By RICH KEITH, Four Points News

Austin ranked as the 21st worst city in the Americas for traffic congestion according to the 2013 TomTom Americas Traffic Index released last week. The report shows that Austin has some of the worst traffic in the western hemisphere.

GPS maker TomTom collected GPS measurement data from drivers on the roads during rush hours and non-rush hours.

photo by RealtyProAustin

The report compares travel times during non-rush hours with travel times during rush hour. The difference is expressed as a percentage increase in travel time during the rush hours.

A typical Austin motorist with a 30 minute commute will experience an estimated 83 hours of traffic delays over the course of a year, according to the report. Motorists experienced about 34 minutes of delays per hour, driven during Austin’s increasingly lengthy rush hour.

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By SARAH DOOLITTLE, Four Points News

Over 40 parents attended the Keeping Your Child Safe: Substance Abuse Prevention Conference at Vandegrift High School a couple of weeks ago. Led by Mary Ann Kluga, RN LCDC, Leander ISD’s Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator, the two hour event on Nov. 19 offered information for parents about substance and addiction issues facing students.

Mary Ann Kluga informs parents about the latest drug trends, including prescription drugs, opiates, anti-anxiety and over-the-counter medications.
Photo by Sarah Doolittle

LISD Superintendent Bret Champion was also in attendance and introduced Klulga by saying, “We want to provide as much information as we can to parents to make sure that there’s a wealth of good information for our students because we’re all in this together.”

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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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