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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.

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Home Care In Dripping Springs, TX

Home Care Dripping Springs, TX

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Mercer Street Historical Marker gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Dripping Springs, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Dripping Springs, TX

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“My experience with these amazing home care professionals is as close to perfect as it gets! I have a dear friend that is in hospice and needed a little extra home care. Ken, the owner, was fast to respond to my call and started home care right away. I can't say enough good things about my experience with Always Best Care Senior Services' staff and owner.”

Edward C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I invested $500 with Mrs Sandra and made $6500 within 6 days, Investment pay faster. Every rich man you see today invested, it's not just their hardworks that makes them who they are today. So don't let someone else opinion stop you from investing on binary option trading. Start building your future and the future of your generations today Contact her now on.”

Tsholofelo M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I work for this team and it's a wonderful team , great communication and support for our clients, their family members and our caring team of staff .”

Antoinette G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I am a past client of this provider Ken and Bonnie were wonderful to work with. They were able to provide my mother with care and a very short notice. Their staff was some of the most caring people that I've ever met. Not only were they wonderful to my mother but also to my family. I would highly recommend using them.”

Mark A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Ken and Bonnie are wonderful people to help care for your loved ones. their staff was so caring to my mother and so nice to my family I highly recommend them to take care of your loved ones. I think there ought to be more than just five stars to give them”

Mark A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“For those who are searching for qualified caregivers for their loved ones, contact Ken Thomas at Always Best Care Senior Services. Mr. Thomas provides an authentic and professional guiding hand when discussing available services for your precious senior family members. When it is time for a beloved senior to receive assistance, Mr. Thomas understands the importance of providing trustworthy and quality support.”

Melissa C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Ken leads his Always Best Care Senior Services Agency with compassion for his clients and their families. He is a local senior care expert and leader in his community. If you are need of assistance in navigating your local senior care options, then do not hesitate to give Ken a call!”

Kelly B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Kenneth is kind, patient, experienced and knowledgeable. We are thankful to him for all his efforts and for going above and beyond.”

Chae S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Very professional and welcoming people so I would definitely recommend my friends and family to Always Best Care in Boerne.”

Laurie K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The owner is so understanding and supportive of how I want my loved ones cared for. He and his staff actually listen to what I would like done for my parents. Very thoughtful, very professional and very caring. It’s such a relief to have help in caring for my loved ones”

Kristen B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Kenneth is knowledgeable and trustworthy. I can’t recommend him enough. You’re in good hands with Kenneth.”

Chae S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“ALWAYS BEST CARE is certainly a warm & caring business owned & operated by Ken Thomas. I certainly would recommend them for you or your loved ones excellent care.”

Shirley S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I will be forever grateful for the love you showered upon us and my grandmother”

Jill &.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Dripping Springs, TX?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Dripping Springs, TX

Types of Elderly Care in Dripping Springs, TX

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Dripping Springs, TX
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Dripping Springs, TX
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Veterans Memorial Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Dripping Springs, TX
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Epicure or visit Charro Ranch Park, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Dripping Springs, TX

Benefits of Home Care in Dripping Springs, TX

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Dripping Springs, TX, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Dripping Springs, TX

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your TX's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Dripping Springs, TX

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Dripping Springs, TX understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Dripping Springs, TX

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Dripping Springs, TX

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Hill Country Nursing and Rehab
  • A Place For Mom - Senior Living Advisor Hannah Wright
  • Lavender Springs Assisted Living
  • Hill Country Senior Center
  • Ledgestone Senior Living
  • Merritt Hill Country
Home Care Dripping Springs, TX

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Dripping Springs, TX

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Dripping Springs, TX 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Dripping Springs, TX

Latest News in Dripping Springs, TX

Totally Texas | Longhorn cattle in Dripping Springs mosey up to pool for a drink

You can't get much more Texas than having some Longhorn cattle hanging out by your pool.Credit: John and Sherri Hendrix at triplehranchevents.comYou can't get much more Texas than having some Longhorn cattle hanging out by your pool.DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas — Just when you thought you've seen everything Texas has to offer, you stumble across a photo of a Longhorn cow taking a sip of water out of a swimming pool.Other states may let you swim with the dolphins but here in Texas, you can swim with the Longhorns....

You can't get much more Texas than having some Longhorn cattle hanging out by your pool.

Credit: John and Sherri Hendrix at triplehranchevents.com

You can't get much more Texas than having some Longhorn cattle hanging out by your pool.

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas — Just when you thought you've seen everything Texas has to offer, you stumble across a photo of a Longhorn cow taking a sip of water out of a swimming pool.

Other states may let you swim with the dolphins but here in Texas, you can swim with the Longhorns.

John and Sherri Hendrix have a ranch in Dripping Springs, deep in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, about 30 miles east of Austin.

Their home, Triple H Ranch, sits on 23 acres with breathtaking views in every direction. They host weddings on their property and have a couple of AirBNBs that you can book so that you, too, can swim with the Longhorns.

Sherri said that she gave the cattle to her husband for Christmas six years ago. He was shocked.

"While many Longhorns are now kept as a hobby, the breed remains prevalent in Texas, with nearly half of the U.S. Longhorn population residing in the state," according to the Texas Historical Commission.

But everyone that visits Triple H Ranch loves to take photos with the cattle, while enjoying the refreshing pool during the heat of a Texas summer.

Now THAT'S totally Texas!

Totally Texas | Longhorn cattle in Dripping Springs mosey up to pool for a drink

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John and Sherri Hendrix at triplehranchevents.com

You can't get much more Texas than having some Longhorn cattle hanging out by your pool.

How to watch Round Rock Cedar Ridge vs. Dripping Springs in Texas high school softball playoffs

Henry Huey/Austin American-Statesman/USA TODAY NETWORK A pair of Texas high school softball teams face off with a trip to the 6A Division II semifinals at stake.Round Rock Cedar Ridge takes on Dripping Springs in a best-of-three UIL 6A DII regional final series beginning Thursday night. Game 2 is on Friday night, and if necessary, Game 3 is Saturday afternoon. All three games of the series will be held at Austin’s Concordia University.Cedar Ridge comes into the regional finals at 24-4 on the seas...

Henry Huey/Austin American-Statesman/USA TODAY NETWORK

A pair of Texas high school softball teams face off with a trip to the 6A Division II semifinals at stake.

Round Rock Cedar Ridge takes on Dripping Springs in a best-of-three UIL 6A DII regional final series beginning Thursday night. Game 2 is on Friday night, and if necessary, Game 3 is Saturday afternoon. All three games of the series will be held at Austin’s Concordia University.

Cedar Ridge comes into the regional finals at 24-4 on the season. The Raiders have swept each of their first three postseason series, including last week’s regional semifinal against Pharr-San Juan-Alamo by a combined total of 10-0.

Caitlin Benningfield, a senior and New Mexico commit, leads the Raiders in batting (.580), on-base percentage (.677) and slugging (1.100). She is also the team’s top pitcher, going 14-1 with a 0.41 earned run average, and striking out 120 batters in more than 86 innings. Gabby Zulfekar, a senior who is headed to Galveston College, has hit five home runs and has driven in 29 runs.

Dripping Springs is 29-8-1 on the season, and the Tigers are also 6-0 in the postseason, three coming via shutout. Last week in the regional semifinals, Dripping Springs got the two-game sweep against Eagle Pass by pulling off a 6-5 win, highlighted by a grand slam off the bat of Jai-Lynn Flores.

Lorelei Gamble leads the Tigers in batting (.548), on-base percentage (.712), home runs (22), RBIs (63) and slugging (1.571). Tatum Green is the hits leader (50) and also has 10 wins in the circle, including three shutouts, along with a team-low 3.00 ERA.

The winner of Cedar Ridge-Dripping Springs advances to next week’s 6A DII semifinal against the winner of the regional final between Kingwood and League City Clear Creek.

Here’s everything you need to know about live streaming the regional semifinal between Cedar Ridge and Dripping Springs.

How to watch Cedar Ridge vs. Dripping Springs softball

•. Live Stream Game 1: Watch on the NFHS Network.

•. Live Stream Game 2: Watch on the NFHS Network.

Cedar Ridge vs. Dripping Springs will air live on the NFHS Network. You can subscribe to the NFHS Network on a monthly basis or an annual subscription.

Cedar Ridge vs. Dripping Springs softball start times

•. Game 1 Date: Thursday, May 15

•. Game 1 Time: 7 p.m. CT/5 p.m. PT

•. Game 2 Date: Friday, May 16

•. Game 2 Time: 7 p.m. CT/5 p.m. PT

•. Game 3 Date: Saturday, May 17 (if necessary)

•. Game 3 Time: 1 p.m. CT/11 a.m. PT

The first pitch for both Game 1 and Game 2 is at 7 p.m. CT Thursday and Friday, respectively. If necessary, Game 3 is at 1 p.m. CT. All three games will take place at Concordia University in Austin.

City of Dripping Springs looks at moving trash service to Texas Disposal Systems

DRIPPING SPRINGS — After using Waste Connections Lone Star for nearly 10 years, the city of Dripping Springs is looking at moving in a new direction when it comes to its trash service provider. At its May 6 meeting, following executive session, Dripping Springs City Council voted 4-1 to authorize the city administrator to finalize the agreement and begin negotiations with Texas Disposal Services for solid waste collection and disposal services. Council member Taline Manassian dissented, but did not provide a reason for her vote....

DRIPPING SPRINGS — After using Waste Connections Lone Star for nearly 10 years, the city of Dripping Springs is looking at moving in a new direction when it comes to its trash service provider. At its May 6 meeting, following executive session, Dripping Springs City Council voted 4-1 to authorize the city administrator to finalize the agreement and begin negotiations with Texas Disposal Services for solid waste collection and disposal services. Council member Taline Manassian dissented, but did not provide a reason for her vote. In January, the city issued a request for proposal (RFP) for solid waste collection and disposal services. Then, the city received responses from multiple entities March 12: Frontier Waste Solutions, Texas Disposal Services and Waste Connections Lone Star. “The purpose for the RFP is to select one vendor to provide solid waste services for both solid waste garbage and recycling for residential and commercial properties,” said deputy city administrator Shawn Cox. The city has used Waste Connections Lone Star as its solid waste provider since 2017, when they acquired Vaquero Waste and Recycling. They were again selected as the provider in 2020, when the city last issued an RFP for solid waste services. The current agreement includes payment of a 7% franchise fee. According to agenda documents, the city has received the following in solid waste franchise fees: • FY 2021: $39,745.94 • FY 2022: $45,563.40 • FY 2023: $60,542.02 • FY 2024: $61,203.33 • FY 2025 (year to date): $40,977.90 While there was no discussion on the cost difference between the proposals in open session, council member Geoffrey Tahuahua made the motion to authorize staff to begin negotiations with Texas Disposal System as the “best value bidder.” The decision to choose a new provider comes after residents have sent in numerous complaints about the existing service, the council member explained. “We've had some discussions around the communication regarding that, as well as the ability for them to fulfill the requirements set forth in the contracts. And I do appreciate the stuff in the [Texas Disposal Services] bid package, especially kind of the unique way that they address sustainability, as well as the customer service, response and installation that they identified,” Tahuahua said. “[I] appreciate some of the continuance stuff that they agreed to in their proposal, in special regards to like bulk pickup … which I think is a valuable thing to our citizens.” Now, the city will have a contract and franchise fee agreement for council consideration at the May 20 or June 3 city council agenda, stated agenda documents. Dripping Springs City Council meets next at 6 p.m. May 20. Visit www.drippingsprings-tx.municodemeetings.com for more information on upcoming meetings.

Dripping Springs celebrating annual Founders Day Festival this weekend

The annual Founders Day Festival runs April 25 through April 27, marking the founding of the Dripping Springs community in 1850.The detailsThe three-day celebration includes a Grand Parade, free music and entertainment, a carnival, food, beer, street dances, cook-offs and over 150 arts and crafts booths and business vendors.The event is hosted by the ...

The annual Founders Day Festival runs April 25 through April 27, marking the founding of the Dripping Springs community in 1850.

The details

The three-day celebration includes a Grand Parade, free music and entertainment, a carnival, food, beer, street dances, cook-offs and over 150 arts and crafts booths and business vendors.

The event is hosted by the City of Dripping Springs and the Founders Day Commission, composed of various local community members and organizations. Festival proceeds will be donated back into the community to groups such as local non-profits, churches, school and park programs, youth groups and more, according to the city’s website.

What you need to know

Admission to the festival and live entertainment are free, but food choices, beverages, shopping, booth activities and carnival tickets are available for purchase. Pre-sale tickets for the carnival are available until April 25 at noon. Carnival tickets can be purchased the day of as well.

Here’s are other things you need to know about the festival, recommended by the City of Dripping Springs, including traffic updates and tips:

Ranch Road 12 from Mercer Street to Old Fitzhugh Road will be a “no parking tow away” zone.

There will be free shuttle service Saturday only. Attendees will need to park at the Dripping Springs High School parking lot to get a bus ride to the event. Handicap parking will be available on Old Fitzhugh Road.

First aid stations will be located throughout the festival.

For other tips and information, visit the city’s Founders Day frequently asked questions page.

The lineup

Friday, April 25

Saturday, April 26

Sunday, April 27

For more information, visit www.cityofdrippingsprings.com/founders-day.

Elisabeth joined Community Impact in October 2024 and covers all things Austin ISD, Dripping Springs and Hays County. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin May 2024 with a degree in journalism and certificates in creative writing and environment and sustainability. In her free time, she enjoys catching live music in Austin, watching movies and doing art projects. Send tips, feedback or questions to [email protected].

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Dripping Springs ISD is asking voters to pass an over $400 million school bond in May 3 election

Lee esta historia en españolThe Dripping Springs Independent School District has a $402.3 million bond on the ballot that will go to voters this spring....

Lee esta historia en español

The Dripping Springs Independent School District has a $402.3 million bond on the ballot that will go to voters this spring.

DSISD has grown by 61% in the last decade and is expected to continue growing for the next several years. To address this, the district is looking to build a new high school, expand bus transportation and upgrade technology across campuses.

The DSISD bond is split into two propositions, so voters don't have to pass the whole thing; they can choose to pass one section and not the other.

Here's what's in the bond.

Prop A totals about $399.7 million. Currently, four campuses in DSISD are overcapacity — Dripping Springs Elementary, Walnut Springs Elementary, Sycamore Springs Middle School and Dripping Springs High School.

Dripping Springs High School is the only high school in the district and serves more than 2,500 students. Even with portable classrooms, the campus is expected to exceed capacity by 2028.

The bond would add a second high school, allowing for another 2,500 students. It would be built along Darden Hill Road and cost the district about $298.8 million. It's expected to open for the 2028-2029 school year.

The fund would also go toward renovations at Dripping Springs High School and Rooster Springs Elementary, and would help maintain buildings across the district.

Prop A would also help the district buy new school buses and replace and retrofit old ones to ensure all buses have seat belts. Transportation safety has been a concern across the region following a Hays CISD school bus deadly crash last year. Since then, several districts have made an effort to meet new safety standards.

Prop B totals about $2.6 million. The funds would upgrade technology for teachers, staff and students. Devices for teachers and staff are usually replaced once they’re over five years old; devices for students aren’t replaced until they break or stop working.

Part of the technology upgrade includes replacing interactive panels in classrooms, which work like electronic whiteboards. Those are usually replaced every seven years, once they reach the end of their warranty period.

DSISD officials said the property tax rate is expected to remain the same whether or not the bond passes.

Early voting runs from April 22 to April 29; Election Day is May 3. Find out more about the election here.

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