SAN MARCOS , Texas – The Office of Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced the successful hosting of a multi-agency “Autism in Criminal Justice Settings” training. The training, held on March 27, 2026, centered on increasing understanding of autism spectrum conditions throughout the criminal justice system. Attendees included representatives from the Hays County Criminal District Attorney’s Office, Hays County Sheriff’s Office, Buda Police Department, Kyle Police Department and Hays County Juvenile Probation Department. Anne Jackson, a Bell County assistant county attorney, led the training and spoke about how raising a child on the autism spectrum raised her awareness of neurodiversity issues relevant to her work as a prosecutor. Her experiences allowed her to make more informed decisions in cases where victims, witnesses and defendants on the autism spectrum were frequently misunderstood by first responders, lawyers, probation officers and the courts. “It is incumbent upon lawyers in the system, whether we be defense, prosecutors or judges, to know what to do when we hear or read the word ‘autism’ in our work. We are the gatekeepers — the people with the power to affect people’s liberty and lives,” said Jackson. Participants also heard from Jackson’s son, Tres, who talked openly about his life on the autism spectrum and coordinated directly with participants on strategies for engaging with those on the autism spectrum at various criminal justice touchpoints. Tres noted, “Autism doesn’t care about your skin color, religion or sexuality. We try to be like everyone else, but there are going to be days when we struggle. When we call for help, I want us to be seen as someone in need ... and not any of these other things.” “We are proud to be the first prosecutor’s office in the State to host this training for our criminal justice partners,” stated Landon Campbell, division chief in the Hays County Criminal District Attorney’s Office. “We hope to use this training as a springboard to increase awareness of mental health and intellectual disability issues in our local criminal justice system and beyond.” The Hays County Criminal District Attorney’s Office thanks Anne Jackson, Tres Jackson and Bell County Attorney Jim Nichols for dedicating resources to this pivotal training. # # #

Hays County Historical Commission

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 . ###

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.” # # #