Steiner 6th grader Madison Totaro will compete on the newest season of the Food Network competition Kids Baking Championship, which premieres Jan. 7. Access to the in-studio pantry was one of her favorite parts of appearing on the show.

By SARAH DOOLITTLE, Four Points News

Canyon Ridge Middle School 6th grader Madison Totaro is fulfilling a lifelong dream by competing on the the Food Network baking program, “Kids Baking Championship”.

The program will air its first episode Ja. 7 and runs through March. Madison is one of 12 kids competing and one of three from Texas. The winner, according the Food Network, will receive, “the sweet grand prize of $25,000, a feature in Food Network Magazine, and the title of Kids Baking Champion.”

Madison lives in Steiner Ranch with her parents, Mindy and Paul, and her younger sister, Makayla. She also has two dogs who, “are so cute, and they always want to play.”

Continue reading →

Vandegrift students Alex Fletcher, as Helen Keller, and Lily Whitehurse rehearse an emotional scene in “Miracle Worker”. The show opens at VHS on Jan. 17. CLAIRE LAWRENCE

By CLAIRE LAWRENCE, Vandegrift Voice

The black and white words in a thick script ran wild throughout the actors’ minds as they line up one by one at the front of the stage. Lights beam down on their faces, showing their heartfelt emotions. They weren’t sure how to express it, but knew they would have to soon in front of a live audience.

Vandegrift theater students are busy rehearsing “Miracle Worker” which opens Thursday, Jan. 17 and runs four performances.

“I kind of wanted to do a historical piece,” director Jon Alonso said. “Of course I did ‘Irena’s Vow’ last year, which is also historical, and I think it was a great experience. We learned something about history, the costumes were different, and even the way the characters were portrayed was different.”

Continue reading →

This vehicle was vandalized in the early hours of Jan. 1 in Steiner Ranch near Wag-A-Bag.

By LYNETTE HAALAND, Four  Points News

Recent Travis County Sheriff’s Office and Austin Police Department reports in the Four Points area include two cases where three teenage boys were responsible for pranks that went too far, according to the assault victim.

One resulted in an assault with injury case that happened around 4 a.m. on Jan. 1 in the 3100 block of Country Lake. The other was a case of criminal mischief where a vehicle was vandalized near Wag-A-Bag in the 2900 block of Quinlan Park Road that same morning.

“The case is open and according to the detective, he has strong suspect leads he’s following. No arrests have been made,” said Kristen Dark, TCSO spokesperson, on Thursday.

Continue reading →