About Todd Hower

When you do a double-take at your water bill …

More than 100 customers in and around Steiner Ranch have reached out to Travis County Water District #17 in search of answers regarding what appears to be a considerable increase in their water bills. What does WCID #17 say? You should check for a leak, and there are 35 days in the September billing cycle. Many water users are skeptical about the utility’s response.

When you like kiting and kickback schemes …

On September 25, the U.S. Department of Justice filed suit against the Lakeway Regional Medical Center and several of its founding investors/administrators, charging that the group defrauded the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in a mortgage loan transaction that eventually cost HUD $172 million. Hopefully, American taxpayers won’t be left with the bill.

When you’re referred to as a cedar chopper …

The Westlake area has been educating students since 1872 when Robert Eanes established and built the first schoolhouse, now known as Eanes Elementary. And before there was anything — roads, stores, electricity — there was a school.

When you think you’re a tough guy …

You make verbal threats and inappropriate gestures toward elementary students. And then you get arrested.

When you like ketchup packets and syrup dispensers …

IHOP and Chick-Fil-A are headed to Four Points. On Wednesday, LTL’s Cathy Hale shared a rundown of the new businesses headed to The Center at Four Points.

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When September is hotter than July …

It’s fall in Texas. And this has been the hottest September on record. Daily high temperatures this month have averaged 100.3 degrees, and you have seen more 100 degree days this September than ever before. Is a cold front on the way?

When sometimes you see it, sometimes you don’t …

With its all but barren, grassy sands and the odd chunk of concrete, Sometimes Island has a hardly desirable reputation. And yet, people report having gone there … even taking their children for the day. How did Lake Travis’ Sometimes Islands get their name?

When you drove across the top of Mansfield Dam …

Those were the good ole days and likely that you didn’t see this coming. Plans are in the works to tackle traffic woes along the 19-mile corridor of 620. But based on growth, the proposed improvements to six lanes will be rendered obsolete when complete. Will ten lanes do the trick?

When you can run fast …

Vandegrift senior Anthony Monte has quickly grasped big meet cross country and is excelling at it. He ran a 14:14.50 to finish in third place behind two of the hottest runners in the nation in the Newbury Park HS, (Ca) duo of Nico Young and Jace Aschbrenner.

When the Lakeway Police need your help …

Be on the lookout for this creep, driving a white Ford pickup truck.

When you like to bake cakes for your dog …

On Wednesday, LTL’s Cathy Hale gave you a look at the posh new Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming pet boutique in the Gateway to Falconhead.

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When your city is at odds with your workforce …

You need a workable solution. The need for attainable housing in Lakeway/Bee Cave could be the key to improving the local workforce issues that have been plaguing the community for years.

When you like traveling back in time …

You might fall in love with this mid-century modern home in Lakeway, built on one of the first 13 residential tracts in “Old Lakeway.”

When you’re picking up the vibe Spicewood is throwing down …

On Wednesday, LTL’s Cathy Hale gave you a look at what’s shaking in Spicewood, from fancy RV parks to coffee from a dog.

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When you never forget …

Lake Travis firefighters and police came together for the sixth annual memorial stair climb to remember the fallen firefighters and police officers who died on 9/11. The team performed 14 up-and-down climbs and made the parking garage at the Hill Country Galleria equivalent to the 110-story World Trade Center towers.

When you exceed the limit, but you’re exempt …

Eighteen K-4 schools in the Leander Independent School District exceed the Texas cap class-size ratio of 22 students for every teacher in elementary schools. But LISD became a District of Innovation in 2018. And that means they can opt-out of certain state laws and regulations related to class sizes, teacher certification, start and end dates, student discipline, length of school days, and open bidding of district contracts. What would it take to bring K-4 down to 22:1 in all grade levels? Sixteen teachers and $960,000.

When you’re an asset …

You get a raise. Bee Cave City Manager Clint Garza is said to be a terrific asset to the city. His 20% pay raise is equal to $198,000 annually. The city also approved raises for other city employees and its associate judges increasing their pay from $57.50 an hour to $65 an hour.

When you’re world-class …

The former 3m campus — located at 2222 and River Place Blvd. — was purchased in February 2018 by World Class Capital and renamed Silicon Hills Campus LLC. The World Class Property is now facing foreclosure with the sale scheduled at the Travis County Courthouse on October 1. The properties parking lot is currently used as a cut-through by Vandegrift students that want to avoid the congested parking lot on 2222.

When you reach for a water bottle …

And accidentally hit the accelerator instead of the brake. You run into someone else’s garage in the Village of The Hills.

When you watch it wiggle and see it jiggle …

Ethyl Ambrosia has a tasting room located in Dripping Springs where you can sample an upscale iteration of the classic Jell-O shot. You can also have party packs of the gel shots delivered.

When you like a clean Lake Travis …

Join scuba divers and shoreline walkers on Sunday for the 25th Annual Lake Travis Cleanup. After the icky part, you get to party at The Oasis.

When you want to meet Smokey Bear …

You attend the 9^th annual Public Safety Day on Saturday at Lake Travis Elementary School. Interact with first responders and learn more about their role in the community. You can also check out area patrol cars, motorcycle units, ladder trucks, ambulances, SWAT apparatus, wildfire mitigation equipment, patrol boats, horse patrols, K9 units, and the STAR Flight helicopter.

When it’s all about the mum …

It’s HoCo weekend in Lake Travis. Lake Travis High School will host its third home game in a row this Friday night with special halftime festivities and post-game band performance to celebrate homecoming. What’s up with those legendary Texas mums? We have answers.

When you’re all about previews …

On Wednesday, LTL’s Cathy Hale gave you the rundown of what’s opening when at Hill Country Galleria.

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When you say hello is it me you’re looking for …

These two local dining spots closed their doors, but they’re both potentially looking to open a new business. Maybe.

When you have $16.9M under the mattress …

This one-of-a-kind Lake Travis resort known as Cala Zarca can be yours.

When you become a full-time spectator …

Last Friday night, Phil Dawson sat on metal bleachers at Monroe Stadium watching his two sons play football. After spending 14 seasons of his 21-year NFL career in Cleveland, the former University of Texas place-kicker packed his gear and came home.

When you like to make casual observations …

On Wednesday, LTL’s Cathy Hale pointed out a few things happening in the Lake Travis area that make you go hmmm.

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