Tours were given at the new Mansfield Water Treatment Plant on Jan. 28 with views of Lake Travis, Mansfield Dam, Steiner Ranch and more. Water is taken from Lake Travis and treated at the plant and shared with WCID 17 customers, including Steiner Ranch. WCID serves approximately 37,500 people.
Photo by Lynette Haaland

By LYNETTE HAALAND, Four Points News

The Travis County Water Control and Improvement District No. 17 opened its new $31 million Mansfield Water Treatment Plant a few weeks ago and dedicated it with formal ceremony on Jan. 28.

“We take great pride in the district’s many accomplishments over the years and we hope to contribute to the community for years to come,” said Deborah Gernes, WCID 17 general manager.

“You trust us to bring clean, reliable water to you, and we strive everyday to make that trust honored,” said Jeff Roberts, president of WCID 17. Continue reading →

The newly formed voting districts are comprised of neighborhoods within the Steiner Ranch Master Association that are similar in size and location.

By KIM ESTES, Four Points News

The Steiner Ranch Master Association will transition into a totally homeowner-run board and, to do so, its constituency has been divided into five districts.

“This is an exciting time for Steiner Ranch; a time in which residents will lead the community,” said Randy Schmaltz, executive director of the Steiner Ranch Homeowners’ Association. Continue reading →

By SCOTT W. COLEMAN, Four Points News

Things are about to get a lot tougher for a pair of Leander ISD teams that have seen tremendous success in recent years.

Vandegrift and Vista Ridge will join Leander High School in rising to Class 6A competition in the coming two seasons, according to the University Interscholastic League’s reclassification and realignment announcement on Monday. That puts all three schools competing in a completely revamped District 25-6A, along with Lake Travis, Westlake, Buda Hays and Kyle Lehman.

Four of the teams in the newly adjusted 25-6A reached the football state quarterfinals and both Westlake and Lake Travis played in Class 6A state title games just six weeks ago.

The UIL realignment of District 25-6A will pit Vandegrift against Lake Travis and Westlake starting next school year. “Adjusting to tougher districts isn’t a new thing, but two state finalists make this hard,” said Drew Sanders, VHS athletic director and head football coach.
Photo by Scott W. Coleman

Continue reading →

By LYNETTE HAALAND, Four Points News

Single-family home sales and prices in greater Austin — including Four Points —  set all-time records in 2015, as well as records for the month of December.

“Four-Points is doing very well,” said Tom Radack, owner Bartlett Real Estate Group Keller Williams Realty.

Four Points experienced solid sales growth and price appreciation, he added.

“Stronger growth was limited as a result of less available inventory, but the median price rose by $33,525 to $493,525, 6.8 percent over 2014. Days on market increased from 25 to 37,” Radack said.

This chart, compiled by Bartlett Real Estate, compares annual home sales statistics from the Multiple Listing Service in the area since 2010. The Four Points subdivisions in this report are Comanche Trail, Grandview Hills/Parke, River Place, Steiner Ranch and Westminster Glen.

Continue reading →

Four Points Family Vision owner and optometrist Sherry Salkhordeh of Steiner Ranch is still in shock from the announcement on Friday, when she found out that her practice would close with the Walmart store closing.

By LYNETTE HAALAND, Four Points News

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. announced Friday its plans to close 269 stores including the Four Points Walmart Supercenter, which affects more than 260 employees and businesses including Four Points Family Vision.

Business owner and optometrist Sherry Salkhordeh — a Steiner Ranch resident, wife and mother of three — is still in shock from the announcement on Friday, when she found out about an hour before it was released to the public.

The Walmart district manager called Salkhordeh, owner of Four Points Family Vision, on Thursday night and set an 8 a.m. meeting with her. She asked if there was anything bad but the manager said, “you’re not in trouble, you’re one of the best doctors (we have in Austin.) I wouldn’t call if it wasn’t really important,” the Walmart manager told her.

The next morning at that meeting, the Walmart manager told Salkhordeh about the closing of 154 stores in the U.S. including the local Four Points store.  

She was blindsided.

“It’s just not right, they should’ve given me notice,” she said. “Why they would do that… because I’ve built my practice and am working really hard.” Continue reading →