SAN MARCOS, Texas – A Kyle man was sentenced to 40 years in prison on Monday for his convictions on two charges of domestic violence and a charge of violating an emergency protective order multiple times, all against the same victim. Javier Esteban Rivera, 32, was found guilty by a Hays County jury on two counts of assault family violence – repeat offender and one count of violation of a protective order – two or more times in 12 months. After the jury’s verdict was read, the defendant entered into a plea bargain with the prosecution. He agreed to waive his right to appeal and accept a 40-year sentence rather than allow the jury to set his punishment for the convictions. Judge Joe Pool of the 428th District Court accepted the plea bargain and pronounced Rivera’s four-decade punishment. The jury was shown surveillance footage depicting an assault in a parking lot in which Rivera is seen punching the victim in the face and dragging her by her hair. They also heard jail recordings in which Rivera admitted to committing the assault. A 911 call made by the victim’s mother during a second assault was also played, in which jurors could hear the victim screaming in the background during what she testified was Rivera choking her, punching her and kicking her. At the beginning of the trial, Rivera stipulated to the fact that he had been convicted of assault family violence in the past. As part of the plea bargain, he also pleaded true to allegations that he had been previously sent to prison on at least two separate occasions. Hays County Assistant District Attorneys Jon English and Cassidy Story prosecuted the case. “It was far past time that Javier Rivera spent a serious number of years in prison,” English said. “He’s a dangerous, violent predator who did horrible things to his victims. Because of the courage of those victims in coming forward, today, he is locked up where he can’t hurt anyone else. Justice was served in this case.” “The defendant spent his life trying to control others, but he couldn’t control the jury that finally held him accountable,” Story added. Numerous members of the Kyle Police Department investigated the cases, including Detective Daniel Rainwater, Officer Joshua Cantu, and Sergeant Tera Mayfield, each of whom testified for the prosecution at trial. The trial team for the district attorney’s office also included Hays County Assistant District Attorneys Claudia Garcia and Abigail Whitaker, Victim Assistant Coordinators Annalise Brewer-Hall and Sandra Groters, Legal Assistants Avery Slocum and Mercedes Pena and Hays County District Attorney Investigator Sergeant Rheanne Garcia.

To view the original notice, click here . NOTICE OF MEETING Hays County Sheriff’s Office Civil Service Commission 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 26 th day of June 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 April 17, 2025, minutes 5. Introduction Presentation by Ryan Henry from the Law Offices of Ryan Henry, PLLC, and Civil Service Rules Policy/Discussion. (Keller) 6. Discussion and adoption of regular times for monthly meetings moving forward (Keller) 7. Discussion and possible action regarding who may sponsor an agenda item (Keller) 8. Discussion and possible action to schedule a special commission meeting to address promotional exam appeals and discuss creating a policy for the promotion appeals process. ( Williams) 9. 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: _____________

SAN MARCOS, Texas - Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced today that 28-year-old Benjamin Cearley of New Braunfels was sentenced to seven years in prison on June 13, 2025. On June 12, 2025, a jury found Benjamin Cearley guilty of two counts of sexual assault. The evidence at trial showed that Cearley was an acquaintance of the victim. He gave her a ride home after work and then sexually assaulted her inside her apartment. After the offense occurred, the victim thought to use her phone to record a conversation between herself and the defendant, during which the defendant admitted he was aware that the victim had told him “no” and that she didn’t want anything sexual to happen between them. Another woman also testified during the trial about the defendant’s attempt to sexually assault her inside her apartment as well. After the jury found the defendant guilty of both counts of sexual assault, the punishment phase of the trial began. The jurors heard additional testimony from the victim and her friend, detailing the traumatic effect the crime had on the victim. The defendant had no prior criminal history and was eligible for probation. The jury ultimately returned a sentence of seven years in prison for the first count of sexual assault and two years in prison for the second count of sexual assault. After sentencing, the victim chose to give a statement. She said, in part, “I will never forget the pain I’ve endured, but I am no longer letting it define my future. I am proud of myself. I am proud of myself for going through with this, for standing here today and speaking my truth. It has been a long and painful journey, and it’s taken everything in me to get to this point. I know how difficult it is for victims to come forward, to speak about something so painful and raw. Many people, after all this time, would have stayed silent. Many never do. But I chose to speak. I chose to share my story, to make my voice heard. And I will never regret that. “I hope that my courage to stand up will remind others that they are not alone, that they too can find the strength to fight, even when the scars feel too deep to heal. I hope that, in some way, this will help bring closure — not only for myself, but for anyone who has lived with this kind of trauma, with this kind of betrayal. “To the person who assaulted me, Benjamin Cearley: What you did to me was wrong. You took something from me that you had no right to take. But you will not take my future. My life, my healing, and my joy belong to me—and I am claiming them back, piece by piece. “Thank you to the Court for giving me the space to share my story. This moment is not the end of my journey, but a turning point. I am moving forward—not because of what happened, but in spite of it.” The San Marcos Police Department investigated this case, which was prosecuted by Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Jessica Rabena and Elizabeth Schmidt.  "We want to thank the victim in this case for her bravery in reporting this horrific crime and for having the strength to face the defendant in Court and testify,” Schmidt said. “I hope her courage will inspire others who have been victims of these crimes to come forward and share their stories. We also want to thank the jurors for their service and the San Marcos Police Department for their work investigating the case. Justice has prevailed.”

Focus on watershed health, best management practices for small-acreage properties, feral hogs, rainwater harvesting WIMBERLEY, Texas — A Lone Star Healthy Streams workshop will be held on June 24 at the Wimberley Community Center - Johnson Hall, 14068 Ranch Road 12 in Wimberley. The free event is open to the public from 8 a.m. to noon. Light refreshments will be served for all attendees. The workshop content will focus on watershed health, water quality and conservation strategies. Professionals will discuss best management practices for grazing livestock and feral hogs in watersheds throughout Hays County. Rainwater harvesting will be examined in depth, both through discussion and on-site display. The workshop is offered as an educational component of the Blanco-Cypress Watershed Protection Plan in collaboration with Hays County Parks and Natural Resources, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, and the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB). Program Focus The workshop will discuss watershed function, water quality, rainwater harvesting, and best management practices to reduce bacterial contamination. The focus will be on conservation strategies for small-acreage properties, management of grazing livestock and feral hogs. “The goal of the Lone Star Healthy Streams program is to protect Texas waterways from bacterial contamination originating from livestock, wildlife and invasive species that may pose a serious health risk to Texans,” said Leanne Wiley, AgriLife Extension program specialist and Lone Star Healthy Streams coordinator, Bryan-College Station. “The aim is to increase awareness of non-point source pollution, provide education materials to Texas producers and landowners and encourage implementation.” Protecting the Watershed Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Hays County Parks and Natural Resources and TSSWCB advocate for best management practices that will positively impact the watersheds throughout Hays County. In addition to the sessions on livestock and feral hog management, Jonas Rosenthal, Hays County watershed coordinator, will share an update on the Blanco-Cypress Watershed Protection Plan and the status of other watersheds in the county. The update will include a brief background on the project and current water quality monitoring data. Funding for this effort is provided through a Clean Water Act Section 319(h) nonpoint source grant administered by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  For more information on the workshop, contact Wiley at 979-321-5950 or leanne.wiley@ag.tamu.edu; Rosenthal, watershed coordinator, at 512-557-5911 or jonas.rosenthal@hayscountytx.gov; or Aaron McCoy, AgriLife Extension agriculture and natural resources agent, Hays County, at 512-393-2120 or aaron.mccoy@ag.tamu.edu.

SAN MARCOS, Texas — The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health (JCMH) will present an educational workshop on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, from 1-4:15 p.m. focused on two key mental health programs: Jail-Based Competency Restoration (JBCR) and Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT). Hosted at the Hays County Elections Center, located at 120 Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos, TX 78666, this free event invites Hays County employees, public officials and community members to learn how these programs are helping individuals and communities across Texas. Attendees will learn how JBCR and AOT function, the populations they serve and how these initiatives can be implemented locally to address serious mental health needs. They will also have the chance to ask questions and engage in dialogue with the HHSC and JCMH presenters. An alternative to inpatient competency restoration, JBCR is designed for those with psychiatric disorders incompetent to stand trial to participate in competency restoration treatment while incarcerated. This presentation will take place from 1-2:30 p.m. AOT is the practice of providing community-based mental health treatment under civil court commitment for adults with mental illness struggling with treatment adherence and/or cycles through repeat hospitalizations and criminal law. This presentation will take place from 2:45-4:15 p.m. by JCMH. The workshop aims to foster collaboration between the criminal justice, behavioral health and public service sectors by offering a forum for learning, dialogue and connection with statewide experts. This workshop is part of Hays County's ongoing efforts to promote community-based solutions for behavioral health and public safety.  To learn more about the Jail-Based Competency Restoration (JBCR) and Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) programs, visit https://www.hayscountytx.gov/assisted-outpatient-treatment-program. For more information about the upcoming workshop, contact Jennifer Putman at 512-757-9621 or jennifer.putman@hayscountytx.gov.

Click here to download notice. NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS AND FINAL NOTICE AND PUBLIC EXPLANATION OF A PROPOSED ACTIVITY IN A FEDERAL FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT STANDARD DESIGNATED FLOODPLAIN OR WETLAND D ate of publication: June 3rd, 2025 The Texas General Land Office P.O. Box 12873 Austin, TX 78711‐2873 512-463-5001 These notices shall satisfy three separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the Texas General Land Office (GLO). The proposed activities will assist Hays County homeowners still affected by the imp acts of the 2024 Texas severe storms and flooding, including Hurricane Beryl (Beryl). REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS On or about June 4th, 2025, the GLO will submit a request to HUD for the release of Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds appropriated under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2025 (Pub.L. 118-158), as amended, to undertake projects under the single-family disaster recovery Homeowner Reimbursement Program (HRP) and Homeowner Assistance Program (HAP) for the purpose of repairing, reconstructing, or newly constructing replacement single-family housing damaged by the 2024 Disasters within Hays County. From the HUD federal assistance, the State of Texas has allocated approximately $244,100,000 to HAP and $43,100,000 to HRP actions for distribution in the 27 affected counties, including Hays County. The number of projects funded in Hays County will be based on the number of eligible applicants and actual costs. To facilitate environmental review of the proposed activities, the GLO is implementing a tiered environmental review approach in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 58.15. The Environmental Review Record (ERR) is tiered as an Envi ronmental Assessment (24 CFR 58.36, subpart E) subject to laws and authorities at 24 CFR 58.5, 24 CFR 58.6, and NEPA analysis. FINAL NOTICE AND PUBLIC EXPLANATION OF A PROPOSED ACTIVITY IN A 100-YEAR FLOODPLAIN OR WETLAND This is to give notice that the Texas General Land Office (GLO) has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11990 and Executive Order 11988, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 in Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands to determine the potential effect that Hays County single family disaster recovery H omeowner Reimbursement Program (HRP) and Homeowner Assistance Program (HAP) actions in wetlands and surrounding Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplains will have on the human environment. Within Hays County, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) effective maps include 26,763 acres (6.2%) in the 100-year floodplain Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) Zones A/AE/AO, 11,808 acres (2.7%) in the regulatory floodway, and 0 acres (0%) within the Coastal High Hazard Areas Zone V/VE. Zone X encompasses 5,689 acres (1.3%) of Hays County within the 500-year floodplain and 388,631 acres (89.9%) of Hays County outside all SFHA-designated floodplains. Approximately 7,052 acres (1.6%) within Hays County are designated as wetlands. This includes freshwater emergent wetlands, freshwater forested/shrub wetlands, freshwater ponds, lakes, and riverine wetlands. The extent of the FFRMS floodplain will be determined at a site-specific level using the 0.2 percent flood approach (0.2PFA) or the freeboard value approach (FVA) when appropriate. In addition, siting within the Limit of Moderate Wave Action (LiMWA)/Coastal A Zone will be determined at the site-specific level. Activities within the LiMWA will carry the same mitigation and protection strategy as siting within a coastal high-hazard area (Zone V/VE). The GLO has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial functions and intrinsic values of the existing FFRMS floodplain and wetland: (i) Reasons why the action must take place in an FFRMS floodplain and/or wetland: Many existing damaged homes are located in an FFRMS floodplain. (ii) Alternatives considered: Constructing additional improvements was considered. However, the GLO determined that constructing/rehabbing fewer projects would be more economically feasible. Many low-income homeowners may not be able to purchase property that is located outside of the FFRMS floodplain or wetland, and grant funding cannot be used to purchase other land for the homeowner. Simply demolishing the home would leave the homeowner without a place to live. Taking no action would cause homeowners to remain in unsafe and unsanitary conditions, where the home would continue to deteriorate and be susceptible to future flood events. (iii) Mitigation measures: Substantially damaged, reconstructed, and newly constructed homes in the FFRMS floodplain will be elevated to or above the FFRMS floodplain elevation, and the homeowner will be required to obtain and maintain flood insurance if the parcel extends into the 100-year floodplain. Best management practices, sedimentation control, and/or erosion control will be used in construction areas near wetlands. The GLO has reevaluated alternatives to building in the FFRMS floodplain and wetland and has determined that it has no practicable alternative. Environmental files documenting compliance with Executive Order 11988 and Executive Order 11990, are available for public inspection, review, and copying upon request at the times and location delineated in the last paragraph of this notice for receipt of comments. There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in the FFRMS floodplain and wetland and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites outside of the FFRMS floodplain and wetland, alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate project impacts on the FFRMS floodplain and wetland. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about the FFRMS floodplain and wetland can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in the FFRMS floodplain and wetland, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk. FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT The GLO has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment, and th e GLO or its designee will conduct a site-specific environmental review of each HAP and HRP application site to verify this to be the case. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the Environmental Review Record (ERR) on file at the Texas General Land Office, P.O. Box 12873, Austin, TX 78 7 11‐2873 and may be examined weekdays 9 A.M to 5 P.M. The record i s also available for review electronically upon request. To request an electronic copy, email david.camarena.glo@recovery.texas.gov . PUBLIC COMMENTS The proposed HAP and HRP activities will assist single-family residence homeowners still affected by the 2024 Presidentially Declared Disasters. The assistance is urgently needed to address unmet housing needs and provide safe and sanitary housing in the county. Therefore, as provided by federal regulations at 24 CFR 58.33(b), GLO is publishing the combined Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds (NOI/RROF) simultaneously with the submission of the RROF to HUD. Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on these notices or the ERR to the GLO Community Development and Revitalization Program. Comments may be submitted to Ms. David Camarena at GLO via P.O. Box 12873, Austin, Texas 78711, or by email at david.camarena.glo@recovery.texas.gov . All comments received by June 18th, 2025 will be considered by the GLO. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing. ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION The GLO certifies to HUD that Je t Hays, in their capacity as Deputy Director, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the GLO to use Program funds. OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS The activities proposed to assist homeowners still affected by the 2024 Presidentially Declared Disasters, are urgently needed to address ongoing impacts. Therefore, as provided by federal regulations at 24 CFR 58.33(b), GLO is publishing the combined FONSI and NOI/RROF simultaneously with the submission of the RROF to HUD. HUD will accept objections to release of funds immediately following the publication of this notice through a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later), concurrent with the comment period described in the section above. HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the GLO’s certification only on one of the following basis: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the GLO; (b) the GLO has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has subm itted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to HUD Disaster Recovery and Special Issues Division, 451 7th Street SW, Room 7272, Washington, DC 20410 or via email to DisasterRecovery@hud.gov. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.  Name and Title of Certifying Officer: Jet Hays, Deputy Director, Program Integration, Texas General Land Offi ce.

BUDA, TEXAS, MAY 21, 2025 – The Onion Creek Trail, a 2021 Buda Bonds project and highly anticipated addition to Buda’s trail network, is officially opening to the public on Friday, May 30, 2025. This new multi-use trail runs nearly 1.5 miles along Onion Creek near the Buda Amphitheater and City Park. First identified through Buda's 2021 Parks Master Plan, the Onion Creek Trail aims to improve the City’s growing trail network and connect community destinations, including Buda City Park and Garison Park. The trail features a paved path extending from Old Black Colony Road to Garison Park and includes a pedestrian bridge spanning Onion Creek.  “The Onion Creek Trail is a meaningful addition to Buda’s growing trail system and a reflection of our commitment to enhancing connectivity, outdoor recreation and quality of life for our residents,” said Buda City Manager Micah Grau. “We’re especially grateful to Hays County for their partnership and funding support, which helped make this project a reality. Collaborations like this are essential to building a stronger, more connected community.” Funding for the project totaled more than $1 million, including $550,000 from the Hays County 2020 Parks & Open Space Bond and $553,500 from the 2021 Buda Bond. The project was a collaboration between the City of Buda, Hays County and the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), reflecting a shared commitment in expanding outdoor facilities. “We are thrilled to cross this project finish line and continue growing the trail system in Buda and Central Texas,” said Hays County Precinct 4 Commissioner Walt Smith. “Investing in trails like this improves our quality of life and ensures many generations will enjoy Buda’s natural beauty.” A ribbon-cutting celebration for the new trail will be held on Friday, May 30, at 7 p.m. during the Buda Public Library’s Summer Reading Kickoff Party at Buda City Park. The ceremony will mark the official opening of both the Onion Creek Trail and the Garlic Creek Trail. Buda Mayor Lee Urbanovsky and Commissioner Smith will deliver some brief remarks; the community is then invited to join Mayor Urbanovsky in an inaugural trail bike ride followed immediately by a Bike Rodeo with Buda Police Department officers. Attendees should meet officers and officials at the north parking lot near the start of the trail to participate. While minor finishing touches will continue in the coming weeks, the trail is open now for the public to walk, bike and jog along Onion Creek. Image: Onion Creek Trail Map ### ABOUT THE CITY OF BUDA Buda, the Outdoor Capital of Texas, is situated along the Interstate 35 corridor in Hays County. It is home to approximately 18,000 residents, has 14 parks, and a historic downtown district where residents and visitors alike can shop, dine, relax, and breathe easy here.

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.