Leander - Liberty Hill Edition | November 2024

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Leander Liberty Hill Edition VOLUME 2, ISSUE 7 NOV. 14DEC. 13, 2024

2024 Volunteer Guide

Building hope

Hal Cromwell, fundraising chair for the Yellow House Foundation, said the organization— which has a new building in the works—is in critical need of nancial support.

SAM SCHAFFERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Local nonprots construct new facilities to meet community needs

seams,” Cromwell said. YHF is one of at least three nonprots in William- son County expanding in an eort to better serve the community.

operation had become so large, fundraising Chair Hal Cromwell said, that it would overwhelm spaces where these kinds of meetings could typically be held, such as churches or community centers. “In our prior location, we were busting at the

BY SAM SCHAFFER

The Yellow House Foundation, which aims to provide a safe space for recovery from alcohol and substance abuse, is building a new location in Lean- der after operating out of Cedar Park for years. The

CONTINUED ON 30

Also in this issue

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Impacts: Southside Market & Barbeque breaks ground on Leander location—see where the restaurant is going (Page 6)

Nonprofit: Looking for an organization to volunteer with in the Leander and Liberty Hill area? Check out our guide to local opportunities (Page 27)

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Impacts

2 Christian Resource Center A collaboration between churches and nonprofits, the center offers job readiness services; English as a second language and citizenship classes; life skills education; food, diapers and clothing; transitional housing for women in recovery; juvenile offender support; and pregnancy services. Although it’s been in operation since 2015, the organization now has physical space at the Twin Lakes Fellowship campus. • Opened in early October • 1150 S. Bell Blvd., Bldg. 3, Cedar Park • www.crctwinlakes.org

183

Leander

183

RONALD REAGAN BLVD.

SCOTTSDALE DR.

183

183A TOLL

CRYSTAL FALLS PKWY.

Coming soon

VISTA RIDGE BLVD.

3 Southside Market & Barbeque The restaurant serves authentic Central Texas barbecue, and menu items include beef sausage, brisket, pork and beef ribs, and other barbecue staples. The business will offer dine in, drive thru, takeout, delivery, catering and a meat market. • Opening in the spring • Southeast corner of East Crystal Falls Parkway and 183A Toll • www.southsidemarket.com 4 Dumont Creamery & Cafe The dessert shop will serve a range of ice cream flavors, bubble tea, coffee beverages and falooda—an ice cream- based dessert made with vermicelli. The business will also serve Indian American and Middle Eastern pastries and breakfast foods, including cheese danishes, donuts, muffins and bagels. • Opening Nov. 28 • 601 W. New Hope Drive, Ste. 106, Cedar Park • www.dumont.us 5 Warpath Pizza & Pub The pizza restaurant’s second location will move into the space formerly occupied by The Dig Pub. Customers can find a menu full of build-your-own pizza options, appetizers, salads, wings, subs, pasta and desserts. • Opening in mid-December • 401 Cypress Creek Road, Ste. 600, Cedar Park • www.warpathpizza.com

ANDERSON MILL RD.

AVERY RANCH BLVD.

183

Cedar Park

45 TOLL

LAKELINE MALL DR.

620

MAP NOT TO SCALE

Cedar Park & Leander

Programs are available for all ages and skill levels. Beyond weekly classes, students can perform at venues and community events across Austin. The Cedar Park school is owned by Texas natives and brothers Jerry and Chris Hayek, who have extensive musical backgrounds. • Opened Oct. 6 • 1850 S. Lakeline Blvd., Ste. 300, Cedar Park • www.cedarpark.schoolofrock.com

Now open

1 School of Rock The music school offers instruction in voice, piano, drums, guitar and bass as well as group band rehearsals.

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Ryan Cho, M.D. Gastroenterologist

Now accepting new patients

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY DACIA GARCIA, SAM SCHAFFER & CHLOE YOUNG

6 Shoot 360 The basketball training facility will use advanced technology to provide personalized coaching to athletes of all skill levels. Players can learn ball-handling, shooting and decision-making skills. The facility uses motion-tracking cameras to gather data and provide

In the news

Coming soon

10 Crystal Falls Golf Club Leander City Council cleared the way for Ryan Sanders Sports Services to provide food and drinks at the city- owned golf course starting in late 2024. Larry Werner, golf course general manager, said the restaurant will be “an Irish pub with a Texas flair.” Ryan Sanders Sports Services has wide-ranging experience in the hospitality industry, including working on events with the National Football League, Major League Baseball and Formula 1 racing, Werner said. • 3400 Crystal Falls Parkway, Leander • www.crystalfallsgolf.com 11 Collectors Crossroads The business, which will mark its 5-year anniversary Nov. 22, sells memorabilia, collectibles, artwork, antiques and more both in-person and online. Owned by Darren Spohne, the store has various departments, such as trading cards, history, military and designer products. • 11066 Lakeline Mall Drive, Ste. 9L, Cedar Park • www.collectorscrossroads.com 12 Sabino’s Pizza Pub Sabino’s Pizza Pub celebrated five years of business in the Leander community on Sept. 26. The restaurant offers pizza, pasta, wings, salads, sandwiches, rolls, appetizers and desserts. Sabino’s also has a location in Georgetown. • 2082 N. US Hwy. 183, Ste. 110, Leander • www.sabinospizzapub.com 13 Gallop Family Dentistry The dental office will celebrate its 20th anniversary on Nov. 8. The practice offers general dentistry, prevention care, cosmetic dentistry, restorations and dental implants. Under the care of Dr. John Gallop, the office serves patients ages 3 and up. • 1900 Cypress Creek Road, Ste. 201, Cedar Park • www.512dentist.com

real-time feedback. • Opening Jan. 25

• 2081 S. US 183, Leander • www.shoot360austin.com

7 Valor Leander The charter school recently broke ground on its permanent campus, according to an Oct. 28 news release. Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, the campus will house about 375 students in third through tenth grades. Kindergarten through second grade students will remain at the school’s temporary facility on Crystal Falls Parkway until additional phases are built. • Opening in August • On Kauffman Loop, near the southwest intersection of 8 YogaSix The studio will offer heated and non-heated yoga, cardio-boosting fitness classes, strength building, and meditation. The business aims to eliminate intimidation beginners may experience when trying yoga for the first time, Leander owner Jim Plas said. • Opening in February or March • 15201 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 202, Leander • www.yogasix.com/location/leander Hwy. 29 and Ronald Reagan Boulevard • www.valoreducation.org/valorleander 9 Guru Fine Wine and Liquor The second location for the business will feature a fine wine room with wines priced at $50 and higher that will be temperature controlled. Additionally, there will be a walk-in humidor cigar room; an extensive beer cave; a large variety of liquor, focusing on bourbon and tequila; and a section dedicated to vapes, tobacco and CBD products. The store’s first location is off Whitestone Boulevard in Cedar Park. • Opening in mid-November • 14300 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Bldg. 2, Ste. 201, Cedar Park • www.guruliquors.com

15 Multi Cook Owner Sergi Kvitsinskiys said dishes sold at the business are partially cooked and sold frozen. The store will offer handmade meals from various cuisines. Customers will have the opportunity to observe the production process through the glass window located inside the store. • Opening in early 2025 • 251 N. Bell Blvd., Ste. 101, Cedar Park • www.multicookusa.com

closure in August due to outstanding rent payments. It sold a variety of dresses, all under $3,000, according to its website. In addition to wedding dresses, the shop carried bridesmaids dresses and mother-of-the-bride dresses. • Closed in October • 11840 Hero Way W., Ste. 200, Leander 16 The Toasted Yolk Cafe A lockout notice has been posted on the door. However, the business is replying to social media comments stating it hopes to open again soon. The business sells breakfast and lunch dishes, including omelets, pancakes, sandwiches, salads and soups. • Closed in October • 14105 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Cedar Park • www.thetoastedyolk.com

Closings

14 Lace and Grace Bridal Boutique The store permanently closed following a temporary

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Impacts

BY DACIA GARCIA & SAM SCHAFFER

In the news

200

214

1869

332

183

332

1869

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SOUTH FORK SAN GABRIEL RIVER

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Liberty Hill

5 Texas MedClinic The business is now providing urgent care and short-term primary care services at the previous Access Health facility. Texas MedClinic took over Access Health in August following a short closure. The facility offers rapid testing for illnesses like the flu, COVID-19 and RSV. Additionally, the location can file workers’ compensation paperwork, conduct physicals, run blood work, provide sexually transmitted infection tests and more. • 13140 W. Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill • www.texasmedclinic.com

SEWARD JCT. LOOP

MAP NOT TO SCALE

Liberty Hill

Coming soon

3 Martinizing Cleaners The dry cleaning business will care for a range of items, including suits, dog beds, comforters and more. The locally and veteran-owned Liberty Hill location of the international franchise will use a greener alternative to traditional dry cleaning solvents, director of operations Zhane Thomas said, adding that it’s better for sensitive skin and the environment. • Opening in late 2024 • 14241 W. Hwy. 29, Ste 301, Liberty Hill • www.martinizing.com/liberty-hill 4 The Vinew The store will sell vintage and new clothing as well as accessories. A portion of profits from donated items will go to local nonprofits.

Now open

1 The Luxe The spa staffs a variety of independent beauty and wellness providers, and offers skincare, facials, microneedling, chemical peels, nails and more. It is owned by Dani Luckey, owner of Dani Luckey Aesthetics, and Ket Vora, owner of Absolute Nails. • Opened Oct. 17 2 Red Apple Smoke Shop The smoke shop offers THC and CBD products, tobacco products, nicotine, kratom and more. • Opened Aug. 25 • 923 Main St., Liberty Hill • 254-394-2058 • 2001 Loop 332, Liberty Hill • https://the-luxe.b12sites.com

Closings

6 Benny Boyd With locations still operating in Lampasas, Copperas Cove and Marble Falls, the auto group prioritizes advertising Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles, and deals in new and used cars. • Closed July 31 • 10620 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill • www.bennyboyd.com

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LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION

Government

Mason Homestead set to see series of renovations The Mason Homestead is set for a face lift after Leander City Council approved a $143,000 contract with Texas Patriot Contracting and a roughly $6,000 contract with Bee Cave Drilling on Oct. 17. Bee Cave Drilling will work on the wells on the property, and Texas Patriot Contracting was set to work on interior and exterior projects, according to the meeting agenda. However, city council is set to rescind the contract with Texas Patriot Contracting at its Nov. 7 meeting, after press time, opting instead to have the project go through the bid process. Zooming in The Mason Homestead—an 1860s-era house and property that has been restored in the city—hasn’t been repaired or renovated since 2010, and it needs maintenance in order to be used as a public rental space moving forward, according to the agenda. The two wells at the homestead are starting to fail,

Leander approves wastewater plan

Leander City Council approved updates to the city’s wastewater master plan Oct. 3. The updates recommended over 40 projects in the next 20 years, which were projected to cost $266 million, according to the agenda item. Dig deeper Two interceptors, or wastewater pipes that collect and transport water, were recommended for immediate widening, assistant city engineer Sarvesh Dhakal said. The update recommended that 13,020 feet of the Block House Creek interceptor be widened from 21 inches to 24 inches, which is slated to cost $17.6 million. The new plan also recommends 8,170 feet of the Mason Creek interceptor be widened from 15 inches to 24 inches. It is expected to cost $10.29 million.

Leander City Council approved two contracts Oct. 17.

SAM SCHAFFERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

it said, and Bee Cave Drilling recommended filling and sealing them for safety. Needed exterior and interior repairs and renova- tions at the property, include: • Replacing over 300 square feet of flooring • Removing decking, railing and balusters • Replacing entryway door and glass • Installing new front and rear decking and framing • Installing new railing and handrails • Releveling the brick pathway

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County approves tennis court contract renewal At an Oct. 15 Williamson County Commissioners Court meeting, officials unanimously approved renewing a one-year contract with RippnerTennis after commissioners agreed the owner should evalu- ate several issues citizens brought forward. The background RippnerTennis, owned by Brie Rippner, manages the eight tennis courts at Southwest Williamson County Regional Park through a county contract that started in 2017, Williamson County Parks Direc- tor Russell Fishbeck said at the Oct. 15 meeting. RippnerTennis can use four courts for lessons and camps, and the other four are for public use, Fishbeck said. The renewal was originally on the Oct. 8 agenda but was pushed back after concerns from Round Rock resident Barbara McGary, who captains local tennis teams. McGary said Rippner has caused turmoil within

WilCo approves incentive agreement Williamson County Commissioners unan- imously approved an incentive agreement with Soulbrain, a South Korean-based semi- conductor supplier, at an Oct. 8 meeting. What’s happening? In return for a 10-year consecutive tax abatement for Phase 1 and 2 of Soulbrain’s U.S. headquarters in Taylor, the company must meet the following requirements: • Making an investment of $175 million and $400 million for Phase 1 and 2, respectively • Creating a minimum taxable value of $100 million for both phases • Employing at least 50 people through a five-year phased hiring schedule • Establishing internship and employment opportunities for high school students

175

SOUTHWEST WILLIAMSON COUNTY REGIONAL PARK

Tennis courts

1431

the tennis community by dissolving tennis teams that were previously able to play on the courts. Rippner addressed community members’ con- cerns, and said a new lottery system RippnerTennis recently incorporated means not all league teams are able to play on the courts at their desired time. Going forward Judge Bill Gravell made a motion to adopt the renewal, with a caveat that RippnerTennis will work to discover areas of improvement.

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Government

BY SAM SCHAFFER

Council bans TikTok on devices used to conduct city business Liberty Hill City Council voted to ban the use or installation of the social media app TikTok on devices used to conduct city business on Oct. 23. Digging deeper The vote established an ocial policy for the city that aligns with Gov. Greg Abbott’s 2022 directive that TikTok must be banned on government devices over concerns the Chinese government could surveil Texans via the app. Following his directive, the 88th Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 1893, which specically requires cities to adopt a policy prohibiting the installation of the app and requiring its removal if already downloaded.

New Liberty Hill ocial lays out priorities Mike Etienne, Liberty Hill’s new deputy city manager, said he’s working to get to know the community and become familiar with the needs of the area. A meet and greet for Etienne was held Oct. 18 at City Hall, and as elected ocials and community leaders mingled, he spoke to Community Impact about his priorities as he starts this new position. In his own words “The very rst goal right now is to get to know the community,” he said. “Just go and meet as many people as possible, understand what the challenges are and try to build relationships.” Once he’s acquainted with the community, Etienne said coming up with a strategy to address the city’s infrastructure needs, including nding a sustainable source of water and working with city council, are his next goals.

Liberty Hill Deputy City Manager Mike Etienne spoke with community members at an Oct. 18 meet and greet. Etienne’s priorities

Get to know the community

Address infrastructure needs

Find sustainable water sources

Expand wastewater capacity to match growing population

SOURCE: MIKE ETIENNECOMMUNITY IMPACT

Recognizing Our Veterans

At the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, we salute our veterans. Our Qualified Veteran Discount Program allows qualified veterans to drive toll-free on select toll roads, including 183A Toll, 290 Toll, the 71 Toll Lane, 45SW, and 183 Toll. If you have a specialty plate and meet eligibility requirements, you can apply for the program today.

Qualified Veteran Discount Program

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Learn more about the program at www.MobilityAuthority.com/veterans

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY ANNA MANESS

An annual count of the county’s homeless population is scheduled for January. Williamson County Homeless Coalition volunteers will be trained to conduct a point- in-time count in the area. On one night, around 50-75 volunteers will use a survey to ask the homeless community about their age, race, gender and more. “We want the community to start engaging with folks that are living unsheltered and see them as their neighbors, so we encourage conversation beyond the survey,” coalition Vice Chair Christel Erickson-Collins said. Volunteers will drive around and look for unhoused individuals for the count, coalition member Janette Gaudiesus said. Cars, streets and parks are checked, along with WilCo homeless count planned

Get involved

Where Williamson County’s homeless population sleep

The coalition counted 89 people experiencing homelessness this January. Sixty-three individuals gave the following answers to the question, “Where are you sleeping tonight?” Bus, train station, airport: 1

Area resources for people experiencing homelessness include the Round Rock Area Serving Center, Community First! Village, The Charlie Center and The Caring Place. Challenges can arise as homeless individuals don’t always want to relocate, Erickson- Collins said. “People from Williamson County often want to stay in Williamson County—they don’t want to move to a new community,” Erickson-Collins said. “It would be really nice for us to have housing options for our neighbors here.” The Williamson County Homeless Coalition started in 2019, according to previous Community Impact reporting. For safety and privacy, the coalition will share the PIT count date internally as it gets closer, Erickson- Collins said. The coalition is actively looking for more volunteers, and those interested can email wilcopitcount2025@gmail.com for more information.

Under bridge/overpass: 3

Abandoned building/structure: 4

Outdoor encampment: 8

Park: 8

Vehicle: 15 Street/sidewalk: 24

SOURCE: TEXAS HOMELESS NETWORK/COMMUNITY IMPACT

local food banks earlier in the day. “The numbers are very helpful in determining what’s actually happening and to determine, possibly, what services could be added in our local area,” Gaudiesus said.

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LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION

Transportation

BY SAM SCHAFFER

Raider Way, E. Woodview Drive nears completion The expansion project for Raider Way and East Woodview Drive is expected to see finishing touches, such as lane lines being painted on the roads by spring break, said Tony Bettis, Leander’s capital improvements program manager. Bettis gave an update on the project—which will widen the roads to three lanes; add a roundabout; and improve curbs, gutters, drainage, street lights, sidewalks, crosswalks and bike lanes—at the Oct. 3 Leander City Council meeting. The specifics Curb and gutter improvements along Woodview Drive are complete and so are the sidewalks, Bettis said. The project runs from Crystal Falls Parkway to Woodview Drive on Raider Way, and from Raider Way to the 183A Toll on Woodview Drive. The southeast and northwest quadrants of the

Council decreases several speed limits Cedar Park City Council passed several speed limit changes—mainly decreases—on Oct. 24, following discussion Oct. 3. The roads with changes are: • Anderson Mill Road • US 183/Bell Boulevard • FM 1431/Whitestone Boulevard • FM 734/Parmer Lane • Ronald Reagan Boulevard The details Speed limits are reviewed periodically to account for new roadway construction, adjacent development and changes in driver behavior, according to the agenda item. “I’m very happy to see the speed limits dropping, because safety is a huge priority for me,” Mayor Jim Penniman-Morin said.

183A TOLL

roundabout at Woodview Drive and Raider Way have been constructed, Bettis said. Bettis said he is hopeful that by the end of December traffic will be flowing in both directions on Raider Way, which is currently one way. He also said he hopes traffic is back to two ways on Woodview Drive by spring break. Also of note Bettis said the city tries to adjust traffic signals to ease the flow of vehicles, but he said things are largely already optimized.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide. Election results breakdown Leander and Liberty Hill area voters cast their ballots in a number of races during the Nov. 5 election. See unofficial results as of Nov. 7 below. All results are unofficial until canvassed.

Incumbent

Democrat D

Independent I

Libertarian L

Republican R

Winner

SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE, TRAVIS COUNTY CLERK, WILLIAMSON COUNTY ELECTIONS DEPARTMENT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

State representative, District 20 R D 39.84% Scott Firsing 60.16% Vikki Goodwin State representative, District 47 R D State representative, District 52 R D

55.89% Sade Fashokun 44.11% Gerald Prater Leander ISD board of trustees, Place 5

Federal elections

59.79% Terry M. Wilson 40.21% Stephen M. Wyman

U.S. representative, District 10 R D L 64.47% John Carter 35.53% Stuart Whitlow U.S. representative, District 31 R D

63.64% Michael T. McCaul 33.97% Theresa Boisseau 2.39% Jeff Miller

49.35% For 50.65% Against Liberty Hill ISD Proposition A 53.39% For 46.61% Against Liberty Hill ISD Proposition B 59.43% For 40.57% Against Travis County Proposition A Williamson County attorney R D Williamson County sheriff R D

56.26% Caroline Harris Davila 43.74% Jennie Birkholz

State elections

Local elections

67.59% Tom Maynard 32.41% Raquel Saenz Ortiz State Board of Education, District 10 R D

68.76% For 31.24% Against City of Liberty Hill Proposition A 48.77% Jim Sneeringer 51.23% Nekosi Nelson Leander ISD board of trustees, Place 3 38.42% Brandi Burkman 48.8% Anna Smith 12.77% Zach Zayner Leander ISD board of trustees, Place 4

53.25% Dee Hobbs 46.75% Amy Lyn Lefkowitz

State senator, District 25 R D

63.62% Donna Campbell 36.38% Merrie Fox

52.13% Matthew Lindemann 47.87% Mike Gleason

70.89% Ellen Troxclair 25.49% Dwain Handley 3.63% Kodi Sawin State representative, District 19 R D I

76.79% Valerie Covey 23.21% Wes Benedict Williamson County commissioner, Precinct 3 R L

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LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION

Education

LISD provides update on staff retention, survey A new report from Leander ISD highlights a decline in staff turnover, and increased student participation in industry-based certifications and Advanced Placement exams. District officials delivered a presentation on LISD’s Community-Based Accountability System report for the 2023-24 school year at an Oct. 10 board of trustees meeting. A closer look Last school year, LISD saw a reduction in staff turnover across the board. The district employed a variety of recruitment efforts, including job fairs, college visits and alternative certification programs for teachers, said Rachel Mackey, LISD executive director of human resources. About 11% of staff reported their pay met cost of living and 57% said they agreed or strongly agreed they had work-life balance.

Board approves one- time staff payments Leander ISD will distribute around $5.5 million in one-time payments to thousands of staff members. How it works In December, full-time employees will receive a one-time $1,000 payment, while part-time employees will receive $500. These payments, which LISD has also distributed in previous school years, are intended to reduce turnover and retain staff while improving employee morale, accord- ing to district documents. LISD does not expect the one-time payments will cause issues due to the district’s $185 million fund balance, which is $70 million larger than the amount recom- mended by the Texas Education Agency, district documents state.

Turnover in Leander ISD

2021-22 2022-23 2023-24

Overall

Teachers

Transportation

Child nutrition

0% 20% 40% 60%

Turnover rate

SOURCE: LEANDER ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

What else? Among high school students, the number of industry-based certifications awarded increased from 1,362 to 4,653 from the 2019-20 to 2023-24 school year, and an additional 1,700 AP exams were administered to 500 more students, Area Superintendent Kristen Alex said.

LISD prepares to adopt FY 2025-26 budget shortfall

Potential funding reductions and expenses, FY 2025-26

$7M due to lower enrollment and interest earnings $3M in potential pay increases $3.25M for a 1% compensation increase $1.5M reduction in Title I funding $1.85M in expenses for the new LISD Police Department

the district will make changes. “If we continue to do the exact same things that we do, we kind of know we’re in trouble,” Pape said. “We want to be ahead of the game [as] much as possible to still meet what our goals are and what our focus is.” Board members also wrote down their budget pri- orities in the areas of student and teacher support, health care, staffing, and facilities.

Leander ISD officials began discussing the district’s priorities for its fiscal year 2025-26 budget at an Oct. 10 board of trustees meeting. Zooming out The district is projected to adopt a $29.88 million shortfall for FY 2025-26, assuming the district does not make any budget adjustments from previous fiscal years. Chief Financial Officer Pete Pape said

SOURCE: LEANDER ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Sales: 737.843.3840 Service: 737.843.3890

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www.hondaleander.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY CHLOE YOUNG

LHISD works to maintain improved attendance Liberty Hill ISD is seeing positive results after working to improve its attendance rate amid budgetary concerns. Community Impact spoke with Sandy Scott, LHISD truancy and dropout prevention coordina- tor, about what parents should know about raising attendance and avoiding truancy. “[Attendance] is the No. 1 correlation with stu- dents succeeding in academics as well as students graduating from high school,” Scott said. Current situation The district’s average daily attendance rate, which was 94% last school year, rose to 96% during the first six weeks of the 2024-25 school year, Chief Financial Officer Rosanna Guerrero said. LHISD has now returned to its attendance rate prior to the coronavirus pandemic, during and after which it saw an “extreme increase” in truancy, Scott

Special education facility to open soon In November, Liberty Hill ISD will open a new space for special education students ages 18-22. The new facility will help accommodate growing enrollment in the Accessing Community through Career Environments for Student Success, or ACCESS, program, which has more than doubled in recent school years, district officials said at an Oct. 21 board of trustees meeting. The big picture The 13,359-square-foot building will be located behind the district’s administration building. LHISD renovated the preexisting space using $5 million in 2023 bond funds. The facility will feature spaces for stu- dents to practice skills used at home, in the kitchen, at work and while shopping.

What families need to know District officials suggested parents of children whose attendance is struggling should:

Talk with them to determine what the underlying reason might be

Be compassionate and listen

Be firm and set boundaries through expectations and consequences

SOURCE: LIBERTY HILL ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

said. The district hired Scott last summer to create interventions to improve attendance, she said. Why it matters Texas school districts are funded based on their average daily attendance instead of enrollment. LHISD loses about $40 for every student who does not attend school each day, Guerrero said.

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LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION

Real estate

The median price of homes sold rose year over year in September in most area ZIP codes. Only Liberty Hill ZIP code 78642 saw a decline. Residential market data

Homes sold

September 2023

September 2024

-11.94%

-18.85%

-16.36%

-41.67%

183

78642

78641

78613

78717

78726

78642

Median home sales price

78717

78641

183A TOLL

130 TOLL

September

2023

2024

$505,915 $481,000 $455,108 $557,200 $532,250

$424,900 $496,910 $500,000 $580,250 $625,000

78642

45 TOLL

78613

78641

78726

620

78613

78717

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY AUSTIN BOARD OF REALTORS AND UNLOCK MLS 512-454-7636 • WWW.ABOR.COM

78726

Average days on the market

Market breakdown

September 2023

September 2024

-16.95%

+30.61%

+41.18%

+60.61%

+43.33%

September

Leander-Liberty Hill

319

New listings

207

Closed sales

78642

78641

78613

78717

78726

263

Homes under contract

Homes sold by price point in September

6.2

78642

78641

78613

78717

78726

Months of inventory

3 8

3 7

- -

$900,000+

$700,000-$899,999

$480,000

Median sales price

10 37

29 49

14 21

7 4

$500,000-$699,999

- -

$300,000-$499,999

1,162

Active listings

<$299,999

Development

BY SAM SCHAFFER

Chamber of Commerce to build visitors center The Leander Chamber of Commerce plans to build a facility at 1600 S. West Drive, Leander. The building, which will be around 3,000- 4,000 square feet, will serve as the new Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, according to Chamber President Bridget Brandt. Zooming in The new building will support tourism in the area by offering information on attractions and local services, Brandt said. The facility will also host chamber events and networking

Rental community now open in Leander The Tricon Bryson residential develop- ment is now renting homes as part of the Bryson master-planned community. Tricon Residential, a Blackstone real estate portfolio company, built the neighbor- hood with Johnson Development and HHS Residential, according to a news release. A closer look The 155 single-family rental homes offer six different floor plans, including open con- cept three-bedrooms and four-bedrooms, and the community has a pool, splash pad, fire pit, playground and more, according to the release. Every unit has granite coun- tertops, stainless steel appliances, two-car garages and fenced-in backyards. The homes at 440 Raglands Road are managed by Tricon Residential.

183

it enhances community engagement by hosting public events and strengthening local ties, while symbolizing the area’s commitment to develop- ment and progress.” Next steps There’s no firm timeline of when the new build- ing will be constructed yet. However, Brandt said the chamber hopes to start construction within a year and expects to finish the project within the next five years. A cost estimate is not yet available.

opportunities. Quote of note

“The new Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center building supports local businesses by pro- viding resources, networking and events to foster economic growth,” Brandt said. “Additionally,

Leander paves way for affordable housing project Leander City Council approved two agreements to allow an affordable housing development in the city at its Oct. 3 meeting. The specifics Development Unit, which is close to the intersec- tion of Kauffman Loop and Ronald Reagan Blvd., according to the agenda item.

KAUFFMAN LP.

The agreements enabled the parties to operate the development without paying property taxes and stated there is a need for affordable housing in the area. Half of the development’s units will be rented to people making, at most, 80% of the area median income, according to the summary.

268

RONALD REAGAN BLVD.

The agreements were necessary to allow the Texas Housing Foundation and Embrey Partners operate an affordable housing devel- opment in the Bar W Ranch East Planned

VIA DE SIENNA BLVD.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION

HYMEADOW 12611 Hymeadow (512) 506-8401

NORTH 620 10601 N FM 620 (512) 506-8316

CEDAR PARK 13530 Ronald Reagan Blvd (512) 986-7681

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Events

BY DACIA GARCIA

November

Run for the Pie This 10-mile course provided by Amber Moon Studio is inviting runners and walkers for all distances. • Nov. 28, 7:30 a.m.

• Free (admission), registration required • 3300 Brushy Creek Road, Cedar Park • www.ambermoonstudio.com/updates

Gobble Wobble Turkey Trot All paces and ages are welcome to this running event featuring 5K, 10K and half marathon options. • Nov. 30, 7:30 a.m. • $37 (5K and virtual run), $42 (10K), $45 (half marathon)

Old Town Christmas Festival Hosted by the Leander Chamber of Commerce, the event will feature an Old Town Rudolph Run 5K; a Christmas marketplace, featuring holiday vendors; pictures with Santa Claus; and a holiday parade. To end the day, the tree lighting ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m., followed by a movie. • Dec. 7, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. • Free (admission)

Tail of Lights Dogs and their owners are invited to enjoy this festive walk setting featuring holiday music and lights, pet-focused vendors, Yappy Hour treats, and photo opportunities with Santa Paws. Holiday attire is encouraged and all dogs must be leashed. • Dec. 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m. • Free (admission) • 2525 W. New Hope Drive, Cedar Park • www.cedarparktexas.gov/843/tail-of-lights

• 3300 Brushy Creek Road, Cedar Park • Eventbrite: Gobble Wobble Turkey Trot 5K/10K/13.1 Austin

December

Follow the Star The 13th annual outdoor production featuring over 300 cast and crew will depict the life of Jesus Christ. • Dec. 5-7, 6:30-9 p.m. • Free (admission), canned food donation encouraged • 700 W. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park • www.gstx.org/followthestar Tree Lighting Ceremony Community members can gather to witness the lighting of the Heritage Oak Tree with over 50,000 lights. • Dec. 6, 6:30-9 p.m. • Free (admission) • 875 Quest Parkway, Cedar Park • www.cedarparktexas.gov/treelighting Holidays with the Horses Attendees can find cowboy Santa Claus, a holiday market, a light trail, carnival games and a silent auction. • Dec. 6-8, 7-10 p.m. • Free (admission)

• 100 N. Brushy St., Leander • www.oldtownleander.com

Liberty Hill Boutique Stroll The stroll will feature local businesses such as Main Street Marketplace, Blinded by the Light Home Decor and Gift Shop, Olive and Sage Boutique, Michelle's Patisserie and The Vinew. Attendees can expect treats and raffles with the grand prize valued at more than $400. Proceeds will benefit local nonprofits. • Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

• Dec. 11, 5-7 p.m. • Free (admission)

• 660 S. Bagdad Road, Ste. 330, Leander • www.turquoisepeacockboutique.com

Liberty Hill Jingle Bell 5K/1K Fun Run The Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce will host this inaugural holiday running event which will benefit the Liberty Hill ISD Education Foundation and local schools. • Dec. 14, 7-9:45 a.m. • $20-$35 • 90 Santa Rita Blvd., Liberty Hill • www.libertyhillchamber.org

• Free (admission) • Location varies • https://bit.ly/3Ui7cJM

7th annual Peacock Christmas Party Turquoise Peacock Boutique will give away Christmas presents to attendees. The occasion is one of the largest events the boutique hosts throughout the year.

• 5300 CR 279, Leander • www.openmyworld.org

Authentic People Trusted Advice

AMY GANDY Broker/Owner MCNE, CLHMS

111 Grange Street, Liberty Hill · www.agandyandco.com · 512-589-9005

LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION

Follow The Star NOT YOUR TYPICAL CHRISTMAS STORY Experience a live production of the LIFE of Jesus Christ.

You know the beginning. Now hear the rest of the story.

FollowTheStar.net

December 5 ● 6 ● 7 | 6:30-9:00pm Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 700 W. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park

FREE ADMISSION Drive it. Walk it. Live it.

Give yourself the gift of a new home for the holidays.

Discover move-in ready homes from the low $400s in the Chesmar Leander and Liberty Hill communities of Lariat, Deerbrooke, and Santa Rita Ranch.

Collecting Nonperishable Food Donations for Hill Country Community Ministries

Welcome to your new home life.

* Prices subject to change, see website for full details

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Nonprofit

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

Volunteer Guide

2024

• Sample activities: walking dogs, socializing cats, doing laundry and dishes, helping at off-site events and fundraisers • Donations accepted: unopened/unexpired dry and wet dog and cat food, treats, newspaper, cardboard trays, pet crates and carriers, towels, blankets, sheets, monetary gifts • Latest news: began offering the Doggy Day Out program, where individuals can take an approved dog for a day-long outing • 1855 SE Inner Loop, Georgetown • www.wilcotx.gov/pets

Learn more about volunteer opportunities in Leander, Liberty Hill and the surrounding communities. For specific volunteer requirements, contact the organization directly. This list is not comprehensive.

Community resources

Animal services

Central Texas SPCA Since 1988 the no-kill shelter has pulled dogs and cats at risk of euthanasia from Central Texas shelters. • Sample activities: caring for animals, socializing animals, working events, providing yard work, fundraising, marketing • Donations accepted: items from Amazon wish list • Latest news: preparing to break ground on a shelter • 909 S. Bagdad Road, Leander • www.centraltexasspca.org The Dog Alliance The nonprofit provides service dogs to veterans in Texas, and has a therapy dog team that provides stress relief at hospitals and nursing homes. The organization also has dog training classes. • Sample activities: helping with distraction seminars for therapy dogs, landscaping, walking dogs • Donations accepted: dog crates, beds, towels, unopened dog food, monetary gifts • Latest news: received a grant from the Texas Veterans Commission allowing them to provide service dogs to veterans at no cost • 1321 W. New Hope Drive, Cedar Park • www.thedogalliance.org Equine Rehabilitation Central Texas The organization is a rescue, rehab and rehoming facility for horses. • Sample activities: helping with horse care, feeding horses and giving them supplements, cleaning, grooming horses, conducting minor labor and repairs • Donations accepted: monetary gifts, contact the organization for a list of preferred donations • 17000 Trailsend Cove, Leander • www.horseserct.org adoption. It also has a low-cost clinic for people to bring their pets to be spayed and neutered or vaccinated. • Sample activities: walking dogs, cleaning, socializing cats, performing administrative tasks • Donations accepted: towels, sheets, cleaning supplies, pet food, monetary gifts • Latest news: opening a new building to add services • 10930 E. Crystal Falls Parkway, Leander • www.humaneheroes.org Texas Humane Heroes The no-kill animal shelter prepares animals for Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter The nonprofit provides a safe space and compassionate treatment for the lost and unhoused pets of Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Hutto and the unincorporated areas of Williamson County.

Community resources

Hill Country Community Ministries The nonprofit seeks to provide food, clothing, and other necessary services to those facing challenging times and financial difficulties such as job loss, disabilities, chronic illness and family emergencies. • Sample activities: packing food orders for clients, helping in the community cupboard, picking up donations from retail partners, serving as a case manager, organizing clothes • Donations accepted: nonperishable food, hygiene products, clothes, household items, monetary gifts • 1005 Lacy Drive, Leander (headquarters & food pantry); 1501 Leander Drive, Bldg. C, Ste. 3, Leander (thrift store) • www.hccm.org Hope Alliance The shelter and resource center helps victims of domestic or sexual violence. • Sample activities: staffing the counseling center, answering phones, working with clients • Donations accepted: toiletries, clothing, items from Amazon wish list • Latest news: building a new location, which will double its size and consolidate services to one location • 1011 Gattis School Road, Round Rock • hopealliancetx.org Hope House The nonprofit is home to people with disabilities. • Sample activities: completing task lists on site, using skills to advocate or be an ambassador • Donations accepted: toothbrushes, cleaning supplies, soaps, clothing • Latest news: building three new houses that will increase the organization’s housing capacity by nine L4 Cares The organization provides support and assistance to seniors, military personnel, families dealing with terminal illness and individuals in crisis. • Sample activities: collecting cards for troops and seniors living in nursing homes, putting together goodie bags for children in the hospital • 1705 CR 285, Liberty Hill • www.hopehouseaustin.org

Operation Liberty Hill The food pantry has a thrift store and a resource center, which helps people with job readiness. It also offers clothing vouchers and financial aid. • Sample activities: sorting donated items, working in the thrift store and food pantry • Donations accepted: clothing; household items, excluding large furniture; food; monetary gifts • Latest news: planning to expand its educational offerings, including money management • 1401 N. US 183, Leander • www.operationlh.org

• Donations accepted: monetary gifts • www.l4cares.org

Ma Bailey’s The women’s clinic and short-term housing facility provides prenatal and postpartum care for families. • Sample activities: mowing, providing maintenance services, assisting with administrative work, updating the website and social media • Donations accepted: cleaning and household supplies, monetary gifts • 747 Dews Road, Leander • www.mabaileys.org Open My World The riding center provides equine therapy to treat physical disabilities and injuries, mental illness, behavioral issues and learning disabilities. • Sample activities: assisting with therapeutic horseback riding lessons, grooming horses, cleaning horse soles, helping with special events and fundraising • Donations accepted: in-kind donations, such as materials or supplies from businesses; monetary gifts, including sponsorships for riders and horses • 5300 County Road 279, Leander • www.openmyworld.org

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