All posts by Debby Thompson

Fireworks Update

Public Sale & Use of Fireworks Prohibited AND Public Fireworks Displays on HOLD in Travis County

From the Travis County Fire Marshal’s office:

Travis County Commissioners Court was presented information June 14, 2011 regarding the imminent threat of wildfire in Travis County.  A local disaster declaration is required to prohibit the sale and use of fireworks.  Governor Perry has extended the Proclamation Declaring Local State of Disaster and Prohibiting Sale and Use of Fireworks through 7 a.m. on July 5, 2011.

The continued lack of rain has created conditions that could allow a fire to quickly devastate large areas.  The dry vegetation and frequent windy days could spread wildfires quickly and make them extremely difficult to extinguish.

Celebrating Independence Day with fireworks is a long-standing tradition in the United States.  We as a nation are very proud to be free and independent from foreign control.  However, the uncontrolled use of fireworks, in our current and forecast conditions, poses a hazard to the citizens and property of Travis County that is too great a risk to bear.

We would like to thank the public for their understanding during these extreme conditions, and their continued support to protect life and property in Travis County.

For these same reasons, local Fire Authorities throughout Travis County have restricted public fireworks shows due to extreme wildfire risk around July 4th holiday. Permits for public fireworks shows during the current extreme wildfire danger will not be approved.

When the weather conditions improve, Authorities will reevaluate any pending request for permits and grant approvals accordingly.

Check www.wellsbranchmud.com or www.wbna.us for updates regarding the status of July 4th fireworks and watch for signs throughout the neighborhood should the MUD receive last minute approval.

FIREWORKS REMINDER:

These restrictions remain in effect at ALL times even if the County is not enforcing a fireworks or burn ban.

USE OF FIREWORKS ON MUD PROPERTY is prohibited at all times. This includes all MUD facilities, parks, trails, greenbelts, the Pond, drainage detention areas, the veloway, and the grassy area located at Robert I. Walker and Charla Circle.  For any questions concerning firework use on district property, please contact the MUD office at 251-9814.

In addition, Texas law prohibits the discharge of fireworks on school district property. The Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 2154, Subchapter F, Section 2154.251 (a) (1), states that a person may not explode or ignite fireworks within 600 feet of any church, a hospital other than a veterinary hospital, an asylum, a licensed child care center, or a public or private primary or secondary school or institution of higher education unless the person receives authorization in writing from that organization.

Wells Branch Mother Wins ‘Mom of the Month’ from National Parenting Website

Submitted by Kate Raidt

Renee Sendelbach, 33, of Wells Branch has recently won the title “Mom of the Month” by the national parenting website SWparents.com. Sendelbach is fighting stage 4 breast cancer for the second time in her young life but has managed to keep her family, especially her 4-year old son Ian, her top priority during her fight with cancer.

“My boys, as I like to call my husband and my son, keep me grounded and remind me what I have to live for” says Sendelbach. It’s no surprise why she won the votes of over 50,000 subscribers from SWparents.com.

Sendelbach also adds, “Even on days I don’t feel good it is easy to keep going by seeing Ian’s love for me, for life, for everything – it reminds me of my number one priority – to see him grow up into a caring, respectful man.”

SWparents.com is owned by The Southwestern Company – an 150-year old publishing company based in Nashville, Tennessee. Their sister company is FatNoggin.com – one of the world’s largest online bookstores for discounted books. Winners of “Mom of the Month” receive a free book of their choice from FatNoggin.com.

Wells Branch Garden Tour – This Saturday!

Kathleen Clark's garden

Plan on spending approximately 20 minutes at each garden, have some discussions and either walk and/or carpool to the next garden location.  If you’re running late, jump in and join the tour at the next site.

Order of Tour:

  1. Patsy Nelson-Farmer, 2302 Rick Whinery Dr.
  2. Tara Fisher-Muñoz, 2300 Rick Whinery Dr.
  3. Mona Speranza, 2102 Nathan Dr.
  4. Mari Noga, 2027 Cervin
  5. Dianne Koehler, 14909 Alpha Collier
  6. Kathleen Clark, 2209 Quiet Wood Dr.
  7. George Holcombe, 14900 YellowLeaf

Refreshments and a chance to visit with your neighbors at George’s garden!  Please join us for this first ever Wells Branch Garden Tour!!

For questions call George @ 252-2756 or Tara @ 809-3471

Single Stream Recycling Info

Single Stream Recycling begins the first FULL week in June (6-10) for Wells Branch residents who pay their water bill to the MUD.

While we’ve all received our shiny new recylcing carts, we can’t actually put them out before June 6.  Watch this site and the Wells Branch MUD site for upcoming notices.   Check out the links below for a “print & save” sheet detailing what can and can not be recycled along with exciting news about an oil recycling drop and a calendar so that you’ll always know whether to put your recycling cart out.

Wells Branch Single Stream Recycling Guidelines

2011-2012 Wells Branch Single Stream Recycling Schedule

Questions? Email IESI directly at Ask-IESI@wbna.us

Remember:  Recycling as much as we possibly can will directly benefit our park system.  All proceeds from the recycling program will go to plant trees!!!

DPS warns of aggressive summer door to door alarm sales

The Texas Department of Public Safety is urging Texas residents to make sure that any alarm salesperson, company or alarm installer that they hire is licensed by the DPS Regulatory Services Division.

Historically, some alarm salespersons have aggressively marketed their services to residents in municipalities—primarily going door to door in neighborhoods. DPS is working with the alarm industry trade associations to provide information to citizens regarding licensed companies and individuals.

“If someone offering alarm-related services shows up at your door unsolicited, ask them for their DPS Private Security pocket card, which will also have their picture,” said Assistant Director  RenEarl Bowie of the DPS Regulatory Services Division. “Do not accept any other form of identification as proof you are dealing with a licensed salesperson or installer.”

Continue reading DPS warns of aggressive summer door to door alarm sales →

MUD, HOA, POA, WBNA – WTH?

 

If you’ve ever felt this way, this article is for you.  Most of us in Wells Branch (except Brattonwood & Bratton Glen) are a part of the Wells Branch MUD (also referred to as being In-District).  If you live in Wells Branch, and pay your water bill to Wells Branch Municipal Utility District (MUD), you’re in a MUD.  You may also be in an HOA or POA.  And, in addition to these, we’d really like to have you in the WBNA.

Are you confused yet? Continue reading MUD, HOA, POA, WBNA – WTH? →