By KIM ESTES, Four Points News

Mike Stock’s family has a house in Steiner Ranch, but the road is now their home as they tour South America in a 1995 Toyota 4Runner. They left in February and are not coming back “until we are through,” he said.

For Mike and his wife, the open road soothes their restless spirits. Their daughters, Sierra, 9, and Zoe, 6, are enjoying the experience too.

“We love how our kids are learning about each other and the world in real time. It is such a joy to see the world through our daughters’ eyes, to see their amazement when they ask us a question and we don’t have the answers,” Mike said.

Ruins in old town Antigua, Guatemala.

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By LYNETTE HAALAND, Four Points News

The Quinlan Crossing retail center in Steiner Ranch was acquired by Houston-based Whitestone REIT for a total of $37.5 million, making it Whitestone’s fourth community centered property in Austin.

“Quinlan Crossing meets all of the key elements of our investment strategy and we couldn’t be more thrilled to be adding this premier property to our Austin portfolio,” said James Mastandrea, Whitestone chairman and CEO.

Whitestone (NYSE:WSR) initially entered Austin in late May with the purchase of Davenport Village and has since expanded its holdings in the Austin market to four properties.

Quinlan Crossing retail center was acquired by Whitestone REIT for $37.5 million.

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Please click on the image for full size and scroll through the slide show.  Go Vipers!

By CASSIE MCKEE, Four Points News

When it comes to traffic fatalities, 2015 has been one of the deadliest in Austin history, and Four Points is contributing with its spike in accidents.

As of Aug. 21,  71 people have lost their lives as a result of traffic accidents this year, more than in all of last year. In 2014, there were 37 traffic deaths.

“Each and every one of those deaths was completely, absolutely preventable,” said Austin Police Department Chief Art Acevedo.

There has been a dramatic spike in the number of accidents, including some fatalities, in Four Points year.

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By CASSIE MCKEE, Four Points News

It’s a busy time of year as students and parents get ready for the first day of school on Monday, Aug. 24.

While the district is not making any big policy changes for the upcoming school year, there will be a few technology enhancements throughout the district to help both students and parents.

GPS technology on buses

One enhancement that will help students who ride the bus is the implementation of GPS technology on school buses. If a child’s bus is running late due to traffic or other reasons, a parent can call the bus dispatch line and find out in real time where the bus is and its expected arrival time. Continue reading →