Stories | Hill Country News

Commentary: It takes strength to survive poverty - and a safety net to escape it

As a 32 year-old mother, I understand the extreme challenges my single mom faced better than ever. But I’ve also seen the life-changing difference a strong social safety net can make. … more

By Asia Walters, Guest Columnist | 12/13/23

Leander will permanently close and vacate its right to the CR 177 low-water crossing bridge located east of the road's intersection with Ronald Reagan Boulevard due to it becoming a persistent safety issue.

Leander closing CR 177 low-water crossing bridge

Leander will permanently close the CR 177 low-water crossing bridge in the coming days. The bridge over Brushy Creek is located on a section of the county road near its midpoint between its … more

By Josh Moniz, Senior Reporter | 12/12/23

The Leander Independent School District Administration Office, located at 204 W. South St., Leander.

LISD votes No on chaplains as employees

Leander ISD will not allow chaplains, or clergy members, to serve as district school counselors. LISD Board of Trustees voted Nov. 30 against allowing or accepting chaplains as volunteers … more

By Clayton Kelley, Reporter | 12/8/23

Commentary: Tips for out of control tipping

Tipping demands sure have gotten out of control. With every purchase you make — at coffee shops, fast food restaurants, chain stores and more — you are presented with a digital … more

By Tom Purcell, Guest Columnist | 12/7/23

Commentary: The Pentagon just can't pass an audit

The Pentagon just failed its audit — again. For the sixth time in a row, the agency that accounts for half the money Congress approves each year can’t figure out what it did with all that … more

By Lindsay Koshgarian, Guest Columnist | 12/7/23

12/7/23

A release from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service shows the two suspects and the vehicle they used after robbing a USPIS worker around 9 a.m. on Dec. 5, 2023, in the 2000 block of Lucky Lane in Williamson County, just outside of the Leander city limits. The USPIS is offering a $150,000 award for any information that leads to the arrest of the two suspects.

Postal worker robbed just outside Leander limits; US Postal Service offering $150K reward for information on suspects

A U.S. Postal Inspection Service worker was robbed around 9 a.m. on Dec. 5 in the 2000 block of Lucky Lane in Williamson County, just outside of the Leander city limits. The Leander Police … more

By Josh Moniz, Senior Reporter | 12/6/23

May 11, 2022, Leander, Texas: A CapMetro Metro Rail train sits at the Leander Station as passengers arrive for a morning departure for its route to downtown Austin.

Death of woman killed by CapMetro train ruled accidental

The Leander Police Department has ruled the Nov. 18 death of woman fatally struck by a CapMetro commuter train in Leander while crossing a railway bridge as accidental. On the day of the … more

By Josh Moniz, Senior Reporter | 12/6/23

Cedar Park High School in Cedar Park, Texas.

Four Leander ISD to receive modernization upgrades

Four Leander ISD campuses will receive a combined maximum total of $25 million in modernization upgrades next year in 2024. The $25 million in funding is part of the 2023 voter-approved district … more

By Clayton Kelley, Reporter | 12/5/23

The 2023 Leander Old Town Christmas Festival drew over 31,000 attendees on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, a record-high turnout for the event.

2023 Leander Old Town Christmas Festival draws record crowd

The 2023 Leander Old Town Christmas Festival drew its highest turnout ever on Saturday, Dec. 2. The Leander Chamber of Commerce, which runs the event, estimated over 31,000 people … more

By Josh Moniz, Senior Reporter | 12/4/23

The team competed against 12 other Central Texas schools in competitions ranging from physical fitness to drill teams to even flying quadcopter drones through an obstacle course. The seven trophies are the highest number of trophies the team has brought back from a competition. Additionally, this year was the first time they competed in the inspection competition category.

Leander HS AFJROTC wins seven awards at 5th Annual Central HS AFJROTC Competition

The Leander High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) won seven awards on Oct. 28 at the 5th Annual Central HS AFJROTC Competition in San Angelo. Leander HS is the … more

By Josh Moniz, Senior Reporter | 12/4/23

Austin Spurs outlast Birmingham for 124-120 win

The Austin Spurs returned home with a thrilling 124-120 win against the Birmingham Squadron at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park last Friday night. Javante McCoy and Kaleb Johnson both notched 22 … more

Staff Reports | 12/2/23

Leander Man sentenced to 2 years in prison for threatening Georgia election officials

A Leander man was sentenced on Nov. 29 to two years in prison for threatening several Georgia public official and election officials via an online message following the 2020 presidential election. … more

By Josh Moniz, Senior Reporter | 12/1/23

Commentary: Fed Up? Yes. Nasty? No.

If you listen to pollsters and politicians, or consume heavy doses of social media and cable-TV news, you might come away thinking the nation is in a collective bad mood. We’re said to be … more

By Elwood Watson, Guest Columnist | 11/30/23

11/30/23

The rendering shows exterior designs for the 30,000-square-foot temple the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints plans to build in Cedar Park by June 2024.

LDS temple groundbreaking in Cedar Park planned for June 2024

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints plans to hold a groundbreaking ceremony to kickoff the construction of a 30,000-square-foot temple in Cedar Park sometime around June of 2024. … more

By Josh Moniz, Senior Reporter | 11/29/23

Commentary: Have you ever caused a scene?

I understand some commentators are accusing Target of scoring less than a bullseye in dealing with shoplifters. The retailer encourages the police to help fight inventory … more

By Danny Tyree, Guest Columnist | 11/29/23

11/29/23

Cedar Park-based electric trucking company Hyliion announced on Nov. 8, 2023, that it is terminating 67% of its staff, including 150 jobs at its Cedar Park headquarters, to switch focus the company's focus from its electric powertrain business to agnostic-fuel generators.

Cedar Park-based Hyliion cuts two-thirds of workforce, 150 jobs in Cedar Park

Cedar Park-based electric trucking company Hyliion is terminating 67% of its staff, including 150 jobs from its Cedar Park headquarters, according to its public filings with the U.S. Securities and … more

By Josh Moniz, Senior Reporter | 11/28/23

Texas setter Ella Swindle recorded 24 assists, seven blocks, three kills and three digs in Saturday's regular season finale against Texas Tech.

Texas sweeps Texas Tech to end regular season, will host first two rounds of NCAA tourney

The 4th-ranked Longhorns won their final 76 home Big 12 matches at Gregory Gym, closing out their Big 12 Conference slate with a sweep of Texas Tech (25-17, 25-14, 25-14) in front of a sold-out crowd … more

Staff Reports | 11/27/23

Sections

Services

Connect with us