Pflugerville - Hutto Edition | January 2026

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Pugerville Hutto Edition VOLUME 21, ISSUE 5 JAN. 15FEB. 12, 2026

Brought to you by our gold sponsors: 2026 Health & Wellness Edition

$19M in Pugerville park upgrades to debut in 2026

BY BROOKE SJOBERG

Two major parks projects in Pugerville will soon be completed and open for play: the new Kelly Lane Park and the second phase of 1849 Park. While the projects are dierent in scope, they are both part of the city’s eort to expand access to park and athletic facilities, said Je Achee, Pugerville Parks and Recreation Department assistant director. The parks are the result of community planning, with residents frequently request- ing additional facilities. “People are excited to see new elds, expanded parking and additional spaces for families to come together,” said outgoing Mayor Victor Gonzales, who served the city while many of Pugerville’s latest park projects were in planning.

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The city of Pugerville recently completed an expansion to 1849 Park. COURTESY CITY OF PFLUGERVILLE

Your vision is our focus.

Experience complete, convenient eye care at our new Pflugerville clinic, where our optometrists and ophthalmologists work together to help you see your best. From routine exams and prescriptions to advanced medical and surgical eye care, our team provides the clarity, comfort and expertise you deserve.

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NATIONAL REACCREDITATION EARNED BY PFLUGERVILLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP PAID ADVERTISEMENT

PFLUGERVILLE RECOGNIZED The Pflugerville Community Development Corporation has again earned national recognition for professional excellence, reinforcing the city’s commitment to economic growth, job creation, and long- term planning. PCDC was recently reaccredited as an Accredited Economic Development Organization by the International Economic Development Council, the world’s largest professional association for economic development practitioners. The designation recognizes organizations that meet rigorous national standards for governance, strategic planning, and performance. PCDC was first accredited in 2019 and earned reaccreditation following a comprehensive review of its programs, operations, and leadership.

Only 93 economic development organizations nationwide currently hold the designation. The reaccreditation process includes an extensive evaluation of an organization’s structure, funding, policies, strategic initiatives, and staff capacity. The review also involves a detailed documentation assessment and an on-site visit. Organizations must requalify every three years to maintain the credential. Local leaders say the designation signals accountability and credibility to businesses, investors, and residents considering Pflugerville. “This reaccreditation confirms that Pflugerville’s economic development efforts meet nationally recognized standards,” said Darelle White, president of the PCDC Board of Directors. “It reflects our commitment to transparency, professionalism, and results.”

PCDC Executive Director Jerry W. Jones Jr. emphasized that the recognition reflects significant progress made over the past year, including organizational improvements and a renewed focus on strategic priorities. The Pflugerville Community Development Corporation is a Type B economic development organization funded by a half- cent sales tax. It supports business recruitment, expansion, and retention while working in partnership with the City of Pflugerville to strengthen the local economy, attract investment, and enhance quality of life for residents. “ Despite our small staff size, the IEDC recognized us as a committed and effective organization. As the only accredited economic development organization in the Capital Region, this sets Pflugerville apart.” — Jerry W. Jones Jr., Executive Director, Pflugerville Community Development Corporation

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Impacts Hutto

store is also connected to Rare Candy Collectibles, which sells comics, autographed memorabilia, trading cards and action figures, and also features classic arcade games for patrons to play. • Opened Nov. 27 • 3333 CR 119, Ste. 134, Hutto • www.instagram.com/treasuretrovehobbystore 3 Chipotle Mexican Grill The fast-casual restaurant offers build-your-own options for burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, salads and tacos. Customers can choose from a selection of protein, including carne asada, chicken, steak, beef barbacoa, carnitas or sofritas, which is a plant-based protein. A second Chipotle in Hutto is located at 326 Ed Schmidt Boulevard. • Opened in December • 2260 Muirfield Bend Drive, Ste. 100, Hutto • www.chipotle.com 4 Bites & Basil The restaurant, owned by Phen T. Diep, held a soft opening at the end of 2025, serving Vietnamese cuisine with a Texas twist. Bites & Basil offers bun sliders, egg rolls, pho, rice plates, vermicelli and more. Diep also owns Broth & Basil in Pflugerville. • Opened Dec. 29

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8 2 1 ED SCHMIDT BLVD.

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LIMMER LOOP

Now open

W. LIVE OAK ST.

INNOVATION BLVD.

1 Hutto Hobby The shop, owned by Chris and Erika Loftis, specializes in sports and entertainment trading cards, board games, puzzles, Warhammer and hobby supplies. Chris said the shop plans to host a grand opening in early 2026. The business is located within The Shoppes at Affordable Storage. • Opened Dec. 6 • 3333 CR 119, Ste. 30, Hutto • www.huttohobby.com 2 Treasure Trove Hobby Store The store recently took over the space previously occupied by EveOfDay Creations in Hutto. It specializes in trading cards, toys and collectibles, and also hosts gaming nights. For instance, the shop will host community nights to play Pokemon, Lorcana, Elestrals, Dungeons & Dragons, Yu-Gi-Oh! and other games. The

ALLIANCE BLVD.

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In the news

Now open

5 Toyota Hutto Construction on a new Toyota dealership is underway in Hutto after officials broke ground on the business Dec. 11. The project, by Penske Automotive Group, will include the construction of the new dealership as well as a service center. Toyota has other locations in Round Rock, North Austin and Cedar Park. • 2160 Innovation Blvd., Hutto • www.toyota.com 6 Texas Veterans Commission Hutto City Hall now includes a space dedicated to veterans in need of guidance or support through the Texas Veterans Commission. Services available include assistance with disability compensation and pension claims, as well as referrals and support for Veterans

7 What’s the Tea? The boutique cafe, owned by Lisa and Diana Nguyen, offers a menu emphasizing healthier options, such as noncaffeinated herbal teas, mushroom-infused espresso, matcha lattes with oat milk cold foam, and bubble tea with pink tapioca pearls colored with beet juice and sweetened with agave nectar. Customers will also find a selection of snacks, including mini banh mis and sticky rice bowls. • Opened Nov. 29 • 210 Ed Schmidt Blvd., Ste. 450, Hutto • www.whatstheteaatx.com

8 The Stone Garden Owned by Yvette Dayal, the business specializes in handcrafted goods, gemstone jewelry, crystals, home decor, incense and spiritual wellness items. Customers can also visit the shop, located within The Shoppes at Affordable Storage, to learn how to make candles, jewelry and soaps. • Opened in December • 3333 CR 119, Ste. 33, Hutto • www.instagram.com/shopthestonegarden

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Impacts

Pflugerville

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1 Apolonia Smiles The practice offers a wide range of services, from routine care to transformative treatments, and serves as an in-network preferred provider partner with several major insurance companies. Led by Dr. Hussam Asker, a University of Michigan School of Dentistry graduate, Apolonia Smiles emphasizes preventive and restorative dentistry focused on patient comfort and long-term oral wellness. Treatments include cleanings, implants, Invisalign, veneers and whitening. • Opened Dec. 4 • 1500 S. Heatherwilde Blvd., Ste. 300, Pflugerville • www.apoloniasmiles.com 2 GOFO The logistics company provides last-mile delivery services. The facility will handle parcels for major e-commerce platforms—including TikTok Shop, TEMU and Shein—as well as other online retailers. Last-mile operations focus on transporting packages from a local distribution point directly to customers’ homes. A company spokesperson said the Pflugerville site will support delivery routes across Pflugerville, Round Rock, Hutto and portions of North Austin. • Opened in November • 2939 W. Pecan St., Pflugerville • www.gofoexpress.com

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Coming soon

Now open

3 Ivybrook Academy The private preschool, owned by Sagar and Jesal Bhakta, offers early childhood education with programs for children from ages 18 months to 6 years old. The half-day school provides curriculum that integrates elements of the Reggio Emilia and Montessori philosophies. Curriculum subjects include literacy, mathematics, creative arts, science and nature, and social-emotional learning. The school also offers a full- day, dual-session option for ages 3 to 5. • Opened Dec. 1 • 1204 E. Pflugerville Parkway, Ste. 110, Pflugerville • www.ivybrookacademy.com/pflugerville Hired Service Co. The locally owned contractor and handyman business serves customers across Central Texas, traveling to any location within roughly an hour of Pflugerville. The company, owned by DaNey Ross and Cody Chrisle, offers a wide mix of services including general contracting, landscaping upgrades, fence building, carpentry, demo and haul-off work, home repairs, and residential clean-outs. • Opened Nov. 17 • 512-975-1073 • www.werehired.com

4 Tumble 22 The Austin-based hot chicken restaurant is now planning to open in early 2026. With a total of nine locations, the restaurant is known for its Texas-raised chicken that’s hand-breaded and tumbled 22 times for a crunchy texture. The restaurant serves spicy chicken sandwiches and tenders with various heat levels, plus

sides and desserts. • Opening Jan. 26

• 18725 FM 685, Ste. 100 Pflugerville • www.tumble22.com/pflugerville

Closings

6 Santé Eyecare The boutique eye care clinic offers residents a mix of preventive care, medical services and independent eyewear options. The practice, led by optometrist and owner Dr. Andrea Kells provides comprehensive and preventive eye care for patients of all ages, including infants receiving their first vision assessment between 6-12 months old. • Opened in early October • 801 Wells Branch Parkway, Ste. 110, Pflugerville • www.santeeyecare.com

5 Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen

The restaurant in Pflugerville’s Stone Hill Town Center closed just six months after its grand reopening. The short-lived reopening followed a change in ownership earlier in the year. The menu featured pizza, pasta, sandwiches, calzones, salads and appetizers. • Closed Oct. 22 • 18816 Limestone Commercial Drive, Ste. 500, Pflugerville • www.nypizzeria.com

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Impacts

Round Rock

representative. It is located next to The Gap outlet. • Opened Nov. 24 • 4401 I-35, Ste. 121, Round Rock • www.newbalance.com 5 Qvevri Georgian & European Market Locally owned by Khatia Pipia and her husband, David, the market offers European dairy, meats, snacks, desserts and other specialty items. Pipia said the shop is focused on sharing Georgian culture with the community, including food, wine, handmade scarves and other merchandise imported from the eastern European nation. • Opened Oct. 4 • 1205 Round Rock Ave., Ste. 113, Round Rock • www.qvevrimarket.com 6 Scooter’s Coffee The company offers a variety of drinks that can be served hot, blended or iced, including coffee, lattes, smoothies and protein shakes. The coffee shop is known for its Caramelicious beverage featuring caramel sauce, espresso and whipped cream. Scooter’s Coffee also serves food items such as bagels, burritos, cake bites, egg bites, muffins and a maple waffle sandwich with sausage, egg and cheese. • Opened Nov. 12 7 Sommer Garcia Tax Services Locally owned by Sommer Garcia, an enrolled agent, the business offers tax preparation services for both individuals and businesses in the area. Garcia said she will begin tax services on the first business day of the new year, Jan. 5, 2026. She will operate the business with office manager Rebecca LaBeth. • Opening in November • 1101 Satellite View, Ste. 101, Round Rock • www.sgarciatax.com • 1675 S. I-35, Round Rock • www.scooterscoffee.com 8 Top Shots Liquor The shop offers a variety of wine, beer and spirits in a retail space adjacent to a Valero gas station and convenience store. The liquor store is locally owned by Aaijaj Badarpura. • Opened in November • 8801 CR 110, Ste. 300, Round Rock • 512-647-0506

Round Rock

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• Opened in November • 2051 Gattis School Road, Ste. 520, Round Rock • www.buffalowildwings.com 3 HTeaO The Texas-based beverage company originated in Dallas and now has franchise locations statewide. HTeaO’s menu offers a variety of tea and coffee options, as well as a special menu of drinks named “cotton candy,” “pink flamingo” and more. • Opened Nov. 28 (Brushy Creek); Opened Dec. 13 (East Palm Valley Boulevard)

Now open

1 B. Sweet Lash Wax Medspa The beauty-oriented business is locally owned by Brooke Sweet. It offers a variety of services including eyelash extensions and lifts, skincare, waxing, advanced microblading, permanent makeup, ear piercing, laser hair removal, as well as medspa treatments. • Opened Dec. 9 • 1307 Chisholm Trail Road, Ste. 150, Round Rock • www.bsweet.shop 2 Buffalo Wild Wings GO A delivery and takeout-only location of the restaurant is now open in Round Rock, according to a company representative. The restaurant offers a variety of wings with sauce, appetizers, sandwiches, burgers and more.

• A 211 Deer Ridge Drive, Round Rock; • B 2331 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock • www.hteao.com

4 New Balance The footwear and apparel retailer opened in November at Round Rock Premium Outlets, according to a Simon Malls

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Coming soon

9 Curry Pizza House The company is an Indian pizza establishment that offers classic pizza, curry-inspired pizza, wings, salads, vegan pizzas and build-your-own pizza options. The franchise operates locations in California, Nevada, Oregon, Texas and Washington with locations opening in Delaware, Georgia and Indiana as well. This location is locally owned by Mahendra Kakarla. • Opened Dec. 6

12 Noble Pho The menu includes a variety of appetizers including spring rolls, egg rolls, chicken wings and poached eggs; main dishes such as beef broth pho, oxtail pho, vegan broth pho, banh mi sandwiches, fried rice, rice plates and vermicelli bowls; and boba tea, as well as Vietnamese coffee. The restaurant is owned by Candice Lui, Eunice Tsang, and chef Jenna Choe, who are residents of Austin and Round Rock. • Opened Nov. 29 • 200 University Blvd., Ste. 530, Round Rock • www.noblepho.com

14 The Toasted Yolk The restaurant offers a menu centered around breakfast, brunch and lunch, as well as specialty donuts and beverages. • Opening in January • 1700 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Ste. 300, Round Rock • www.thetoastedyolk.com

• 1300 S. Mays St., Round Rock • www.currypizzahouse.com

10 Echo Suites The hotel brings extended-stay rooms geared towards affordability, according to a spokesperson. The hotel will offer suites with full kitchens, including refrigerators, dishwashers and storage; free wifi and 24/7 laundry facilities; an on-site fitness center; and pet-friendly accommodations. • Opened Jan. 1 • 1485 Meister Lane, Round Rock • www.wyndhamhotels.com/echo-suites 11 Los Campeones The gym features over 200 new exercise machines, 100 feet of cable stations, 100 feet of turf and 100 feet of dumbbells and benches. The facility, locally owned by franchisee Tim Mantel, also includes a HYROX Performing Center and over 20 Eleiko platforms and

racks for power lifters. The business also has locations in north Austin and south Austin. • Opened Dec. 12 • 1201 S. I-35, Ste. 200, Round Rock • www.loscampeonesgym.com

Relocations

15 VeraBank The bank relocated from its current location near East Palm Valley Boulevard to the corner of I-35 and Hester’s Crossing in December. VeraBank provides personal and business banking, personal and business loans, home loans as well as wealth management services to Central

Coming soon

and East Texans. • Opened Dec. 15 • 2300 S. I-35, Round Rock • www.verabank.com

13 Bricks & Minifigs A franchise of the Lego reseller will open in the Mays Crossing retail center. Locally owned by Eric VanDyke, the shop will sell new and used Lego sets, bulk Lego bricks and third-party accessories. • Opening in February • 1201 I-35, Ste. 320, Round Rock • www.bricksandminifigs.com

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Government

Hutto council again delays vote on public improvement district

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The Hutto City Council again postponed a decision on whether to create a Public Improvement District tied to the large east-side Stromberg development, citing continued concerns over missing documents and unresolved disagreements between city staff

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City staff said the developer requested additional time earlier in the day to continue working through the city’s policy require- ments. Those include defining the district’s scope, responding to staff concerns and determining whether the proposal meets the city standard that PID projects deliver benefits beyond what is typically required of private development. How we got here In November, council approved a zoning amendment to clear the way for a residential-focused neighborhood on the develop- ment. About 75% of the homes are expected to be dedicated to single-family homes. If council approves a PID for the project, it would allow the developer to finance an estimated $100 million in roads, utilities, drainage and park space through special assessments.

Council reopened a public hear- ing on the proposed district, which would finance infrastructure for a roughly 389-acre residential com- munity, but voted unanimously to adjourn the item to Jan. 22 after staff said key requirements had still not been met. “We’re back here again with the same issues we talked about last time,” said Mayor Mike Snyder. “It feels like Groundhog Day.” Officials said the developer had not provided a finalized legal description defining the district’s boundaries, nor clarified whether the district would apply only to residential parcels or also include commercial property. Staff reiterated their recommendation that any improvement district be limited to residential land, with commercial development addressed separately.

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Weiss sworn in as Pflugerville mayor

Now through January 31 , 2026 , bring your real, unflocked Christmas trees to the TDS Landfill in Creedmoor, TX.

Doug Weiss was sworn in as Pflugerville mayor Dec. 22. The overview Weiss won the mayor’s race in a December runoff, defeating Pat McCord with 56% of the votes. Weiss previously served nine years on Pflugerville City Council before launching his mayoral campaign. He was sworn in by

former Mayor Victor Gonzales, who served three terms. At his swearing in, Weiss thanked both residents who did and did not vote for him. “Thank you for showing up again in the runoff, making that effort to vote,” he said. “We know that is what really makes this city so amazing.”

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BY MANUEL HOLGUIN JR.

Crime trends and traffic safety improved in parts of Hutto in 2025, according to a quarterly police report that highlights both enforcement gains and growing demands on officers. The local impact Police Chief Jeffrey Yarbrough presented a quarterly update to City Council on Dec. 18, outlining staffing levels, crime trends and enforcement strategies aimed at addressing community concerns. Yarbrough said targeted patrols and officer visibility have Hutto report shows decline in burglaries

contributed to declines in certain crimes and traffic accidents, while rising call volume has limited proactive enforcement. “When you have officers visible, you’re going to find that people will more likely comply with the laws and the traffic rules,” Yarbrough said. The police department has 54 authorized positions and two current vacancies, with no officers in field training or background checks. Yarbrough said applicant inter- est remains strong, allowing them to be selective as the city grows. “We’re very fortunate to be able to make sure that when we fill these last two positions, we’re getting someone we truly believe will fit the need of our growing community,” Yarbrough said.

Join us for an Open House! Saturday, January 24, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Monday, February 2, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Hutto crime report The Hutto Police Department compared crime statistics from January 2024-October 2024 with incidents from January 2025-October 2025. 2024 2025

-1.5%

500 400 300 200 100 0

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-61%

+80%

-55%

Burglary of motor vehicles

Burglary of a building

DWI arrests

Reported traffic accidents

SOURCE: CITY OF HUTTO/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Thompson leaves Hutto council

Brian Thompson, Place 1 Hutto City Council member, announced his resignation Dec. 22. The gist Thompson was elected to City Council in 2023. All Hutto City Council members are elected at-large, meaning all registered voters in the city are allowed to vote for every position.

According to the city charter, City Council may appoint a quali- fied replacement to fill the vacant seat should the remainder of the term be less than one year. Thompson’s seat, as well as the Place 4 City Council seat held by Peter Gordon, will be up for a general election on May 2.

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Transportation

BY BROOKE SJOBERG

• Timeline: expected to bid in September 2026 • Cost: $7.5 million • Funding source: city bond funds, roadway impact fees 3 Parkway Drive reconstruction Project: Reconstruct Parkway Drive into an urban road section with pavement, curb, gutter drainage, sidewalks and streetlights • Timeline: expected to bid in March 2026 • Cost: $3.4 million • Funding source: Roadway impact fees, city bonds

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4 East Pflugerville Parkway realignment Project: 1-mile extension of East Pflugerville Parkway from Weiss Lane to Avalar Avenue, as a four-lane roadway with a raised center median Update: construction began in December • Timeline: TBD • Cost: $25.8 million • Funding source: city bonds, roadway impact fees Hutto

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Upcoming projects

AVALAR AVE.

5 CR 199 reconstruction Project: Reconstruction of CR 199 from CR 132 to FM 1660 • Timeline: TBD • Cost: $20.5 million • Funding Source: TBD 6 Limmer Loop widening Project: Widening of Limmer Loop from Innovation Drive to Ed Schmidt Boulevard Update: construction starting May 2026 • Timeline: May 2026-Dec. 2026 • Cost: $6.5 million • Funding source: TIRZ No. 3

JESSE BOHLS DR.

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Pflugerville

Update: project went out to bid in fall 2025 • Timeline: Completion planned for fall 2028 • Cost: $31.7 million • Funding source: city bond funds 2 Pfluger Farm Lane North Project: Widen section of Pfluger Farm Lane to a three-lane road Update: design is about 60% complete

Upcoming projects

1 Kelly Lane Phase 3 Project: Construct a four-lane roadway with a center median and four roundabout intersections from Moorlynch Avenue to Weiss Lane

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Development

BY CLAIRE SHOOP

Samsung site in Taylor progresses

The background

Construction on the $17 billion Taylor site began in 2022. To date, Glaze said the 1,200-acre campus, totaling 4 million square feet, is home to:

and a meditation space. Additionally, the site is landscaped with Georgia loblolly pines, a lazy river that runs through the campus and a Texas-shaped water fountain. About 1,000 Samsung employees will move into the Taylor site over the rst two quarters of 2026, Glaze said, adding that this doesn’t include additional sta needed for security, hospitality and landscaping.

Some Samsung Austin Semiconductor employees began moving into the new oce building at the manufacturer’s Taylor campus in November, Michele Glaze, senior director of communications and community aairs, said. Glaze, speaking at a Hutto Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon in October, said the six-story oce building boasts a number of amenities, including two cafeterias, open- concept cubicles, atriums, a tness center

• The oce building • A fabrication plant • Two gas and chemical supply buildings • A utility station and building • An electrical substation • Water and wastewater facilities

• Two water tanks • Three warehouses • 250 construction trailers

Samsung Austin Semiconductor Taylor campus

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What’s next

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Glaze said the rst fab—or fabrication plant where manufacturing takes place—will be operational by the end of 2026. Using advanced techniques, the facility hopes to make some of the smallest semiconductor chips used for articial intelligence, Glaze said. Samsung Austin Semiconductor has room to grow in Taylor, as the company’s economic development agreements are for up to 10 fabs. However, Glaze said demand for semiconductor chips and geopolitical factors will drive when these subsequent fabs are built.

The rst nonconstruction employees moved into the Samsung campus in Taylor when its oce building opened in November. (Matthew Brooks/Community Impact)

PFLUGERVILLE HUTTO EDITION

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY BRITTNEY ANDERSON & BROOKE SJOBERG

Pugerville ISD moves trustee elections to November Pugerville ISD trustee elections will shift from being held in May to November, following a resolution adopted

“I just feel personally that as a trustee, as a volunteer role, we shouldn’t be costing our district extra dollars and we

in a 5-2 vote by the board during its Dec. 11 meeting. Trustees Renae Mitchell and Claudia Yañez were the dissenting votes. The gist Places 6 and 7, currently held by trustees Jean Mayer and Chevonne Lorigo-Johst, are the only seats up for election next year and will be the rst under the new election cycle. Mitchell suggested suspending the vote, saying the resolution gives the current board ve additional months in oce and could have potential new trustees starting in the midst of a school year. “I want us to be very intentional about this and to think this through a little bit more than what we have,” Mitchell said. Trustee Alex Okafor, who is part of the policy com- mittee, said the process behind changing the policy was rooted in saving the district money by moving to a

need to make that sacrice in order to create a better experience for our students.” ALEX OKAFOR, PFLUGERVILLE ISD BOARD TRUSTEE

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November election cycle and boosting voter turnout. District ocials said PfISD could have saved approxi- mately $130,000 if elections were held in November for the past two years. Looking ahead With places 6 and 7 up for election next year, the candidate ling date deadline will now shift to August.

CTE center breaks ground in Pugerville Pugerville ISD ocials broke ground Nov. 18 on the district’s future central career and technical education facility near Killingsworth Lane. The details The $76 million facility will provide a variety of opportunities for students to earn industry certications and plan for higher education, district ocials said. The center will oer programming across a variety of industries, such as health science, automotive technology, culinary arts, information technology and engi- neering. The CTE Center is expected to open in fall 2027, according to the district.

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The new facility will be located along Chris Kelley Boulevard, south of the railroad tracks crossing much of the district, to help ease trac, decrease fuel costs and shorten trips. It will house some of the district’s bus eet and reduce the need for some buses to travel to and from the existing transportation facility located on FM 1660.

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PFLUGERVILLE HUTTO EDITION

Development

BY GRANT CRAWFORD, MANUEL HOLGUIN JR. & GRACIE WARHURST

County narrows search for justice center site Williamson County commissioners discussed next steps for the planned Justice Center complex, including selecting a site, at their meeting Dec. 16. The details Cameron Glass, a representative with project manager Kitchell, presented an overview of Phase 1 and discussed next steps at the meeting. After evaluating current conditions and assessing long-term Justice Center needs, Kitchell conrmed the county will need to construct a new facility. “We found that in a lot of cases, you are out of space,” Glass said. “The facility’s been kept up, ... but it does start to show its age inside.” As part of Phase 1, Kitchell looked at future jail capacity needs, projected number of courts and caseloads, and oce space requirements to build 25-year and 50-year forecasts.

Pugerville reopens improved park Murchison-Mallard Pond Park reopened Dec. 4, after the city completed an improve- ment project to bring more amenities. The overview The park project, which began in May, includes a new half-mile concrete trail, playground, shaded pavilion, more picnic stations, benches, drinking fountains, a buttery garden and additional trees. The $1.2-million project stems from a 2020 bond to fund improvements to Pugerville parks.

$80M in water projects planned in Pugerville Pugerville is preparing to issue nearly $80 million in low-interest debt to complete two major water system projects. The planned nancing is included in the city’s long-term utility budget and will not change current water or wastewater rates, according to city sta. Two-minute impact The measures authorize up to $52.99 million for the city’s Secondary Colorado River Raw Water Line and $27.18 million for the expansion of the water treatment plant and related system upgrades. During the meeting, council members received an update on construction progress from City Engineer Je Dunsworth, who said work is well underway across several contracts. The raw water pump station is roughly 24% complete, with three pumps expected to begin operating by

Hutto establishes reinvestment zone Hutto City Council approved a new development zone along SH 130 on Dec. 5, establishing a dedicated funding tool to support long-term infrastructure needs. The overview The tax increment reinvestment zone, or TIRZ 4, covers about 1,970 acres along the SH 130 corridor. As new development increases property values in that area, part of the new tax revenue generated will be set aside to pay for roads, utilities and other public improvements. The city will next begin conversations with Williamson County, which has not yet committed to participating in the TIRZ. Sta said county ocials typically wait for cities to formally adopt a zone before considering their own contribution levels.

“One thing that’s going to be very important during this whole process, as everyone knows, is the communication

“This is probably the biggest water project in the history of Pugerville.”

to our citizens in Williamson County. Once we get through all the Phase 2 and move on, and if the public sees that price tag, there’s going to be some sticker shock.” STEVE SNELL, WILLIAMSON COUNTY JUDGE

DAVID ROGERS, PLACE 6 CITY COUNCIL MEMBER

March—enough for the system to function while the fourth pump is installed. Dunsworth said both the pipeline and the plant expansion remain on track for completion by late 2026, and while change orders and cost adjust- ments are anticipated, the projects are expected to stay close to their budgeted totals. What residents should know City ocials emphasized that issuing the new debt will not result in higher water or wastewater rates because the nancing was built into previous budgets as part of the long-term capital planning for the utility system.

What’s next The planning rm looked at 37 potential sites for the complex in Phase 1 and narrowed down a “short list” for further consideration in Phase 2, Glass said. Phase 2 will also include programming con- cepts and will wrap up in mid-2026, Glass said. The county hopes to open the new Justice Center complex by 2030, according to a tentative project schedule.

Murchison-Mallard Pond Park

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Health & wellness

BY MANUEL HOLGUIN JR.

Health & Wellness Edition 2026

Readers, welcome to your annual CI Health & Wellness Edition! In this guide you’ll nd the latest news, updates and resources related to health and wellness in our community. Topics span physical, mental and social well-being, with a variety of stories reported and written by our local journalism team. In the second year of this edition, read about the latest updates to Hutto’s Fritz Park, learn more about the impact of excessive technology use and check out some local running clubs.

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$11M in improvements to Hutto’s Fritz Park near completion Fritz Park improvements remain on track to open this year, with phase two construction continuing and completion expected in early 2026, according to city ocials. 1660 FRITZ PARK

community input through the city’s parks advisory board and multiple resident task forces, which provided recommendations on playground equipment, splash pad features, and the pump track and skate park design. While some upgrades—such as new equipment and solar lighting—are expected to reduce long- term maintenance costs, the expanded amenities will also increase daily operational demands. What they’re saying Once the renovated park reopens, city ocials expect a signicant increase in use. White said Fritz Park could see more than 100,000 visitors during the remainder of 2026. White described the project as a major step toward modernizing Hutto’s park system. “This is going to be our agship park,” he said. “It sets a new standard for what our amenities need to look like going forward.”

FRITZ PARK RENOVATIONS

The $11 million project is part of Hutto’s capital improvement plan approved by City Council in 2023. Funding comes primarily from a voter-ap- proved parks bond passed in 2018, with design costs covered by the city’s Parkland Development Fund. Improvements include expanded parking, a lighted perimeter walking trail with solar lighting, a new splash pad, modern restroom facilities, new playgrounds for children ages 2-5 and 5-12, renovated basketball courts, a pump track and skate park, and additional open space. The project also incorporates water conser- vation measures by reusing an existing well to supply a pond that will irrigate the park, said Je White, Hutto Parks and Recreation director. White said the project was shaped by

New playground equipment is installed at Fritz Park as part of the park’s ongoing renovation.

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PFLUGERVILLE HUTTO EDITION

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Health & wellness

BY GRANT CRAWFORD

As excessive technology use has gained more public recognition, organizations such as Omega Recovery in Austin are offering programs to help people gain control over their digital habits. Nick Hoenes, Omega’s executive clinical director, said youth in their late teens or young adults in their early 20s are more likely to visit for help. However, he also said the center sees people “across generations” who have experienced family discord, job loss or have dropped out of school. “What we’re talking about is compulsive technology use that is interfering with some function of life,” Hoenes said. Rising tech use prompts digital detoxing efforts

The impact

Tips and tricks

Daily time spent on social networking by users worldwide

As part of the programs offered at Omega Recovery, the center works with recovery home partners that provide clients with a technology-free environment. Clients might stay with the home partner and participate in activities outside of the digital world, such hiking, going to Zilker Park and enjoying community meals. Hoenes also recommends that even those without a technology addiction practice moderation and said there are avenues for people to do this on their own. For instance, he said more people are swapping out their smartphones for “dumb phones,” or devices with limited capabilities and no access to the internet. “People can leave video game consoles, laptops and things like that with a trusted friend, or put them somewhere you’re not going to access them, and go about that for 30 days and see what the difference is after that time,” he said. Other steps people can take to curb their tech usage is limit their screen time to 20 minutes after they get home from work, and avoid “doom scrolling.” If people are curious about how technology is impacting their life, Hoenes recommends they journal how they felt before and after they get onto social media, scroll through websites or play a game on their phone. Those looking for support can also attend free Internet & Technology Addicts Anonymous meetings at 10 a.m. every Friday at the Omega Recovery campus, which is located at 1710 Evergreen Ave., Ste. B Austin.

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With digital technology now integrated into much of everyday life, studies have shown that the use of smartphones, social media and online gaming take up hours of Americans’ daily routine. According to the Center for Internet & Technology Addiction, 85% of Americans go online daily and 31% of adults say they’re online “almost constantly.” Today, the World Health Organization recognizes a type of addiction known as “gaming disorder” on its official disease classification list. With online gaming, Hoenes said skilled players often receive positive feedback or social validation, making it more difficult to put the controller down. Furthermore, the WHO has signaled that prob- lematic use of social media has been associated with less sleep, potentially impacting adolescents’ overall health and academic performance.

Daily screen time Percent distribution of teenagers, ages 12-17, by hours of daily screen time

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Less than 1 hour

1 hour 2 hours

3 hours

4 hours or more

NOTE: TOTAL DOES NOT ADD UP TO 100 DUE TO ROUNDING SOURCE: NATIONAL CENTER FOR HEALTH STATISTICS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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