By LYNETTE HAALAND, Four Points News

Vandegrift High School’s composite scores on the ACT college-entrance exam continue to be higher than Leander ISD and the state and national averages.

For 2015, the average ACT composite score (scale of 1 – 36) for a VHS graduate was 26 and for a LISD graduate, it was 23.9. These scores were higher compared to the state and national average composite scores of 20.9 and 21 respectively.

LISD Superintendent Bret Champion announced that these scores were achieved even amid a 21 percent increase in the number of ACT exams given across the district. Continue reading →

By CASSIE MCKEE, Four Points News

Austin resident Jack Mayberry believes there is an epidemic in Austin of which few are aware. Mayberry recently stood in front of the Randalls in Steiner Ranch passing out flyers that read, “Coyotes are Killing Our Pets.”

This summer Four Points News reported on a Steiner Ranch family whose 25-pound-dog, Louie, was fatally injured by a coyote while walking with his owner on the trails near River Heights Overlook on June 22. The following day, another dog belonging to Steiner resident Victor LaRocca was also nearly attacked while walking on the greenbelt but LaRocca was able to scare the coyote away. Both dogs were off leash at the time of the incidents.

“Austin is growing very rapidly… there is a possibility for more interactions between people and coyotes,” said Stefan Hunt, a wildlife biologist with Texas Wildlife Services.

Continue reading →

By KIM ESTES, Four Points News

Mike Stock’s family has a house in Steiner Ranch, but the road is now their home as they tour South America in a 1995 Toyota 4Runner. They left in February and are not coming back “until we are through,” he said.

For Mike and his wife, the open road soothes their restless spirits. Their daughters, Sierra, 9, and Zoe, 6, are enjoying the experience too.

“We love how our kids are learning about each other and the world in real time. It is such a joy to see the world through our daughters’ eyes, to see their amazement when they ask us a question and we don’t have the answers,” Mike said.

Ruins in old town Antigua, Guatemala.

Continue reading →

By LYNETTE HAALAND, Four Points News

The Quinlan Crossing retail center in Steiner Ranch was acquired by Houston-based Whitestone REIT for a total of $37.5 million, making it Whitestone’s fourth community centered property in Austin.

“Quinlan Crossing meets all of the key elements of our investment strategy and we couldn’t be more thrilled to be adding this premier property to our Austin portfolio,” said James Mastandrea, Whitestone chairman and CEO.

Whitestone (NYSE:WSR) initially entered Austin in late May with the purchase of Davenport Village and has since expanded its holdings in the Austin market to four properties.

Quinlan Crossing retail center was acquired by Whitestone REIT for $37.5 million.

Continue reading →