Hays County opens Social Service Grant application
Natalie Frels • March 17, 2026
SAN MARCOS, Texas — Hays County announced today that its Social Service Grant application for fiscal year 2027 is now open. Applications are due by 3 p.m. CST on June 1, 2026.
According to Hays County Precinct 1 Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe, the grant program provides funds to established social service agencies that address specific needs among priority populations in the county.
“The Hays County Commissioners Court administers Social Service Grants to promote community well‑being and to address gaps in services among populations in need,” said Ingalsbe. “These investments help strengthen the local network of organizations that residents rely on every day. By supporting agencies that are already making a measurable difference, we’re able to expand access to vital resources and ensure that more families, individuals, and neighborhoods receive timely support.”
Previous awardees have used funds to support library services, senior services, career advancement initiatives, youth programming, mental health and substance use treatment, animal services, food assistance and more.
To qualify, applicants must:
• Be a nonprofit entity
• Be located within Hays County, Texas
• Provide services to Hays County residents
• Complete the proposed project within the one‑year grant period
• Clearly define a Hays County population in need and outline activities that will address that need
The grant period is from Oct. 1, 2026, to Sept. 30, 2027.
To better align with the County’s Strategic Initiatives, the application process has been updated to encourage systematic program approaches. Awardees will now be required to submit quarterly programmatic reports throughout the grant period.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend either the virtual webinar or in‑person meeting from 2–3 p.m. on April 1, 2026. The in‑person session will be held at the Hays County Elections Center, 120 Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos, Texas 78666. The virtual meeting link is available at www.hayscountytx.gov/county-administrator.
The meeting will provide an overview of the reporting requirements and introduce the FY2027 point of contact. Attendees will also have an opportunity to ask questions about the application process.
“By investing in organizations already doing critical work in our communities, Hays County is helping strengthen long‑term solutions for residents who rely on these services every day,” said Precinct 2 Commissioner Dr. Michelle Cohen. “We look forward to partnering with agencies committed to creating meaningful, measurable impact.”
The application, scoring rubric and application worksheet are now available on the County Administrator’s webpage: www.hayscountytx.gov/county-administrator.
For more information, contact Hays County Grants Coordinator Genevieve Kitts at genevieve.kitts@hayscountytx.gov.
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WIMBERLEY, Texas — Hays County will celebrate the official opening of Karst Canyon Preserve with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. on March 27. Participants will park at Parking Lot A at Jacob’s Well Natural Area, located at 1699 Mt. Sharp Road, Wimberley, Texas 78676. From there, attendees may choose to take a short 0.8-mile round-trip hike to the ceremony site or ride with park staff by golf cart. A Project Years in the Making The opening of Karst Canyon Preserve marks the culmination of a multi-year, multi‑organizational effort rooted in conservation and community vision. Once known as Coleman’s Canyon, the 175-acre property sits close to Jacob’s Well Natural Area and was previously slated for a high‑density development of more than 1,000 residential lots. In 2019, the Watershed Association purchased the property, halting the development plans. Momentum continued in 2020 when Hays County voters approved the Parks and Open Spaces Bond, with the advisory committee — POSAC — identifying the acquisition of this land as a high priority. In 2025, Hays County finalized the purchase using bond funding, and The Nature Conservancy secured a conservation easement to ensure permanent protection. Following the acquisition, Hays County Parks Staff, in partnership with the Watershed Association and with support from Hays County Master Naturalist volunteers, began preparing the land for public access. Efforts included trail cutting and clearing, installation of maps, signage, and wayfinding markers, construction of benches, and completion of biological and karst surveys. Phase 1 of the Preserve now offers approximately 2 miles of trail, connecting directly to the North 40 Trail at Jacob’s Well Natural Area via a short easement across land owned by the Watershed Association. Phase 2 of the Preserve, which will add more than 2 additional miles of trail, is forthcoming. A completion date has not yet been set. A Landscape of Remarkable Features Karst Canyon Preserve showcases some of the region’s most important natural assets. The property contains numerous karst features, a stretch of Dry Cypress Creek, and the well‑known Wimberley Bat Cave. It also provides high‑quality habitat for the endangered golden‑cheeked warbler. A Vital Addition to the Hays County Parks System The Preserve is named for the distinctive karst landscape it protects—a landscape shaped by soluble limestone that forms sinkholes, caves, and springs. In Central Texas, these features are crucial for recharging the Trinity Aquifer, which supports iconic springs like Jacob’s Well. By protecting both the quality and quantity of water entering these recharge areas, Karst Canyon Preserve plays a key role in regional water sustainability. The land also prevents further fragmentation of sensitive habitat. It expands opportunities for Hays County residents to explore, recreate, and learn outdoors. “We are thrilled to welcome the community to explore this new trail system, made possible through funding from the 2020 Parks Bond,” said Precinct 3 Commissioner Morgan Hammer. “Preserving this remarkable landscape — rich with features essential to recharging Jacob’s Well and the aquifer — is an honor and a responsibility we’re proud to uphold.” Follow Hays County on Instagram and Facebook for updates on Karst Canyon Preserve, Jacob’s Well Natural Area, and other county projects. ###
SAN MARCOS, Texas – The office of Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced that on March 5, 2026, a Hays County jury returned a verdict of 25 years in prison for 73-year-old Rodger Wilder following his conviction by that same jury of aggravated assault against a family member. The offense occurred in December 2024 when, during a verbal argument with his wife of 44 years, Wilder became enraged and strangled her before shooting her four times with a .40 caliber handgun at close range. She was struck in the hip and abdomen by the gunshots. The evidence at trial showed that their son heard the shots and came downstairs to find Wilder standing over the victim with a gun in his hand. Wilder tried to claim that she had attempted to commit suicide. The son disarmed Wilder and locked him outside while calling 911. Officers and EMS responded and transported the victim to the hospital, where she received medical treatment and survived. During the punishment phase of the trial, the jury heard testimony about years of emotional, verbal and physical abuse by Wilder that the victim had been subjected to. Assistant District Attorneys Shea Umphrey and Ashley Indelicato prosecuted this case. ADA Umphrey stated: “The victim and her son showed extreme bravery and strength through their testimony. It is because of the son’s quick actions and determination that she is alive today. Domestic violence is unacceptable at any age. We will continue to hold offenders accountable who try to bully, intimidate, and harm others. We appreciate the care and dedication that our staff, the Hays County Sheriff’s Office, and EMS took with this case to help bring the defendant to justice.” # # #
Wimberley, Texas — Hays County will host a public forum and educational event at 5 p.m. today, March 4, at the Wimberley Community Center to provide updates on Sentinel Peak Preserve and other parks and open space projects currently underway across the county. A panel will share the latest progress on Sentinel Peak Preserve, a 530-plus-acre property located just west of Wimberley. The preserve is slated to open to the public in 2027. “Sentinel Peak will serve as a Golden-cheeked Warbler habitat preserve and will also offer residents a unique riverfront park experience along a pristine one-mile stretch of the Blanco River,” said Hays County Parks & Natural Resources Director Karl Flocke. “We are designing this space to balance low-impact recreation with long-term environmental protection.” When completed, Sentinel Peak Preserve will feature opportunities for swimming and hiking, a nature center, a small event space, and County offices. The project is part of the broader 2020 Parks and Open Spaces Bond program, which funds park improvements and land conservation initiatives across Hays County. Potential project sites were initially recommended by partnering cities and nonprofit organizations, then evaluated and ranked by the citizen-led Parks and Open Spaces Advisory Commission. Each project has also benefited from extensive stakeholder input, including guidance from the Watershed Association, The Nature Conservancy, Hill Country Conservancy, the Great Springs Project, neighbors, and others who participated in community discussions such as the 2024 Capes Pond open house. “These projects increase access to nature-based recreation throughout the county,” Flocke said. “Visitors will see benefits like new and expanded trails, greater connectivity, and additional opportunities for swimming and fishing — an important addition since swimming at Jacob’s Well has not been possible since 2022 due to low water levels.” The director emphasized that all projects reflect the County’s long-term vision of pairing recreational access with responsible resource stewardship. “Our goal is to ensure residents can enjoy the county’s natural landscapes without detracting from the beauty and ecological value of the environment,” he said. Precinct 3 Commissioner Morgan Hammer added, “Sentinel Peak Preserve represents a major step forward in expanding access to nature while honoring our responsibility to protect Hays County’s most sensitive natural resources. Community input has shaped every stage of these projects, and we’re excited to share the progress with residents. The work being done today will ensure that families can enjoy these spaces for generations to come.” Residents can learn more about Sentinel Peak Preserve, other ongoing projects, and bond-funded initiatives by visiting the Hays County Parks Bond website at www.haysparksbond.com. ###
SAN MARCOS, Texas — On Monday, March 2, Hays County welcomed its first Deputy County Administrator, Tucker Furlow, to the newly created position. The role was established to streamline processes, strengthen communication across departments, and support efficient, coordinated responses to the County’s growing range of initiatives. Born and raised in the Texas Hill Country, Furlow graduated from Wimberley High School and Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Business Administration before earning his law degrees in California. For nearly four years, he has served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Hays County Criminal District Attorney’s Office – Civil Division, bringing extensive experience in public service, operational oversight, and interdepartmental coordination. “With nearly two decades in state and local government, I’ve worked on initiatives aimed at improving efficiency, strengthening organizational processes, and ensuring responsible stewardship of public resources,” Furlow said. “My experience spans both daily operations and long-term strategic planning, which I believe is essential for sustainable growth. I approach leadership with a focus on integrity, accountability and collaboration.” Furlow said his passion for helping others drew him to county government. “I’ve always believed that local government has the most direct impact on people’s daily lives,” he said. “County government provides the opportunity to serve in a hands-on way, ensuring essential services are delivered effectively and responsibly.” As Deputy County Administrator, Furlow will lead countywide initiatives; coordinate intergovernmental and regional partnerships; assist the County Administrator in developing and implementing County goals and objectives; cultivate collaborative relationships with public and private organizations; represent Hays County before the Texas Legislature and other governmental bodies; conduct studies and investigations on administrative and technical issues; meet with citizens and business leaders; and provide high-level management and project support to the County Administrator, executive staff, and Commissioners. County Administrator Kandice Boutté noted that Furlow brings exceptional value to the new role. “Tucker brings a rare combination of strategic insight, practical experience and a genuine commitment to public service,” Boutté said. “His ability to connect big-picture goals with day-to-day operations will be an incredible asset as our County continues to grow. We’re excited to welcome him into this leadership role and are confident he will strengthen our ability to serve the people of Hays County with excellence.” ###
Hays County Health Department
SAN MARCOS , Texas – The office of Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced today that 50-year-old Jaime Espericueta of Liberty Hill, Texas, was sentenced to 75 years in prison on Feb. 23, 2026. On Nov. 24, 2025, a jury found Jaime Espericueta guilty of continuous sexual abuse of a child. The evidence at trial showed that Jaime Espericueta sexually abused two different children over several years. Espericueta elected to have his punishment determined by the judge instead of a jury. After the jury found Espericueta guilty of continuous sexual abuse of a child, the punishment hearing occurred on Feb. 23, 2026. At this hearing, a third victim testified that Espericueta had also abused her when she was a child. The State presented additional evidence of the traumatic effects of sexual abuse. After hearing the evidence, Judge Alicia Key of the 483 rd District Court of Hays County sentenced Espericueta to 75 years in prison. Under the law applicable to the case, the defendant is not eligible for parole. This case was prosecuted by Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Elizabeth Schmidt and Miranda Ebersole. Ebersole stated, “This was a case where the defendant spent years hiding his crimes of sexual abuse, often hiding behind his own family members for protection. The bravery of the survivors in this case to speak out about the abuse and stand up to the defendant in court was inspiring. This case is a warning to other abusers that even though years go by, we will still hold them accountable for the abuse they inflict on children.” # # #
To view the original notice, click here FILED HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS at 8:29 o'clock AM.
SAN MARCOS, Texas – The office of Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced that a Hays County jury sentenced Andy Wayne Carty to 65 years in prison for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, family violence, after convicting him in a case involving a violent attack on his girlfriend in front of their young children in Kyle. The jury also found Carty guilty of continuous family violence, assault family violence — impeding breath/circulation, and violation of a protective order, each with a five-year prison sentence. The sentences are concurrent, and Carty must serve 30 years before parole eligibility for the aggravated assault conviction. Judge Joe Pool presided over the two-week trial, which began on Feb. 3. The convictions arose from assaults on two separate nights — Jan. 31, 2023, and Feb. 25, 2023 — involving an adult female victim and her two young daughters. On Jan. 31, 2023, a verbal argument escalated when Carty slammed the woman’s shoulder and head into a wall, resulting in significant injuries. The children witnessed the assault, and when one attempted to call 911, Carty took the phone. The mother and children escaped into the garage, barricaded themselves in a vehicle, called 911, and waited for police to arrive. Carty was arrested on misdemeanor assault charges and bonded out the next day. On Feb. 25, 2023, he entered the home between 2:30 a.m. and 3 a.m. by climbing through an unlocked window. His head was shaved, he was barefoot, and he wore only boxer shorts. He hid electronic devices that could be used to call for help as his family slept. Then, he strangled the woman in bed while whispering that he would kill her for sending him to jail. One of the children was sleeping beside her. The assault escalated as the mother fought to escape. Carty choked her nearly unconscious and struck her in the head multiple times with a 10-pound dumbbell, causing significant injuries. He wielded a long hunting knife and attempted to duct-tape his family’s mouths shut. The struggle continued to the front door, where Carty again attempted to strangle the woman as a child fought to pull him away. The children fled through the garage to a neighbor’s home while their mother fought off their father and escaped to the neighbor’s as well. Police and SWAT responded, and the woman was taken for medical care. Carty fled but was apprehended later that morning after a brief manhunt by the Kyle Police Department. Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Jon English and Claudia Garcia of the Hays County Criminal District Attorney’s Office in San Marcos prosecuted the case. “The defendant was brought to justice because regular people did heroic things,” English said. “The victim’s strength, her children’s courage, and the Kyle Police Department’s dedication inspire us in our fight against domestic violence.” “The jury’s sentence holds the offender accountable and warns that domestic violence will have serious consequences,” Garcia said. “We appreciate the Kyle Police Department’s professionalism and persistence, and we’re committed to protecting victims and pursuing justice in domestic violence cases.” The prosecution team included Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Daniella Garcia, Abigail Whitaker and Harrison Watson; Victim Assistance Coordinators Annalise Brewer-Hall and Erin Dupalo; Legal Assistant Avery Slocum; Digital Media Evidence Assistant Mercedes Pena; and HCDAO Investigator Sgt. Rheanne Garcia. # # #
SAN MARCOS, Texas — Effective Jan. 20, the professional services agreement for a countywide water study was approved by the Hays County Commissioners Court. The study aims to better understand current water conditions and plan for long-term sustainability across the region, supporting responsible water management amid rapid growth and evolving environmental challenges. The new study marks the first countywide water analysis since 2011. “The last water study that we had done is from 2011,” said Precinct 3 Commissioner Morgan Hammer, emphasizing the need for updated data that reflects current conditions. Over the last decade, Hays County has experienced significant growth, increased development pressure, and ongoing water challenges, particularly in West Hays County. “There have always been challenges in West Hays County,” Hammer said. “There are so many factors at play, and every part of the county is different, so this study will help us clearly see what’s really going on.” Following a competitive selection process, HDR Engineering Inc. was chosen to conduct the study. HDR brings extensive experience in water resource planning and will work closely with county leadership throughout the process. The study will take approximately 11 months to complete, with a not-to-exceed cost of $542,360. The scope of the study is broad and forward-looking. It will evaluate water supply planning, wastewater effluent management, localized flood planning, and existing regulations that impact water use. The study will also include a flooding assessment for all four county precincts and a focused evaluation of centralized sewer options for the Hillside Terrace neighborhood, an older, higher-density area facing flooding and aging septic system concerns. Public stakeholder outreach will be a key component of the effort. “This study gives us a good perspective of where we are at from a water standpoint,” Hammer said. “This would be helpful to have in conjunction with subdivision regulations to give us a better understanding of our Priority Groundwater Management Areas.” While the study is still in its early stages and final results are expected at the conclusion of the 11-month timeline, County leaders anticipate that interval updates and opportunities for public engagement will be shared as the work progresses. Residents will have opportunities to learn more about the findings and how they may inform future planning and policy decisions. Looking ahead, Hays County views this study as a foundational step toward protecting water resources for future generations. By combining updated data, flood assessments, infrastructure evaluation and community input, County leaders aim to develop long-term strategies that support growth while maintaining healthy and sustainable water resources countywide. ###
SAN MARCOS, Texas — On Jan. 20, the Hays County Commissioners Court approved a list of polling locations for the upcoming joint primary election, allowing eligible voters to cast their ballots at any open polling location during both early voting and on Election Day. Hays County is not using assigned polling locations for the primary election. Instead, voters may choose the vote center location that is most convenient for them. All vote centers will be equipped to serve voters participating in both the Republican and Democratic primaries. Locations include the following (*indicates an early voting location): San Marcos ● Broadway Polling Location, 401 Broadway St. #A * ● Brookdale San Marcos North, 1720 Old Ranch Road 12 ● Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos, 211 Lee St. ● Dunbar Center, 801 W. Martin Luther King Drive ● First Baptist Church San Marcos, 325 W. McCarty Lane ● Hays County Elections Office, main early voting site (sitio principal de votación anticipada), 120 Stagecoach Trail * ● La Cima Amenity Center, 301A Central Park Loop ● LBJ Student Center, Texas State University, 301 Student Center Drive and 601 University Drive * ● Promiseland Church, 1650 Lime Kiln Road ● San Marcos Fire Department Station 5, 100 Carlson Circle ● San Marcos Housing Authority/C.M. Allen Homes, 820 Sturgeon Drive ● San Marcos Public Library, 625 E. Hopkins St. ● Sinai Pentecostal Church, 208 Laredo St. ● South Hays Fire Department Station 12, 8301 Ranch Road 12 Kyle ● Austin Community College–Hays Campus, 1200 Kohlers Crossing ● Gemstone Palace, 1101 Bunton Creek Road, Suite 200 ● HCISD Academic Support Center, 21003 Interstate 35 Frontage Road * ● Kyle City Hall, 100 W. Center St. * ● HCISD Transportation Department, main office, 2385 High Road, Uhland * ● Hays County Precinct 2 Office, 5458 FM 2770 ● Hays County Transportation Department–Yarrington, 2171 Yarrington Road * Buda ● Buda City Hall and Library Multipurpose Room (sala multiusos), 405 E. Loop St., Building 100 * ● HCISD Child Nutrition Support Services, 5750 Dacy Lane ● Hays Hills Baptist Church, 1401 N. FM 1626 ● Southern Hills Church of Christ, 3740 FM 967 ● Sunfield Station, 2610 Main St., Suite 100 * ● Historic Buda Elementary School, Upper Campus, Kunkel Room, 300 N. San Marcos St. Wimberley ● Texan Academy at Scudder, 400 Green Acres Drive * ● VFW Post 6441, 401 Jacobs Well Road ● Wimberley Community Center, Blanco Room, 14068 Ranch Road 12 * Dripping Springs / Austin ● Belterra Centre, 151 Trinity Hills Drive, Austin ● Dripping Springs Ranch Park and Event Center, 1042 Event Center Drive ● North Hays County Fire Rescue Station 3, 7520 Creek Road ● Patriots’ Hall of Dripping Springs, Veterans Hall, 231 Patriots’ Hall Blvd. * ● Hays County Precinct 4 Office, 195 Roger Hanks Parkway * All Hays County vote center locations are ADA accessible and offer curbside voting. “The Vote Center system gives voters flexibility and removes barriers to participation,” said Elections Administrator Jennifer Doinoff. “Voters can cast their ballot at any open location, whether they vote early or on Election Day.” Early in-person voting runs from Feb. 17–27. Voters are encouraged to take advantage of this period to avoid lines and ensure a smooth voting experience. Voters who plan to vote by mail should act quickly. Friday, Feb. 20, is the deadline to apply for a Ballot by Mail. Waiting until the last minute increases the likelihood that ballots may not arrive by the deadline required for counting. Election Day for the joint primary election is Tuesday, March 3. On Election Day, voters may continue to use any open vote center location in Hays County. “The most important thing for voters to remember is that they can vote anywhere in Hays County during early voting and on Election Day,” Doinoff added. “We encourage voters to cast their ballots early to avoid potential lines on Election Day.” For information on vote center locations, early voting schedules, or voting by mail, voters should visit the Hays County Elections website at www.hayscountytx.gov/elections . ###
