By CASSIE MCKEE, Four Points News

After being diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer one year ago, Steiner Ranch resident Alana Weston knows how fortunate she is to be doing so well today.

“It’s truly a miracle because many women in my situation do not have the same outcome,” Weston said.

On Aug. 3, 2014, Weston, an active mom of two, attended a Justin Timberlake concert with friends in New Orleans. By the end of the night, she felt a strange sore spot near her breast but thought it was caused from the underwire of the strapless bra she was wearing.

“I was definitely in the dark and I certainly didn’t realize that someone at 39 with no symptoms could have Stage IV cancer,” said Steiner Ranch resident Alana Weston, who has has battled breast cancer over the past year. Her husband Wade Weston, daughter Loni Weston, 13, and son Lucas Weston, 9, have supported her along the way.

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By CASSIE MCKEE, Four Points News

The 78730 zip code, which includes River Place, Long Canyon, Westminster Glen and Glenlake, has seen a significant population growth which has far exceeded projections by the City of Austin.

In 2010, the 78730 zip code had a population of 7,022. That number was projected to increase to only 7,091 residents by 2020, according to the Delphi, Trends, and Imagine (DTI) Austin 2040 Population and Employment Forecast. Data from the  U.S. Census Bureau’s 2009-13 American Community Survey, however, shows that the 78730 zip code already has a population of 8,916 residents. Continue reading →

By SARAH DOOLITTLE, Four Points News

Jorge Eurán of Steiner Ranch created the company Believe & Train one year ago as a result of his passion for running.

Already a successful business owner in his native Mexico, Eurán moved with him wife and two children to Austin in 2011 as part of a federal government program to bring Mexican information technology companies to the U.S. Eurán says he was one of only eight chosen to come to Austin from over a thousand applicants.

Believe & Train has a line of die-cut, metal, wall-mounted racks for displaying medals earned for a variety of sporting events. The racks are emblazoned with words of pride and inspiration: for example, Live Love Swim, My Marathons, and the soccer-themed Play for Life.

In addition to his line of racks produced for commercial sale at sporting events and on Amazon.com, Eurán has recently started partnering with local organizations to produce custom fundraising items, like a rack for Steiner Elementary School.

Eurán started running 15 years ago as a means of reducing stress while he earned his MBA. He eventually graduated to marathons, and at the same time, encouraged his wife and kids to start running with him.

“I had all my medals in a drawer. And my business (Alveni, LLC) is something totally different from this,” making interactive touch screen kiosks. “One day (my daughter) said, ‘So dad, what do I do with all my medals?… I just want to show them. I’m really proud of what I’ve done.’”

Jorge Eurán with one of the medal display racks from his company Believe & Train.
Photo by Sarah Doolittle

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By LYNETTE HAALAND, Four Points News

Leander ISD Superintendent Bret Champion announced that 769 students earned 827 Advanced Placement Scholar Awards in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the 2015 AP exams.

This is a 21-percent increase from the previous year when 638 students earned 684 distinctions.

“Leander ISD is pleased that a growing number of students are participating in the AP Program and earning AP Scholar Awards,” Champion said. Continue reading →

By KIM ESTES, Four Points News

Steiner Ranch families mingled with local heroes at the First Responders Appreciation event on Sept. 23 at John Simpson Park. About 50 people attended including 20 first responders, reported Sherri Smetana, organizer.

“I wanted to show my appreciation to first responders and I thought the community would support the idea and it did,” Smetana said.

Steiner Ranch residents said a big “thank you” to police, firefighters and medics at a First Responders Appreciation event on Sept. 23 at John Simpson Park. About 50 people attended, including 20 first responders.

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