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.

To view the original notice, click here . Hays County Elections has called the County Election Board meeting for the November 4, 2025 General Election. The meeting details are as follows: Location: Hays County Elections Office 120 Stagecoach Trail San Marcos, Texas 78666 Time: 10:00 a.m. Per § 51.002 of the Texas Election Code, a County Election Board is established in each county for the general election for state and county officers, a special election for an officer regularly elected at the general election, and any other elections ordered by a county authority or held at county expense. For the general election for state and county officers and for a special election for an officer regularly elected at the general election, the county election board consists of the County Judge, Elections Administrator (Chair), Sheriff, Democratic Party County Chair, and Republican Party County Chair. Board Tasks · Consolidation of voting locations in special elections · Procuring and allocating supplies (§ 51.003) · Appointment of Early Voting Ballot Board (§ 87.002) · Receiving notification of logic and accuracy testing (§ 129.023) · Sheriff’s duties Members of other parties represented on the ballot may submit names for the Early Voting Ballot Board.

SAN MARCOS, Texas — More than 1,000 members of the Hays County community turned out to support the Health Department (HCHD), which hosted its 3 rd Annual Back-to-School Fair on Aug. 2, 2025, at the Election Center, located at 120 Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos. “Over the years, attendance at the fair has grown significantly, from 150 to 450, and now more than 1,000 attendees. This overwhelming response highlights a strong and growing need for the services and resources we offer,” said Hays County Health Department Director Matthew Gonzales. “The participation of numerous vendors and donors reflects the commitment of organizations within our community to step up and meet these needs. We’re excited to continue improving and innovating how we deliver this fair, and the vital support it provides, to better serve our community.” Families were able to access free services, including vaccinations, hearing and vision screenings, birth certificates, and haircuts. On top of those services, the fair also hosted fun activities for the public. The county and its partners distributed the following at last weekend’s fair: · 300 backpacks with school supplies · 250 lunch bags · More than 200 books · 36 haircuts · Vaccinations for 50 children · 362 boxes of diapers · 110 booster seats · 15 hearing screenings · 500 paletas · 400 hot dogs The event would not have been possible without the county’s community sponsors, including Precinct 2 Commissioner Dr. Michelle Cohen, who said, “It was an honor to be part of the 3 rd Annual Back-to-School Fair. I’m proud to support events like this that bring our community together and provide real help to Hays County families. From the dedicated volunteers to the incredible services offered, it was a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together.” Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra added, “Thanks to the hard work of our county Health Department, this year’s Back-to-School Fair was more than just a success — it was a reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together to put our kids and community first. From free health screenings to school supplies, every detail reflected a deep commitment to the well-being and future of our children.” The health department clinic is open Tuesday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. On Mondays, the clinic operates from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. While walk-ins are welcome, appointments are preferred. To schedule an appointment, call the Health Department at 512-393-5520. For more information on the Back-To-School Fair and future events, visit the Hays County Health Department’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/HaysCountyLocalHealthDepartment/ or contact Community Outreach Specialist Kate Esqueda at Kate.Esqueda@hayscountytx.gov . 

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 1:00 pm on the 7 th 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. Discussion and possible action of suggested edits to the recommended changes of Civil Service Rule 8.03 and subsections Review and appeal of Promotional Examination. (Keller) 4. 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 – The Hays County Health Department (HCHD) received notification on July 29, 2025, that there was a laboratory confirmed, positive human case of West Nile Virus. This is the first reported human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) for the 2025 Mosquito Season in Hays County. Due to privacy and confidentiality reasons, HCHD will not disclose any information about the patient. 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. Currently, there is no specific treatment for West Nile Virus, but over the counter medicine can help reduce symptoms and supportive care can be provided in a hospital setting to those experiencing more severe symptoms. Patients can expect to exhibit symptoms for three to six days but may experience fatigue and weakness for weeks or even months. WNV is a disease that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes can become infected when they feed on the blood of infected birds. The infected mosquitoes can then transmit WNV to humans and animals. Severe WNV infections can cause neurological complications such as encephalitis and/or meningitis. Hays County Epidemiologist Ian Harris wants to remind residents that “West Nile Virus is not contagious and that humans are ‘dead-end host,’ meaning humans are not capable of transmitting the virus to other individuals.” The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has not confirmed a positive mosquito pool in Hays County during the 2025 Mosquito Season. The county reported positive mosquito pools for WNV in Hays County during the 2024 Mosquito Season. In the state of Texas, DSHS reported 3,314 positive mosquito pools in 2024 for West Nile Virus. As of July 29, 2025, DSHS has reported 272 positive mosquito pools for West Nile Virus. The key to preventing West Nile Virus is to minimize the number of mosquitoes in areas where people live, work and play. Public 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. HCHD reminds residents to remember the 3 Ds: DEET, Dress and Drain. DEET: Whenever outside, use insect repellents with 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 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 which 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. Resident can view Mosquito Tracking Locations via the Hays County Development Services GIS Dashboard at https://bit.ly/HaysCountyMosquitoTrackingLocations. Visit the Texas Department of State and Health Services West Nile website for more information on the disease at txwestnile.org. # # #

To view the original notice, click here . The County of Hays received a Texas Community Development Block Grant (TxCDBG) Program grant from the Texas Department of Agriculture for a Water Improvements Project, Contract #CVD21-0346. A public hearing has been called for 5:05 p.m. on Wednesday, July 30 th , 2025, at the Hays County Health Department in the Jacob’s Well Conference Room, 101 Thermon Dr., San Marcos, Texas, 78666 to review the program performance of the activities completed under this grant which will include an explanation of the actual use of the Texas Community Development Block Grant Program funds and invite comments. For further information or assistance contact Simone Corprew at (512)749-1161. Para mas informacion en espanol, comuniquese con Julissa Rivera al (512)393-5540. El Condado de Hays recibió una subvención del Programa de Subvención en Bloque de Desarrollo Comunitario de Texas (TxCDBG) del Departamento de Agricultura de Texas para un Proyecto de Mejoras de Agua, Contrato #CVD21-0346. Se ha convocado una audiencia pública para las 5:05 p.m. del miércoles 30 de julio de 2025 en el Departamento de Salud del Condado de Hays en la Sala de Conferencias Jacob's Well, 101 Thermon Dr., San Marcos, Texas, 78666 para revisar el de sempeño del programa de las actividades completadas bajo esta subvención que incluirá una explicación del uso real del Programa de Subvención en Bloque de Desarrollo de la Comunidad de Texas e invitará a comentarios. 

SAN MARCOS, Texas — The Hays County Office of Emergency Services will conduct a coordinated test of both the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) system on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, at approximately 3:30 p.m. CST across the entire county. This test is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure that public warning systems are fully operational and capable of quickly delivering critical information to the public in the event of an emergency. About the Alert Systems: · The Emergency Alert System (EAS) is a national public warning tool that allows federal, state, and local authorities to interrupt radio, television, and cable broadcasts with important emergency information. · The Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) system allows authorized agencies to send short emergency messages directly to cell phones in targeted geographic areas. These alerts appear on devices similar to a text message, accompanied by a distinct tone and vibration.  What to Expect During the Test: · At approximately 3:30 p.m. CST, a test message will be broadcast via radio, television and cable outlets through the EAS. · Simultaneously, a WEA test message will be sent to compatible mobile phones in the County. · The messages will clearly state that they are part of a test, and no action is required from the public. “Emergency alerts save lives. By testing both WEA and EAS together, we ensure that our alerting systems are reliable, effective and ready for use when the public needs them most,” said Mike Jones, Director of Hays County Office of Emergency Services. These tests are essential for verifying that both systems function properly across different platforms and networks, and that the public is aware of what an official alert will look and sound like. The public should use this time to review their emergency plans. Media outlets are encouraged to help inform the public in advance of the test to avoid confusion. We appreciate the community’s support and understanding as we work to enhance our emergency communication capabilities. For more information about this test or alert system, please visit www.haysinformed.com/eas.

To read the stamped 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 16 th day of July 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 June 26, 2025, minutes 5. Discussion and possible action of the Promotional appeals and exam process (Williams) 6. Discussion and possible action regarding the proposed parliamentary procedures process for adding an agenda item. (Keller) 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: _____________

SAN MARCOS, Texas — The Hays County Health Department (HCHD) will host its 3rd Annual Back-To-School Fair on Aug. 2, 2025, at the Election Center, located at 120 Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos. The event will offer free resources, activities and food for the community. The fair will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will offer vaccinations, backpacks filled with school supplies, food, paletas, haircuts, booster seats, games and activities. Various community organizations will provide games and resources at their tables. Hays County Pct. 2 Commissioner Dr. Michelle Cohen will be handing out ice cream. Hot dogs and chips offered by the San Marcos Police Department will also be available to fair visitors. The annual fair is held to promote immunizations for the upcoming school year and to create community resiliency. "This fair is an amazing opportunity for local government and organizations to come together to offer members of our community resources, whether that is vaccines, backpacks, diapers, vision or hearing screenings, or other resources and services that they otherwise may not have received,” said Matthew Gonzales, Director of the Health Department. The fair has seen significant growth in attendance, resources, and services offered over the last two years. “Each year, this fair has grown to provide more education and more resources. It’s a testament to the trust built and work done between the department and our partners and residents,” Gonzales added. Free vaccinations will be available for children under Medicaid, underinsured, uninsured, who are American Indian or Native Alaskan and enrolled in Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) requirements. Parents or legal guardians must accompany the child and bring the vaccination records of the person getting vaccinated. Providing vaccination opportunities ahead of the school year helps our communities by freeing up valuable appointment times at our family clinics, urgent and emergency care rooms during the back-to-school rush.  “If you are unable to attend the fair, we offer a mobile clinic that serves underserved areas. You can track the mobile clinic’s schedule on our website (https://www.hayscountytx.gov/vaccinations),” said Kate Esqueda, Community Outreach Specialist. “We also provide vaccination services during regular clinic hours.” The health department clinic is open Tuesday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. On the first Monday of the month, the clinic operates from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. While walk-ins are welcome, appointments are preferred. To schedule an appointment, call the Health Department at 512-393-5520. For more information on the Back-To-School Fair and future events, visit the Hays County Health Department’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/HaysCountyLocalHealthDepartment/ or contact Community Outreach Specialist Kate Esqueda at Kate.Esqueda@hayscountytx.gov.