🌱 Leander Police Upgrade To Tune Of $200K + Parks Still Closed

Happy Wednesday, neighbors! I'm Elaine Thompson, your host of the Cedar Park-Leander Patch newsletter. I'll be your guide to the top stories happening in town, filling you in on local events to attend, and more! Today, you'll read about:

• Leander Police get upgrades totaling almost $200,000.
• Several parks in Cedar Park remain closed with debris.
• Details on $30 million extension on New Hope Drive

But first, today's weather:

Don't forget your umbrellas and rain boots, heading out the door as we're expecting some rain and a thunderstorm.

High: 57 Low: 43.

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

1. Leander Police are receiving department upgrades that add up to $197,054. City Council approved purchases at its Feb. 2 meeting, including the first purchase of 42 Protech Assault VP Shield Level III W/Viewport ballistic shields for $141,428, with shields being distributed to school officers and patrol. A second purchase of $55,625 went to a multi-sensor digital security camera system for the department. For more on this story, visit Community Impact Newspaper.
2. Some parks in Cedar Park are still closed due to the recent ice storm's aftermath. "Jenny Huerta, public information officer for the City of Cedar Park said large parks like Elizabeth Milburn Park and Veterans Park are taking longer to clear than others simply from the number of trees broken by the heavy ice." Parks that are open: Oakwood Glen, Oakmont Forest, Ranch at Cypress Creek, Lone Tree and Carriage Hills #2. Officials remind citizens to remain careful when venturing into parks, and to report damage or debris sightings to the city website. (KXAN)
3. The New Hope Drive extension that began construction in Oct. 2022 is a 1.8-mile extension that will include "a 110-foot right-of-way, raised medians, traffic signals, LED streetlights, bike lanes, sidewalks and stormwater controls." The cost of this project is approximately $30 million, with estimated completion date by mid-2024. Visit Community Impact Newspaper for more details.
4. Cedar Park Police Department visited Vista Ridge High School to present a very deserving, Blue Santa Championship Belt at the school's pep rally. From the Cedar Park Police Department: "They helped raise nearly $3500 to go towards our Blue Santa Program, giving Cedar Park families in need a special holiday. Thank you, Rangers!" (Cedar Park Police Department Facebook)

5. Two men were arrested in Cedar Park "in connection with the theft of dozens of catalytic converters, according to the Cedar Park Police Department." Joseph Dominguez and Trevon Williams were arrested and charged with theft of property. The arrest of these two suspects began with a tip from a member of the community, alerting law enforcement of reports seeing someone "looking under parked vehicles in a parking lot." Read more on this story at KVUE.

From our sponsor:

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Today in Cedar Park-Leander:

• Cedar Park / Leander "Coffee Hour" by Networking Local™ at NEW Redhorn Brewery & Roastery (8:30 a.m.)
• Pranayama Breathwork class *Virtual* (11 a.m.)
• Vitamin Injections at Hyatt Place (11:30 a.m.)
• Zumba Fitness Virtual Class *$5* (Noon)
• Valentine Sip and Shop at Integrity Land Title - Cedar Park (3 p.m.)
• Texas Red's Wednesday Night Trivia! at Mouton’s Bistro & Bar (7 p.m.)
• Texas Red's Wednesday Musical Bingo at Guaco Taco (7 p.m.)
• Ignite vs. Spurs at H-E-B Center (8:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Happy 50th Birthday, Cedar Park! "Party like it's 1973! The City of Cedar Park is turning 50! Celebrate with us at our Friday Night Fever Family Dance. There will be music, dancing, photo ops, games, and light refreshments. The theme is the 1970s decade. Can you dig it?!" (Cedar Park, Texas government Facebook)
• Celebrating Black History Month: "In honor of Black History Month, the Austin Spurs will be hosting its second annual Women’s Night Panel, with this year’s theme highlighting Black Women in Business. Everyone is welcome. Tickets are $25, which include the panel, courtside experience, a Women’s Night clear tote bag and a ticket to the game." (Spectrum Local News)
• Quality check at Cedar Park Police Department: "On March 13th, 2023, the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) will be conducting an on-site inspection of the Cedar Park Police Department to ensure we meet the highest standards in public safety." (Cedar Park Police Department Facebook)
• Looking for a career in education? "If you have any interest in becoming a substitute teacher, come to the open house at Reed Elementary on Feb. 16 to learn more!" (Reed Elementary PTA Facebook)
• Texas Farmers' Market at Lakeline Valentine's festivities: "Celebrate Valentine's Day with the whole family this Second Saturday at the farmer's market!" (Texas Farmers' Market at Lakeline Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Crossing Over With Psychic Medium John Edward (Live)! (February 11)
• Valentine's Day Georgetown (February 14)
• Add your event

You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update.

— Elaine Thompson

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