🌱 New Bill Passes After 6 Year Old Drowns At Camp + Tollway Updates

Happy weekend! It's me, Elaine Thompson, your host of the Cedar Park-Leander Patch newsletter — here to impart all the most important things happening locally. Today's briefing includes:

• House bill passed, in honor of Cati DelaPeña.
• Tollway through Leander is halfway done.
• Woman born in Leander celebrated an important birthday.

But first, today's weather: Heavy t-storms; not as warm. High: 79 Low: 68.

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

1. The Texas Senate passed a bill in honor of a 6-year-old girl who drowned in a Cedar Park pool at summer camp. Cati DelaPeña's parents specifically notified the people in charge of the camp of their daughter's inability to swim, so she needed a life jacket. During Cati's field trip, she did not have a life jacket on and was later found at the bottom of a pool. "House Bill 59, or "Cati's Law," would require child care organizations to get written notice from parents stating whether their child can swim and require staffers to put U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejackets on those children." Visit KVUE to learn the full story.
2. Hallelujah! The 183A Toll extension through Leander is at 53 percent completion. "Stretching from Hero Way in Leander to Highway 29 in Liberty Hill, the 5.3-mile extension will be built within the U.S. 183 median between two existing frontage roads." This project is aimed to be finished in 2025, to provide relief to many drivers who experience traffic congestion daily. The toll will go through Liberty Hill as well and will be of biggest relief to commuters traveling Southbound. (Community Impact Newspaper)
3. A woman who was born in Leander celebrated her 102nd birthday! "Sue Rummel celebrated the special day with friends at Ledgestone Senior Living, enjoying cake and Frank Sinatra songs." Rummel worked as a teacher and noted that in her days as an educator, people didn't need college degrees to teach. KEYE TV CBS Austin has the full story.

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Today in Cedar Park-Leander:

• Kids Outdoor Zone at The Journey Bible Fellowship (9 AM)
• Storytime at Cedar Park Public Library (9:45 AM)
• Blues Brew and BBQ at Brushy Creek Food Park (11 AM)
• 5th Annual Spring Sip & Shop Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce at Lake Pavillion (11 AM)
• Acts of Love Mother’s Day Soirée at Robin Bledsoe Park (1:30 PM)
• All Ages Movie: "Turning Red" at Cedar Park Public Library (2 PM)
• Teen Library Council at Cedar Park Public Library (2 PM)

From my notebook:

• Foodies — This burger joint's 30th location: "Texas-based P. Terry's Burger Stand is now open for business in Cedar Park." (KEYE TV CBS Austin)
• Chiropractic services for the whole family! "Located at 651 N. US 183, Ste. 340, Leander, NuSpine Chiropractic will offer chiropractic and hydrotherapy services for spine-related pains and aches; carpal tunnel; shoulder, arm and leg pain; and disc injuries and whiplash. The office will also provide chiropractic care for children and pregnant women." (Community Impact Newspaper)
• Mother's Day at the Farmers Market: "This Mother's Day weekend, show your appreciation for the moms in your life by coming to our Second Sunday/Mother's Day celebration! 🎶Music by @mamabirdsmusic 🪴" (TFM at Lakeline & Mueller via Instagram)

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You're all caught up for today!

— Elaine Thompson

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