The Dicksons’ 3,200-square-foot home was one of six homes on Garner Court that was a complete loss in the Steiner Ranch Labor Day weekend fires of 2011.

Don Dickson

By CASSIE MCKEE
Four Points News

On Dec. 1, the Austin City Council approved a payment of up to $6.78 million to settle a lawsuit related to the 2011 Labor Day weekend fires in Steiner Ranch, which destroyed 23 homes and caused the death of Travis County Deputy Constable Kevin Aigner.

But the majority of the settlement money – $6.425 million – is not going to the homeowners who lost their homes but to various insurance carriers. Only $150,000 will go directly to a small number of fire victims, though how the money will be distributed is not clear.

“I do not have details about how the amount with be distributed among the plaintiffs,” said Meghan Riley, litigation division chief for the city of Austin.

Continue reading →

This picture shows what it would look like if 42 acres of the Berta Bradley tract — which is adjacent to River Place and off of Milky Way Drive — was allowed to have 110 homes on it as originally proposed by developer Milestone Community Builders.

By LYNETTE HAALAND
Four Points News

Next week, the city of Austin Zoning and Platting Commission is holding a public hearing on the two zoning cases that affect River Place residents and the community.

One zoning request is by landowner Berta Bradley to have Milestone Community Builders build-out 110 homes on 42 acres next to River Place at the end of Milky Way Drive. The other request is to support the plans of the Autism Trust on an adjacent, 40-acre site near Austin Christian Fellowship and River Place Elementary.

The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 17 at 6 p.m. at Austin City Hall, council chamber.

Continue reading →

Leander ISD trustees recognized Brenda Edwards, Canyon Ridge Middle School athletic coordinator and health and PE teacher, for earning the 2016 Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) Champion award. The award was given to six recipients from across the state for their work in a school, district or in the community. The board recognized Edwards (in the middle) in September.

By KIM ESTES, Four Points News

Brenda Edwards, Canyon Ridge Middle School athletic coordinator and health and physical education teacher, was one of six others from around the state recognized with an award on Dec. 1 for helping children develop healthy habits.

“I am very honored to be a 2016 CATCH Champion,” Edwards said.

Continue reading →

Maralee Schmidt of Steiner Ranch qualified for the 2017 National Senior Games Competition, also known as the Senior Olympics. She is pictured with her husband Scott.

By KIM ESTES, Four Points News

Maralee Schmidt of Steiner Ranch finished the Texas Senior Games 5K race in less than 24 minutes to win first place in her age group and qualify for the 2017 National Senior Games Competition, also known as the Senior Olympics.

Schmidt crossed the finish line in 23 minutes and 46 seconds at the race held in San Antonio this past April. She finished almost three seconds before her closest competitor and second overall among women in all age groups 50 and older.

Continue reading →