Steiner’s Sept. 2011 wildfires remind how quickly fire destroys


This staircase served as the only remains of the Gierke’s Steiner Ranch home following the turbulent 2011 wildfire that ran through the neighborhood. The family dog hid under the staircase when the home was struck, a choice that saved the pet’s life. Courtesy Jesica Gierke

By LESLEE BASSMAN,Four Points News

Neighbors Jesica Gierke and Don Dickson are urging newcomers to Four Points, those who have moved here over the past eight years, to take precautions against the spread of wildfire.

Two Steiner Ranch families recall the 2011 wildfire, an event that destroyed six out of the 10 cul-de-sac homes on their street, Varner Court.

It’s the threat of complacency they fear now.

Continue reading →

Central Texas could see greater risk of wildfire in late summer, Community has become complacent since 2011 devastation

By LESLEE BASSMAN, Four Points News

River Place Firewise Coordinator Randall Jamieson tells media attendees at the May 15 conference that the golf course greens behind him may be used by River Place residents as a safe shelter in the event wildfire breaks out in the community. Leslee Bassman

Although rain has been in the Austin-area forecast for weeks now, local and state officials assembled May 15 at River Place Country Club to inform residents that the regional danger for wildfires still exists later in the year.

With almost eight years between the wildfire that hit Steiner Ranch and today, residents have become complacent about being proactive to use best practices to minimize the risk of such a disaster, the experts said. Additionally, recent rains have put the threat of a wildfire emergency out of the minds of many citizens, with the added population growth indicating that some newer residents aren’t fully aware of the catastrophe that affected Four Points on Labor Day weekend 2011 when wildfire destroyed 23 homes in Steiner Ranch.

Continue reading →

Four ViperBots teams competed at World Championship

6800 ViperBots Valor World Championships results: Galileo Semi Finals Alliance, Gracious Professionalism Award Winner

Vandegrift ViperBots robotics teams did “really well” at the World Championships in Houston last month, according to Rad Allen, VHS computer science teacher and ViperBots advisor.

Previously, Hydra won the state championship in the FIRST Tech Challenge 5A-6A Division.

This year’s challenge took FTC teams on an exploratory mission of uncharted planets, and FIRST Robotics Challenge (FRC) teams ventured into deep space. Competing alliances tackled a series of challenges that put their STEM, collaboration and problem-solving skills to the test.

Continue reading →

Vandegrift boys golf places 2nd at state

The Vandegrift boys golf team finished second as a team at the 6A state golf tournament at Legacy Hills Golf Club in Georgetown on May 21 with a two-day total of 9-over 585. TIFFANY SPEAKS

By ZACH SMITH, Hill Country News

For the second year in a row, the Vandegrift boys’ golf team is adding a second-place trophy to the case.

The Vipers finished second as a team at the 6A state golf tournament at Legacy Hills Golf Club in Georgetown on Tuesday, shooting 8-over 296 in Round 1 and 1-over 289 in Round 2 for a two-day total of 9-over 585.

“To finish second in back-to-back years and feel like we’re one of the better teams in the state, we’re totally ok with that,” Vandegrift head coach Matt Wernecke said. “It was well below our scoring average for the year and it was under pressure. You can’t ask more of your players.”

Continue reading →

VHS girls tennis team wins state Boys doubles win 3rd at state

Vandegrift Vipers Anisha Apte and Gabby Cusano won the 6A girls doubles state tennis tournament on May 16- 17 in College Station

The Vandegrift squad of Anisha Apte and Gabby Cusano won the 6A girls doubles state tennis tournament on May 16-17 in College Station.

This is the first 6A Tennis State Champion title in Vandegrift History. Gabby did win a 5A Doubles State title her freshman year.

“For our 3rd year in 6A, our Vipers have made a name for ourselves. I’m proud of what these kids have accomplished,” said Daniel White, VHS tennis head coach.

Continue reading →