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County reaffirms support for honoring veteran

Hays County
Thursday, May 16, 2019

A portion of U.S. Highway 290 could be named in honor of a World War II veteran born in Henly.

At its meeting Tuesday, the Hays County Commissioners Court approved a resolution of support for the dedication of the highway between the Blanco-Hays county line and Hays Country Acres Road in honor of John A. McCarty. The county had previously passed a resolution of support but did not name the section of highway selected for the dedication.

McCarty enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1941, the resolution states. He fought on Bataan and was taken prisoner of war by the Japanese in 1942. He survived the Bataan Death March and captivity at the Cabanatuan war camp and received two Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars for his service. 

In other business Tuesday, the commissioners approved a $292 expense to send a member of the Hays County SWAT Team to out-of-state breach training. The Law Enforcement Total Breaching Course teaches various breaching techniques, including mechanical, thermal, power tool, ballistic and explosive techniques. 

Hays County resident Rodrigo Amaya spoke against the item, asking the commissioners to consider who was making the request for out-of-state travel and why.

“It’s very offensive … lots of money being used out of that sheriff’s office,” Amaya said.

Capt. Mike Davenport explained that the training is a requirement for SWAT members.

“There is … a specific breaching school that our SWAT members assigned to the breaching team have to attend,” Davenport said. 

Commissioners also heard an update on the issuance of a new series of bonds related to the county’s 2016 Road Bond Project. Dan Wegmiller of Specialized Public Financing said the bonds are set to go on the market in late July. He said the county has an AA rating, which is two notches below the highest rating and reflects confidence in the county’s financial performance and management.

San Marcos Record

(512) 392-2458
P.O. Box 1109, San Marcos, TX 78666