Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Texas plans tax holiday on energy-efficient goods
From San Antonio Business Journal, April 29, 2009...Texas Comptroller Susan Combs said Wednesday that consumers throughout the state could save as much as $3 million if they buy energy-efficient appliances and other household items next month during the Memorial Day weekend.
The state has scheduled a three-day tax holiday on state and local taxes when consumers buy products bearing the Energy Star label. The Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday applies to air conditioners priced under $6,000, refrigerators priced less than $2,000, ceiling fans, incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs, washers, dishwashers, dehumidifiers and programmable thermostats.
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Leander ISD Releases Advice on Swine Flu
The Leander Independent School District released a directive on how to identify and respond to swine flu. Their advice can be read here (PDF).
Monday, April 27, 2009
Tornado hit Williamson County; dozens of homes damaged
From KEYE, April 27, 2009...
A tornado Monday damaged dozens of homes in Williamson County and knocked out power to more than 100 people.
A tornado Monday damaged dozens of homes in Williamson County and knocked out power to more than 100 people.
Late Monday afternoon the National Weather Service determined it was a F1 tornado that blew threw the county just after 4 a.m. It estimates the wind was 85 to 95 miles per hour. The tornado had a path of two miles and was 50 yards wide.
The worst damage is in the small community of Jonah, between Georgetown and Hutto. At least 22 homes in Jonah took a hit from the strong winds.
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Avoid raw alfalfa sprouts due to salmonella risk
From News 8 Austin, April 27, 2009...Government health officials are telling people to avoid eating raw alfalfa sprouts, because they could be contaminated with a strain of salmonella.
Officials have received 31 reports of illness associated with eating raw alfalfa sprouts in Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah and West Virginia.
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Google Swine Flu Map
There is a Google Maps mashup that is tracking the swine flu outbreak. View the all of the known locations of the disease at this site.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Austin Traffic is Now on iPhone
From Austin Startup, April 17, 2009...
Round Rock-based Kerlmax has released the latest version of their Austin Traffic iPhone application. Google Maps has a map-based indicator of traffic, but this app has traffic cameras on the major highways in Austin, plus a list of exactly where incidents are happening. You just don’t get that kind of pinpoint accuracy any other way.
The data comes from the city and the Texas Department of Transportion, so if there are data glitches you’ll have to blame them. It would be cool to see some sort of crowdsourced traffic reporting for the iPhone. Perhaps they’re saving that for version 3.0!
The data comes from the city and the Texas Department of Transportion, so if there are data glitches you’ll have to blame them. It would be cool to see some sort of crowdsourced traffic reporting for the iPhone. Perhaps they’re saving that for version 3.0!
Cedar Park transit services plan
From Impact News, April 17, 2009...
The City of Cedar Park has completed a transit services plan and is conducting a commuter rail stop feasibility study.
The City of Cedar Park has completed a transit services plan and is conducting a commuter rail stop feasibility study.
The transit services plan was created in response to the needs of the city’s citizens, said Jose Madrigal, assistant city manager.
The city council chose to focus its efforts on implementing a two-vehicle bus system that would run at peak-usage times. Madrigal described the vehicles as large vans, not full-size buses.
Though the plan does not outline a service provider, Capital Metro has told the city it wishes to place a bid to provide the services. The city will also consider bids from private companies, Madrigal said.
Rosie's Pho - 1890 Ranch (Review)
From Impact News, April 17, 2009...
It is advisable to get to Rosie’s early if you’re in a hurry. Diners order at the counter, and although the service is prompt, the line can go to the door. Both the Cedar Park and Round Rock locations are often packed during weekday lunch hours.
It is advisable to get to Rosie’s early if you’re in a hurry. Diners order at the counter, and although the service is prompt, the line can go to the door. Both the Cedar Park and Round Rock locations are often packed during weekday lunch hours.
The atmosphere at Rosie’s is casual, with outdoor seating at the Cedar Park location.
While there are plenty of Vietnamese choices available, there are also other Asian dishes, including Korean barbecue, pad Thai and fried rice dishes.
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Moody’s Café, N. US 183, is now open under new ownership
From Impact News, April 17, 2009...
Mark and Estela Lingard offer old-fashioned, county meals, including breakfast items that can be ordered any time of the day. Dining hours are 6 a.m.-10 p.m. seven days a week, and breakfast items are served all day. Call 260-6300.The café also hosts Texas Friendly Defensive Driving School from noon-6 p.m. on the first and third Saturday of the month. The $35 tuition for the class includes a Moody’s meal. To register, call 873-9207.
Mark and Estela Lingard offer old-fashioned, county meals, including breakfast items that can be ordered any time of the day. Dining hours are 6 a.m.-10 p.m. seven days a week, and breakfast items are served all day. Call 260-6300.The café also hosts Texas Friendly Defensive Driving School from noon-6 p.m. on the first and third Saturday of the month. The $35 tuition for the class includes a Moody’s meal. To register, call 873-9207.
Mexican Restaurant Reopens as "El Coyote"
From Impact News, April 17, 2009...
Benjamin and Maria Cruz opened El Coyote the last week of March at 109 N. US 183. The Mexican food restaurant features a breezy patio and full bar. The hours are 7 a.m.-9 p.m. seven days a week. Call 259-9198.
Benjamin and Maria Cruz opened El Coyote the last week of March at 109 N. US 183. The Mexican food restaurant features a breezy patio and full bar. The hours are 7 a.m.-9 p.m. seven days a week. Call 259-9198.
Southern’s Pizza & Sports Pub is Open
Southern’s Pizza & Sports Pub didn't make their goal of being open for March Madness, but they are open for business now at 1805 S. US 183, Ste. 400. Call 259-2699.
Bagdad Road Detour
From Impact News, April 17, 2009...
Bagdad Road will be closed for construction between Old 2243 and North Creek Boulevard beginning April 27. Old 2243 will remain open to two-way traffic. The city plans to complete the project by the end of September. The construction schedule is tentative and subject to change because of weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Visit the City of Leander web site to view a map of the road detour.
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Bagdad Road will be closed for construction between Old 2243 and North Creek Boulevard beginning April 27. Old 2243 will remain open to two-way traffic. The city plans to complete the project by the end of September. The construction schedule is tentative and subject to change because of weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Visit the City of Leander web site to view a map of the road detour.
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BCRUA water system waiting out market
From Impact News, April 17, 2009...
Construction on phase 1 of the Leander, Cedar Park and Round Rock regional water system is being delayed several months to allow the financial markets to settle before the Texas Water Development Board issues approximately $309 million in bonds to pay for the first portions of the project.
Construction on phase 1 of the Leander, Cedar Park and Round Rock regional water system is being delayed several months to allow the financial markets to settle before the Texas Water Development Board issues approximately $309 million in bonds to pay for the first portions of the project.
Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority Project Manager Chris Lippe said he is hopeful the wait will result in a more favorable interest rate.
“We believe [the interest rate] is going to be better than what it was a year ago,” Lippe said.
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Foreclosure Risk for Late HOA Dues
From KXAN, April 16, 2009...
How would you like to lose your $250,000 home over not paying your homeowner's dues?
How would you like to lose your $250,000 home over not paying your homeowner's dues?
It is a closer reality for Mark Lyne, an insurance agent, in Williamson County. Lyne received a letter last week from his Homeowners Association in the Woods of Brushy Creek subdivision in Northwest Williamson County, that said the HOA intends to foreclose if he does not pay his $1,267 fine.
"So they're going to come and take our $250,000 asset so they can get their $1200," said Lyne.
Lyne, who lost his job in 2005, has admittedly faced financial difficulty. He admits not paying his dues because of other choices in his life.
Lyne, who lost his job in 2005, has admittedly faced financial difficulty. He admits not paying his dues because of other choices in his life.
[Ed. Note: In 2002 a $500,000 home in the well-to-do Houston subdivision of Champion's Forest was foreclosed and sold at auction by the HOA for lack of payment of the $814 HOA dues.]
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Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Candidate forums planned
From Impact News, April 15, 2009...
Candidates for the Leander City Council will introduce themselves and answer audience-generated questions from 7-9 p.m. April 22 at the Leo Center, 300 S. West Drive, Leander.
Candidates for the Leander City Council will introduce themselves and answer audience-generated questions from 7-9 p.m. April 22 at the Leo Center, 300 S. West Drive, Leander.
Leander Independent School District Board of Trustees candidates will participate in a forum from 6:30-8 p.m. April 27 in the Cedar Park Middle School cafeteria, 2100 Sun Chase Blvd., Cedar Park. The forum is sponsored by the LISD Council of PTAs.
An LISD Board of Trustees forum for place 1 and place 2 candidates will begin at 7 p.m. May 9 at Laura Welch Bush Elementary, 12600 Country Trails, Austin. This forum is sponsored by the Laura Welch Bush Elementary PTA.
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Advocacy Center to host 7th annual golf tournament
From statesman, April 15, 2009...
The Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center will host its 7th annual golf tournament fundraiser May 11 at Avery Ranch Golf Club, 10500 Avery Club Drive.
The Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center will host its 7th annual golf tournament fundraiser May 11 at Avery Ranch Golf Club, 10500 Avery Club Drive.
Children who are abused are brought to the center, a home-like setting where they can be examined by a nurse, receive counseling and be interviewed by police to report the abuse.
The center is a non-profit supported by the county, area cities, grants and donations.
To sign up or to sponsor a hole, download a registration form at www.wilcocac.org or contact Executive Director Brenda Staples at 943-3701 or Jana Vaughan, event chair, at 917-5262.
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Red Poppy Festival coming to Georgtown
From statesman, April 15, 2009...
Red Poppy Festival on the Square April 25-26
The red poppies are blooming in Georgetown, a sure sign of the arrival of spring and the Red Poppy Festival, celebrating its 10th year on April 25 and 26.
Red Poppy Festival on the Square April 25-26
The red poppies are blooming in Georgetown, a sure sign of the arrival of spring and the Red Poppy Festival, celebrating its 10th year on April 25 and 26.
Music: Best known for their number one country rock hit Let Your Love Flow, the Bellamy Brothers perform in a Saturday night concert at 9 p.m. on the Square. Howard and David Bellamy had 12 number-one hits on the country charts as the most successful duo in country music in the 1980s. The next generation of Bellamys, Jesse and Noah, perform Saturday night at 7 p.m.
Other music groups on Saturday and Sunday at the festival include the Siekers, Blue Rail, Georgetown High School Jazz Band, Austin Jazz Band, and Joe McDermott. For a full schedule of events, go to RedPoppyFestival.com. There is no admission charge for any of the festival concerts.
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Monday, April 13, 2009
Williamson County general fund balance grew by $9 million in 2008
From Impact News, April 3, 2009...
The Williamson County’s general fund grew to $49.3 million by the end of 2008 — an increase of 21 percent from the previous year — according to a financial report presented by county auditors March 31.
The Williamson County’s general fund grew to $49.3 million by the end of 2008 — an increase of 21 percent from the previous year — according to a financial report presented by county auditors March 31.
The general fund balance represents the difference between the revenue the county took in from sources such as taxes, fines and service charges, and its expenditures on public safety, government operations and community development. The county’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, or CAFR, attributes the $9 million growth to rising property values, revenues from emergency medical services and payments from other governments.
The leftover funds remain separate from the county’s operating budget and may only be applied to one-time expenses such as lowering tax rates, constructing roads or paying back debt.
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Cedar Park expects increased revenue with events center
From News 8 Austin, March 23, 2009...
It's getting closer to completion and construction is trucking along at the Cedar Park Center.
It's getting closer to completion and construction is trucking along at the Cedar Park Center.
The $55 million facility is set to open at the end of September and hockey fans are getting excited.
There are still a few more bricks to lay but construction is coming along quickly at what will soon be home to the Texas Stars Hockey Club
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'Health' magazine rates fast-food chains
From KVUE, March 24, 2008...
Eating on the go and on a budget does not have to be a diet disaster. Health magazine surveyed the nation's 100 biggest grab-and-go chains and, with help from a panel of experts, found 10 that are surprisingly good for you. The chains were scored on such factors as the use of healthy fats and preparations, healthy sodium counts in entrees, availability of nutrition information and the use of organic produce. For the full story, visit http://www.health.com/.
Eating on the go and on a budget does not have to be a diet disaster. Health magazine surveyed the nation's 100 biggest grab-and-go chains and, with help from a panel of experts, found 10 that are surprisingly good for you. The chains were scored on such factors as the use of healthy fats and preparations, healthy sodium counts in entrees, availability of nutrition information and the use of organic produce. For the full story, visit http://www.health.com/.
Health magazine's ten healty fast food restaurants
1. Panera Bread
2. Jason's Deli
3. Au Bon Pain
4. Noodles and Company
5. Corner Bakery Café
6. Chipotle
7. Atlanta Bread
8. McDonald's
9. Einstein Bros. Bagels
10. Taco Del Mar
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2. Jason's Deli
3. Au Bon Pain
4. Noodles and Company
5. Corner Bakery Café
6. Chipotle
7. Atlanta Bread
8. McDonald's
9. Einstein Bros. Bagels
10. Taco Del Mar
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Leander has high hopes despite commuter rail delay
From KVUE, March 24, 2009...
On Monday [March 23], Capital Metro indefinitely suspended the rail line's start date.
On Monday [March 23], Capital Metro indefinitely suspended the rail line's start date.
"We're not disappointed because we know it is coming. Yeah, we'd like it to be tomorrow but if it's a month from now, that's OK too," said Mayor John Cowman of Leander.
Mayor Cowman is confident the delay won't hurt the town for long.
"People move up here because there's going to be access to public transportation. We're not complaining. We think we've made the right move," he added.
During the past two years, as the 183-A toll opened and the rail line construction began, city leaders say business space grew by about 725,000 square feet.
There are plans for a large transit village next to the rail station with mixed-use development.
"The intent is to create an environment where you can walk everywhere,” said Kirk Clennan, Leander’s director of economic development. "(The rail) is another step toward sustainability for Leander."
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Williamson County burn ban lifted
From Impact News, March 27, 2009...
County Judge Dan A. Gattis lifted the burn ban for all of Williamson County until further notice March 27.
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County Judge Dan A. Gattis lifted the burn ban for all of Williamson County until further notice March 27.
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Shopper's guide to buying organic
From Impact News, March 27, 2009...
Buying organic typically costs 30 to 50 percent more than buying non-organic produce, but Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit Washington D.C.-based public health research and advocacy group, reports the steeper price may be worth it — particularly for those who may be more susceptible to the pesticides in produce such as pregnant women and young children. Even after being washed, some produce consistently carries higher levels of pesticide residue than others.
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Buying organic typically costs 30 to 50 percent more than buying non-organic produce, but Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit Washington D.C.-based public health research and advocacy group, reports the steeper price may be worth it — particularly for those who may be more susceptible to the pesticides in produce such as pregnant women and young children. Even after being washed, some produce consistently carries higher levels of pesticide residue than others.
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Capital Metro Info
Capital Metro installed quad-gate technology, which prevent vehicles from driving around safety gates in an attempt to beat the train, at MetroRail crossings along the 32-mile MetroRail line between Leander and central Austin.
The safety measure aided Cedar Park and Leander in gaining approval from the Federal Railroad Administration for Quiet Zones around railroad crossings. Trains will not sound horns in the cities unless they are accelerating from a stopped position or there is an emergency such as a person or vehicle on the tracks.
The City of Austin has also applied for Quiet Zones around railroad crossings between McNeil Drive and Gracy Farms Lane and between US 183 and downtown Austin. The FRA requires trains to sound horns 20 seconds prior to reaching public crossings unless a Quiet Zone has been approved.
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Kerbey Lane Café
From Impact News, March 27, 2009...
One of the few eating places in northwest Austin open 24 hours a day, Kerbey Lane Café has a culture all to itself — a place with a slow pace and food with a great taste.
One of the few eating places in northwest Austin open 24 hours a day, Kerbey Lane Café has a culture all to itself — a place with a slow pace and food with a great taste.
The original Kerbey Lane, which opened in 1980, can still be found off the street of the same name in central Austin. The new northwest location moved farther north to Anderson Arbor at US 183 and Anderson Mill Road about eight months ago from its previous home at US 183 near Spicewood Springs Road. While many miss the homey feel of the old spot, the new restaurant still has the same food Austinites have come to know and love.
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Cedar Park Center ready for final beam
From News 8 Austin, April 13, 2009...
The new Cedar Park Center is one beam closer to opening for sports fans.
The new Cedar Park Center is one beam closer to opening for sports fans.
The center held a "topping out" ceremony Thursday. Folks signed their names on the last beam to go in the building at the highest spot.
Besides being the home for the minor league Texas Stars hockey team, the center will also host live music, family shows and school graduations.
Officials said the center is scheduled to open this fall.
"We're working with all the family shows, the Shrine Circus, Walking with Dinosaurs – we've gotten some commitments from those folks," Rick McLaughlin, Cedar Park Center general manager, said. "We anticipate having 125 events in the first 12 months."
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Friday, April 10, 2009
Contract expands recycling options
From Impact News, April 10, 2009...
After more than two years of negotiations, the Williamson County Commissioners signed a new landfill contract with Waste Management March 3. Included in the contract is a directive for the company to take over operations of the Williamson County Landfill Recycle Center and implement new recycling programs. The center has been operated by Williamson County since opening in 2005.
After more than two years of negotiations, the Williamson County Commissioners signed a new landfill contract with Waste Management March 3. Included in the contract is a directive for the company to take over operations of the Williamson County Landfill Recycle Center and implement new recycling programs. The center has been operated by Williamson County since opening in 2005.
“[The plan] is intended to include additional types of recycling processes or facilities that would go out there, as well as a timeline for construction and installation of those facilities,” Jacobs said. “We are already starting to work at that internally to develop a plan as to what other recycling processes we can add, and we will be working with the county to get that approved.”
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Legislation could impact pipeline
From Hill Country News, April 9, 2009...
Installing a deep water intake facility in the village of Volente might take a bit more bargaining if State Representative Donna Howard gets her way.
Installing a deep water intake facility in the village of Volente might take a bit more bargaining if State Representative Donna Howard gets her way.
The proposed facility is part of a $354 million Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority (BCRUA) infrastructure designed to increase the amount of water Cedar Park, Leander and Round Rock can draw from Lake Travis.
House Bill 722, which is currently pending before the Committee on Urban Affairs, would require the BCRUA member cities to get the permission of the Volente City Council before building an industrial intake facility in a residential area. The committee held a hearing on Thursday, March 26, gathering input from supporters and opponents of HB 722.
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CPC in the clear on Hicks loan default
From Hill Country News, April 9, 2009...
The Cedar Park Center is still well under way to be completed in September and the Texas Stars will still be making their debut season in October despite the announcement that the Hicks Sports Group, which owns the Stars and has given $12 million toward the CPC, defaulted on loans.
The Cedar Park Center is still well under way to be completed in September and the Texas Stars will still be making their debut season in October despite the announcement that the Hicks Sports Group, which owns the Stars and has given $12 million toward the CPC, defaulted on loans.
Late last week, news hit that Tom Hicks, owner of the Texas Rangers baseball team and Dallas Stars defaulted on $525 million in loans - an intentional move to help with bank negotiations. According to FINalternatives, Hicks failed to make the interest payments on a $350 million bank-term loan, $100 million second-lien loan and a $75 million revolving credit facility.
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Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Hicks Sports Group defaults on $525 million in loans
From Impact News, April 6, 2009...
Hicks Sports Group, which owns the Dallas Stars, the Texas Rangers and Cedar Park Center partner Hicks Sports Marketing, intentionally defaulted March 31 on $525 million in loans.
Hicks Sports Group, which owns the Dallas Stars, the Texas Rangers and Cedar Park Center partner Hicks Sports Marketing, intentionally defaulted March 31 on $525 million in loans.
Owner Thomas Hicks told The Associated Press he made the move in an effort to negotiate with lenders.
The loans in question are related to the Stars and the Rangers. HSG stated in a press release that it is involved in negotiations with the lenders regarding debt terms and covenants.
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Mama Fu’s in Georgetown is open for business…and man, is it good!
From Hometown Georgetown, April 6, 2009...
Let’s start with facts, and then I’ll let myself rave at will. Mama Fu’s Asian House at Wolf Ranch Mall in Georgetown opens to the public today. At lunchtime, they’ll offer counter service so you can get in and out quickly. At dinner, a waiter or waitress will come to your table to take your order. The atmosphere is casual, so come as you are.
Let’s start with facts, and then I’ll let myself rave at will. Mama Fu’s Asian House at Wolf Ranch Mall in Georgetown opens to the public today. At lunchtime, they’ll offer counter service so you can get in and out quickly. At dinner, a waiter or waitress will come to your table to take your order. The atmosphere is casual, so come as you are.
You can order for pickup or delivery online at http://www.mamafusonline.com/. Check out the Mama Fu’s menu. The online menu doesn’t show their prices, but they were pretty reasonable. Looks to me like there will be a $5 delivery charge, and don’t forget to tip your driver!
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