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 →

By KIM ESTES, Four Points News

Scholarships awarded to Vandegrift High School 2015 graduating seniors increased by 54.6 percent compared to 2014, reported Amy Rodriguez, VHS lead counselor.

“Last year, VHS seniors were offered $13.5 million in scholarships. This year, they were offered a little over $20.89 million. Our students are the ones who deserve the utmost credit. Their persistence and dedication to their academics and the programs to which they are committed is inspiring,” Rodriguez said. Continue reading →