🌱 Cedar Park Murder Case Ends In Mistrial + Falcon Oaks Construction

Hello, neighbors! It's Thursday in Cedar Park-Leander and I'm back in your inbox with everything that's happening in our community today. In today's issue I share how you can have your photos published in this newsletter, and the following:

• A murder trial ended in a hung jury in Cedar Park.
• Shop and dine at Lakeline Mall's varietal eateries.
• Water and wastewater improvements are coming to a Leander neighborhood.

But first, today's weather:

Increasing clouds. High: 78 Low: 57.

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Here are the top stories in Cedar Park-Leander today:

1. A judge declared a mistrial after the jury could not come to a unanimous verdict. Kelly Lawrence Schernik was suspected of shooting and killing Jason Sean Robinson in 2020. The two men lived together and had an argument March 22, 2020, then Schernik shot Robinson multiple times. His aggravated assault charges changed to first-degree murder after Robinson died from his injuries. "A judge must declare a mistrial under Texas law if the jury doesn’t agree on guilt or innocence." The state has the opportunity to try Schernik again. Visit KXAN for more on this story.
2. I'll bet you didn't know about all of the eateries, right inside Lakeline Mall in Cedar Park! Eater Austin covers some favorites, including: Unique counter-service style dining at Boba Tea Time; K Food Austin, which serves Korean fast-casual foods like Korean style corn dogs and fried chicken; the Potato Club with its fully loaded baked potatoes and halal kebab plates; and Taconmaye Dos serves your favorite birria tacos, vegetarian tacos and other treats like tortas and Mexican burgers.
3. Water and wastewater improvements are coming Feb. 27 to the Falcon Oaks neighborhood in Leander. Residents may experience loud construction noises and detours during working hours. Improvements include: adding larger waterline on Osprey Drive, sewer line and manhole installations, and asphalt topping on roads. Joe Bland Construction Company is taking on this project. "Streets affected include Osprey, Eagles Way, Peregrine Way, Red Hawk, Bagdad, and Falcon Oaks. See map." Visit City of Leander for more.

From our sponsor:

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Today in Cedar Park-Leander:

• Preschool Storytime at Cedar Park Public Library (11:15 a.m.)
• Understanding an Onsite TREC REI Inspection Report at CalTech (12:30 p.m.)
• STEAM Explorers at Cedar Park Public Library (3:30 p.m.)
• Fundraiser for Leander High School PTSA at Leander High (5:30 p.m.)
• LISD Board Meeting at Vista Ridge High School (6:15 p.m.)
• City Council Meeting at Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce (6:30 p.m.)
• How to Adult: How to Not Break Your Car at Cedar Park Library (6:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Apply for employment in law enforcement: "Check it out! 📢WE ARE HIRING!📢 Come join our Cedar Park Police family as an Emergency Dispatcher. These are the true FIRST First Responders who take pride in helping others, no matter the situation." (Cedar Park Police Department Facebook)
• Attention Leander ISD Staff! "📣LEEF's collaborative grant cycle is officially open! Any Leander ISD staff member is eligible to apply for up to $5,000 in funding! Learn more and apply at leeftx.org/collaborative-grant" (Leander ISD Educational Excellence Foundation Facebook)
• Considering online games for your kids? "Did you know eSports are massive, with more than 57 million people worldwide involved in eSports and 90% of gamers play online?! Kids love playing online games and our mission at the Y is to make it fun while they learn new skills." (Twin Lakes Family YMCA Facebook)
• Watch LIVE with Travis County EMS! "Join us LIVE tomorrow on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/AustinTravisCountyEMS) at 10:00 am CST for the groundbreaking of the Goodnight Ranch Station. - This station is 1 of 5 that are planned." (Nextdoor)

Photo of the day:

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Featured events:

• RAD Talent & Singing SOULdiers at The Lucky Rabbit - 2/25 (February 25)
• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Free Stuff And Great Perks Every Week (February 28)
• Add your event

That's it for today! I'll see you soon.

— Elaine Thompson

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Cedar Park-Leander Patch newsletter? Contact me at CedarParkLeander@Patch.com