Category Archives: River Place

Vandegrift veterinary science team goes to nationals

The Vandegrift FFA veterinary science team is bound for nationals this month and was recognized at the Aug. 23 Leander ISD school board meeting. L-R: Magan Escamilla (advisor), Camille Barkhuizen (12th), Madeleine Rawlings (11th), Lauren Stevens (11th) and Zach Roush (12th).

By SUMERLYN YUDELL, Vandegrift Voice

Winning the state championship is a goal every team and club at Vandegrift has, fortunately, the FFA veterinary science team achieved this goal in April against 1,600 other vet science teams in Texas.

The 2018 vet science team consist of seniors Zach Roush and Camille Barkhuizen, as well as juniors Madeleine Rawlings and Lauren Stevens; they are coached by the agricultural sciences teacher, Magan Escamilla.

“We were first out of 1,600 teams in Texas, that was pretty crazy,” Roush said. “After we got the plaque, everyone was freaking out and half the team was crying.”

Continue reading →

Stolen, defaced political signs an issue in local area

The still from a surveillance camera at Sylvia Pearson’s home shows an individual stealing a political sign from her front lawn. Courtesy Sylvia Pearson

By LESLEE BASSMAN, Four Points News

Grandview Hills resident Tricia Berry has put out school district candidate signs in her front yard during election cycles in the past, but this year marks the first time she has had a political sign intentionally removed.

“Our house is up on a hill so it’s not like (the sign) is on the street for someone to easily come by and grab,” Berry said. “It’s not in the wind where it would blow away. It’s clear someone had come up into the yard and taken it. There wasn’t anything else that was stolen — that was clearly the target.”

Despite replacing the senatorial race sign, Berry said she feels the action was “invasive.” Continue reading →

Vandegrift rallies late to beat Round Rock, stay undefeated

The Vipers converted three 4th downs on the game-winning drive, including the game-winning touchdown run

Vandergrift quarterback Dru Dawson (4) in the pocket against Round Rock at Dragon Field on October5, 2018.

By ZACH SMITH, Four Points News

Photos by GREGG CESTARO

The home side of Dragon Stadium was packed Friday night and the cowbells were out in force. A maroon wall of noise thundered towards the Vandegrift sideline and was at its loudest three times in the final five minutes of the game.

The Vipers never panicked. Continue reading →

River Place mulls non-members trail fee, Limited District passes first tax rate, HOA lowers dues for FY 2018-19

The River Place Limited District considers charging an admission fee for non-residents to hike its popular River Place Nature Trail. Photo by Livitup.com

By LESLEE BASSMAN, Four Points News

River Place Limited District board members discussed the idea to charge admission for those who are not residents but who want to use the popular River Place Nature Trail. That was one of the key topics at the Sept. 25 board meeting where also the entity’s first tax rate was passed and community projects were lined out.

The district was created December 2017, when the city of Austin annexed the River Place neighborhood, making its first fiscal period about nine-and-a-half months — from Dec. 15 until Sept. 30.

River Place Homeowners Association members (from left) President Scott Crosby, Certified Management of Austin employee Peggy Kuhns and Treasurer Ivar Rachkind discuss decreasing member fees for the coming fiscal year during the board’s Sept. 25 meeting. LESLEE BASSMAN

Continue reading →