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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).

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.

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.

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!

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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 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.

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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.

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.