Get ready to get in shape! Gold's Gym is now open in the 1890 Ranch shopping center, near the intersection of 1431 and 183A. "Lisa Saxton found bags filled with used and new needles, some containing blood, inside a construction dumpster at the Super Target near FM 1431 and Hwy 183."Read the full story: Dirty Needles, Biohazard Waste Found In Cedar Park Dumpster.
Bealls opened at the southwest corner of the Target building. Bealls is a Texas-based chain operated by Stage Stores, Inc. 
Academy is one of the nation’s largest sporting goods retailers, offering everything from camping, fishing, golf, and hunting gear to athletic shoes, play sets, and BBQ grills.
Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and a picnic to Elizabeth Milburn Park this Friday, September 26th, to watch National Treasure 2 - Book of Secrets. "Cedar Park will celebrate a milestone in the construction of its Community and Recreation Center at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 25. The last beam, signed by workers, project representatives and city council members, will be placed on top of the future rec center.Read more: Cedar Park plans to top out rec center.
The 50,000 sq. ft. center, 1435 Main St., is scheduled to open July 2009. It will include a double gym, cardio equipment, an elevated walk/jog indoor track and community rooms. Voters approved construction of the center as a part of the 2007 bond package."
When my daughter was month or two old, I was ready to get back in shape and wanted to connect with other moms in my area. I had read about an exercise program where I could bring my daughter along. I decided to try it out and signed up for a class called Stroller Strides."Preparations and precautions for Hurricane Ike canceled cross country action last weekend, placing more attention than ever on the first big area meet of the season — this Saturday's Cedar Park Invitational."Read more: Williamson County powers prepare for Cedar Park cross country meet.
"Williamson County powers Cedar Park, Vista Ridge and Georgetown will meet each other for the first time this season."
"Approximately 400 evacuees – most from Galveston and other areas where returning to their homes is still not an option – were led to the new shelter and welcomed with water and snacks.For more information, visit the LISD website.
Rouse High School was selected by the emergency management team due to the setup of the building – allowing continuing separation of sheltered guests and students. This selection allows for minimal disruption to teaching and learning, in case sheltering activities continue over several school days.
The shelter at Rouse High School will be managed by other LISD administrators, so that RHS’ administrators, teachers and staff may devote their full attention to their students and to the operations of their school."
The county’s Connie Watson says, there are now 1600 evacuees-mostly from Galveston. "Right now emergency management offices are helping out the shelters with any needs that they may have. The six shelters that we have opened are Canyon Vista, Deer Park, and Grisham Middle Schools, Mc Neil High School, Cedar Park High School, and Cedar Park Middle School.” The spokeswoman said.Read more: Williamson County's shelters helping approx 1600.
Check in Friday at 2:00 PM for a live chat about Hurricane Ike with LCRA Meteorologist Bob Rose. Rose will answer questions live from as many people as possible. 
AS OF THURS 9/11, 6:30 PM: SCHOOLS OPEN FRIDAY; STUDENTS WILL BE RELEASED 2 HOURS EARLY"LISD to have School on Friday, Sept. 12thEarlier today, LISD confirmed that 7 secondary schools will be used to shelter evacuees starting this evening, and the district will reschedule a number of events and activities originally planned for this weekend:
All Leander ISD schools will be open and educating students on Friday, Sept. 12, 2008. School will begin at the regular times at all grade levels.
Like other Austin-area districts, Leander ISD is anticipating heavy traffic on major roadways in the afternoon, and will therefore be releasing our students two hours early. This will also allow people to prepare for any severe weather conditions that may occur locally due to the storm.
The State of Texas has decided that public secondary schools will be used as shelter sites in this and future evacuation situations. This creates the very real chance that school district administrators may be faced with sheltering situations annually, or even more often. Do we then close our schools in every one of these situations, or do we set up systems that allow us to show care, compassion and concern for our fellow Texans while still attending to our education mission?
Leander ISD is confident that we have systems in place that will allow us to conduct our regular teaching and learning activities with very little impact on our school day, while still doing right and good by those who need shelter from Hurricane Ike. We would not have school if we were not certain that we can do both of these things well."
"Travis and Williamson County Emergency Management personnel confirmed this morning that seven Leander ISD secondary schools will be utilized as shelters for Hurricane Ike evacuees, beginning this evening (Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008).For the latest information from LISD, visit their website at: http://www.leanderisd.org/.
Leander ISD's Emergency Management staff met again with these agencies Wednesday morning, and will continue to do so as Ike nears landfall. We in LISD held a training/communications session with principals and administrators on Tuesday to prepare for this eventuality. We are fully ready to work with the Red Cross and emergency management personnel to shelter an estimated 3,500 – 4,000 folks from the Texas coast. Dr. Champion's Webcast describes our sheltering activities.
Important notes:
1. Shelter sites — We will likely be hosting approximately 3,500 - 4,000 folks at seven LISD secondary campuses.
2. Volunteers — may only be LISD employees and/or Red Cross trained and approved volunteers. Others will be turned away.
3. Donations — no donations will be accepted at our schools (Red Cross rules) – this includes food. Donations should be taken to the Salvation Army, Goodwill or other organizations.
[...]
Event Cancellations/Reschedules
- Leander ISD Construction Forum scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at Cedar Park High School has been postponed.
- The National Merit Scholar Camp session scheduled for 9-13-08 has been canceled. Registrants will receive further information from the Dean of Instruction on their campus at a later date.
- The schedule for several athletic events in the Leander Independent School District has been changed because of concerns about Hurricane Ike.
- The Vista Ridge vs. Connally Varsity Football game scheduled for Friday, September 12, has been changed to Thursday, September 11 at 7:00 p.m. at AC Bible Stadium.
- The VRHS vs. LHS Varsity Volleyball game originally schedule @ VRHS on Friday night at 6:30 p.m. has been moved to Rouse High school on Thursday, September 11 at 6:00 p.m.
- The Leander vs. Temple JV football games originally scheduled for Thursday at 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at Bible Stadium have been moved to Running Brushy Middle School.
- The Cedar Park high School Volleyball game against Georgetown on Friday, September 12 has been moved to Georgetown High School. Here is the new schedule: Freshman “A” 5:30 p.m., Freshman “B” 6:30 p.m., Junior Varsity 5:30 p.m., Varsity 6:30 p.m.
- The cross-country track meet scheduled this weekend at Texas A&M University has been rescheduled for Friday, September 19."
Different computer models conflict right now on where Ike may make landfall. But, it's definitely headed for the Texas coast and is likely to bring us some stormy weather in Hill Country this weekend. Leander ISD Athletics Changes Due to Hurricane IkeFor additional updates about Leander ISD's response to Ike, click here.
The schedule for several athletic events in the Leander Independent School District has been changed because of concerns about Hurricane Ike.
The Vista Ridge vs. Connally Varsity Football game scheduled for Friday, September 12, has been changed to Thursday, September 11 at 7:00 p.m. at AC Bible Stadium.
The VRHS vs. LHS Varsity Volleyball game originally schedule @ VRHS on Friday night at 6:30 p.m. has been moved to Rouse High school on Thursday, September 11 at 6:30 p.m.
The Leander vs. Temple JV football games originally scheduled for Thursday at 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at Bible Stadium have been moved to Running Brushy Middle School.
The folks at Gold's Gym in Cedar Park tell me that their new gym at 1890 Ranch is scheduled to open September 27th. If you're thinking about signing up, stop by the trailer on site now, or give them a call at (888)465-3006. > > UPDATE: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER < < 
Are you ready for some football? Check out the Home Depot Kids Workshop this weekend for some fun family time and a hands-on activity with your kids.
I've already disclosed my love for Starbucks, so I thought I'd share this item for some of our local teachers headed back to school:
A number of local companies have recently been recognized for their work. First, Cedar Park is the proud home to 3 companies on Inc. Magazine's 2008 Inc. 5000 list. The Inc 5000 list recognizes the fastest growing privately held companies in America.
If you attended Splash Jam over Labor Day weekend, the City of Cedar Park wants your feedback. "Under the budget, which the City Council plans to hold hearings on tonight and Sept. 11, the 67-member department would add one detective, two corporals and four officers in the patrol division."Read the full story here: Cedar Park budget looks to add officers.
