2025
January to April
DAILY RECORD STAFF
JAN. 1
Lorenzo Gonzalez takes seat at Place 5
San Marcos City Council Member Place 5 Lorenzo Gonzalez was sworn into his new position on Dec. 23. Gonzalez was victorious in the runoff election that occurred on Dec. 14 against Roland Saucedo. Gonzalez was elected with 424 votes representing 50.72% of the total vote count. The city of San Marcos also bid farewell to longtime council member Mark Gleason.
JAN. 10
New inmate ‘restoration’ program moves forward
The Hays County Commissioners Court unanimously approved the submission of three letters of support from three different Hays County elected officials regarding a Jail-Based Competency Restoration Program at the regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday. These letters of support would ensure that the Hill Country Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Centers could apply for funding in order to implement the program within the Hays County Jail.
JAN. 12
Car crashes into TXST rec center
A driver lost control of a white Honda at the inter section of Sessom Drive and Academy Street and crashed into the front entrance of the Texas State University Recreation Center Tuesday morning at approximately 9:30 a.m, according to an official with the university.
JAN. 17
DA adds additional charges to Amerson’s case
A little over nine years since the murder of Justin Gage, a Texas State University student, one of the defendants charged in the case, Devonte Amerson, has received a superseding indictment from Hays County. His case was not dismissed on Jan. 13 as his legal team and advocates were requesting. According to Hays County documents, the original indictment from May of 2018, charged Amerson with Capital Murder, and the superseding indictment made on Dec. 11, 2024 charged him with Capital Murder, Murder, Aggravated Robbery and Burglary of a Habitation Intend Other Felony. Amerson’s team filed a Motion to Quash, which would invalidate the superseding indictment. The motion is scheduled to be heard Jan. 29. A request for comment from Hays County District Attorney Kelly Higgins did not respond to a request for comment.
“I’ve been fighting for my freedom for al- most Mano Amiga is a local nonprofit advocacy organization who has been helping Amerson as well as his previous co-defendant Cyrus Gray, who had his case for the charges of Capital Murder dismissed seven years,” Amerson said in a press release issued by Mano Amigo. “I didn’t do this, and the evidence shows that. All I want is the chance to live my life without these false accusations hanging over me. It’s time for this to end.”
JAN. 19
Economic Outlook shows local economy still strong
Though Texas and local economies have slowed a bit from a year ago, they are still booming. The Hays Caldwell Economic Development Partnership hosted its annual Economic Outlook to bring workforce development and quality education. Together local leaders discuss the factors at play and ways to bolster local industries. Texas State University President Kelly Damphousse gave the opening remarks, and the keynote speaker for the evening was Luis Torres, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas - San Antonio senior business economist. There was a panel discussion moderated by Mike Kamerlander, HCEDP president and CEO, that included Aaron Demer son, the Texas Economic Development Corporation president and CEO, Gabriela Perdichizzi, the Texas Association of Business government and external relations vice president, and Tony Bennett, Texas Association of Manufacturers president and CEO.
JAN. 24
San Marcos Snow Day
San Marcos woke up to snow on Tuesday morning, and the entire town enjoyed the rare appearance of wintery weather. Schools were closed as were many offices, and people took to the streets to make snowmen and snow angels.
FEB. 2
Wimberley teenager dies following gunshot wound
A 16-year-old girl from Driftwood was shot and killed on Jan. 28. The Hays County Sheriff’s Office said that the incident was isolated and that the other juvenile involved has been detained. “Both juveniles resided in the home,” a Hays County Sheriff spokesperson stated. On January 29, the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office con ducted an autopsy and has ruled the manner of death homicide. The detained juvenile is 14 years old. Wimberley Independent School District identified the deceased as a Wimberley High School sophomore. The spokesperson clarified that being detained is “not an affirmation of guilt” and the case is still under investigation.
FEB. 5
The travel center chain known for its sprawling stores and clean restrooms, broke ground Wednesday on a new location in San Marcos that is set to become one of the largest in the state. The new Buc-ees will be situated at the southwest corner of Yarrington Road and Interstate 35, providing a major stop for travelers along the busy corridor.
FEB. 9
Council wants new SMPD camera policy
The council voted five to two to postpone a $124,068 amendment to the contract with Flock Group, Inc. for additional equipment for the police department’s license plate recognition technology at Tuesday’s regularly scheduled meeting. San Marcos City Council Member Amanda Rodriguez made a motion to postpone contingent upon a policy in place that governs how the technology is used before approving the item. She said this was previously discussed during a Visioning session.
FEB. 12
Suspect arrested after homicide on River Road
The San Marcos Police Department is investigating a homicide that occurred on Friday, Feb. 7 on the 800 block of River Road. At approximately 2:29 p.m., San Marcos Police dispatch received a 911 call from a male who said he had “killed his wife” and that he “shot her.” The caller then hung up. The dispatcher attempted to return the call multiple times, but the caller did not answer. San Marcos Police Department officers responded to the location and found the back door of the residence open. While making an emergency welfare check, officers entered the apartment and discovered a female victim in the back bedroom with a fatal gunshot wound. The victim has been identified as 43-year-old Victoria Valadez.
FEB. 14
15.9% of Hays County residents are food insecure
Hays County Commissioners Court received a presentation on a Community Food Needs Assessment that was conducted by The Hays County Health Department and the Central Texas Food Bank in 2024 at Tuesday’s regularly scheduled meeting. Tracy Ayrhart, Central Texas Food Bank Strategic Insights vice president, said the CTFB serves 21 counties, including Hays.
FEB 16.
San Marcos River Foundation celebrates 40th anniversary
