🌱 Woman Drives Vehicle Into Capitol Fence + Leander ISD Meeting Recap

Good morning, neighbors! Elaine Thompson here, your host of the Cedar Park-Leander Patch newsletter, to chat about the most important things happening in town. In this issue, we'll touch on:

• Cedar Park woman drives into state capitol fence, leaving children on sidewalk.
• Leander ISD Feb. 9 board meeting recap
• A few new real estate listings to check out

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy. High: 67 Low: 57.

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

1. A Cedar Park mother is facing felony charges after driving into the Texas state capitol's iron fence. Thursday evening, 25-year-old Karla Morales Mateo first dropped her two children (ages 1 and 4) off on the sidewalk near the south end of the capitol grounds, then drove the vehicle into the fence, causing damage to the property. Her children remained unharmed and were taken in by Child Protective Custody. Mateo was arrested and taken to "Travis County Jail, where she was booked on five felony charges: criminal mischief, aggravated assault on a peace officer, evading arrest, driving while intoxicated and child abandonment." No motive was given; this investigation is ongoing. Visit Austin American-Statesman for more on this story.
2. If you didn't attend Leander ISD's board meeting, here are some of the topics discussed: Recognition of the 46 high school students selected as Texas Music Educators Association all-state musicians; the Texas Academic Performance Report showing student improvement after pandemic decline; securing employee pay during cancelled classes; parents delighted by Early Childhood Program results for their pre-K children; new total of $818.6 million proposed for bond election; and more. To view recorded videos and written information, visit Leander ISD.
3. New real estate listings are in the Cedar Park area that prospective homeowners might enjoy checking out. Here are some of my favorites from our roundup: 2302 Sumac Ln. for $229,000, 2406 Hobart Ln. for $670,000, and this absolutely dreamy home on 223 Escarpment Way for $1,175,000. To check out more listings, visit Cedar Park-Leander Patch.

From our sponsor:

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Today in Cedar Park-Leander:

• Grab and Go Elementary Craft at Cedar Park Public Library (take-home activity) (All-day)
• Monday night Terrific Trivia at Guaco Taco (7 p.m.)

Virtual Events:

• The Silence of the Girls - Book Club Discussion (12:30 p.m.)
• SSoG Virtual Gaming (5 p.m.)
• Comedy Test Kitchen (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Looking for a fulfilling career in education? Leander ISD has a list of open positions available, with a range of hourly and salary compensation. Visit Leander ISD to check out the details!
• Congratulations to the Cedar Park Police Department! "One of the largest Promotion Ceremonies we’ve had in a while and we are excited to introduce the newly promoted: Sgt. Alvarez, Cpl. Alejandro, Sgt. Landry, Lt. Whitley, Lt. Miller, Commander Brown." (Cedar Park Police Department Facebook)

• Organization delivers a good deed: "The Rotary Club of Cedar Park - Leander in conjunction with Reveal delivered donations for Hope House," lots of fresh foods. (The Rotary Club of Cedar Park - Leander Facebook)
• Message of caution from Pedernales Electric Cooperative: "Please use caution when removing fallen vegetation. - Never trim trees near electrical equipment. Contact PEC to clear any vegetation that is near electric equipment at 888-554-4732. To report a downed line, please call 888-883-3379 or 911." (Nextdoor)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week (February 14)
• Valentine's Day Georgetown (February 14)
• Cedar Park Market Days (February 18)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll be 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