Fish & Wildlife to meet about 2nd road to VHS

The second access road behind Vandegrift would cost over $15 million and be one mile with a 100-foot right of way and an 800-foot bridge to protect habitat below.

By LYNETTE HAALAND
Four Points News

Especially with the start of school this week, traffic in Four Points is backed up and congested including long lines going to and from Vandegrift. Currently, drivers can only access VHS and Four Points Middle School from McNeil Drive. The scenario serves as a reminder to the community that a secondary access road is needed.

Leander ISD is trying to build a second access road. It is seeking an Endangered Species Act (ESA) permit to construct a proposed one-mile, $15 million-plus road behind VHS.

This would support some 3,700 students and staff who attend and work at VHS and FPMS. The additional road would address traffic safety concerns and provide an emergency exit.’

LISD hosted a public forum at VHS on May 30 and launched the #BuildTheRoad social media campaign in an effort to get Washington D.C. lawmakers’ attention on the need for the additional road.
The efforts did get attention from national lawmakers.

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Vandegrift football working hard to prepare for season’s start

The Vandegrift Vipers take to the field for an early morning practice in mid-August.

Sept. 1 @ 7 p.m. Odessa Permian

By SCOTT W. COLEMAN
Four Points News

As temperatures climbed to near 100 degrees by 9 a.m., players clad in black practice jerseys and black helmets braved the heat, sweat running off their faces in rivers, to show the Vandegrift coaching staff they’re ready to take the field come opening night.

“It’s exciting, this time of year,” said Drew Sanders, who is entering his eighth season coaching the Vipers. “It’s busy, but it’s fun.”

After a productive spring camp, no quarterback emerged to replace two-year starter Alex Fernandes, who signed to play at UTEP starting this fall. Senior Justin Moore, who stepped in for an injured Fernandes last year, would appear to have the edge headed into the season, though junior Davis Beal and sophomore Dru Dawson have all taken snaps in practice over the spring and fall to challenge Moore.

Regardless who takes the snaps, a quality receiving corps will be waiting, led by Peyton Ausley and Justin Florence. Both seniors this year, the pair combined for more than a thousand receiving yards and nine touchdowns last season.

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March-A-Thon entertains community, raises funds

The Vandegrift band gives a private concert in the Burks Lane cul-de-sac on Saturday.

The Vandegrift band and Vision Dance Company marched for more than three miles during its 9th annual March-A-Thon through the streets of Steiner Ranch on Saturday.

There were 14 concerts performed and more than half of the $40,000 fundraising goal was raised. Pledges are still coming in.

“This year’s March-A-Thon was a huge success,” said Mike Howard, VHS director of bands. “It’s a wonderful event that brings the community together and gets everyone’s Viper spirit going as we move into the new school year.”

Some 350 students, staff and approximately 75 band parents and family members worked to put on the March-A-Thon, which started and ended in John Simpson Park. The event was led by a fire truck for the first portion, and a Travis County Sheriff’s Office escort through the the entire route.

“I’m so proud of all of the students and parent volunteers for the organization and performance at this event,” Howard said.

The band also participated in Concert in the Park later on in the day. This report includes some photos from that event.

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