Ranch Park 2 - 3:30 p.m. 1042 Event Center Drive, Dripping Springs, TX 78620 · Wimberley Community Center 2 - 3:30 p.m. 14068 Ranch Road 12, Wimberley, TX 78676 · City of Buda Multipurpose Room 7 - 8:30 p.m. 405 E. Loop Street, Bldg. 100, Buda, TX 78610 · San Marcos Library, Meeting Room A (104) 7 - 8:30 p.m. 625 E. Hopkins Street, San Marcos, TX 78666 Community members will hear an overview of the project’s goals, initial findings and the project’s expected timeline. Residents are encouraged to provide feedback, share concerns and suggest ideas to help guide the revision. For questions or to provide feedback about future meetings and progress updates, please contact the Hays County Development Services Department at 512-393-2150 or visit https://www.hayscountytx.gov/Development-Regulations-Re-Write.
By Jose Garcia August 27, 2025
To view the original notice, click here . Hays County Salary Grievance Hearing – September 3, 2025 NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING OF THE SALARY GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE OF HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS This Notice is posted by the Hays County Judge pursuant to the Texas Open Meetings Act. (VERNONS TEXAS CODES ANN. GOV. CODE CH.551) and Chapter 152 of the Texas Local Government Code. The Hays County Salary Grievance Committee will hold a Public Hearing at 1:30 P.M. on the 3 rd day of September, 2025 , in the Hays County Courthouse, Room 301, San Marcos, Texas. A Public Hearing will be held concerning the following subjects: CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL 1. Presentation from counsel regarding Salary Grievance Committee procedures. 2. Hearing(s) regarding Grievances filed by elected officials in response the FY2026 budget. 3. Deliberation of Committee regarding Grievances filed. 4. Vote of Committee for each Grievance by paper ballot (or by other means, as determined by Committee). ADJOURNMENT Posted by or before three business days before the meeting SALARY GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE, HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS ______________________________________________ COUNTY CLERK 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 Hays County Judge’s Office at (512) 393-2205 as soon as the meeting is posted (Three (3) business days 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.
By Natalie Frels August 25, 2025
HAYS COUNTY, Texas – Hays County will host a series of public meetings to share updates about its Roads Improvements Program, including funding strategies and an overview of proposed projects. These public meetings are a part of the County’s continued effort to be transparent and collaborate with community members. https://www.hayscoroads.com/ Public Meeting Details Wednesday, September 10, 2025 Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe, Precinct 1 Location: Price Center, Garden Room 222 W San Antonio St., San Marcos, TX 78666 ​ Time: 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 17, 2025 Commissioner Walt Smith, Precinct 4 Location: Dripping Springs Ranch Park and Event Center 1042 Event Center Dr., Dripping Springs, TX 78620 ​ Time: 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, September 18, 2025 Commissioner Morgan Hammer, Precinct 3 Location: Wimberley Community Center 14068 Ranch Rd 12, Wimberley, TX 78676 ​ Time: 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.  The open-house style meeting will allow attendees to speak with County Commissioners and the transportation team, learn about proposed projects, ask questions, and provide feedback. Public meeting materials and project information will be available online at HaysCoRoads.com starting at 5 p.m. on Aug. 27. Program Background In November 2024, Hays County voters approved the 2024 Road Bond package. In June 2025, a Travis County district judge ruled that the road bond package was void, claiming non-compliance with a public notice requirement. The County is currently appealing this ruling while working to keep these projects moving forward. To uphold the voters’ decision to move these projects forward, the Commissioners Court unanimously voted in a July Commissioners Court meeting to move forward with the issuance of Certificates of Obligation (CO). The COs would fund planning and design for all projects included initially in the bond, except the SH 45 Extension project, which is not funded. Additionally, it would allow construction for eight of the 14 projects included initially in the bond.
By Jose Garcia August 23, 2025
Below you will find a drop down menu containing Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Notices for the public.
By Natalie Frels August 21, 2025
SAN MARCOS , Texas – The office of Hays County District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced today that a 29-year-old Kyle man, Omar Galvan-Ochoa, was found guilty of murder this week by a Hays County jury and was sentenced, on August 19, by that same jury to life in prison along with a $10,000 fine, the maximum punishment allowed by law for the offense of murder. The evidence showed that on September 6, 2023, 46-year-old Aliaksandr Bushtser was filling his vehicle with gas at a Valero station in Buda when the defendant drove into the gas station and shot Bushtser three times in the back in an act of unprovoked, senseless violence. The Hays County Sheriff’s Office obtained surveillance video from the gas station, which showed the truck the defendant was driving when he shot and killed the victim. Due to the quality of the surveillance video, detectives could not make out a license plate for the vehicle, but they were able to ultimately identify the vehicle, owned by Galvan-Ochoa, by utilizing FLOCK camera images. The identity of the killer was further confirmed by a local resident, who saw the driver of the truck during a separate altercation minutes after the murder and called 911 to provide the license plate number of the truck. Galvan-Ochoa later tried to evade police before his capture. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Elizabeth Schmidt and Christopher Griffith. Following the verdict, ADA Schmidt said, “Bringing this killer to justice was truly a team effort. We’d like to thank the Hays County Sheriff’s investigators, officers from the Kyle Police Department who assisted in apprehending the defendant, officers from the Buda Police Department who responded to the scene of the murder, the victim assistance coordinators who went above and beyond, the legal assistants who helped with voluminous discovery in this case, the DA investigators who tracked down many witnesses, and all of the witnesses who testified in the trial. We also appreciate the time and attention of the jurors who reached a tremendous verdict. We offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of Aliaksandr Bushtser and hope some measure of peace is found in bringing his killer to justice.” # # #
By Natalie Frels August 15, 2025
To view the original notice, click here . 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 20th day of August 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 4. Approval of July 16 th regular meeting and August 7 th , 2025 special meeting minutes. 5. Discussion and possible action to vote on the Vice Chair of the Civil Service Commission (Keller) 6. Discussion and possible action for an alternative date for the Promotional appeal hearing date and/or the regular commission meeting date that is scheduled on September 17, 2025. (Cary) 7. 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. POSTED: Date: _____________ Time: _____________ By: _____________
By Joe garcia August 8, 2025
Notice - 2025 Road Project Certificates of Obligation
By Natalie Frels August 7, 2025
SAN MARCOS , Texas – The office of Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced today that 54-year-old Kevin Abeyta, formerly of Austin, Texas, was convicted and sentenced this week by a jury of continuous sexual abuse of a child, six counts of possession of child pornography with intent to promote and 13 counts of possession of child pornography. Hays County District Judge Sherri Tibbe stacked the sentences handed down by the jury, and Abeyta must now serve 71 years in prison.  In February of 2021, the Hays County Sheriff’s Office began investigating Abeyta, a former art teacher at Campbell Elementary School, after an outcry of child sexual abuse. The minor child who outcried was not a student. Cpl. Chase Crow and Sgt. Mike Andrews traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, where Abeyta was then living and teaching as an elementary school art teacher. Several days after Abeyta was interviewed by law enforcement, he gave several hard drives to a friend who subsequently found child sexual abuse material on them. The friend notified authorities, and the hard drives were collected and investigated by Detective Nelson Wray. More than a thousand media files were identified as child sexual abuse material, some including images and videos of the child victim. Abeyta had also been secretly filming at least one young child under her desk at school. Assistant District Attorneys Katie Arnold and Elizabeth Schmidt prosecuted this case. “We’d like to thank the investigators at Hays County Sheriff’s Office, the witnesses who testified in this case, Abeyta’s acquaintance for notifying the police about the incriminating evidence he found and the brave survivor who stood up to her offender,” said Arnold. “Without the bravery of each witness, this man might still be in a classroom putting young children at risk.” Abeyta is not eligible for parole on the first count of continuous sexual abuse.