SAN MARCOS, Texas – The Hays County Health Department (HCHD) received notification on July 24, 2024, 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 2024 season in Hays County. The patient is a resident of the 78610 ZIP code and was diagnosed with West Nile Fever. Due to privacy and confidentiality reasons, HCHD does not disclose any additional 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. Supportive care — treatment to improve quality of life and comfortableness — is typically provided to diagnosed patients. Patients can expect to exhibit symptoms for 3-6 days but may experience fatigue and weakness for weeks or even months. Treatment for the virus is not effective due to the resistant nature of the virus to antibiotics and other medications. 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 neurologic complications such as encephalitis and/or meningitis. Hays County Epidemiologist Ian Harris reminds residents that “West Nile Virus is not contagious and that humans are ‘dead-end host,’ humans are not capable of transmitting the virus to other individuals.” DSHS confirmed a second positive mosquito pool in the unincorporated area of the 78666 ZIP code on July 23, 2024. The first reported positive mosquito pool for WNV in Hays County was on July 19, 2024. There were no positive West Nile Virus mosquito pools during the 2023 season. In the state of Texas, DSHS reported 913 positive mosquito pools during the 2023 season for West Nile Virus. As of July 20, 2024, DSHS has reported 1327 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 resident to remember the 3 D’s: 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. Residents 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.

Click here to download the notice. Hays County Elections has called the County Election Board Meeting for the November 5, 2024, General Election. The meeting details are as follows: Location: Hays County Elections Office 120 Stagecoach Trail San Marcos, Texas 78666 Time: 10:00 AM Per Sec. 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, Sec. 51.003 · Appointment of Early Voting Ballot Board, Sec 87.002 · Receiving Notification of Logic and Accuracy Testing, 129.023 · Sheriff Duties Members of other parties represented on the ballot may submit names for the Early Voting Ballot Board.

WIMBERLEY, Texas – The Hays County Health Department (HCHD) received confirmation from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) on July 18, 2024, that several mosquito trap samples collected in the 78676 ZIP code tested positive for West Nile Virus. The positive samples were collected from two sites in and around the city of Wimberley on July 11, 2024. These are the first reported West Nile Virus-positive IDs of the 2024 season in Hays County. There were no positive West Nile virus mosquito pools during the 2023 season. In the state of Texas, DSHS reported 913 positive mosquito pools during the 2023 season for West Nile Virus. So far this year, DSHS has reported 1051 positive mosquito pools for West Nile Virus. “Rainfall within the Central Texas area leads to an increase in standing water, which provides ideal breeding grounds for mosquitos,” said Eric Vangaasbeek, chief environmental health specialist at Hays County Development Services (HCDS). "We encourage everyone to take proactive steps to prevent mosquito bites by reducing areas of standing water around their homes and properties.” 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. Supportive care — treatment to improve quality of life and comfortableness — is typically provided to diagnosed patients. Patients can expect to exhibit symptoms for 3-6 days but may experience fatigue and weakness for weeks or even months. Treatment for the virus is not effective due to the resistant nature of the virus to antibiotics and other medications. The key to preventing West Nile Virus is to minimize the number of mosquitoes in areas where people live, work and play. 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. “While we continue to monitor the situation, please try to avoid mosquito bites by following the three Ds: DEET, Dress and Drain,” said Ian Harris, HCHD epidemiologist. 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. Visit the Texas Department of State and Health Services West Nile website for more information on the disease at txwestnile.org.

To read the original notice, click here . Notice of Open Deliberations Pursuant to Section 174.108 of the Fire and Police Employee Relations Act, this public notice is provided regarding deliberations relating to collective bargaining between: Hays County, Texas and the Hays County Law Enforcement Association (HCLEA) as the exclusive bargaining agent on behalf of the police officers of the Hays County Sheriff’s Office and the Hays County Constable Offices Date/Time: Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Location: Hays County Public Safety Building Room 1304 – Dispatch Training Room 810 S. Stagecoach Trail San Marcos, Texas 78666 Subject: Contract negotiations providing for collective bargaining between Hays County, Texas (“County”) and the Hays County Law Enforcement Association (“HCLEA”). Public Notice Members of the public and press are permitted to observe and monitor the deliberation, but active participation in discussions or presentations is expressly prohibited unless permitted by the Ground Rules established by the County and HCLEA. Representatives for either the County or HCLEA may suspend the meeting at any time during the proceedings for consultation with their respective attorney. Pursuant to Section 551.071 of the Texas Government Code, the County’s deliberations during this period are closed to the public. Accessibility Statement for Disabled Persons. This meeting site is accessible to disabled persons as follows: the meeting room is on the first floor of the building and entrance to the building is accessible. Parking spaces reserved for disabled persons are in front of the entrance. The use of cellular phones or sound activated pager is prohibited while deliberations are being conducted. Please step outside the meeting room should you elect to utilize these devices.

LIMA SUR, Perú — “Todos de pie!” With this call to order from a former soldier turned bailiff, an audience of Peruvian judges rose to their feet, and Hays County District Judge Tanner Neidhardt opened the first mock jury trial in Lima Sur, Perú. “Their reactions were fascinating,” Judge Neidhardt said. “Imagine seeing a legal process play out for the first time. Although the judges/jurors had seen movies about jury trials, they had never seen jury selection. They were captivated by the process.” The trial was part of an intensive program to train Peruvian judges about evidentiary rules and concepts used in criminal cases. Since 2006, Perú has incrementally transitioned to an American-style legal system based on testimonial evidence — invoking questions about hearsay, character evidence and relevance. Before that, Perú used the Spanish-based inquisitive system, which requires judges to lead investigations, direct the collection of evidence, charge the offense and conduct the proceedings. “Since the implementation of the adversarial system for criminal cases in Perú, it has been an ongoing challenge to improve the capabilities of justice operators in oral litigation,” said Raúl Callirgos, country director for the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) in Perú. “The training of judges has been of special interest given their position as directors of oral hearings.” That is where the Hays County judge came into play. “Judge Neidhardt, of Hays County, contributed to this task with great interest, commitment and responsibility through training workshops focused on improving the skills of Peruvian judges to evaluate and analyze evidence for criminal cases,” Callirgos said. Judge Neidhardt, a Spanish speaker from days as a Fulbright Scholar in Bogotá, Colombia, gave eight speeches during the five-day training, all in the attendees’ native language. In the afternoons, he directed practical exercises in evidentiary rulings. His background, including more than 150 trials as an attorney and as a district judge of the 483rd Court of Hays County, offered a sounding board for the Peruvian judges’ questions handling trial evidence. Callirgos characterized this background as “important given that in the ‘Lima Sur’ area there is a high percentage of criminal cases, and strengthening the skills of judges to analyze evidence contributes to improving the quality levels of sentences and the number of dispositions.” This was Judge Neidhardt’s fourth time to lead trainings for ABA’s Rule of Law Initiative. Previous programs provided training for prosecutors, defense attorneys and law enforcement. The program is a collaboration between the United States government through the Anti-Narcotics and Law Enforcement Section – INL, the U.S. Embassy in Perú and the American Bar Association. “It is always rewarding to go to Perú and exchange ideas about our legal system,” Judge Neidhardt said. “It makes me think critically about our system and that makes me better as a judge. And I was proud to represent Hays County.” ###

SAN MARCOS, Texas – The Hays County Health Department (HCHD) will host a Back-To-School Fair on July 20 at the health department in San Marcos, Texas. Vaccinations and free backpacks purchased with donated funds from State Rep. Erin Zwiener will be available for school-age children. The fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. All children’s back-to-school and adult immunizations will be available for those eligible under Texas Vaccines for Children (TVFC) and Adult Safety Net (ASN) requirements. Free hearing and vision screenings and STI/HIV screenings will be available. Hays County Pct. 2 Constable Michael Torres will provide food for fair visitors. The HCHD is located at 101 Thermon Dr. in San Marcos, Texas. "Ensuring our children are vaccinated and ready for school is crucial," said Tammy Crumley, Hays County Health Department director. "By providing these immunizations and other health screenings, we are helping our community stay healthy and thrive." The HCHD participates in the TVFC and ASN programs, which provide low-cost vaccines to eligible individuals. To be eligible for TVFC, children must be 18 years of age or younger, eligible for the Medicaid program or have no health insurance, or are American Indian or Alaska Native as defined by the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. To be eligible for ASN, adults must be 19 years of age or older and uninsured. “In addition to the fair, we also offer free vaccinations for underinsured children 18 years and younger at the health department every day that we are open,” said Matthew Gonzales, Health Department manager. “If you can’t make it to the fair, stop by during our clinic hours for your immunizations before school starts.” The health department clinic is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday hours are 8 to 10 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. The clinic is open on Friday from 8 a.m. to noon. While walk-ins are accepted, appointments are preferred. Please call the health department at 512-393-5520 to schedule an appointment. 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 Austin Baier at Austin.Baier@co.hays.tx.us . # # #

SAN MARCOS, Texas - Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins announced today that the first group of people admitted into the new Pre-Trial Diversion Program for criminal cases have successfully completed the program. This program was launched in January 2024 and is designed to allow certain offenders to avoid the stigma and burden of a criminal record for low-level, non-violent offenses. Seven people have just “graduated” from the program, and another seventy are currently working their way through the program. If they successfully complete it, they will have the opportunity to avoid a criminal conviction. The Pre-Trial Diversion Program is a voluntary contract agreement between an accused and the Hays County District Attorney’s Office. A specially assigned prosecutor reviews cases to identify people that are potentially eligible. Defense attorneys may also request that their clients be considered for admission to the program. An internal committee reviews each case to determine whether it would be appropriate to offer the accused an opportunity to participate. If participation in the program is offered and accepted, the agreement will include conditions specific to the accused and the offense(s) they were charged with. This can include completion of classes, community service, payment of restitution, drug testing and other conditions designed to help the accused avoid further interaction with the criminal justice system. Once a contract agreement has been executed, the case(s) is dismissed and/or declined by the Hays County District Attorney’s Office and will only be re-filed if the person fails to complete the program. The defendant will be eligible to file for an immediate expunction upon completion of the Pre-Trial Diversion Program; however, the expunction of records will not apply to the Hays County District Attorney’s Office. The contract agreement does not require an admission of guilt. The defendant is supervised by the Hays County Judicial Services Department during the program. “I am proud to have fulfilled my promise to create a meaningful way to divert appropriate cases away from the courts,” Higgins said. “I believe this approach will make a real difference not only in the lives of those diverted, but within the dockets of our courts as well.” # # #

To read original notice click here Notice of Open Deliberations Pursuant to Section 174.108 of the Fire and Police Employee Relations Act, this public notice is provided regarding deliberations relating to collective bargaining between: Hays County, Texas and the Hays County Law Enforcement Association (HCLEA) as the exclusive bargaining agent on behalf of the police officers of the Hays County Sheriff’s Office and the Hays County Constable Offices Date/Time: Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Location: Hays County Public Safety Building Room 1304 – Dispatch Training Room 810 S. Stagecoach Trail San Marcos, Texas 78666  Subject: Contract negotiations providing for collective bargaining between Hays County, Texas (“County”) and the Hays County Law Enforcement Association (“HCLEA”). Public Notice Members of the public and press are permitted to observe and monitor the deliberation, but active participation in discussions or presentations is expressly prohibited unless permitted by the Ground Rules established by the County and HCLEA. Representatives for either the County or HCLEA may suspend the meeting at any time during the proceedings for consultation with their respective attorney. Pursuant to Section 551.071 of the Texas Government Code, the County’s deliberations during this period are closed to the public. Accessibility Statement for Disabled Persons. This meeting site is accessible to disabled persons as follows: the meeting room is on the first floor of the building and entrance to the building is accessible. Parking spaces reserved for disabled persons are in front of the entrance. The use of cellular phones or sound activated pager is prohibited while deliberations are being conducted. Please step outside the meeting room should you elect to utilize these devices.

To read the original notice, click here Notice of Open Deliberations Pursuant to Section 174.108 of the Fire and Police Employee Relations Act, this public notice is provided regarding deliberations relating to collective bargaining between: Hays County, Texas and the Hays County Law Enforcement Association (HCLEA) as the exclusive bargaining agent on behalf of the police officers of the Hays County Sheriff’s Office and the Hays County Constable Offices Date/Time: Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Location: Hays County Public Safety Building Room 1304 – Dispatch Training Room 810 S. Stagecoach Trail San Marcos, Texas 78666 Subject: Contract negotiations providing for collective bargaining between Hays County, Texas (“County”) and the Hays County Law Enforcement Association (“HCLEA”). Public Notice Members of the public and press are permitted to observe and monitor the deliberation, but active participation in discussions or presentations is expressly prohibited unless permitted by the Ground Rules established by the County and HCLEA. Representatives for either the County or HCLEA may suspend the meeting at any time during the proceedings for consultation with their respective attorney. Pursuant to Section 551.071 of the Texas Government Code, the County’s deliberations during this period are closed to the public. Accessibility Statement for Disabled Persons. This meeting site is accessible to disabled persons as follows: the meeting room is on the first floor of the building and entrance to the building is accessible. Parking spaces reserved for disabled persons are in front of the entrance. The use of cellular phones or sound activated pager is prohibited while deliberations are being conducted. Please step outside the meeting room should you elect to utilize these devices.