By RICH KEITH, Four Points News

The RM 620 corridor from Cedar Park to Lakeway and its traffic issues was one of the main focuses of a first of its kind transportation meeting hosted by Lakeway city managers last week as Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization officials conducted their first CAMPO Mobile meeting. Residents, local political figures and registered neighborhood associations, including the Steiner Ranch Neighborhood Association, were in attendance at the Nov. 13 meeting.

Following introductory remarks, Lakeway city manager Steve Jones directed the attendees into a work meeting. Several groups were formed and at each of several tables was a list of road and transportation issues and potential solutions for the local RM-620 corridor and surrounding area.

Brian Thompto, community relations chair with the Four Points Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Steiner Ranch Neighborhood Association.

“Each group was asked to prioritize ideas so as to improve transportation,” said SRNA president Brian Thompto. “At SRNA’s table we had a representative from Travis County Precinct 3 Commissioner Gerald Daugherty’s office and there was a lively discussion,” he said.

Most agreed that the RM-2222 intersection was the worst, followed by Anderson Mill, followed by traffic through Lakeway, then Loop 360 traffic.

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By LIZ BARNARD, Four Points News

Two River Place friends teamed to author and publish a book on the Austin holiday tradition of decorating trees along Hwy 360. Proceeds from book sales go to help Down syndrome research.

Marilyn Cole, a retired elementary school teacher, and Allie McCann, became fast friends through a fitness class. They bonded throughout McCann’s pregnancy four plus years ago at the same time Cole awaited the arrival of her grandchild.

River Place friends Allie McCann and Marilyn Cole teamed up to author and publish Stella and the Little Tree about the Austin holiday tradition of decorating trees along Hwy 360. Proceeds help Down syndrome research.

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BY SARAH DOOLITTLE, Four Points News

Sharing the Four Points community with snakes is easier for some than others, but regardless of how you feel about snakes, learning how to live with them is important.

Local snake enthusiasts say there are things you can do to prevent snakes from coming around your house. They also say most snake bite incidents are avoidable.

Bob Woche, a Steiner resident who does snake removal, stands up for snakes because, “Nobody’s really defending snakes. They are so important to our ecosystem and that’s the main thing.”

Bob Woche with Hognose snake.  photo by Jack Woche

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By RICH KEITH, Four Points News

The Vandegrift Viper Band and Vision Dance Company is the new class AAAA state champion marching band in Texas.

On Nov. 12 the band students held a medal ceremony at Austin Baptist Church and each each student received a medal provided by the state of Texas.

Each VHS Band and Vision Dance student received a gold medal from the State of Texas on Tuesday night at Austin Baptist Church.

Showing their state champion gold medals, Vandegrift drum majors Rhea Adhikary, Graham Scott, Lienne Ng and Olivia Schmitz pose with Director of Bands Jeremy Spicer (center) at the formal UIL medal ceremony held on Nov. 12.
Photo
Ann Scott

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By LYNETTE HAALAND, Four Points News

The Leander ISD Attendance Zone Advisory Committee finalized its recommendations for elementary attendance zones late Monday. If voted on in December, it will affect nearly 400 projected students next school year from neighborhoods that go to Laura W. Bush Elementary and River Ridge Elementary in Steiner Ranch.

“Fast growing districts that bring in more families and more homes need to accommodate growth. Sometimes that means new schools, other times it means moving people around to accommodate growth where there is density,” said Veronica Sopher, LISD spokesperson.

Veronica Sopher, Leander ISD executive director of school/community relations.

At its Nov 4 meeting, the Attendance Zone Advisory Committee reviewed the comments from the two public meetings conducted in late Oct. All emailed communication and alternate scenarios were shared with the committee. Based on its review of this input and additional discussion, the committee came up with its final recommendations.

LWBE and RRE are the two schools affected in Four Points.

A projected 263 students would move from  River Ridge to Bush from these neighborhoods:

Canyon Gate, Woodland Hills, The Legends, Hunters Green, Eagles Glen, Lakecliff Hills, Granite Bay, The Reserve, Hawk’s Canyon, Red Oak Valley, Shadestone Terrace and Shoreview Estates.

A projected 134 students would move from Bush Elementary to River Ridge Elementary from Summer Vista. Continue reading →