By RICH KEITH

Texas Department of Transportation recently resurfaced the roadway on RM 2222, but improvements do not include the expanded left-turn lane into McNeil Drive many residents were hoping to see. However, TxDOT officials say they are designing dual left-turn lanes at McNeil Drive for some point in the future.

“We have recently placed a new roadway surface made up of permeable friction course material on RM 2222 from River Place to Loop 360,” said Kelli Reyna, TxDOT spokesperson.

This material will improve safety by allowing a portion of water to drain through the roadway surface during rain events. It will also help prevent hydroplaning and reduce the amount of water that splashes from vehicles, Reyna said.

Although the new road surface is welcomed, some wanted to see more done during this round of road construction.

New pavement on RM 2222 near McNeil Drive will help absorb more water when roads are wet. TxDOT looking to add dual left turn lanes in the future. Photo by Rich Keith

“I think it’s crazy that they didn’t take the opportunity to expand the turn lane while they had the workers and the equipment already there,” said Maggie Tate, who drives to both schools from Comanche Trail area.

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Lake Travis Fire Rescue has been part of a prescribed burn across Lake Austin in the Common Ford Park today in the 78733 zip code.

It has lasted most of the afternoon with smoke filling the air. Such prescribed burns are conducted to try to prevent wildfires.

The City of Austin, Austin Fire Department and Firewise Community Representatives are part of this burn.

Photos by Shelley Spaulding

By RICH KEITH Four Points News

On Friday, Vandegrift High School senior Sam Yarborough of Steiner Ranch was bitten three times on the ankle by a rattlesnake.

“I waited a few minutes before calling my parents because I didn’t know how serious it was. But then my ankle swelled quickly and the nerves in upper thigh started to hurt and then I knew it was serious,” Sam said.

Sam Yarborough, VHS senior, was bitten three times on the ankle by a rattlesnake on Friday.

Sam’s father quickly drove him to Lakeway Regional Medical Center where antivenom was administered.

“The worst part was the drive to LRMC because of the pain,” Sam recalls.

He started out the afternoon playing tennis with friends and then they planned to swim. The six boys were going through the backyard gate at friend, Jake Nanez’s house when the rattlesnake, which was just inside the gate, started striking Sam’s ankle.

The snake quickly left the area and could not be found.

Sam needed overnight observation but could not be admitted because there was no pediatrician on duty that day at Lake Travis Medical. According to law, minors may only be admitted to a hospital by a pediatrician, mom Carri Yarborough learned. Continue reading →

By RICH KEITH

Last Spring the nation’s beef marketing organization was looking for a rancher, an athlete and a mom for their national ad campaign. Beef Councils in all 50 states submitted people for consideration. The Texas Beef Council, headquartered in Four Points, submitted photos and profiles of two of its Texas Beef Team members, Hollie Kenney and Jennifer Fisher.

Ultimately selected were the two Steiner Ranch moms and a cowboy from Oklahoma to star in the new “Above All Else” campaign.

The message aims to reach the next generation of beef eaters, those who care about food and nutrition, and how it fits into a healthy active lifestyle, according to the Texas Beef Council website.

“Hollie Kenney and Jennifer Fisher connect with our target and exemplify how beef fits into a healthy lifestyle,” says Ken Leiber, chair of the Texas Beef Council board of directors and cattle raiser from Fort Worth.

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