KXAN / NBC Back on Time Warner

After a heated dispute in which both sides took to the airwaves and Internet to make their case, KXAN is finally back on Time Warner Cable. From the KXAN website:

Dear Time Warner Subscriber,

We are pleased to inform you that we have reached a contract with Time Warner Cable for both our analog and high-definition signals. KXAN's programming is now back on Time Warner’s cable system.

We appreciate your tremendous support throughout these negotiations.

This fair resolution ensures that we can continue to provide top quality news, sports, entertainment, and other local programming that is most important to you.

Thank you for watching KXAN.

Vista Ridge Trunk or Treat - Thursday 10/30

This Thursday, Vista Ridge Student Council is hosting its 2nd Annual TRUNK OR TREAT event. Trunk or Treat will take place from 6:00-7:30 PM on Thursday, October 30th, in the Vista Ridge bus lanes. Student volunteers will be on-site to direct parking and little goblins and ghouls to the treats. So put your costumes on, grab the kids, and head out to The Ridge for a safe, fun way to celebrate Halloween.

Vista Ridge High School Trunk or Treat
Thursday, October 30th
6:00-7:30 PM
Vista Ridge bus lanes

Portrait Homes Halts Construction of Buttercup Creek Townhomes

Portrait Homes has halted production on its Buttercup Creek Townhomes in Cedar Park. From the Hill Country News website:

The Buttercup Creek Townhomes Community, located off Buttercup Creek Boulevard, was being developed by Portrait Homes and was supposed to have 60 homes. With 33 homes currently completed and 21 homeowners already living there, construction has come to a halt and half-built homes are sitting vacant.

Read the full story: Problems arise for one Cedar Park community.

Lowe's Build & Grow Pumpkin Clinic

Get ready for Halloween this Saturday with a DIY kids' project at Lowe's.

Participants in Saturday's Build and Grow clinic will construct a jack o'lantern decoration for Halloween.

Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic
Halloween Pumpkin
Saturday October 25, 2008
10:00 AM - 11:00
https://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/

3 New Sweet Spots at 1890 Ranch

If you haven't been to the 1890 Ranch shopping center recently, there are 3 sweet new spots worth tasting. Baskin Robbins, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, and Nothing Bundt Cakes are all located in the line of shops just outside the Cinemark theater.

Baskin Robbins
An old-favorite, this Baskin Robbins just opened recently. Now we're lucky enough to have 2 locations in Cedar Park (don't forget the one on Cypress Creek). I don't know about the other store, but when I stopped by this week, these folks were offering a few specials: $1 scoop Tuesdays, buy one frozen beverage, get the second one half off, and buy one children's clown cone and get a second one free.

Phone: (512) 986-7593
Website: http://www.baskinrobbins.com/

Must try: Peanut Butter & Chocolate ice cream. I'm a fan of pretty much any ice cream, but this is my all-time favorite.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
[UPDATE: I stopped by RMCF this week and found the store closed, with a notice of default posted on the door; it seems the store's lease is in default. Anyone have info?]

Chocolate lovers rejoice, there's a new source to get your fix. This store was stocked tons of treats and some amazing samples. Try walking in without tasting something. You'll never make it.

Phone: (512)986-6396
Email: TX.CedarPark50798@rmcf.com
Website: http://rmcf.com/TX/CedarPark50798

Must try: Avalanche Bar. A mixture of peanut butter, white chocolate, rice krispies, marshmallows, and chocolate chops or M&Ms, this treat is dangerously good.

Nothing Bundt Cakes
These folks offer bundt cakes in a variety of flavors using hand-crafted recipes and the best ingredients. Simple concept, great product.

Phone: (512) 986.7453
Email: cedarpark@nothingbundtcakes.com
Website: http://www.nothingbundtcakes.com/

Must try: Carrot Cake. Fresh, moist, and perfectly sweet, you'll want more after just one bite.

Texas Stars Open Office in Cedar Park [Impact News]

The Texas Stars, the main tenant in the Cedar Park Event Center, opened a marketing office in Cedar Park last week. From Impact News:

"Attendees toured the marketing office and were able to pick out their seats with a $100 deposit for season tickets.

City of Cedar Park and Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce officials conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony and Texas Stars general manager Rick McLaughlin thanked the crowd for their support."

Read the full article: Texas Stars office opens in Cedar Park.

To see more detail about the event center, visit the City of Cedar Park website or the Texas Stars website.

Early Voting Begins Today

Early voting in Texas begins October 20th and runs through October 31st. To learn more or find out where your polling place is located, visit the Secretary of State website.

KXAN also has a voter information page with important links here.

Texas Leads Forbes List of Spots Where Money Goes Farthest

With all of the negative news lately about housing and the economy, it's great to hear media point out that Texas is one of the best places to live in the country. From Forbes:

"The economic storm sweeping the country has left Americans with few places to hide.

But those looking to hunker down might want to head to Texas, where they can get the best value for their dollar.

That's because Austin and San Antonio lead our list of places where your money goes farthest. Residents of both enjoy affordable housing and promising prospects for job growth in coming years. Houston and Dallas also land in the top 10, at Nos. 4 and 7, respectively."

Read more: Best and Worst Bang for the Buck.

Volunteers Needed for Study on Mileage Tax

With cars becoming more efficient and people driving less due to gas prices, states are generating less tax revenue to build and maintain roadways.

According to the Statesman, Congress in 2005 commissioned a study of equipment that could be used to track vehicle mileage, and might some day be used for taxing mileage instead of gas:

"[The equipment is] designed to accurately and securely record miles driven by a car using GPS equipment and an onboard computer. Six areas across the country were selected to participate in the University of Iowa Public Policy Center study, in which 200 people in 2009 and 200 people in 2010 will have the devices put on their cars and then drive around for eight months. Each participant will get $895."

Want to participate in the study? You may be eligible if you are at least 18 years old, have a driver's license, own a car, and are a US citizen living in Travis or Williamson County. For more details, visit the Statesman website: Gas Tax Study.

183A Tolls May Be Used in 290 Expansion

We often hear that the funds collected from local toll roads will be used in the area where they were generated. According to a story from KXAN, however, some funds from 183A may be used as collateral in the eastward expansion and widening of 290:

"The Manor Expressway -- actually the widening and expansion of US 290 East towards Houston -- will cost $623 million to build.

The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority -- noting the tighter financing market -- want to use the toll revenues from the existing Highway 183-A as a type of co-signer to push down interest rates and guarantee additional toll equity bonds."

A representative from CTRMA noted that the toll revenues would only be used to finance the Manor roadway as a last resort, but it seems there's still a chance they could be used.

Read the full article: North Austin tolls may pay for Manor project.

Lowe's Build & Grow Spooky Skeleton Clinic - Saturday Oct 10, 10 AM

Get ready for Halloween this Saturday with a DIY kids' project at Lowe's.

Participants in Saturday's Build and Grow clinic will construct a glow in the dark spooky skeleton.

Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic
Spooky Skeleton
Saturday October 11, 2008
10:00 AM - 11:00
https://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/

Movies in the Park, Fri 10/10 - The Water Horse

Bring your family to Elizabeth Milburn Park this Friday, October 10th, for Movies in the Park.

The City of Cedar Park Parks & Recreation Dept. and Time Warner Cable will present The Water Horse.

Admission is free and concessions will be available. Glass containers are prohibited.

Movies in the Park
Friday, Sept 26th, 2008
8:00 PM
Elizabeth Milburn Park
1901 Sun Chase Blvd
For more information, call 401-5500 or visit the city's website.

Photo: City of Cedar Park

Pets Show Off at CP Regional Medical Center

The Austin Dog Alliance held its Paws in the Park event at the Cedar Park Regional Medical Center on Sunday.

The event was designed to promote its pet therapy program for hospital patients and celebrate dogs in our community.

Read more about the event on the News8Austin website or visit AustinDogAlliance.org.

Texas #2 in Nation for Tech Exports [ABJ]

According to ABJ, a report by the American Electronics Association (AeA) ranks Texas No. 2 in the nation in tech exports, with close to $36 billion in exports in 2007. California was ranked number 1, with tech exports of $48.2 billion in 2007.

See the article here: Texas ranks second in the nation for technology exports.

Still No KXAN for Time Warner Customers [ABJ]

Time Warner customers lost NBC programming on Friday as the owner of local affiliate KXAN continued a contract dispute with Time Warner. From ABJ:

"KXAN parent LIN Television (NYSE: TVL) and Time Warner Cable Inc. (NYSE: TWC) have been locked in a battle for weeks over a new retransmission contract.

At issue is LIN’s demand that its stations receive compensation from the cable company for their signal. Time Warner says it shouldn’t have to pay for something the stations receive for free."

Read the full article: Deadline hits; no KXAN for Time Warner customers.

Check Out CedarParkTex.com

One of the great things about website tracking technology is that I can see what search terms people use to get to Cedar Park Life. For example, this site gets tons of traffic every month for specific parks, events, schools, and restaurants.

However, because of the blogging software I use behind the scenes, I don't have much flexibility to add information about popular topics unless I write a new blog article about each item.

So, I've started tracking the details and adding them to a new, more flexible website, CedarParkTex.com. With pages for Parks, Restaurants, Things to Do, and more, I'll keep adding content to that site that isn't necessarily "new" or newsworthy, but might still be of interest to folks searching for info about our great city.

It's still a work in progress, but feel free to click on over and tell me what you think. Add comments to help me complete the list of restaurants, or email me at cedarparklife(at)yahoo.com with other tips and details to add.

LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE - MON 10/6

If you are not yet registered to vote in Texas, or if you've moved since you last voted, this is your last chance to register so that you can vote in the November election.

Voter Registration for Current Residents
If you're already registered in Texas and have simply moved within the same county, you can visit the Secretary of State's website and change your address online. If you moved to a new county, however, you must re-register.

Voter Registration for New Residents
You can get an application from the county Voter Registrar's office, the Texas Secretary of State's Office, or most libraries, post offices, and high schools. It must be received by the registrar or postmarked no later than November 6th, 2008.

Not Sure if You're Registered?
You can check your voter registration status on the Secretary of State's website here: Am I Registered?

Get the Full Scoop Here
See the Secretary of State's Frequently Asked Questions for complete details.

Whatever your party affiliation, this is your last chance to be a part of the election process. Don't miss it!

Home Depot Whistle Fire Truck Workshop - Saturday, Oct 4th, 9AM

If you're in search of a kid-friendly activity this weekend, Home Depot will hold its monthly Kids Workshop on Saturday from 9:00 AM to noon.

This week's project is the Whistle Fire Truck.

Kids Workshops are free "How-to Clinics" designed for children ages 5-12, offered the first Saturday of each month.

Home Depot Kids Workshop
Whistle Fire Truck
Saturday, October 4th
9:00 AM to Noon
Get more information the Home Depot Website.

Cedar Park Takes Cross Country Titles [statesman]

Congratulations to the Cedar Park high school students who competed in and won the recent Cedar Park Invitational cross country meet. From the statesman.com website:

"Cedar Park's boys cross country team showed why its No. 1 state ranking is no fluke, as the Timberwolves cruised to win the Cedar Park Invitational, 62 points ahead of second-place St. Michael's.

Cedar Park finished with 36 points, while St. Michael's had 98 and Vista Ridge was third at 115."

Read the full article: Cedar Park continues to run away with cross country titles.

Buffalo Wild Wings, Chick-Fil-A Open at 1890 Ranch

If you're hungry this weekend, we have two new places to eat at the 1890 Ranch shopping center near the intersection of 1431 and 183A.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Buffalo Wild Wings is a grill and sports bar that offers made-to-order menu items, including Buffalo-style chicken wings spun in one of 14 signature sauces, sandwiches, salads, ribs, and burgers.

Hours: 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM
Address: 4710 183A Toll Road (west side of the 1890 Ranch shopping center, behind Cinemark theater)
Phone: (512) 528-9030
Website: http://www.buffalowildwings.com/
Note: The telephone number listed on the website is for the Albuquerque location; see correct phone number above.

Chick-Fil-A

Many people know Chick-Fil-A for their locations in shopping malls across the country. This one is a stand-alone store with a drive-through near the Starbucks at 1890 Ranch. It also has an indoor kids' play area.

Hours: 6:30 AM - 10:00 PM, Mon-Sat (closed Sunday)
Address: 1325 E Whitestone Blvd. (near the southwest corner of 1890 Ranch)
Phone: (512) 260-9777
Website: http://www.chick-fil-a.com/