Leander - Liberty Hill Edition | January 2025

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Leander Liberty Hill Edition VOLUME 2, ISSUE 9 JAN. 22FEB. 21, 2025

2025 Health & Wellness Edition

School therapy referrals on the rise A growing number of students have been referred to Leander ISD’s Student and Family Support Team and Liberty Hill ISD’s licensed mental health counselors.

Leander ISD +33%

Liberty Hill ISD +48%

1,500

120

100

1,200

900

600

300

2021-22

2022-23

2023-24

2021-22

2022-23

2023-24

Need for student mental health support increases Amid a nationwide rise in mental illness, students in Leander ISD and Liberty Hill ISD are increasingly in need of mental health care. BY CHLOE YOUNG 20% of youth (ages 12-17)

their students, said Marlene Buchanan, director of systems of care for Integral Care, the mental health authority for Travis County. Education ocials and mental health advocates say a community-wide approach is needed to best support students and their families. “This is a very concerning issue,” said Dr. Mark Janes, chief medical ocer for Bluebonnet Trails Community Services, a Williamson County mental health authority that assists local school districts. “It aects all of us one way or another.”

reported suering from at least one major depressive episode in the past year. 69% of public schools reported an increase in mental health concerns among their students in 2022. 39% of schools reported inadequate funding and access to licensed mental health professionals in the 2021-22 school year. SOURCES: LEANDER ISD, LIBERTY HILL ISD, MENTAL HEALTH AMERICA, NATIONAL CENTER FOR EDUCATION STATISTICSCOMMUNITY IMPACT NOTE: THESE STATISTICS ARE NATIONWIDE.

Each year, more students are referred to the dis- trict’s teams of licensed counselors for therapy and case management services. The districts have hired more sta due to the increased demand for services; however, districts are facing nancial constraints amongst budget shortfalls. School districts play an important role in screening and identifying mental health needs in

CONTINUED ON 26

Also in this issue

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Leander

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Leander

2 Hawaii Fluid Art The business allows customers to create their own fluid art, a paint-pouring technique that accommodates all skill levels. Customers can create colorful mosaics, resin beach scenes, resin tumblers and artisan charcuterie boards. • Opened Dec. 7 • 1335 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. T-120, Cedar Park • www.hawaiifluidart.com/cedar-park-tx 3 Warpath Pizza & Pub Customers can find build-your-own pizza options, appetizers, salads, wings, subs, pasta and desserts. The restaurant offers specialty pizzas including the Kinky Wizard with a truffle oil arugula base, The Santa Rosa featuring hatch green chiles, and The Boba Feta, a street taco-themed pizza with buffalo chicken, feta and black beans. The restaurant’s first location opened in 2017 in Round Rock, owner Jason Chenoweth said. • Opened in mid-December • 401 Cypress Creek Road, Ste. 600, Cedar Park • www.warpathpizza.com 4 Teapioca Lounge The location opened in a developing shopping center on Ronald Reagan Boulevard. Customers can enjoy beverages like matcha, coffee, lemonade, juice, slushies, smoothies and specialty drinks, including the Red Panda Cream BlasTea and the Mango Bobanada. • Opened Dec. 18 • 14300 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 302, Cedar Park • www.teapiocalounge.com Sandi’s Organizing Services Sandi Carter’s goal for her personalized organization business is to help people declutter and find a system that works for them. She operates Sandi’s Organizing Services out of Hutto, and travels to surrounding cities to help organize both homes and businesses. Carter’s services include a free phone consultation and a four hour minimum organization session. • Opened in November • www.sandisorganizingservices.com

183

1 7

183A TOLL

COTTONWOOD CREEK TRAIL

SCOTTSDALE DR.

183A TOLL

ARROW POINT DR.

183

Cedar Park

VISTA RIDGE BLVD.

ANDERSON MILL RD.

AVERY RANCH BLVD.

PECAN PARK BLVD.

LAKELINE BLVD.

183

13 9

MAP NOT TO SCALE

LAKELINE MALL DR.

Cedar Park & Leander

620 cleaning, dental fillings, root canal therapy, gum disease treatment and pediatric dentistry services. Cosmetic and restorative services are also available, including professional teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants and Invisalign. The business is led by Dr. Rojalina Nayak, and offers membership plans for patients without insurance, Nayak said. • Opened Oct. 18

Now open

1 Cara Dentistry The new dental practice provides dental exams, teeth

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Additionally, the facility has implemented greater memory care programming. • 1503 Medical Parkway, Cedar Park • www.monarchseniorliving.com/monarch-cedar-park 9 TopSpin Karaoke & Sports Bar The business celebrated its 10th anniversary on New Year’s Eve with a joint holiday and anniversary party. With karaoke nights, dart tournaments, and a full bar and menu, customers can enjoy a full day of fun at the business. The business was opened by David Huynh in December 2014. • 1851 S. Lakeline Blvd., Ste. 106, Cedar Park • www.topspinaustin.com 10 Trader Joe’s First Cedar Park Capital Funding filed a future land use permit petition for an approximately eight-acre site on the southwest corner of East Whitestone Boulevard and Arrow Point Drive. The permit will allow the construction of a mixed-use retail and business center. The filing proposes five buildings be constructed at the site, including a 13,500-square-foot Trader Joe’s to anchor the development. • East Whitestone Boulevard and Arrow Point Drive, Cedar Park • www.traderjoes.com 11 Village on Lakeline Commercial Condos The property, now under new ownership, was previously an office complex. It is now being divided into smaller condos designed for businesses. Individual offices, retail and more are possible in the complex, and units range from 919-5,400 square feet. Pricing varies based on the state the unit is in; unfinished and finished units are available. • 120 S. Lakeline Blvd., Cedar Park • www.cmeatx.com

Coming soon

Now open

5 AtWork The national staffing franchise will open a storefront to help companies recruit for accounting and finance, administrative, light-industrial, IT, hospitality and management-level positions. Cedar Park franchise owners Steve and Tracy Koehler will lead the new storefront. The couple are set to open another office in the greater Austin area at an undetermined date, according to an AtWork representative. • Opening in early 2025 • 201 S. Lakeline Blvd., Ste. 504, Cedar Park • www.atwork.com 6 SereniTea Cup The new tea lounge and boutique will serve specially curated cups of tea. Customers can sample a flight of several teas, purchase a bulk supply of fresh tea leaves or buy tea accessories. The business will promote health and inner peace through its products and education, including tea classes. • Opening Feb. 15 • 600 S. Bell Blvd., Ste. 17, Cedar Park • www.sereniteacup.com 7 Adventures in Ink Superhero and gaming fans will have a new local resource when the store opens in Leander this January. In addition to comics, graphic novels, figurines, toys and clothing, the store will have space for a variety of tabletop gaming, including Magic the Gathering, Pokemon and Dungeons & Dragons. • Opening in early February • 15201 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Ste. 210, Leander • https://aiicomics.com

13 Cedar Park Express Pharmacy The pharmacy sells over-the-counter medications and offers vaccines, compounding services, free blood pressure readings and medication therapy management. Customers can use the pharmacy’s app to request refills, transfers and view all prescriptions. • Opened Nov. 1 • 1841 S. Lakeline Blvd., Ste. 103, Cedar Park • www.cedarparkexpresspharmacy.com

located in the Balcones Woods Shopping Center and the other in Sunset Valley Village. The chain is best known for selling special event decorations, candy and costumes. • Closing Feb. 28 • 11066 Pecan Park Blvd., Ste. 401, Cedar Park • www.partycity.com 14 Taco Shack A written notice of termination of possession has been issued on the front door of the location, which states the landowner of the property has changed the locks as a result of rent delinquency and “other events of default.” • Closed in December • 1400 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. 100, Cedar Park • www.tacoshack.com

In the news

Closings

8 The Monarch at Cedar Park On Dec. 5, the senior living facility unveiled $1.2 million in renovations to begin offering an assisted living program alongside its memory care services. The renovations included 30 suites for assisted living, a theater, dining room, event space, bistro, art studio, full-service salon, walking trail and covered pavilion.

12 Party City The nationwide chain announced mass closures after filing for bankruptcy for a second time on Dec. 20. The Lakeline Plaza location is selling all merchandise for 20%-60% off. Two locations will remain open: one

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Impacts

BY SAM SCHAFFER

200

Now open

214

1869

183

332

Liberty Hill

258

332

1869

213

279

282

5 The Iron Plate Gym The gym is locally owned by Jason Giardino and Jules Herrmann, and the business offers access to a wide range of workout equipment, group fitness classes, personal training, nutrition and more. • Opened Dec. 5

MAP NOT TO SCALE

Liberty Hill

February. The shop repairs and services bicycles and sells bikes, e-bikes, skateboards and accessories, and will operate from its current location at 1201 Main St. until Jan. 25. • Relocating Feb. 4

• 201 CR 214, Liberty Hill • www.theironplate.com

Now open

• 15395 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill • www.freedombikesllc.com

1 El Mariachis The family-owned and -operated restaurant sells Mexican food, has a full bar and is open for breakfast,

In the news

lunch and dinner. • Opened Dec. 23 • 14801 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill • 512-548-5047

Closings

3 Winkley’s General Store The store—which sells general store offerings, such as fishing supplies, tractors, animal feed and medication, and hardware—was sold Jan. 1 by Chris and Maria Winkley. It is

6 The Glenny Bee The shop has closed its Liberty Hill storefront but will announce plans for a new location in early 2025. The clothing boutique and hat shop is slated to announce its plans for a new location on Instagram. • Closed Jan. 2 • 15399 W. Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill • www.glennybee.com

TexTerra Solutions The business, owned by Colton Cunningham and Charlie Lisk, offers land clearing, landscaping and more in Williamson, Travis and Burnet counties. • Opened in August • www.texterrasolutions.com

now owned by Dinesh Patel. • 15128 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill • www.winkleyslh.com

4 Float the River Brewing Hell or High Water Brewing changed their name Jan. 8, but the locally owned brewery still offers a full bar and restaurant and brews its own beer. • 931 Loop 332, Liberty Hill • www.floattheriverbrewing.com

Relocations

2 Freedom Bike Shop The locally-owned bike shop will be relocating in early

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The growth in fire and emergency calls in ESD9 year-over-year.

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Development

BY STEVE GUNTLI

Members of Cedar Park City Council and other community leaders marked the opening of Bell Park with a ribbon cutting on Dec. 12. Bell Park is located on a 15-acre plot along Cluck Creek, adjacent to the new Cedar Park Public Library, and features outdoor art installa- tions, trailheads, a pavilion and public restroom facilities. The park also features Belle, a 23-foot playground structure designed after the Texas state bird, the mockingbird. The park is largely complete, with some trailheads still in the nal stages of development, according to a Dec. 12 news release from the city of Cedar Park. When nished, the 4,000-lin- ear-foot trail, which includes 3,700 feet of paved, shared-use walking space, will connect the incoming Bell District development to Bell Boulevard. The big picture The park is part of the city’s Bell District proj- ect, which is being designed by development rm RedLeaf. When completed, the district will oer retail, restaurant, oce and residential spaces. Vertical construction on the oce and retails sites will begin in the summer, and phase 1 is expected to be complete within seven years, according to previous reporting from Community Impact . Cedar Park ocials celebrate opening of new Bell Park

Members of City Council and the Cedar Park community dedicated Bell Park on Dec. 12.

COURTESY CITY OF CEDAR PARKCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Bell District

Bell park

183

Belle, a new play structure modeled after a mockingbird, anchors the Bell Park playground.

B L V

C U

SAM SCHAFFERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Williamson County Gem & Mineral Society Gem & Mineral Show "GEMBOREE" Scheduled February 2025

Due to loss of venue Look for us again in February 2026

LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION

Government

266

183

Liberty Hill approves plan for Target Liberty Hill City Council approved a retail site plan at its Jan. 8 meeting for a develop- ment that will include a new Target store. The roughly 35.5-acre development will sit at 351 US 183, Liberty Hill, and Target is set to serve as the anchor of the develop- ment, according to agenda documents. Dig deeper The $22 million project is slated to start on July 14 and it is scheduled to be finished by June 4, 2026 according to the Texas Depart- ment of Licensing and Regulation,

Williamson County Emergency Medical Services is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025.

COURTESY WILLIAMSON COUNTY EMS

Williamson County EMS celebrates 50 years of service This year marks the 50th anniversary of Wil- liamson County Emergency Medical Services, and officials plan on celebrating the milestone throughout 2025. Residents can get involved with WCEMS this year at the following outings: • 5K at River Ranch County Park in the fall • Trunk or Treat, Oct. 18 What residents should know In addition to community events, WCEMS instructors are looking for local businesses and nonprofits interested in receiving Take10 CPR classes. WCEMS is hoping to teach 50 classes throughout 2025, according to the release.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY ANNA MANESS & SAM SCHAFFER

Construction begins on $10.7M West Arena in Taylor

Liberty Hill City Council approved a Jan. 22 public hearing on raising wastewater impact fees by about $1,260 per living unit equivalent and water impact fees by about $2,000 per LUE, at its Dec. 11 meeting. The impact fees are one-time charges paid by developers to finance the construc- tion of public facilities needed to service their new developments, according to Liberty Hill to hold hearing on impact fees

On Dec. 2, officials broke ground on the Wil- liamson County Expo Center West Arena, a project that is expected to finish construction around

2023 voter-approved parks bond, Boles said. “We’re going to have a larger covered pavilion ... than we have currently existing, and that makes me excited,” Boles said. Prior renovations at the Expo Center started in 2016 and 2022, according to previous Community Impact reporting. Bartlett Cocke General Contractors is the West Arena’s construction contractor, and Parkhill is serving as the architect and engineer, according to the release.

December 2025. The big picture

The 175-by-450-foot covered West Arena will be directly north of an existing recreational vehicle park beside the Expo Center in Taylor. According to a Williamson County news release, the arena will accommodate for growth at existing events and support recreational vehicle park visitors. “In Williamson County, we don’t build any- thing—I feel like—[that’s] large enough,” Precinct 4 County Commissioner Russ Boles said at the groundbreaking. “We have so much growth com- ing our way, but that’s a pretty big building.” About the project The West Arena is expected to cost $10.7 million, and the 12-month project is funded through the

documents from the city. What you need to know

Amenities at the new facility will include:

There will be a public hearing on raising the fees at City Council’s Jan. 22 meeting, and more information about the fee hike will be presented at that time. Mayor Crystal Mancilla said city staff would meet in the interim to better under- stand the fees and respond accordingly.

Expanded gravel parking

Restrooms and showers

Two 8-by-28-foot covered picnic pavilions

SOURCE: WILLIAMSON COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION

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Education

BY CHLOE YOUNG

Leander ISD began construction on an expanded facility for its program to help special education students prepare for life after school. LISD’s 18-plus Transition Services and Science Materials Center helps special education students ages 18-22 transition into adulthood by gaining life skills and vocational training. Since launching in 2003, the program has grown from three to 145 students in the 2024-25 school year, said Denise Geiger, senior coordinator for special education transition. The center will allow the district to expand its program to up to 200 students. LISD breaks ground on services center

The background

Access to 18-plus programs is important for special education students, as those who receive a modied curriculum in school are likely to experience underemployment or unemployment in adulthood, Geiger said. The projects also includes the Science Materials Center, which will allow students to help produce and distribute science kits for the district’s 31 elementary campuses and expand support to secondary campuses, district ocials said. Voters approved $22.2 million for the 18-plus Transition Services building and $19.8 million for the new Science Materials Center in the district’s 2023 bond election. The district is constructing the facilities at a 9.1 acre site o West New Hope Drive next to the central transportation facility.

Science Materials Center (30,000 sq. ft.) • Training facilities for staff • Working areas • Storage areas for materials • Loading dock 18-plus Transition Services (33,900 sq. ft.) • Fitness room • Apartment living space • Classrooms • Sensory spaces • Commercial cooking lab • Storefront

Leander ISD ocials broke ground on the 18-plus Transition Services and Science Materials Center Dec. 6.

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LEANDER LIBERTY HILL EDITION

Education

Police positions increase LISD budget shortfall Leander ISD’s projected budget shortfall for fiscal year 2024-25 is continuing to rise. The update At a Dec. 12 meeting, the board approved amending the budget by $662,315 to cover nine positions for LISD’s new police department, which has now increased the projected budget shortfall

LISD prioritizes mental health in 2025 Leander ISD officials plan to advocate for increased school funding and educator pay raises at the Texas Legislature this year. What happened The board of trustees adopted the district’s legislative priorities at a Dec. 12 meeting, weeks before state lawmakers reconvened for the 89th legislative session Jan. 14. The breakdown The district adopted legislative priorities focusing on curriculum, special education, educator salaries and retention, partner- ships with parents, state funding, voucher opposition, school safety and mental health.

Recent changes to the FY 2024-25 budget include:

An increase of $194,489 in recapture An increase of

$2M $1.5M $1M $500K $0

$1.84 million for start up costs for the LISD Police Department An increase of $662,315 to cover three sergeants, five police officers and one police department communications coordinator

to $29.5 million. What happened

-$5M -$4M -$3M -$2M -$1M $0

The board of trustees approved a nearly $7 million increase to its projected budget shortfall, bringing it to $28.8 million, at a Nov. 21 meeting. The budget amendment came as LISD is expecting to receive $4.48 million less in state revenue due to lower student enrollment, Chief Financial Officer Pete Pape said.

A decrease of $4.48 million in state revenue A decrease of $468,746 in local revenue

SOURCE: LEANDER ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY BROOKE SJOBERG & CHLOE YOUNG

LHISD considers additional days off Liberty Hill ISD is considering adopting an academic calendar for next school year that would include several four-day school weeks. The gist Calendar B includes 16 staff development or work days during the school year, which is twice as many as Calendar A, Chief of Schools Travis Motal said. Many of these work days fall on Mondays, during which students would not attend school. What they’re saying At a Dec. 16 meeting, several board mem- bers said they supported Calendar B to better support teachers and save the district money. Stay tuned The board is expected to adopt a calendar in January or February.

Liberty Hill ISD considers reducing bus stops Liberty Hill ISD is reducing the number of district bus stops by 57% and is considering additional cost-saving measures. This comes as the district faces a $7.5 million budget shortfall for fiscal year 2024-25. Current situation At a Dec. 16 board of trustees meeting, LHISD officials shared that the district will reduce the number of bus stops from 77 to 33 in mid-Janu- ary. The reductions will allow the district to save money on fuel, improve safety for students by reducing traffic, and make bus routes more effi- cient, Chief Operations Officer Mark Willoughby said. Consolidating the district’s bus stops within each neighborhood will require students to walk less than 2 miles to reach their pickup location, he said.

The district may consider taking the following steps to increase revenue:

Provide attendance incentives for campuses and staff

Step 1

Implement a fee for school supplies or participation in athletics Offer advertising opportunities through its buses or website Partner with a charter school to operate a campus through Senate Bill 1882

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

SOURCE: LIBERTY HILL ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Looking ahead Looking to FY 2025-26, the district will need to pass a balanced budget of $99 million in expenditures to avoid further reducing its fund balance, Superintendent Steven Snell said. This will require around $4.6 million in budget cuts, assuming the district does not provide pay raises for staff.

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LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION

Real estate

Most area ZIP codes saw a year over year increase in the number of days a home sat on the market in November. Residential market data

Homes sold

November 2023

November 2024

-6.76%

+4.31%

+8.16%

+9.09%

-28.57%

183

78642

78641

78613

78717

78726

78642

Median home sales price

78717

78641

183A TOLL

130 TOLL

November

2023

2024

$531,000 $468,250 $460,000 $622,500 $679,000

$505,090 $471,495 $500,000 $522,000 $559,900

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

Leander - Liberty Hill

Average days on market

+37.89%

+20%

+5.66%

+84.85%

-1.32%

November

2023

2024

265

220

New listings

244

243

Closed sales

78642

78641

78613

78717

78726

Homes under contract

231

261

Homes sold by price point in November

78642

78641

78613

78717

78726

Months of inventory

4.1

4.2

1 1 1

$900,000+

13 13

$700,000-$899,999

Median sales price

$483,987 $475,000

37 59

20 25

6 5

$500,000-$699,999

$300,000-$499,999

Active listings

1,008 1,009

<$299,999

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Events

BY DACIA GARCIA

January

Austin Spurs vs. San Diego Clippers The two NBA minor league teams will face off in two games. Cedar Park residents can catch the game and enjoy a “Star Wars”-themed fan night. • Jan. 24 and 25, 7 p.m. • $15-$165 • H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, 2100 Ave. of the Stars, Cedar Park • www.hebcenter.com Leander Educational Excellence Foundation annual gala The event is the organization’s largest fundraiser to support its mission to improve education for Leander ISD students and staff. Henry Middle School theater students will perform a scene from the play “A Wrinkle in Time,” and the event will have an open bar from 6-7 p.m. featuring a “Wrinkle in Time” specialty cocktail. • Jan. 25, 6 p.m. • $175, sponsorship opportunities are available • The Crossover, 1717 Scottsdale Drive, Cedar Park • www.leeftx.org/events

Harlem Globetrotters 2025 World Tour The trick-shot stars will take on the Washington Generals in a friendly competition showcasing skills such as dunks, four-point shots and spins. This year’s game will feature special challenges that will highlight the players’ athletic talents.

• Feb. 9, 1 p.m. • $39+ • H-E-B Center at Cedar Park, 2100 Avenue of the Stars, Cedar Park • www.harlemglobetrotters.com

New Moon Manifestation Sound Bath Workshop

Participants will learn about the significance of the new moon and how to set energy for personal growth, journal with guided prompts, join in a grounding meditation and use crystal singing bowls to enhance manifestation. • Jan. 26, 7:00-8:30 p.m. • $35 • Inner Diva Studios, 10401 Anderson Mill Road, Ste. 104, Austin • www.innerdivastudios.com/events Winter Wonderland Showcase Community members of all ages will share makerspace- made artwork inspired by their favorite winter memories. • Jan. 30, 6-8 p.m. • Free • Cedar Park Public Library, 425 S. Parkwest Drive, Cedar Park

Short Creek Canyon. Proceeds will go toward the Center for Child Protection. • Feb. 2, 10 a.m. • Free (ages 13 and under with donation), $40-$55 (ages 14 and older) • Cedar Park Depot, 401 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park • www.austinsteamtrain.org The Chamber Paddle Battle The Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce is hosting its inaugural pickleball tournament at the newly opened Top Shot in Cedar Park. • Feb. 7, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. • $100 (team of two) • Top Shot, 840 N. Vista Ridge Blvd., Cedar Park • www.cedarparkchamber.org

• www.cedarparktexas.gov/159/Library

‘9 to 5: The Musical’ Leander High School Theatre will perform the musical based on the 1980 film, featuring music by Dolly Parton. • Jan. 30-Feb. 2, showtimes vary by day • $10 (LHS students and staff), $20 (general admission) • Leander High School, 3301 S. Bagdad Road, Leander • Facebook: Leander High School Theatre

February

The Teddy Bear Train Train enthusiasts will experience a three hour round trip with a tour of the views of the San Gabriel River and

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LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION

Transportation

Development

BY HANNAH NORTON

BY CHLOE YOUNG

Texas vehicles no longer need safety inspections in 2025

Hill Country Community Ministries seeks funding to open nonprot mall

Next steps

HCCM has raised approximately $4 million for the project, but will need to raise an additional $3-$4 million by late February to secure the $8.1 million property, Hollaway said. Hollaway provided a presentation on the nonprot mall at a Cedar Park City Council meeting Dec. 12. Cedar Park City Council Member Heather Jefts signaled support for the program during the meeting. “This is something that could be transformative for the people on this side of the county, because we are all just one health crisis, one car crash away from needing her services,” Jefts said. People can donate by visiting HCCM’s website or contacting Hollaway at tiesa.hollaway@hccm.org or 512-259-0360, ext. 204.

Where its required

The $7.50 “inspection program replacement fee” will go to the state’s general revenue fund, a clean air account and the Texas Mobility Fund, which supports the construction and expansion of state highways. Drivers registering new vehicles will pay a $16.75 fee to cover two years, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Zooming in Electric vehicles will remain exempt from emis- sions tests, according to the DPS, and commercial vehicles—such as delivery trucks, buses and taxis— must still pass safety inspections. Texans still need to register their vehicles annu- ally with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. “Texans are responsible [and] ercely indepen- dent, and I trust them to keep their cars and trucks safe while on the road. ... I am proud to author this bill, which will free up over 40 million hours per year for Texas drivers,” Harris said.

As of Jan. 1, Texas drivers will no longer need to get an annual safety inspection to register their vehicles. However, vehicles must pass emissions tests in major metropolitan areas, and all drivers will pay a $7.50 inspection replacement fee when renewing their vehicle registration. State lawmak- ers approved the policy change, spearheaded by Rep. Cody Harris, RPalestine, during the 2023 legislative session. “With Texas being one of only a handful of states that still requires yearly safety inspections, eliminating the mandate is long overdue,” Harris said in a statement to Community Impact . “These inspections do not make roads safer, as evidenced by over 40 other states.” The details The new state law, House Bill 3297, eliminates mandatory safety inspections for noncommercial vehicles.

Texans with vehicles registered in the following counties will need to get an emissions test: • Brazoria

Hill Country Community Ministries submitted a letter of intent to purchase a 30,000-square-foot building behind Red Horn Brewery & Roastery in early December. The space would allow HCCM to expand its food pantry and partner with nonprots to provide medical, mental health and nancial services for veterans, children and seniors, said HCCM executive director Tiesa Hollaway. The nonprot mall may serve as a satellite location for the Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center, a center in Georgetown that responds to child abuse and neglect cases. Hollaway said she has spoken to several nonprots that are interested in joining the facility.

• Fort Bend • Galveston • Harris • Johnson • Kaufman • Montgomery

• Parker • Rockwall • Tarrant • Travis • Williamson

• Collin • Dallas • Denton • Ellis • El Paso

Hill Country Community Ministries is planning to expand operations for its charitable services.

SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Health & wellness

BY CLAIRE SHOOP

Health & Wellness Edition 2025

Readers, welcome to your annual CI Health & Wellness Edition! Among people who made New Year’s resolutions, more than 79% say they resolved to get healthier, according to a survey by Pew Research. Establishing a new routine, whether it’s increased exercise or improved diet, can be daunting. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources in the community and ample opportunities to get active. This brand new guide features the latest updates and resources on health and wellness in your community. All of the stories were written by our team of local journalists. For our inaugural Health & Wellness Edition, we’ll be looking at different types of gyms for your fitness journey, recapping running events to help you get out into the community and discussing nutrition with professional dietitians from H-E-B Nutrition Services. Here’s to a healthy and happy 2025!

What's inside

A guide to upcoming Austin- area running events (Page 29)

Steve Guntli Editor sguntli@ communityimpact.com

What to know about H-E-B Nutrition Services (Page 31)

True Test in Leander offers hormone therapy (Page 34)

For relevant news and daily updates, subscribe to our free email newsletter!

County health data Williamson County outperformed Travis County on overall health outcomes and health factors. However, both counties were above the state and national averages. Each county differed on individual metrics, with Williamson County showing a lower percent of uninsured residents under age 65, but Travis County reporting better access to exercise.

Snapshot

Health indicators

The data for all counties statewide is updated annually, but includes information from previous years.

These are some of the statistics that influence the overall health and wellness of the county.

Health factor

Health outcome

Williamson

Travis County Williamson County

Texas

Least healthy in U.S. Most healthy in U.S.

Travis

Life expectancy Food insecurity

80.6 years

81 years

77.2 years

12% 5% 11% 23% 92% 15%

10% 9% 11% 18% 89% 13%

14% 8% 13% 18% 82% 20%

Limited access to healthy foods

Health outcomes

Adult smoking

Williamson County

Travis County

Excessive drinking

Access to exercise opportunities

Uninsured (under age 65)

State average National average

Ratio of population to primary care physicians Ratio of population to mental health providers Sleep fewer than 7 hours on average Commute alone for longer than 30 minutes Spend 50% or more of income on housing

1,190:1

1,460:1

1,660:1

Health factors

270:1 30% 37% 16%

610:1 32% 44%

640:1

Williamson County

Travis County

33% 39% 14%

National average

11%

State average

SOURCE: UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN POPULATION HEALTH INSTITUTE 2024 COUNTY HEALTH RANKINGS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

LEANDER - LIBERTY HILL EDITION

From the cover

Need for student mental health support increases

The context

The overview

Bluebonnet Trails and Integral Care found that isolation from the pandemic, alongside increased social media use and cyberbullying, have contrib- uted to a rise in youth mental health issues. Both organizations have seen an increased need for their services since 2020. “We’ve seen a notable increase in depression, trauma and completed suicides,” Buchanan said. From 2018-22, suicide deaths among youth and children in Austin have risen by 65%, according to Austin Public Health. Bluebonnet Trails observed a rise in admissions

to its youth therapeutic respite program in Round Rock, which provides therapy, case management and medication to ages 5-17, Janes said. “Our crisis teams are very, very busy, especially during the school year,” said Brinti Mueck, direc- tor of youth and family mental health operations for Bluebonnet Trails. The Williamson County mental health author- ity provides case managers who train students on coping skills, Mueck said. LHISD may refer a student to Bluebonnet Trails if they face a crisis, suicidal ideation or require grief support, Richardson said.

In LISD, a growing percentage of the district’s 42,500 students need increased mental health services. Referrals to LISD’s Student and Family Support Team of 15 licensed counselors and social workers increased by 33% from the 2021-22 to 2023-24 school year, according to LISD data. LISD is on track to surpass referrals to its Student and Family Support Team from last school year, with 690 referrals as of early November, said Haley Simmons, Student and Family Support Team coordinator, at a Nov. 7 board meeting. LHISD had 112 referrals to its school mental health counselors as of late December, compared to 117 the previous school year. District officials have expressed frustration over a lack of state funding. Meanwhile, the districts have increased the amount of funding they put toward guidance counseling services in recent years. The Leander Educational Excellence Foundation has paid for mental health specialists for LISD students post- pandemic. Since 2020, the district has hired additional therapists amid increased student referrals, two of which LEEF is continuing to fund after federal grant funding expired. LHISD has hired a new counselor to serve students each year since 2021, LHISD Counseling Coordinator Jamie Richardson said. The team of five provide counseling focused on building skills, including relieving anxiety or stress. Bluebonnet Trails Community Services and Integral Care have partnered with LISD and LHISD to provide additional support for students, including case management and crisis response services. “The schools sometimes feel like they need more resources, and certainly we want to be a part of that solution where we can,” Janes said. Students may also receive counseling through Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine, or TCHATT—a state-funded telehealth counseling program. In the 2025 legislative session, LISD is asking state lawmakers to invest in mental health resources and behavioral interventions amid “increasing mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression and trauma,” district documents state.

Symptoms of mental illness in children and youth

Withdrawn or disinterested

Change in behavior

Change in weight

Drop in grades

Increased activity online

SOURCES: INTEGRAL CARE, BLUEBONNET TRAILS COMMUNITY SERVICES/COMMUNITY IMPACT

The approach

counseling with a parent’s consent. If students need more help, the district may refer them to its Student and Family Support Team. The district may refer students to an outside provider if they need more than eight to 10 therapy sessions, Clark said. In LHISD, students can receive counseling from licensed mental health counselors based on the severity of their needs and access to support, Richardson said.

LISD and LHISD provide several layers of mental health support for students. Although school counselors help students with academic planning, they are the first point of contact for mental health concerns, LISD Director of Counseling Steve Clark said at a Dec. 10 community event on school safety. “People think of school counselors as the people who change their class schedule, when really, they’re much more than that,” Clark said. Districts provide several layers of mental health support for students. LISD students may receive individual or group Continuum of care Students in LISD may receive one or several forms of mental health support depending on their need.

• Travis County • 512-472-4357 (24/7 helpline) Integral Care Bluebonnet Trails Community Services • Williamson County • 800-841-1255 (crisis hotline) If your student is experiencing diculty with mental health, the following local organizations are available to help:

Students with identified needs

Outside referral

SFST counseling

Individual and small group counseling

All students

Counseling curriculum, group activities and academic planning

SOURCE: LEANDER ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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