Regional public health agencies strengthen coordination ahead of FIFA World Cup travel, visitor activity

Kate Esqueda • June 11, 2026

SAN MARCOS, Texas — Regional public health agencies across Central Texas have expanded coordination with regional, state and federal partners as the region prepares to welcome an increase in visitors associated with the FIFA World Cup. Enhanced monitoring and collaboration help identify potential health concerns early and support a rapid, coordinated response, helping protect the health and safety of both residents and visitors.

Participating agencies include the Austin Public Health, Bastrop County Public Health Department, Bell County Public Health District, Hays County Health Department, Waco-McLennan County Public Health District and Williamson County and Cities Health District.

Summer in Central Texas brings more than sunshine and outdoor activities. It also brings seasonal health risks that public health agencies monitor closely. Warmer temperatures, increased mosquito activity, outdoor dining and large community events can contribute to heat-related illnesses, mosquito-borne diseases and foodborne illness outbreaks. Through ongoing surveillance, public education, prevention efforts and community partnerships, public health officials work to reduce these risks and protect community health.

Regional public health officials encourage everyone to take simple precautions while enjoying outdoor summer activities and community events.

"Over the next month, we will welcome fans from around the world for an exciting time, whether that is attending watch parties, riding down I-35 and shopping at the outlets, experiencing our beautiful parks or exploring the many other gifts our Hays County community has to offer," said Matthew Gonzales, Hays County Health Department Director. "Having an understanding and awareness of seasonal health risks helps people set themselves up to make the safest and healthiest choices to protect themselves and their loved ones. With just a few simple steps, everyone can enjoy summer activities in the safest way possible.”

Play It Smart in the Texas Heat

Heat and humidity can create dangerous conditions during the summer months and quickly lead to serious heat-related illnesses, especially for young children, older adults, outdoor workers, athletes and those without reliable air conditioning.

Watch for signs of heat exhaustion, including:

● Heavy sweating

● Dizziness or fainting

● Nausea

● Cool, clammy skin

● Muscle cramps

Without treatment, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, a life-threatening medical emergency. Signs of heat stroke include confusion, loss of consciousness, and a body temperature of 103°F or higher. Call 9-1-1 immediately if you suspect someone is experiencing heat stroke.

Taking a few simple precautions can help reduce the risk of heat-related illness while enjoying outdoor activities and summer events:

● Stay Hydrated: Drink water regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol.

● Limit Outdoor Activity: Spend time indoors or in air-conditioned spaces during the hottest parts of the day.

● Dress for the Heat: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and a hat when outdoors.

● Check on Friends and Neighbors: Make sure older adults and others without reliable air conditioning stay cool and safe.

For more information, visit www.ready.gov/heat.

Keep Mosquitoes on the Sidelines

Taking a few simple precautions can help reduce mosquito bites and lower the risk of mosquito-borne diseases. Follow the 3 Ds of mosquito safety:

● Drain standing water in flowerpots, pet dishes, and clogged gutters so mosquitoes do not have a place to breed. Treat water that cannot be drained.

● Defend yourself by using EPA-registered insect repellent.

● Dress in long sleeves and pants when spending time outdoors.

For more information, visit www.texasmosquito.org/mosquitoes-in-texas.

Food Safety is the Winning Strategy

Warm summer temperatures can create ideal conditions for harmful bacteria to grow, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. Taking a few simple precautions can help keep food safe:

● Clean hands, utensils and cooking surfaces often.

● Separate produce, meat, poultry, seafood and eggs during preparation.

● Cook food to the proper temperature using a food thermometer.

● Chill perishable foods within two hours.

For more information, visit www.foodsafety.gov.

Make Staying Healthy Your Goal

Large gatherings with people from across the world can bring infectious diseases that communities are not normally exposed to or may have less protection against. Protect yourself and those around you with a few simple steps.

Watch for signs of common infectious illnesses, including:

● Fever or chills

● Cough or sore throat

● Runny nose

● Fatigue

● Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

● New rash

If you feel sick, take action to decrease the chance of spreading illness to others:

● Stay home or rest at home or in your lodging if possible.

● Avoid close contact with others until symptoms get better.

● Get medical help if your symptoms get worse or don’t go away.

Taking these precautions can help keep you and your community safer while enjoying summer events and welcoming visitors from around the world:

● Keep Your Distance if You’re Feeling Sick: Avoid crowded indoor spaces when sick.

● Wash Your Hands or Use Hand Sanitizer: Keep your hands clean to help prevent the spread of germs that cause illness.

● Practice Respiratory Etiquette: Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.

● Stay Up to Date on Vaccinations: Make sure routine and travel‑related vaccines are current.

For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/index.html

Local Public Health's Game Plan

An anticipated influx of visitors has prompted epidemiologists to enhance surveillance efforts and strengthen coordination with healthcare providers and public health partners. Ongoing communication and sharing information with regional, state and federal agencies help track emerging health trends and identify potential concerns early.

Key preparedness activities include:

● Reviewing response plans and operational procedures

● Increasing disease surveillance and monitoring

● Investigating travel-associated illnesses and outbreak clusters

● Monitoring food service operations and public venues

● Sharing information with healthcare providers and public health partners

"We want all of our Hays County residents and visitors to enjoy a fun and healthy summer during such an exciting time," said Kate Esqueda, Community Health Services Manager and Public Information Officer for the Hays County Health Department. "Whether you're exploring the region, attending community events or enjoying our beautiful natural areas, a little preparation before you are on the go can make a huge difference. Simple steps can help reduce health risks to keep you, your family, and the overall community safe all season long."

Protecting public health is a shared responsibility. Public health officials encourage residents and visitors to stay informed and take simple steps to protect their health. Knowledge and awareness of seasonal health risks can help individuals and families make informed decisions that support their well-being. Staying hydrated, preventing mosquito bites, practicing food safety and recognizing the signs of illness can help reduce health risks and contribute to a safe and healthy community.

For Local Public Health Information

Austin Public Health: www.austintexas.gov/health

Bastrop County Public Health Department: www.bastropcounty.gov/page/public_health

Bell County Public Health District: www.bellcountyhealth.org/

Hays County Health Department: www.hayscountytx.gov/health-department

Waco-McLennan County Public Health District: www.waco-texas.com/health

Williamson County and Cities Health District: www.wcchd.org

###

About the Participating Public Health Agencies

This joint release was developed through a collaboration of public health agencies serving communities across Central Texas. Participating agencies work together to monitor health trends, share information, coordinate preparedness efforts and support a regional approach to protecting public health.

Participating agencies include:

● Austin Public Health

● Bastrop County Public Health Department

● Bell County Public Health District

● Hays County Health Department

● Waco-McLennan County Public Health District

● Williamson County and Cities Health District

< Older Post

Hays County ADA honored with Environmental Excellence Award

By Natalie Frels • June 10, 2026

SAN MARCOS, Texas – The Hays County Criminal District Attorney’s Office announced today that the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has awarded Hays County Assistant District Attorney Neil Kucera with its Texas Environmental Excellence Award-Individual Category for 2026. The Texas Environmental Excellence Awards is an annual recognition program that honors achievements in environmental preservation and protection by citizens, communities, businesses and organizations. It is the highest environmental honor awarded by the State of Texas. The Individual Category recognizes a specific person who has dedicated their life to environmental protection and is known statewide for their environmental achievements. Neil Kucera serves as the Hays County Criminal District Attorney’s Office Environmental Attorney, where he leads the Office’s Environmental Enforcement Division. Kucera first became involved in environmental law training in 2002, when he initiated basic and intermediate training programs with the Capital Area Regional Environmental Task Force. Over the past 23 years, he has trained more than 3,500 individuals, including law enforcement, attorneys, and regulators. In addition to his duties with Hays County, Kucera also serves as an Adjunct Professor with Texas State University. “Environmental Enforcement has always been a team effort. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by a dedicated group of talented individuals,” said Kucera. The Hays County Criminal District Attorney’s Office thanks Kucera for his dedication to environmental law and for ensuring our environment remains sustainable for future generations. For more information regarding Hays County’s Environmental Enforcement Program, please visit Environmental Enforcement Program | Hays County Texas . # # #

Health Department announces Partnership with CredibleMind

By Kate Esqueda • June 4, 2026

County expands mental health resources for community

Mental Health Court invites public to summer commencement ceremony

By Natalie Frels • June 4, 2026

SAN MARCOS, Texas — The Hays County Mental Health Court (MHC) is proud to announce its seventh commencement ceremony, celebrating the achievements of 18 graduating participants — the largest graduation class to date. The public is invited to attend the ceremony, which will take place from 3-4:30 p.m. on June 15 at the Hays County Elections Building, 120 Stagecoach Trail, San Marcos. Alumni and two graduates will speak, and there will be a special performance. MHC serves individuals 17 years of age or older who have a diagnosable mental health disorder and a pending charge in Hays County. All potential participants complete a structured referral process and are reviewed by the MHC team to ensure eligibility. Tristan, 22, of Dripping Springs, is one such individual who has completed the program and will be graduating in this summer’s class. A bodybuilding enthusiast who also enjoys fishing, snowboarding and drawing, Tristan said he started partying in high school, occasionally using recreational marijuana to recover from bodybuilding. After going through a mental health crisis, he was arrested and referred to the Mental Health Court by his attorney. “I was going downhill,” Tristan said, noting how he saw an opportunity in all the resources the County offered to participants. According to Mental Health Court Judge Elaine Brown, the County has executed several contracts to provide counseling, case management, housing and transportation services to the participants. Additional community-based resources are identified and utilized by the Court to assist participants.” The program offers 12 months of services for misdemeanors, with a possible three-month extension, and 18 months for felony offenses, also with a possible three-month extension. Success in the Mental Health Court is measured by personal growth, stability and self-sufficiency. Participants work toward goals such as returning to school, securing employment, establishing stable housing and strengthening family relationships. “Many utilize services such as residential treatment, sober living and peer support,” said Brown. “All these services work hand-in-hand to support their mental health, physical health and help them gain confidence in working towards their personalized goals.” To complete the program, participants must stabilize their mental health, including consistent medication adherence (if prescribed), maintain sobriety from drugs and alcohol, achieve the goals in their individualized mental health and/or substance use treatment plan and follow all court orders, probation conditions and MHC program guidelines. Every graduate who has completed the program has a unique story of perseverance and transformation. “I really love working with all the people in the [Mental Health Court]. A lot of times, you think of these types of programs as people just doing their job, but I didn’t even see it as a program. I saw these people as friends — someone who is actually trying to help you … I had everything hanging over my head and [the MHC] was like a breath of fresh air,” Tristan added, noting that he now has a job and is working out again with healthy recovery methods. “It’s definitely changed my life for the better; it gave me confidence and really helped me decipher and resolve what happened, and also how I’ve been able to bounce back from it.” This commencement ceremony celebrates not only the graduates’ achievements but also their dedication and commitment to rebuilding their lives. Each participant's success reflects their individual goals and the support of a dedicated treatment team walking beside them throughout their journey. For additional details about the ceremony or the Mental Health Court program, contact the Hays County Mental Health Court Office at 512-757-0795 or by email at k aimi.mattila@hayscountytx.gov . ###

Hays County OES to Host 9th Annual Emergency Preparedness Fair

By Natalie Frels • June 3, 2026

KYLE, Texas — The Hays County Office of Emergency Services (OES), in partnership with the City of Kyle, invites the community to the 9th Annual Emergency Preparedness Fair from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 12, at La Verde Park in Kyle. “This fair is one of our most important outreach events of the year,” said Mike Jones, Hays County Office of Emergency Services Director. “Our goal is to give residents the tools, skills, and confidence to handle emergencies of all kinds. Prepared communities are resilient communities.” This free, family-friendly event brings together emergency responders, community partners, and local vendors to help residents prepare for natural or man‑made disasters. Attendees can enjoy hands-on training, safety demonstrations, preparedness resources, food, raffles, live entertainment, and the popular Top Dawg Chili Cook-Off. Jones underscored the value of connecting residents with the people who serve them. “It’s not just about learning preparedness skills — it’s about meeting the first responders who work every day to keep our county safe,” he said. “This fair gives families a chance to interact with the teams, equipment, and resources that support our community during critical moments.” Safety demonstrations at the event will include: Stop the Bleed Hands-Only CPR Fire Extinguisher Training (P.A.S.S.) Recognizing heat stroke and exhaustion How to build a personalized emergency go-kit Emergency vehicles and equipment will be on display throughout the day, allowing guests to explore fire engines and rescue units and speak directly with first responders. The fair will also highlight participation from numerous preparedness partners, including the Kyle Police Department, San Marcos-Hays County EMS, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), and others. The Top Dawg Chili Cook-Off returns for its fourth year and is open to the public. For a $20 donation, wristband holders can sample chili from competing teams and vote for their favorite. Proceeds benefit the Hays County Fire Chiefs Association, supporting firefighter training and replacing equipment lost during wildfire responses. “Come enjoy great chili while helping fund critical tools and training for our fire departments,” Jones said. “This year’s fair is bigger, more interactive, and designed for the whole community.” For more information, visit www.haysinformed.com/preparednessfair or follow the event on Facebook at https://bit.ly/4aauR6T. ###

Public Notice - Hays County Historical Commission

By Jose Garcia • May 26, 2026

Public Meeting Notice: Collective Bargaining

By Jose Garcia • May 20, 2026

To view the original document, Click here

Hays County announces Road Improvements Program updates now online

By Natalie Frels • May 19, 2026

HAYS COUNTY, Texas — Hays County continues advancing plans for projects in the Hays County Road Improvements Program and encourages community members to visit the program website for the latest information. According to Transportation Director Aaron Jones, the region has experienced exponential growth, and improvements are needed to maintain safe and efficient traffic flow. Projects in this program focus on improving existing roadways and planning for future infrastructure needs. “We are working to provide as much information to our communities as possible,” said Jones. “The County is committed to keeping the public informed throughout this process and sharing project information as it becomes available.” The program website serves as a central hub where community members can find program updates, background and status on road projects, sign up for newsletters and learn about upcoming engagement opportunities. Project milestones and updates will be posted online as they become available. Community members can contact the program team with questions or comments by phone at (512) 649-0601 or by email at hello@hayscoroads.com. Additional information is available at HaysCoRoads.com. ###

Yanez sentenced to life in prison for San Marcos murder

By Natalie Frels • May 15, 2026

SAN MARCOS , Texas – The Office of Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced today that Hays County District Judge Joe Pool sentenced 49-year-old Juan Manuel Yanez to life in prison on Thursday, May 14, for murdering 43-year-old Victoria Valadez in her San Marcos apartment in February 2025. The sentence was the maximum punishment available under the law. Yanez had previously entered a “guilty” plea to the crime at a May 6 hearing and had agreed to let the Court determine his punishment. Yanez will not be eligible for parole until he has served at least 30 years in prison. Evidence presented in the punishment hearing showed that on Feb. 7, 2025, Yanez called 9-1-1 and told the operator he had just shot his wife. Yanez and Valadez were not legally married, but they had been romantically involved for several months leading up to the shooting. San Marcos Police Department officers traced the call to an apartment unit on River Road, where they found a woman with a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Investigators found no sign of a struggle, and the evidence supported the conclusion that she may have been asleep when she was killed. Surveillance video from a 7-Eleven near the crime scene — taken about 20 minutes before the 911 call — showed Yanez arriving in the victim’s truck, buying four beers and driving toward the River Road apartment. The beers were found at the crime scene: two were opened, and all four were still cold to the touch. Yanez’s wallet was also found on the victim’s nightstand. After the 9-1-1 call, Yanez disposed of the murder weapon, which was never recovered, and fled to Houston, where he maintained a residence and a separate family. Harris County authorities apprehended Yanez in the vicinity of his Houston residence after a brief manhunt. Forensic testing confirmed the victim’s blood was on clothing and jewelry collected from Yanez. Testing also found gunshot residue. When officers recovered Yanez’s cellphone, they discovered its SIM card had been physically removed before the phone was collected by police, which investigators said indicated an attempt to inhibit efforts to track Yanez as he fled. Despite extensive forensic examination of digital evidence in the case, investigators were never able to determine a motive for the murder. Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Jon English and Abigail Whitaker prosecuted the case. “This sentence recognizes the truth of what happened in that apartment: a life was taken, a family was destroyed, and a community was disrupted. Justice required a sentence equal to the gravity of that crime,” English said. “Judge Pool’s sentence delivered that justice for the community and the victim’s loved ones, and the exceptional work of the San Marcos Police Department made this outcome possible.” “The family showed extraordinary courage throughout this case and through the sentencing hearing,” Whitaker said. “Their strength ensured the court saw not only the facts of the murder, but also the true cost to the victim’s family and the community as a whole.” Multiple officers from the San Marcos Police Department worked the case, with the investigation led by Detective Logan Murphy and Detective Chris Marroquin. The State’s trial team included members of the District Attorney’s Family Justice Unit and members of the 428th District Court Prosecution team: Prosecutors English and Whitaker, Victim Assistance Coordinator Annalise Brewer-Hall, Digital Media Evidence Legal Assistants Kendall Evans and Mercedes Pena, Legal Assistant Avery Slocum, HCCDAO Investigator Sgt. Erica Saenz and HCCDAO Investigator Sgt. David Cabrera. # # #

Mustang Ridge man gets two life sentences for continuous sexual abuse

By Natalie Frels • May 8, 2026

SAN MARCOS , Texas – The office of Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced that on May 7, 46-year-old James Shope was found guilty by a Hays County jury of two counts of continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 years of age and one count of indecency with a child by sexual contact. After the punishment phase of trial, the jury returned a verdict of two life sentences in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for the two continuous sexual abuse counts and the maximum punishment available for indecency with a child by sexual contact — 20 years’ imprisonment. There is no possibility of parole for the convictions of continuous sexual abuse of a child. District Judge Joe Pool ordered that the two life sentences run consecutively, stating, “We don’t accept this in Hays County.” The investigation of Shope began in August of 2023 when two children outcried that Shope had sexually abused them from their kindergarten to their pre-teen years. They further testified to his efforts to keep them silent. After the trial, the jury expressed their unanimous belief in the girls and sympathy for their well-being during their testimony. This case was investigated by the Hays County Sheriff’s Office, with lead detective Corporal Chase Crow, and was prosecuted by Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Cassidy Story and Abigail Whitaker, assisted by Annalise Baker, Zoie Sanders, Kendall Evans, and Sergeant Investigator David Cabrera. “Our duty is to seek justice, and this jury and judge delivered exactly that,” Story said. “I am so proud of our team’s continued vigilance in protecting the children of this county and of the children who bravely faced the perpetrator in court. Although no verdict will ever heal the lifelong trauma this man has caused, I sincerely hope that both children gain strength and confidence from the jury’s very clear words, ‘we believe you.’” # # #

Public Meeting Notice: Collective Bargaining

By Jose Garcia • May 4, 2026

To view the original file, Click here