By LYNETTE HAALAND, Four Points News

The PTA of River Ridge Elementary in Steiner Ranch hosted a fall book fair, and it was recently discovered that not all of the deposits from the school fundraiser were made.

“The district was made aware of a RRPTA issue, and the district is supporting both the River Ridge PTA and the LISD Council of PTAs as they work their established processes and procedures to investigate discrepancies in the the financial documents of the RRPTA,” said Veronica Sopher, spokesperson for Leander ISD.

Book fairs, like this, raise thousands of dollars for schools, and sources say likely thousands were allegedly not deposited.

“We know this has been a very emotional issue for many of our River Ridge families, and we are working to ensure that the campus learning environment is not negatively impacted by this PTA issue,” Sopher said.

Christina Morales, RRPTA president, posted a letter on the PTA website on April 11 that explains what happened. During a routine review, the PTA’s chairman and treasurer discovered a “significant discrepancy in the amount of deposits that the PTA should have deposited” for the fall book fair that took place in November. Continue reading →

By SARAH DOOLITTLE, Four Points News

George Deuillet III was diagnosed in December with Stage IV melanoma, which has metastasized to his brain and several internal organs. George’s family and friends are rallying beside him to help, support and encourage him.

Team George supporting George.

“We knew we lived in a good neighborhood. But to have so many friends and neighbors and (friends of friends) ​—​ even they’ve reached out. It’s just amazing,” said Danielle, George’s wife. The family lives in Steiner Ranch.

Their long-time friends Claire and Derek Balfour, who also are in Steiner, stepped up to coordinate a page on CaringBridge.org where the family can share news and photos. It’s also where those wishing to can sign up for specific tasks. Danielle has a hard time asking for and accepting help but she is grateful for it.

George Deuillet III and Claire Balfour, who helped organize Team George, at Run the Ranch on March 30.

“It’s been a struggle. But you realize that there are things that you just can’t do and that even though you’re a good cook, (due to his chemo side-effects) your husband would rather have someone else’s dinner,” she said.

The Balfours also spearheaded the creation of Team George in George’s honor. On March 30, 150 people showed up in Team George t-shirts to Run the Ranch, a Steiner Ranch 5K, in George’s name.

The local Team George contingency at Run the Ranch on March 30. Photo by James VanderWeide

Continue reading →

By SARAH DOOLITTLE, Four Points News

When Steiner Ranch residents George and Danielle Deuillet look into each other’s eyes, the mutual admiration between them is palpable. After 13 years of marriage they share a tight circle of love that includes one another, their family, their friends, and their faith in God.

In December, however, the family of four was handed a challenge that could strengthen or destroy the tightest of bonds, the deepest of faith. Their challenge? Cancer, which has found a formidable opponent in George Deuillet III.

Before George was diagnosed, here is a photo of the Deuillet family in Hawaii, where Danielle grew up: George, Skyler, Danielle and Dylan.

A very hard year

George, 46, who has dealt with bouts of genetically inherited melanoma since the age of 22 ​—​ including a Stage III growth on his neck in November of 2012 ​—​ was diagnosed in December 2013 with Stage IV melanoma that has metastasized to his brain and several internal organs.

The diagnosis was one in a string of blows that plagued the family last year. In addition to the Stage III growth, the family was in an accident on I-35 South in June that totaled their car. In July, George and a friend were sailing on Lake Travis when a drunk driver in a power boat hit their sailboat, splitting it in two. Then came the new diagnosis in December.

Continue reading →

By LYNETTE HAALAND, Four Points News

After the Vandegrift girls soccer team made history on Saturday by winning the first-ever UIL soccer, state public school championship in the Austin area, a Georgetown police officer’s handling of the postgame celebration has brought nationwide attention to the game.

As time expired, students and fans dropped down from the visitors side bleachers and began rushing the field, despite the public address announcer’s warnings to stay off the field. Georgetown police officer George Bermudez, who was on duty and in uniform at the stadium, was recorded on several videos allegedly tripping one person, attempting to trip another, restraining another and pushing yet another as students poured onto the field. One student hit the ground and then limped away.

“They’re kids… you don’t have to treat them like that,” a soccer fan in the bleachers said while watching the incident unfold.

Dozens of excited fans, mostly Vandegrift students, came onto the field after the Lady Vipers won the state championship soccer game on Saturday.
Photo by Scott W. Coleman

On Monday, Bermudez was put on paid administrative leave while a misconduct investigation is underway.

Steiner Ranch resident Nancy Phillips, whose daughter Bailey is a senior on the team, thinks the incident was a series of unfortunate events.

“The problem began when students at Friday’s semifinal game asked a security officer on duty whether they could rush the field if the team won Saturday, and he gave them permission,” she said.
Continue reading →