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Community Impact Austin
Lake Travis ISD prohibits Pre-K-8 students from using cellphones, smart devices
The new LTISD policy banning smart devices will go into effect beginning in August across elementary and middle school campuses. (Courtesy Pexels) Prekindergarten through eighth grade students in Lake Travis ISD will no longer be allowed to use their cellphones or smart devices on campus next school year. The district...
Shield Ranch designated 20th International Dark Sky Place in Texas
Shield Ranch, located on 6,400-acres, is a designated historic district comprised of 10% of the Barton Creek watershed. (Courtesy Shield Ranch) Shield Ranch Barton Creek has been certified as an Urban Night Sky Place by nonprofit DarkSky International, meaning the 6,400-acre protected land minimizes light pollution despite being located nearby artificial lightning.
Check out 3 new developments coming to the Bastrop area
204 Texas will house six studios, two sound stages, a three-story office building, a warehouse with mill space, storage units, and more—including a ranch in the front with a herd of longhorns, and immersive sets for visitors to stay the night. (Rendering courtesy Line 204) From the state's first...
Changes underway at Treaty Oak Distilling in Dripping Springs
Treaty Oak Distilling was founded in 2006 by Daniel Barnes, and at the time was the fourth distillery operating in Texas. (Elle Bent/Community Impact) Treaty Oak Distilling, located on a 28-acre ranch off Fitzhugh Road in Dripping Springs, is undergoing changes this summer. Among these include new hours and the...
Ewing Outdoor Supply expands into Bastrop
Manager Joey Chapman, who worked at the former Community Gardens Rockyard, said he is excited to continue serving Bastrop residents and businesses. (Amanda Cutshall/Community Impact) Ewing Outdoor Supply opened in the former Community Gardens Rockyard earlier this month. The family-owned landscape supplier provides landscape and irrigation products to residential and...
Meet Austin's 2 police chief finalists
Milwaukee Police Chief Jefferey B. Norman and Cincinnati Assistant Police Chief Lisa Davis are finalists for Austin police chief. (Ben Thompson/Community Impact) The search for Austin's permanent police chief has narrowed to two candidates, and City Manager T.C. Broadnax could make his choice between them in the next few days.
Hutto ISD to pilot Smart Tag program this fall
Parents of students who ride district buses in Hutto ISD may soon have a new method of making sure their children arrive safely to school, as the district undergoes a pilot of a new safety and security program. (Courtesy Fotolia) Parents of students who ride district buses in Hutto ISD...
Here’s how to weigh in on Texas’ $104B transportation plan
Texans can share input on the Unified Transportation Program, which is updated annually, during a virtual public hearing July 31 or submit comments online. (Courtesy Texas Department of Transportation) The Texas Department of Transportation is seeking public input on its $104.2 billion plan to fund transportation projects across the state...
Leander ISD now accepting applications for district advisory committees, leadership program
Participants in the Leadership LISD Class of 2025 will attend nine classes throughout the school year to learn about various district programs and departments. (Courtesy Leander ISD) Community members in Leander ISD may now apply to volunteer on an advisory committee for the upcoming school year. The campus-based and districtwide...
Nothing Bundt Cakes opens in Kyle
Nothing Bundt Cakes offers bundt cakes for special occasions in a variety sizes and flavors. (Courtesy Nothing Bundt Cake) Nothing Bundt Cakes opened its doors to the Kyle community on July 17. The bakery sells bundt cakes in various flavors and sizes alongside party supplies and greeting cards. Government Reporter.
Chipotle opens third San Marcos location
Chipotle offers white queso with chips. (Courtesy Chipotle) Chipotle opened its third San Marcos location inside the Aquarena Crossing development, near First Watch, on July 17. The Mexican grill serves customizable bowls and burritos and also offers catering. The new location also features the brand’s signature 'Chipotlane' drive-thru pick-up lane....
Pflugerville ISD approves grant funding for educational, behavioral services
The district was awarded $4.1 million in IDEA-B grant funding, which will go toward various educational and behavioral services for students who need more support. (Brittany Anderson/Community Impact) Pflugerville ISD will utilize funding from several grants for educational and behavioral services for students who need more support, such as those...
New Hope Drive at 183A intersection in Cedar Park set for improvements
City officials are planning an innovative intersection concept for the area, similar to the one at the Parmer Lane and Whitestone Boulevard intersection. Cedar Park officials are planning an innovative intersection design at New Hope Drive and 183A, which is set to come to fruition in early 2027. An innovative...
Christian Kurtz aims to bring 'smart growth' as Liberty Hill’s next director of economic development
After working for more than a decade with the city of Pflugerville, Christian Kurtz began in his new role with the city of Liberty Hill in early July. The city of Liberty Hill announced Christian Kurtz as the new director of economic development in early July following Mary Poche' retirement.
Jersey Mike's Subs now open in San Marcos
Jersey Mike's Subs serves custom-made sub sandwiches with an assortment of toppings and ingredients. (Courtesy Jersey Mike's) Jersey Mike's Subs opened its doors to the San Marcos community on July 24. The franchise location—owned by Michael and Joanne Jordan—is located within the Aquarena Crossing development. Jersey Mike's Subs...
Beatles tribute concert canceled at Brushy Creek Amphitheater
All ticket refunds for the Aug. 1 show have been processed, according to city officials. (Courtesy city of Hutto) RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles, scheduled for Aug. 1 at Brushy Creek Amphitheater in Hutto, has been canceled. All ticket refunds have been processed, according to city officials. What happened.
Morning Ritual coffee shop now open in Pflugerville
Morning Ritual coffee shop recently opened in Pflugerville. (Courtesy Morning Ritual) Morning Ritual coffee shop and The Goat restaurant opened to the public on June 20 in Plfugerville’s Stone Hill Town Center. The overview. The coffee shop is situated inside of The Goat—a two-story restaurant and bar. The coffee...
Williamson County to enhance Sam Bass Road in effort to improve safety and mobility
Sam Bass Road, from RM 1431 to Wyoming Springs Drive, is set to be widened into a three-lane roadway within the next year. (Courtesy Wikimedia Commons) Sam Bass Road, from RM 1431 to Wyoming Springs Drive, is set to be widened into a three-lane roadway within the next year in a continued effort by Williamson County officials to ease traffic congestion and to enhance public safety.
Catch up on these 5 Round Rock government updates
The city of Round Rock has taken several actions recently to improve emergency services, among other moves. (Grant Crawford/Community Impact) The city of Round Rock and Williamson County Commissioners Court have taken several actions recently to improve emergency services, provide low-income programs and reopen a community park. Check out these latest government updates below:
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