Sushi NiNi Opens in Round Rock

From Austin Business Journal, December 30, 2008...

"Sushi NiNi, which offers appetizers, soups, salads, sushi and sashimi, has leased space in Round Rock Crossing at the southeast corner of I-35 and State Highway 45. Ryder Jeanes, Lance Morris and Parker Estes handled negotiations for that restaurant."

That would seem to put it in the same strip as Dimas and Tracy's Vino 100.

Red Flag Warning: Central Texas fire danger

From KEYE, December 27, 2008...

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Central Texas until 6:00 p.m.A Red Flag Warning means conditions are favorable for a fire to become out of control and with high and gusty winds can spread easily.

Read more...

Einstein selling bagels at 1890 Ranch

From Austin Business Journal, December 23, 2008...

The 1890 Ranch development in Cedar Park has a new restaurant, Einstein Brothers Bagels.

The bagel chain, a brand of Lakewood, Colo.-based Einstein Noah Restaurant Group (Nasdaq: BAGL), has approximately eight Austin area locations already.

Read more...

Leander council approves water line study

From Impact News, December 5, 2008...

At its Dec. 4 meeting, the Leander City Council approved a study to assess water and wastewater needs for the Ronald Reagan Boulevard corridor. Engineering firm Bury + Partners will conduct the study, which will be funded by the city, landowners in the area and the Reagan Parmer Corridor Association.

The city, landowners and RPCA will contribute $12,500, $6,000 and $4,000, respectively, to fund the research.

Read more...

Where to get Tamales

From Impact News, December 5, 2008...

A listing of area restaurants that take orders for tamales by the dozen.

Read more...

Deadly shooting reported at Steiner Steakhouse

From Hill Country News, December 8, 2008...

There was a shooting fatality at Steiner Steakhouse on Monday afternoon. A witness from inside the new upscale restaurant in Steiner Ranch told the Four Points News that Chris Martin, one of the restaurant's managers, was shot and killed Monday. Officials say they are searching for the suspect who was last seen in the 1200 block of Bullock Hollow Road going through the woods toward Lake Travis. The suspect, a white male approximately 5-foot-7, 170 pounds, was seen wearing a green jacket and blue jeans.

Read more...

Feral feline problems discussed at Wilco animal shelter

From News 8 Austin, December 2, 2008...

If you think you have a feral cat problem on your property, this forum might be for you.

Williamson County's Regional Animal Shelter will tell you how to recognize a feral cat colony. A feral cat is a stray and untamed cat separated from domestication.

Read more...

Steiner Steakhouse set to open Friday

From Hill Country News, November 28, 2008...

Instead of shopping the day after Thanksgiving, Bobby Steiner will be opening the Steiner Ranch Steakhouse. He is excited, after months of waiting, to offer the upscale eatery to the community that bears his name.

Read more...

Bennigan's Lakeline closes

From Hill Country News, November 28, 2008...

Bennigan's - located at 13995 Highway 183 North at Lakeline Mall Boulevard - closed after business on Monday. It was one of four Bennigan's in the area - two in Austin, one in Round Rock and another in San Marcos - which were franchise locations owned by Hammoud, Inc.

Read more...

Don't Be Fooled By Going-Out-of-Business Sales

With regard to the going-out-of-business sales going on at Circuit City and Linens and Things, the Better Business Bureau advises the following:

Going Out Of Business Sales May Not Be Such A Bargain

What many people don't realize is that outside liquidation companies run most going-out-of-business sales. Their job is to get as much money as possible for the inventory. For these companies, going out of business is a business.

The liquidators come in before a going-out-of-business sale and raise all prices up to the regular selling price. Then they discount from there, starting with small percentages off and deepening the discounts as the sale goes on.

Liquidators have less leeway than regular retailers in pricing their products because they have no factory-to-dealer incentives to fall back on. In other words, when manufacturers are trying to get their products onto store shelves and gain market share, they may discount the price they charge to retailers or provide factory rebates. Retailers can then advertise those rebates and pass the savings along to customers. Liquidators don't have options like that because their store is not going to stick around.

Liquidators rarely sell merchandise at a loss, even near the end of the sale. There are other ways to sell it off, like to overseas markets hungry for merchandise. So rather than trying to empty a store to the bare walls, going-out-of-business sales are more of a play upon human psychology. Liquidators often try to take advantage of that excitement by bringing in extra outside goods that were never sold at the store that is closing.

FDA finds traces of melamine in US infant formula

From KVUE, November 26, 2008...

Traces of the industrial chemical melamine have been detected in samples of top-selling U.S. infant formula, but federal regulators insist the products are safe. The Food and Drug Administration said last month it was unable to identify any melamine exposure level as safe for infants, but a top official said it would be a "dangerous overreaction" for parents to stop feeding infant formula to babies who depend on it.

"The levels that we are detecting are extremely low," said Dr. Stephen Sundlof, director of the FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. "They should not be changing the diet. If they've been feeding a particular product, they should continue to feed that product. That's in the best interest of the baby."

Read more...

Broken CFL bulb? Don't call 911

From statesman, November 24, 2008...

As a lieutenant in the Austin Fire Department's special operations division, Randy Hazelrig routinely responds to emergencies involving broken gas lines or chemical spills.

In the past couple of months, he's also responded to a new type of call that Austin firefighters say is on the rise: ones involving broken light bulbs.

As more consumers begin to transition from traditional light bulbs to new, energy-saving compact fluorescent bulbs, some have begun calling 911 when the new bulbs break or shatter.

The bulbs contain small amounts of mercury, and some users aren't sure whether they are in danger or how to dispose of the fragments.

Read more...

Ever Wonder What All Those Cedar Park Businesses Are on 183?

From Community Impact, November 21, 2008...

Click on image for a larger view...

1. Terry Davis & Associates

2. Trinity Family Medicine

3. Cedar Park Tech Chiropractic Clinic

4. Edward Jones

5. Watkins Insurance Group

6. Moonie's Burger House

7. Golden Sun Tan

8. Nationwide Insurance & Financial Services

9. Cedar Park Family Practice

10. Fancy Nails

11. Barber Cuts

12. The District Skateboard Supply

13. Hearing Aid Express; 14. Peak Performance Martial Arts

15. ACE Hardware

16. Willow Tree Dance Center

17. Fast Signs

18. Karen Naples

19. Steven W. Smith

20. Callahan's Feed and Pet Supply; (Did you know that Callahan's did not close?)

21. Advanced Tech Automotive

22. State Farm Insurance

23. Stor-A-Way

24. Loan Star Title Loans

25. Allstate Insurance Company

26. Connie's Carwash and N.E.W. Mini Storage

27. Star Dancers Studio

28. Plush Fabric and Home Interiors

29. Cedar Park Eye Care

30. Domino's Pizza

31. Advance America Cash Advance

32. Austin Shoe Hospital

33. Specialty Compounding

34. Smokey Denmark

35. Cedar Park Cemetery

36. Cedar Park Fire Station #1

Read more...

Blue Santa and Brown Santa

From Community Impact, November 21, 2008...

This holiday season, blue and brown are the new red and green.

Every winter for more than a decade, Leander, Cedar Park and Williamson County law enforcement agencies have worked with the communities to make Christmas merrier for families in need. The Blue Santa and Brown Santa initiatives bring toys, books and financial assistance to thousands of eager children and their parents.

Local police departments work with the Hill Country Christmas Bureau to run Blue Santa, which serves families living within the bounds of each city. The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office organizes Brown Santa, a parallel program assisting county residents who live outside incorporated cities.

Read more...

Willy O's Burgers and More in Cedar Park

From Community Impact, November 21, 2008...

In December 2007, cousins William Payne and Don Hendrix opened Willy O’s Burgers & More, a burger joint offering delicious Blue Bell milkshakes ($3.79), fresh-cut fries ($1.89) and made-to-order hamburgers ($3.49 and up).

Hendrix said what sets Willy O’s apart from other fast-food restaurants is a tastier burger, fresh-cut fries, fresh-cut continuous potato chips called ribbon fries ($2.89) and seasonings from Zapp’s Potato Chip Co.

Conveniently located in 1890 Ranch near Cinemark Cedar Park, the restaurant is a great place for a casual date or meeting with friends before catching a movie.

Read more...

New Stores at 1890 Ranch

From Community Impact, November 21, 2008...

Platos' Closet: The upscale resale store will begin making purchases when it opens and, after five to six weeks, will begin selling clothes. Some new items will be available, such as purses and sunglasses, but most of the merchandise will be resale apparel.

Mardel and Hemispheres: Hobby Lobby is bringing its sister stores to 1890 Ranch. Mardel and Hemispheres, both owned by Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., are scheduled to open in mid-November. Mardel is a 22,000 sq. ft. Christian supply store that sells books, music, gifts, videos, children’s games, office supplies and educational materials. Hemispheres, which is 50,000 sq. ft., sells home décor, including imported and domestic furniture, artwork, rugs and bedding. Mardel is open Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. except Wednesday, when it is open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Hemispheres is open Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Call 260-2086 for Hemispheres or visit http://www.mardel.com/ and http://www.hemispheres-us.com/.

Charming Charlie (opened October 14th): The Houston-based women’s accessories retailer has hundreds of fashionable, affordable choices of handbags, jewelry, clothing, sunglasses and accessories. The store is about 6,800 sq. ft. and is open daily from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. at 1355 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. 400. Call 259-4262 or visit http://www.charmingcharlie.com/.

Baskin Robbins: Baskin Robbins recently opened at 1335 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. S-104. The ice cream parlor seats 22 people and offers custom cakes and specials such as $1 scoop Tuesdays. Call 986-7593.

Buffalo Wild Wings opened Sept. 29 at 4710 Toll 183A. Wing lovers can savor 40 cent traditional wings on Tuesdays and 50 cent boneless wings on Thursdays, as well as daily rotating beer specials and happy hour from 4-7 p.m. With 20 beers on tap, 39 high-definition televisions and five 100-inch high-definition projectors, customers can enjoy watching a game. Hours are Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-2 a.m. and Sun. 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Call 528-9030.

Read more...

Crystal Falls Plaza brings Starbucks to Leander

From Community Impact, November 21, 2008...

Crystal Falls Plaza, anchored by Starbucks Coffee Company, is under construction at 1705 US 183, just south of the Lowe’s-anchored Gateway at Leander at the intersection of Crystal Falls Parkway and US 183.

The land was formerly occupied by a barbershop owned by City of Leander Councilman John Perez.

Read more...

Get business and residential directory information online from ReferenceUSA

From Austin City Connection, November 3, 2008...

The Austin Public Library has a new online resource you can use to locate business and residential directory information. You do need to have an Austin Public Library card to use the service, though. The good news is that, as of October 1, 2008, you no longer have to be an Austin resident to get a library card. If you live in Texas, you are good to go!

Read more...

Sushi rolls into Georgetown

From Community Impact, November 14, 2008...

Ichiban Sushi Buffet, 1103 Rivery Blvd., Ste. 210, is expected to open by Dec. 1. The restaurant, owned by Shan Shen Lin, will feature two sushi chefs, a sushi bar and a Chinese buffet. Call 972-937-0660.

Read more...

Holiday Inn Express next for Leander?

From Hill Country News, November 13, 2008...

The owner and general manager of a Cedar Park hotel wants to build another hotel, this time in Leander.

Sharon Erickson, owner of the Comfort Inn in Cedar Park, and her general manager, Jerry Anderson, spoke at citizens' communications on Thursday night at the Leander City Council meeting to tell the council that they are moving forward with their plan, but can only go as far as the city will let them.

“The bank has already authorized to give us the money we need to build it, and they said in a letter we can go forward once Sonny Drive extends east beyond the railroad tracks,” Erickson said.

Read more...

CR 272 becomes hot topic in Leander

From Hill Country News, November 13, 2008...

Moments before Leander City Engineer Wayne Watts gave an update on the city's 2007 Bond projects at last Thursday's city council meeting, resident Blanche Corley expressed her concerns about the lack of work done on County Road 272, which is better known as East Crystal Falls Parkway.

The council also expressed discontent about the fact that no work has been done to widen the road as originally planned several years ago. Watts and City Manager Anthony Johnson blame it on a TxDOT grant that requires an additional environmental study that's required for the road. After voicing their displeasure, the council unanimously decided that the city must look forward into seeing what needs to be done to get the road finished in a timely manner.

Read more...

Ed. Note: The construction timeline for East Crystal Falls Pkwy calls for bids to be opened Feb. 5th, awarded Feb 19th, ground-breaking to begin in March, and project completion Nov. 15, 2009.

A New Twist On Notary Publics

Check out Mobile Austin Notary...

Leander Employment Firm Scamming Job Seekers

From KEYE, November 11, 2008...

More than a million jobs have been slashed in the United States this year. The unemployment rate now sits at a 14-year high of 6.5 percent. With so many people looking for work the Better Business Bureau is getting complaints about one employment company that was operating out of Leander, Texas.

Read more...

Are You Confused About the State of the Economy?

You may or may not agree with me that we are witnessing a major once-in-a-lifetime seachange in the economy which will have (already has had) a profound effect on our lives. I have developed a thesis about what's coming, but I won't elaborate on that here. I simply wanted to pass along a couple of links that may help you to get your head around what has been happening in the global markets, the economy, and the finicial crisis. They provide a good rearview mirror view of the events that got us into the current crisis, and define a lot of the terms which have popped up in the general media lately - Credit Default Swaps (CDS), Collateralized debt Obligations (CDO), Mortgage Backed Securities (MBS), Glass-Steagal Act, Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), etc. See:

http://www.caseyresearch.com/library/articles/2374/hell,-meet-handbasket-11-7-08/

Another instructive article written by Nouriel Roubini published by Bloomberg on October 23 is very interesting:

http://www.rgemonitor.com/roubini-monitor/254130/bloomberg_october_23_2008_roubini_says_panic_may_force_market_shutdown_friday_morning_update_markets_are_becoming_dysfunctional_and_sp_and_djia_futures_trading_already_suspended_today
You will need to register to read the entire rticle, but, in my opinion, Roubini is one of the most astute individuals at deciphering the big picture and explaining it in understandable terms.

Local Notes

The building under construction next to Taco Bell on 183 is going to be Leander's McDonald's. It should be open by the end of the year.

Starbucks has started construction of their Leander store on the southwest corner of 183 and Crystal Falls Parkway.

A little bird told me that the building under construction next to Chik Fil-A at 1890 Ranch is going to be a Carl Jr.'s Hamburger Restaurant. Yum!

Due to Circuit City declaring bankruptcy, they are closing hundreds of stores. The one at 1890 Ranch is one of them, and currently they are having a store-wide sale of 20% off everything.

Where is Your Moximity?

From Austin Startup, October 31, 2008...

Many of our readers have participated in the Moximity beta program ever since the launch, and it’s appearance in the iTunes App Store. Now the company has launched the companion website. You can check in at locations now from your laptop, and modify the radius of your search to see your friends. Depending upon your location on the map, you’ll see advertisements that are location-sensitive. The site is also integrated with Yelp, so you can see relevant reviews.

If you sync up Moximity with your Twitter and Facebook accounts, your Facebook friends will automatically become your Moximity friends, and your updates will get automatically posted to Twitter and your Facebook mini-feed. If you haven’t had a chance to check out Moximity yet, maybe because you don’t have an iPhone, this is your opportunity.

Read more...

Today Is The last Day...

For early voting. 'nuff said?

UT Watch Party Nov. 1 @ 7 PM

#1 Texas takes on #6 Texas Tech on Saturday night. We had a great time last weekend watching UT and Mizzou and thought we’d do it again!

No need to RSVP. Just stop by around kick off. Bring your lawn chairs and drinks. Dress warm!

Josh D

Music! Live @ the Library During November

From Georgetown City News, october 23, 2008...

On Sunday, November 9, from 3-5 p.m., Austin Bella Corda, the eight-member guitar ensemble that has wowed audiences at the Georgetown Public Library before, returns with a program that should engage most any musical taste–classical, folk, new age, Afropop, gypsy, and new compositions by director Kevin Taylor.

Read more...

Thai Food in Georgetown?

From Blue Skies Here, October 24, 2008...

When I was visiting "The Square" a couple of months ago, I noticed a sign on Seventh that announced "Dia Thai Cuisine Opening Soon." Huh? Thai in GT? Sounded good to me! I love Thai food, and have not been able to find a good, convenient place to go since I moved fto GT rom Northwest Austin in 2001.

I'm no food critic -- so take this as you will -- but both my husband and I thought the food was great! My coconut and lemongrass soup with chicken was steaming hot, well spiced and perfectly delicious. In fact, the next day I found myself craving another bowl.

Dia Thai Cuisine is located at 114 E. Seventh St., Ste. 105 in Georgetown, Texas.

Read more...

Texas couple's backyard yields rich discovery

From KVUE, September 29, 2008...

SEGUIN, Texas - One day this past June, Floyd McKee hauled a load of topsoil from near the bank of the Guadalupe River, on which his property sits, and dumped it on the grass in his yard.

"It rained that night, and when I went out in the morning, the yard was covered with spear points," he said. "I got more dirt and sifted it and found a dozen more."

Surprised, McKee contacted local archaeologists Bob Everett and Richard Kinz, both of whom soon declared that McKee's property, near Starcke Park, was among the richest Paleo-Indian archaeological finds they had ever seen.

Read more...

Developers leave several homes unfinished in a Cedar Park, Texas, townhome community

From WFSB, October 22, 2008...

Developers leave several homes unfinished in a Cedar Park, Texas, townhome community.

Watch video...

Buyers seeing higher prices this pumpkin season

From KEYE, October 21, 2008...

October is here, and that means that bright orange pumpkins can be seen in fields and on doorsteps around Central Texas.

Pumpkin buyers will be met with higher prices around the state; pumpkins are averaging about 13 cents a pound, while the average price over the last 10 years was six cents a pound.

Pumpkin growers are seeing a diminished supply, partially because there were heavy rains later in the growing season.

Read more...

Annual Haunted Hayride October 30

From Georgetown City News, October 14, 2008...

Come out to the San Gabriel Park Community Center for the Annual Haunted Hayride and Carnival! Hayrides begin at 6:00 p.m. and take you along the trails hrough the San Gabriel Park.

Bring the little ones early, but be ready to be scared closer to dark! Carnival hours are from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Suitable for all ages. The carnival is free to enter, with a small fee at each booth for participation.

Hayride tickets: $3.00 ages 13 and up, $2.00 ages 5-12. Tickets sold until 8 p.m.

Read more...

Art for Animals on October 19

From Georgetown City News, October 6, 2008...

Art for Animals, an art auction to benefit animals at the Georgetown Animal Shelter, will be held on Sunday, October 19. More than $8,000 was raised to benefit the shelter in the inaugural auction last year.

Silent and live auctions will include paintings, ceramics, and other hand-crafted items, as well as a variety of items from local businesses. Paintings made by the animals at the shelter also will be auctioned. The event will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Community Center at 445 E. Morrow Street in San Gabriel Park. Attendees can enjoy scrumptious desserts and gourmet coffee.

Read more...

FDA Detects Melamine Contamination in Flavored Drink

I don't believe any of the products mentioned are found on local shelves, but wanted to pass this along just in case. My research indicates that these products are primarily found in Asian food stores, and stores (Fiesta?) that carry a selection of Asian foods. --Rusty

From FDA, October 6, 2008...

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has increased inspections and product testing efforts in response to the melamine contamination problem which originated in Chinese dairy products. As a result of the FDA’s on-going testing program, the agency has detected melamine contamination in Blue Cat Flavor Drinks. The distributor of the product, Tristar Food Wholesale Co. Inc., initiated a recall of several flavors of Blue Cat Flavor Drink, based on the FDA’s findings. The FDA advises the public not to consume this product and recommends that retailers and food service operators remove the product from sale or service.

Other Recalls

On September 26, the FDA issued an alert to consumers that seven Mr. Brown instant coffee and milk tea products were being recalled by the Taiwanese company, King Car Food Industrial Co. Ltd., due to possible contamination with melamine. King Car Food Industrial Co. used a non-dairy creamer manufactured by Shandong Duqing Inc., China, which was found to be contaminated with melamine. The recalled products are:

Mr. Brown Mandheling Blend Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
Mr. Brown Arabica Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
Mr. Brown Blue Mountain Blend Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
Mr. Brown Caramel Macchiato Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
Mr. Brown French Vanilla Instant Coffee (3-in-1)
Mr. Brown Mandhling Blend instant Coffee (2-in-1)
Mr. Brown Milk Tea (3-in-1)

Read more...

Commuter Rail Was Running in Leander This Morning

Berna and I saw an empty, brand-spankin' new commuter train take what was apparently a practice run this morning. I can't wait until it goes "live" in March.

Archeology Day at Berry Springs Park & Preserve

From The Wilcounty Line, October, 2008...

The Williamson Museum sponsors Archeology Day at Berry Springs Park and Preserve, 1801 C.R. 152 in Georgetown, on Saturday, October 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Test your skills at atlatl throwing, have fun finding Clues in the Dirt, learn about flint knapping and much more.

The event is free to the public with a free lunch at 12 p.m. For more information, call 943-1670 or go to http://www.williamsonmuseum.org/.

Gas could provide ragweed relief

From KVUE, September 29, 2008...

North Texas is currently under seige from what some call their worst natural enemy: ragweed.

Despite an increase in the number of allergy sufferers, there have been no new treatments in years.

But a possible breakthrough treatment is now being studied that has even allergists excited.

It is as simple as the air in a bicycle tire or bubbles in a soda: carbon dioxide, also known by its chemical abbreviation, C02.

Read more...

LISD plans early release Oct. 8

From Community Impact, October 1, 2008...

Leander Independent School District elementary and secondary students will be released early Oct. 8 for a faculty and staff training session.

Read more...

City Surplus Auction - October 18

From Georgetown City News, October 1, 2008...

Here’s an auction with a little bit of everything, from office chairs, metal bookshelves, and file cabinets, to laptop computers, printers, and desks.

Maybe you need a commercial blender. Or a dump truck. Or a mosquito sprayer.

Or one of six Crown Victorias, a Ford F350, or a flatbed trailer.

Or even a Winnebago.

Find it all at the City of Georgetown/GISD surplus auction on Saturday, October, 18.

Read more...

Buffalo Wild Wings Is Open

Buffalo Wild Wings in 1890 Ranch is now open.

Kohl's opens Oct. 1 in Leander

From Impact News, September 24, 2008...

Kohl's Department Store will celebrate its grand opening in Leander at 1245 US 183 from 7-9 a.m. Oct. 1. The 88,000 sq. ft. store employs 150 people and offers more than 500,000 pieces of merchandise.

The store’s regular business hours will be 8 a.m.-9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on weekends. For more information, call 259-1170 or visit www.kohlscorporation.com.

Read more...

Cerronato opens Library’s Live Music Series October 12

From Georgetown City News

On Sunday, October 12, Cerronato will kick off the library’s new live music series, Music! Live @ the Library. The group will perform from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. in the library plaza in front of the Red Poppy Coffee Shop. Cerronato is a central Texas group that plays Colombian-style vallenato and cumbia, music that may make you want to dance. In a review of their music, the Austin Chronicle said, “(Cerronato) sweeps listeners to their feet like a faith healer at a revival.”

Read more...

Up the Chisholm Trail Cattle Drive and Chuckwagon Cook-Off

From Georgetown City News...

Celebrate Georgetown’s location on the historic Chisholm Trail as well as Williamson County’s rich cattle driving and raising heritage at this one of a kind event on September 26 and 27. Enjoy entertainment for visitors of all ages including live cowboy music, an authentic chuck wagon cook-off, food, western demonstrators, historical re-enactors and exhibits, longhorn cattle drive, a ranch rodeo, and a Saturday night concert featuring Rick Trevino! For a complete line-up, go to http://www.upthechisholmtrail.org/.

Schlitterbahn to Stay Open This Winter

From Austin Business Journal, September 19, 2008...

Schlitterbahn is seeking more visitors and greater revenue by sinking $750 million into its first out-of-state venture and keeping its flagship water park here open during the dead of winter.

The New Braunfels water park, lauded by the Travel Channel as one of the best in America, will launch a Christmas-themed event this winter that will keep the park open from late November through early January. It’s the largest investment the New Braunfels-based water park and resort company has made in an event.

Read more...

Elevation Burger To Land In North Austin

From F For Franchise, September 18, 2008...

Elevation Burger franchisee, Danny Bone, is looking to sign a lease in the Arboretum area of Austin for the first of three locations he will bring to Texas. Bone’s brother, Dennis Bone, former co-owner of the Dunkin Donuts franchise in Austin, Texas, will work as General Manager in charge of day to day operations for all locations.

Elevation Burger is rapidly expanding its Virginia-based organic burger concept throughout the United States and has 27 units currently in development across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Texas.

“The concept itself is a perfect fit with the consumers in the area,” says Bone. “People in Austin, like many consumers today, are much more health conscious than they used to be. Elevation offers a healthy and great tasting alternative to the typical burger joint and I think people are really going to love it.”

More information about the concept can be found at the franchisor's web site.

Read more...

Child Safety Seat Inspections on September 20

From Georgetown City News, September 15, 2008...

According to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, three out of four child safety seats are improperly installed in vehicles. This is one reason why the Georgetown Police Department is sponsoring a free child safety seat check on Saturday, September 20. The inspection clinic will be held from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Fire Station 1, located at 301 Industrial Avenue, which is near FM 1460. English- and Spanish-speaking certified technicians will perform the inspections.

Read more...

Red Poppy Festival Art Contest Seeks Submissions

From Georgetown City News, September 15, 2008...

Original artwork that could be featured in the official 2009 Red Poppy Festival poster is being sought by the Red Poppy Planning Committee. A panel of local artists will select the winner, which must be original and depict some facet of the Red Poppy Festival. Two-dimensional artworks in a variety of styles are welcome.

Read more...