Corridor Weekly News Recap for the week of March 28

Sierra Martin | Managing Editor

San Marcos Corridor News is back to bring you the Corridor Weekly News Recap, videos covering the biggest stories in Hays County every week. 

I’m Jirah Simpson, let’s dive into the news for the week of March 28th from the Innovation Corridor. 

Texas State University System Chancellor Brian McCall has selected Kelly R. Damphousse, Ph.D., as sole finalist in the Texas State University presidential search. Dr. Damphousse currently serves as chancellor and CEO of Arkansas State University. He was named sole finalist after an extensive, six-month national search.

Texas law requires a 21-day waiting period before the Texas State University System Board of Regents may consider Dr. Damphousse’s nomination. If confirmed, he will become Texas State University’s 10th president, succeeding Dr. Denise Trauth, who will retire in June after 20 years of service to the university.

On Thursday, March 31, Hays County Narcotics deputies attempted to serve a search/arrest warrant on a male individual at the Saddle Creek Apartments in Kyle.

The suspect refused to come outside and barricaded himself inside the apartment. The Hays County SWAT team was utilized and the male suspect, Juan Oscar Zamarron, came out of the residence and was apprehended without incident.

Zamarron was charged with marijuana possession, tampering with or fabricating physical evidence and manufacturing and delivery of a controlled substance. 

On Wednesday, March 30, 2022, San Marcos Police responded to a call for service at the Embassy Suites.

John Beard II of San Antonio was arrested after officers located additional evidence while executing a search warrant including counterfeit U.S. currency, fake licenses, and sheets of blank checks.

As of March 14th, Tyler Hastings Berry of Buda, was charged with animal cruelty when authorities were notified of two deceased puppies found in his hotel room. It was found that the puppies’ cause of death were strangulation and partial drowning.

Berry has been previously arrested for crimes including criminal mischief and possession of controlled substances. According to court records, Berry is charged with two misdemeanor counts of cruelty to non-livestock animals concerning the two puppies and third-degree felony cruelty charges for the death of the pit bull. 

Texas States’ McCoy college of business center announced, on March 24th, the addition of the Student Success center located inside the building. The program is designed to provide resources that support student transition to the business school, offer professional development and networking opportunities, and prepare students for fulfilling careers. 

San Marcos CISD is reviewing a grievance filed by a parent whose child has reportedly been repeatedly threatened by a student at Mendez Elementary School.

The Hays Caldwell Women’s Center celebrated the grand opening of Marla’s Place. The 22,500 square foot complex is designed to accommodate up to 18 families in apartment-style units for an extended period. The complex also includes gathering spaces, two Head Start classrooms for childcare, a playground and a sports court. 

On Tuesday, March 29, Commissioners adopted a proclamation adopting Lights Out Hays County Months to the Hays County Friends of the Night Sky. Lights Out Texas is a statewide initiative to raise awareness of light pollution’s risk to birds.

The initiative asks businesses, residents and governments to turn off non-essential lights at night from March through June 15th and fall migration from August 15th through November 30th.

The Hays County Local Health Department has reported a low COVID-19 transmission rate in the county with 1 fatality and 109 active cases being reported this week.

Thank you for tuning in to the Corridor News Weekly Recap, sponsored by La Cima. 

Please follow us on Facebook or Twitter and subscribe to our daily newsletter to always stay updated on local news. More information on these stories and other news and events happening around Hays County can be found at SMcorridorNews.com.