Niederwald News

The consumer squeeze appears to have begun to be felt in San Marcos and Hays County. via San Marcos Daily Record

In less than a year, the elections process at Pedernales Electric Cooperative has been transformed from a closed-loop system to a political free-for-all.

When filing closed Monday afternoon for the PEC board of directors elections, 20 candidates had filed applications to run for a single seat that represents most of Hays County, with more likely to arrive by mail this week.

"The applications need to be postmarked by April 7," said PEC spokesperson Anne Harvey. "There may be some more coming as well." Read more

Not sure what possessed the postmaster to choose the name of Mountain City but this little town with the big name is one of those "blink and you'll miss it" spots in the road out between Kyle and Buda. via About Austin

Downtown 25th Anniversary Designer Showhouse The Women's Symphony League of Austin presents the Symphony Designer Showhouse built by Stadler Custom Homes and located in Barton Creek. via News 8 Austin

“We're moving ahead and citizens are just beginning to realize the need to participate. We're on a hard learning curve right now.”

As the city of Austin gears up for its May 2008 council races, candidates already are reporting campaign contributions in the tens of thousands of dollars.

Meanwhile, in small Hays County towns such as Uhland, Niederwald and Mountain City, die-hard city leaders are rolling up their sleeves and getting down to the thankless task of filling their council seats.

In these tiny communities, elections are typically called off year after year for lack of a contested seat. There are frequently vacancies on the council, and sometimes simply maintaining a quorum can require manhandling reluctant residents into public service. Read more

“For so long, the far-too-simplistic answer was, 'Well, A&M doesn't have a law school.' Well, you know what? We have enough lawyers, thank you very much (audible applause) -- with all due respect to lawyers in the crowd. What we need are more leaders.”

Teen killed in head-on crash A 16-year-old boy was killed Sunday in a head-on collision near Cedar Park, authorities said. via Austin American-Statesman

Meet Carla Cheatham, a high-energy minister I got to know while writing a story on a United Church of Christ church in Niederwald last year . via Austin American Statesman

“It saves capacity to have more bonds down the road”

The Hays CISD Growth Impact Committee recommended to trustees Monday night that a $86.7 million bond to go before voters in May and that the district redraw elementary attendance zones to accommodate two elementary schools opening in the fall.

"We had many productive, spirited discussions," said Jonanna Mikulenka, Growth Impact Committee (GIC) member.

The school board will hold a public hearing on both recommendations on Jan. 28 before the regular meeting where they will consider both items. If approved, the $86.7 bond will go before the voters on May 8, 2008 and will fund two more elementary schools and one new middle school, as well as $2.4 million for new buses, $2 million for the purchase of land, infrastructure and contingencies, $2 million for technology/security, $7 million for district-wide improvements, $1.3 million to improve the running tracks at Barton, Wallace and Dahlstrom middle schools, and $2 million for furniture, fixtures and equipment in the new schools. The bond will fund these projects with no additional tax increase for property owners. Read more

“So let's sing joyfully to the Lord this morning.”

When the bell tolled last Sunday in the little yellow-stone church, the minister invited a dozen or so gray-haired worshippers to stand, if they felt comfortable, and sing the opening hymn. via Austin American-Statesman