Happy Holidays

The Hidden Springs Ranch Board of Directors wishes all of our neighbors a safe and happy holiday season! May your travels be safe and your celebrations joyous and may the coming year bring you peace and prosperity.

Seasons Greetings!

Neighbors Concerned about Walking Path Damage and Safety

Motorized bikes and carts are damaging the HOA walking path and raising safety concerns among Hidden Springs Ranch residents. Damage has already disrupted the path surface to the point that repairs will be required and is most obvious where the walking path extends the Lone Wolf Court cul-de-sac to Shadywood Lane, a section that is frequently used by walkers and children.

                                                   

The HOA Board of Directors wants to remind all of our members that, under Paragraph 17 of the Hidden Springs Ranch Community Facility Rules,

“No motorized vehicles (i.e. golf cart, go cart, motorcycle, etc.) are permitted on the jogging trail/walking path at any time.”

Members are urged to council family and friends to stay off the walking path (see image, courtesy of Google) when they are riding/operating motorized vehicles. While the objective of the board is to enforce HOA policies in an amicable manner, violations may result in notices, fines and/or loss of use of neighborhood amenities as outlined in the HOA’s Enforcement and Fine Policy.

Questions about this notice may be forwarded to any board member or the HOA administrator.

Controlled Burn Spreads on McGregor Property

A homeowner lost control of a controlled burn on his property in Dripping Springs this afternoon, bringing local fire officials and a brush truck to his residence.

A property owner started a controlled burn on his property this afternoon off McGregor Lane in Dripping Springs. Then, thinking the fire had not caught, he returned to his house. His neighbor called to tell him that the fire, which he thought was out, was actually raging out of control.

The homeowner, his family and the neighborhood attempted to contain the fire. By the time fire personnel arrived, the fire was mostly contained. This fire was small and contained to about 4,000 square feet. Counties around Central Texas have been receiving similar calls this weekend, as homeowners try to burn brush now that burn bans have been lifted.

Post courtesy of KXAN News.

Winter's First Freeze

The National Weather Service is predicting a hard freeze tonight with a low of 28 degrees and a wind chill down in the low 20s or high teens. If you haven't protected your outside faucets and sensitive plants, today is the day to get it done. Consider leaving a slow drip at the faucet furthest from where water enters your house to prevent pipes from freezing. If you're stacking wood by your house, be sure to leave a 3-6 inch gap to keep insects from migrating from the wood to your house.

Water Supply Corp Increases Watering Restrictions

Effective immediately, the Dripping Springs Water Supply Corporation has instituted a Once per Week Watering Schedule. Water corp members may irrigate outdoors using an in-ground irrigation system or hose-end sprinkler no more than once per week only during scheduled days and times as indicated below:

Odd number addresses: Wednesday
Even number addresses: Thursday
Commercial (including HOA common areas): Tuesday

Watering hours are midnight to 10:00am and 7pm to midnight.

Questions about the new policy can be forwarded to the Dripping Springs Water Supply Corporation at 512.858-7897.

BURN BAN LIFTED TEMPORARILY

Hays County Judge Bert Cobb, MD, and Fire Marshal Mark Chambers have announced a temporary lift of the burn ban due to rain and some greening of grass due to recent showers. The burn ban is lifted immediately and is expected to last until authorities determine that conditions warrant reinstating it. The rain is expected to be a temporary relief, and that dry conditions will return quickly.

Chambers cautioned those who decide to burn to be extremely cautious, as there is still potential for fires to easily get out of control. “Never leave a fire unattended, even for a few minutes,” he said. “Always keep a source of water close at hand.”

Post courtesy of DS Babble.

Fall Film Night - One for the Records

Thanks to the efforts of our volunteers and organizers, Fall Film Night was a huge success.! Close to a dozen volunteers showed up to repair the picnic tables, clean and install lights, store the pool furniture and finish the pool renovations. The real treat, though, was the 60+ neighbors that made Film Night a roaring success (see the short picture album below).

Special thanks to Simon Petty for keeping Volunteer Day on schedule,  Susan Ferno, Donna Williamson and Leslie Bradshaw for organizing Film Night, Ruth Ann Tanton for keeping the logistics simple and Gene Fojtik (the Master Chef) for making sure the burgers and dogs were hot and plentiful!

Here are a few memories ...

First Freeze Warning

The National Weather Service issued the first freeze warning for the Hill Country today. In addition to protecting plants, neighbors may need to insulate exposed sprinkler cutoff valves or face frozen sprinkler lines when the cold weather actually arrives.

Local building practices leave a sprinkler shutoff valve exposed to the elements. While the valves and exposed piping are somewhat insulated, many neighbors found that the valves and pipes freeze and split during the first hard freeze. It sometimes takes 3-6 inches of insulation to protect the exposed lines.

 Consider protecting exposed sprinkler valves when you cover your outside faucets and remember that, when a hard freeze is expected, a dripping faucet in the house can avoid emergency plumbing expenses this winter.

Hidden Springs Ranch Adopts New Policies and Procedures

The Hidden Springs Ranch Board of Directors voted to adopt new HOA policies and procedures at the regular October board meeting. All of the changes will be effective by January 1, 2012, and were required to remain consistent with new state legislation governing property owners associations. The revised policies can be found in the Governance section of the HOA's website.

Questions regarding the changes can be forwarded to the HOA Administrator or to any board member.

Fall Volunteer Day

HSR will be holding our Fall Volunteer Day, on November 5, from 10:00AM to 1:00PM at the pavilion, to get ready for the Film Night. We'll be repairing the picnic tables, cleaning the pool furniture, moving the emergency phone and running new phone wire to improve reception.

Materials and major tools will be provided by the board.

Let us know if you can join the fun by participating in our neighborhood poll on the HOA website (dshiddenspringsranch.com).

HSR to Adopt New Governance Documents

The 82nd legislature passed laws changing the rights and responsibilities of Property Owners Associations (POAs). These state-mandated changes required the HOA board to revise a number of administrative policies, procedures and documents of record.

The board has been working on the necessary revisions since June and will be voting on final drafts of the documents at our October meeting. Copies of the draft documents can be found on attached to the September board meeting on the HOA calendar or in the Governance section of the HOA web site under Draft Policies and Procedures..

Please take a moment to review the new policies and procedures. All members with comments are encouraged to attend the board meeting on October 17 at 6:30. If you would like to attend, contact the HOA Administrator for more information.

2011 Fall Film Night

The Homeowner's Association will be hosting our first Fall Film Night at the pavilion on Saturday, November 5.  We will be serving hamburgers and hotdogs followed by popcorn and a movie at dusk.

We hope all of you can join us.  Please see the flier below for more details.

Save the date, we hope to see you there!

HSR HOA Board

Pavilion Renovations Start in October

The HOA pool and pavilion will be undergoing maintenance and renovations beginning the week of October 1. Work is expected to be complete within 1-2 weeks. In addition to required modifications to pool equipment, the pavilion and fence are being refinished. The HOA board is advising members to refrain from using the pool and pavilion while the work is ongoing.

Questions regarding the maintenance and renovations can be forwarded to the chair of the Pool, Pavilion and Common Areas Committee or to the HOA Administrator.

Hays County Urges Caution as Wildfires Rage

Hays County residents are urged to be cautious as wildfires spread across Central Texas, which have resulted in two deaths, hundreds of homes devastated and several mass evacuations, officials say.

A large wildfire forced the evacuation of more than 200 homes north of Dripping Springs along the Hays-Travis County line. The fire, dubbed Pedernales Fire One, charred at least 6,400 acres and destroyed or damaged almost 70 homes as of Tuesday, according to Homeland Security and Emergency Response officials in Austin.
Another 45-acre wildfire between Wimberley and San Marcos ignited Friday night before being contained the next day, the Hays County Sheriff’s Office said. No evacuations or damage was involved in this fire. Also, no injuries have been reported in both fires.

Any rain to smother regional fires is unlikely as forecasters predict no chance for moisture in the next few weeks.

Kyle and Buda Fire Departments offered firefighters and trucks to the Pedernales Fire One fire this week. They were also called out to another blaze Tuesday afternoon in Caldwell County at the intersection of Texas 21 and U.S. 183, they say.
Kyle Fire Deputy Chief Rick Beaman said that his firefighters have also been tied up in several calls of local residents burning trash.
“I can’t believe anybody would be burning at this time,” he said. “We have enough to deal with.”
He reminds everyone to adhere to burn ban restrictions and not to flick cigarettes out of cars or let chains on trailers drag along roads.

Evacuations
Late Sunday, the Pedernales Fire One fire moved south toward the county line from the Spicewood area. As night fell, recommended evacuations were issued for about 500 residents in northwestern Hays County, authorities say.
A shelter was set up at Dripping Springs Middle School, where only around 20 people sought refuge, said Charlie Plassmann, of the county’s Community Emergency Response Team. Many other people stayed with friends and family as well local motels, he said.
On Monday, large plumes of smoke continued to billow over the area, where almost 210 homes were given a mandatory evacuation order that night. Around 9:30 p.m., residents were allowed to return to their homes as firefighters were able to prevent the fire from crossing Hamilton Pool Road, Hays County spokesperson Laureen Chernow said.

The American Red Cross of Central Texas is accepting monetary donations to help those affected by the Central Texas wildfires and water donations for firefighters. For more information, go to centex.redcross.org.

Fire prevention tips from the Texas Department of Transportation:
-Avoid parking vehicles in tall, dry grass and weeds, which can be ignited by hot catalytic converters
-Crush cigarettes in an ashtray and make sure they are completely out
-Be cautious about outdoor activities that might cause sparks or fires. Sparks can easily escape from burning trash
-Avoid using welding or grinding equipment near dry weeds and grass
- Protect your property by clearing brush and grass away from homes and buildings
-Prune lower branches around structures
-Make sure areas under utility lines are clear of brush, tall grass and trees so that utility service will continue
-Create a fire break by clearing vegetation from areas between your home and nearby fields or wildland areas


Post courtesy of the Hays Free Press http://haysfreepress.com/archives/23364#ixzz1XHFVl5Xc

HSR Pool Will Close for Renovations

The Hidden Springs Ranch board will set priorities, select vendors and establish a schedule for performing maintenance and renovations to the the swimming pool. The maintenance is required by the City of Dripping Springs to assure a safe swimming environment. Renovations will address age-related as well as safety issues.

As the swimming pool will be closed while the pool is under construction, the board is asking members for their comments regarding the timing of these activities (the board will meet on Monday, September 12, to finalize renovation plans). All members wishing to attend the meeting are welcome.

Questions and comments regarding the maintenance, renovations and time frames can be forwarded to pavilion@dshiddenspringsranch.com.

Jenna Ryan's Force of Nature Coming to the Pavilion

It's official, Jenna Ryan's 'Force of Nature', the Ultimate Outdoor Workout, will be coming to the Hidden Springs Ranch Pavilion beginning Tuesday, August 30. The classes will be held twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:00AM, for four weeks and is designed for all fitness levels and goals. The class costs $100 or $15 per session for those who can't commit to the entire four weeks.

Interested in joining her class? Take our neighborhood poll or contact Jenna by phone (512.563-2059) or email (jennachildryan@gmail.com). Not sure? Go ahead and try! The first class, Tuesday (Aug 30) is free to all participants!

DSISD SUPERINTENDENT RESIGNS

"Dr Mard Herrick has announced his resignation as Superintendent of Schools for the Dripping Springs Independent School District. An agreement has been reached which allows Dr. Herrick the ability to pursue other interests and permits the Board of Trustees to pursue hiring another Superintendent. The Board and Dr. Herrick have entered into the Agreement believing it is in their respective best interests and in the best interests of the District."

As reported on DS Babble and KXAN News. 

UPDATE: Dr Herrick's resignation is effective December 31, 2011 and was announced shortly after the school board voted to ask for a 9 percent increase in property taxes, intended to offset reductions in state contributions, and a multi-million dollar bond to shift expenses from the maintenance and operating budget to the construction budget.

Hays County Offers Extended Immunization Hours

The Hays County Personal Health Department is offering extended immunization hours at its San Marcos location August 1-31 to help ensure children receive required immunizations before school starts. Immunizations will be available mornings Mondays through Fridays from 8 to 11 a.m. and afternoons on Mondays from 1 to 6 p.m. and Tuesdays-Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m. at the 401-A Broadway, San Marcos location.

Immunizations are also available at the Kyle office, 150 Lockhart Road, are from 1 to 6 pm on Mondays and from 1 to 4 pm on Tuesdays. Immunizations are available on the first Thursday of every month from 10 am to 3 pm at the Hays County Precinct 4 office, 195 Roger Hanks Parkway in Dripping Springs.

Parents whose children or adolescents are in the Medicaid or CHIP program are asked to bring their child’s card with them. Otherwise, the fee is $10 regardless of the number of immunizations needed for children; for adults age 19 and over the fee is $25. Immunizations are a priority for PHD, and no one will be turned away because of an inability to pay.

For more information about immunizations and other services offered by the Hays County Personal Health Department, contact the Personal Health Department in San Marcos at 512-393-5520 or in Kyle at 512-268-1270, or visit Hays County Health and Community pages.

'Suspicious' Fires Burn 30 Acres Here in Dripping Springs

Brush fires broke out Friday in Dripping Springs just before 2:30pm Friday. 20-30 acres and several residences were endangered, prompting Hays county emergency teams to evacuate homes along Sports Park Road and at Terry's Mobile Home Park near Highway 290 and RR 12. North Hays Fire Department, assisted by the Wild Land Task Forces One and Three, South Hays VFD, Star Flight, and Oak Hill FD, coordinated efforts to fight the fire.

"We had a cluster of about four fires come in all at once within about a 5-6 mile area of this location," said David Griffin, the North Hays Fire Department Battalion Chief.

Asked if so many fires at the same time indicates arson, Griffin said:

"It definitely raises the question. The Hays County Fire Marshall's Office is going to look into that and make the determination in the next few days, whether they were intentionally set, accidental or somehow related.

How Can We Help?
While there were no injuries or damage to residences, all Hidden Springs residents are urged to comply with the Fuels Abatement Policy, published July 13, 2011, to minimize fire risks in the neighborhood.

Original post courtesy of KVUE News (see entire story) 

Questions about this post, or the Fuels Abatement Policy, can be forwarded to the HOA Administrator (hoa@dshiddenspringsranch.com) or Board (bod@dshiddenspringsranch.com).

Dripping Springs Watering Schedule

Dripping Springs is in the midst of an historic heat wave and drought. In order to ensure adequate amounts of water, the Dripping Springs Water Supply Corporation has mandated the following watering schedule for residential and commercial properties:

Odd Number Addresses: Wednesdays and Saturdays
Even Number Addresses: Thursdays and Sundays

Watering hours (for all residents): 7:00PM to 10:00AM

The full text of the announcement can be found on the Water Supply Corporation home page. Questions can be forwarded to the corporation at  512.858-7897.

Pool Safety

Summer is in full swing, and its time to remind parents to keep an eye out when their kids are at the neighborhood pool. Insurance and safety considerations require children under the age of 12 to be accompanied by an adult member at all times when using the pool and pavilion facilities.

In the interests of safety, and in accordance with neighborhood bylaws and rules, unaccompanied children will be asked to leave the pool and pavilion area. Questions about this policy can be forwarded to the Board of Directors or to the HOA Administrator.

School District Changes Bus Routes (Updated Aug 9)

Dripping Springs school bus routes and stops have been reorganized for this school year. Thanks to some research by our neighbors, we've learned that all of Meadow Oaks and Hidden Springs Ranch (I and II) will be served by two stops, evidently at either end of Old 290. Parents with questions can contact the school. Parents can also use the on-line bus stop indicator on the DSISD web site between August 1 and August 19.

For more information, see the district announcement.

City to Repair Pothole on Shane Lane (Update Aug 9)

The City will have crews on Shane Lane doing preventative maintenance where a pothole is forming at the corner of Shane Lane and Broken Lance. Shane Lane has been marked, but work will not commence until October at the earliest.  We've asked to be informed when the work will take place, so check back for updates.

Hays County Considers Redistricting

The Hays County Precinct 4 Commissioner’s Office will host public viewing of the currently proposed maps for County Precinct redistricting.  Commissioner Whisenant and his assistant will be available for questions and comment on July 20th from 5:00PM until 8:00PM at the Precinct 4 building in Dripping Springs.  They will also be available July 21st and 22nd from 11:00AM to 2:00PM.  Public Hearings will be held at the County Courthouse on July 25th at 6:00PM, August 9th at 1:30PM and August 16th at 1:30PM.

The full text of this announcement can be see on the Hays County website.

Fuels Abatement Policy

As all of us know, the Hill Country is suffering through an exceptional drought with no end in sight. Hays County has had a burn ban in effect since April, and ‘red flag’ days (extreme fire risk) are now commonplace.

Recognizing these extraordinary conditions, the Hidden Springs Ranch Board of Directors has adopted a Fuels Abatement Policy to minimize fire dangers in our neighborhood. The policy applies to all Lot Owners maintaining burn piles and becomes effective August 15, 2011.

Fuels Abatement Policy 

1. Lot Owners without fire rings must remove lawn cuttings, trimmings and other combustible debris (hereafter referred to as Material) from their lots as it is generated.
2. Lot Owners with fire rings may retain Material only to the extent that it can be contained within the perimeter of the fire ring. Any excess Material must be removed from the Lots as it is generated.
3. No fire rings may be placed on HOA easements without approval from the Architectural Control Committee.
4. Failure to comply with this policy shall be considered a violation Paragraph 1.25, Duty of Maintenance, of the Second Restated Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions.
• Any Lot Owner who does not comply may be subject to penalties including, but not limited to, fines and fees.
• If, after receiving notice of non‐compliance, a Lot Owner has not complied within 30 days, the HOA may, at its sole discretion, contract to have the Material removed from the Lot. The costs for such removal will be the sole responsibility of the Lot Ownerand/or Occupant.

July 2011 Board Meeting

The Hidden Springs Ranch Board of Directors will be holding their monthly meeting Monday, July 11. Among other items on the agenda, the Board will be discussing changes in HOA operating procedures and options for working with members with large outstanding account balances.

The agenda will be posted on the HOA website and can also be seen at the mailbox bulletin board. All members who wish to provide input, or who have issues to bring to the board, are welcome to attend.

208 Lone Wolf - Tree Clearing Project Update (2)

The tree clearing project at 208 Lone Wolf is largely complete, and crews will return one last time to remove the last of the piled debris from the lot. H.O.W crews are due to arrive Thursday, July 7, and expect to complete the remaining work by the end of the day.

Lone Wolf Tree Clearing Update

The H.O.W. Foundation began clearing dead oaks and debris from 208 Lone Wolf Ct on Wednesday, June 22, and the project is now expected to continue through Sunday, June 26. In the meantime, there are felled trees and debris throughout the lot. The Hidden Springs Ranch Board asks parents to remind their kids to stay clear of the lot while the project is underway.

Hallelujah, It RAINED!

 Hallelujah! RAIN! At our various family abodes across Dripping Springs we got between 1/2 and 6/10 inches. Two of the abodes are on rainwater collection so double hallelujah!

Courtesy of DS Babble.

Major Tree Clearing Project on Lone Wolf Ct

Beginning Wednesday, June 22, a major tree clearing project will get underway at 208 Lone Wolf Court. The H.O.W. Foundation, headquartered in San Antonio, is expected to have 5 full crews working to clear dead trees and debris. Work will be on the west side of the creek bed, from Lone Wolf Court north to the edge of the neighborhood ball fields. As many as 30 trees will be felled and removed from the lot, and many more dead branches and debris will be removed at the same time.

While the H.O.W. Foundation hopes to have the work complete on Wednesday, it may continue through Thursday, June 23. The Hidden Springs Ranch Board asks parents to keep their children clear of the creek area until this hazardous activity is complete.

Questions about this post can be forwarded to the HOA Board at bod@dshiddenspringsranch.com.

Residents Invited to Hays Parks Planning Meeting

Hays County has scheduled the last of five scheduled public meetings to gather input from residents about the future of parks and open space development.  The meeting will take place Thursday, June 30, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Hays County Extension Office, 1253 Civic Center Loop, San Marcos.

At the final meeting, the process used to create the Parks, Open Space & Natural Areas Master Plan will be reviewed, along with discussion of the final recommendations gathered through public input. The public will have the opportunity to provide comment on those projects determined through the planning process to be priorities for future consideration and development.

“Hays County has held four public meetings in various locations throughout the county and offered an online survey for residents to use to provide ideas and concerns about what they’d like to see happen in Hays County regarding parks, open space and natural areas,” Hays County Grants Administrator Jeff Hauff said. “We’ll soon be finalizing the plan, which incorporates a lot of public input, and presenting it to the Commissioners Court for approval.” Hauff noted that the Hays County Parks & Open Space Advisory Board, appointed by the Commissioners Court, helped to provide direction for the planning process.

More information about the plan, the planning process and the results of previous public meetings is available at www.co.hays.tx.us/ParksMasterPlan. Questions should be directed to Jeff Hauff at Jeff.Hauff@co.hays.tx.us or 512.393.2209.

Weekend Events

The Dripping Springs Farmers Market holds court from 9am - Noon at The Triangle (RR12 @ 290).

The Hillside Concert Series continues on Saturday on the grassy knoll at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit. Kids are welcome to run and dance as the music plays and parents kick back. Bring a picnic, wine, chairs, or roll out a blanket. Free concert by Libby Lock starts at 6:30pm.

Enjoy the cool blues, country, and western swing sounds of Homer Whisenant under the cooling misters at The Barber Shop brewpub (207 Mercer) on Saturday from 7pm-10pm.

Austin YFALS Cornhole Challenge Day is Saturday from 11am-6pm at Jester King Brewery. Event organized by the Young Faces of ALS to raise awareness and funds for ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). Austin food trucks, hours of live blue grass music, raffle prizes and a cornhole tournament (bean bag toss). Entry to the cornhole tournament is $40 per person, $20 per person for spectators, kids 12 and under are free. Learn more and register at yfals.com by clicking on the Austin link on the lower right hand side of the page. Lots more information on the dedicated Facebook page here.

The 4th Annual Father's Day Car Show at Dripping Springs United Methodist Church is Sunday from 8am-12:30pm on the 2nd tier of their parking lot. Bring your classic car, cycle or truck by for a chance to win $50, $75, or $100 for the Christian charity of your choice (plus an awesome trophy).

Events courtesy of Dripping Springs Babble

Brush Fire on Bell Springs Rd

Firefighters have a brush fire in North Hays County near the 800 block of Bell Springs Road (near Hamilton Pool Road) 85 percent contained as of 3:15 pm Friday.

The fire has been burning since about noon Friday. Though it started in Hays County, it burned north into Travis County.

Twenty units and one StarFlight helicopter responded.

Seven houses and barns were threatened, and livestock and residents evacuated. However, none of the structures burned, and no animals or people were hurt.

There is no word on what started the fire.

Governor Extends Hays County Fireworks Ban

On Thursday, Texas Governor Rick Perry approved Hays County’s request to extend a restriction on the sale and use of fireworks through 7 am July 5.  Hays County Judge Bert Cobb made the request Wednesday after issuing a 60-hour ban earlier this week. For a local declaration to be in effect longer, a county must request an extension from the governor.

 “While it is unfortunate that we can’t celebrate our independence on July 4th with fireworks, the risk is too high,” Hays County Fire Marshal Mark Chambers said. “Drought has made fire danger of paramount concern, and we have to take the safety of our citizens and their property into consideration. All residents of Hays County should take the fire risk we face seriously and adhere to the fireworks ban, which carries a fine of up to $1,000 for violators.”

The fire marshal noted that if conditions prior to July 4 change significantly enough to warrant it, the ban would be reconsidered.

New Legislation Changes Association Rules and Procedures

The state legislature passed several new bills affecting property owner and association rights and responsibilities in 2011. House Bills 8, 362, 1228, 1737, 1821, 2761 and 3391, and Senate Bills 101 and 472 affect everything from rain barrels to assessment collection procedures and meeting requirements. The Board is currently evaluating how these changes will affect HOA operations and by-laws.

As the new legislation becomes effective before the next annual meeting, the board will call a special meeting to discuss any by-laws changes before they are enacted.

Members who have questions, or wish to participate in the review process, can contact the Board.

Hays County Bans Fireworks

Hays County Judge Bert Cobb, MD, today declared a local state of disaster exists in Hays County due to drought. The disaster declaration bans the sale and use of all fireworks in the unincorporated areas of Hays County for 60 hours, beginning at 1 p.m. today.

Because local authority for a declaration extends only for two-and-a-half days, Judge Cobb also sent a letter to Governor Rick Perry asking that he extend the restrictions imposed by the declaration until drought conditions ease. Conditions are not expected to improve through the July 4^th holiday.

The full text of this post can be read at: http://www.co.hays.tx.us/index.php/living-and-visiting/recent-news/hays-county-bans-sale-and-use-of-fireworks/.

More information, and the current status of the Hays County burn and fireworks ban, can be found at: http://www.co.hays.tx.us/index.php/law-enforcement/fire-marshal/.