Category Archives: Neighborhood News

Storm water drainage fee to be added to water bill

Neighborhood News

In order to help pay for MS4 compliance and other drainage maintenance, a new storm water drainage fee of $1.75 per month will be billed through the WB MUD water bills for residential households.

As a municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4), Wells Branch is required to follow and implement certain measures to adhere to new Federal and TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) regulations.  MS4 is an “unfunded mandate”; the MUD is required by law to meet these directives, without any federal or state compensation. Continue reading Storm water drainage fee to be added to water bill →

“Thank Yous” for WBNA Easter Egg Hunt

Neighborhood News, Past Events

Thanks to everyone who came out yesterday: both volunteers and participants.  We had a great turnout!

Special thanks to the Bennett family who makes the Easter Egg Hunt happen each year for the WBNA.  Lara (WBNA VP) orders all the prizes, stuffs ALL the eggs and organizes the EEH.  Her husband Clay, the guy with the bullhorn, runs it.  Henry, their sixteen year old is the Easter Bunny (BTW, he’s amazing with the children) and Owen, their youngest, is EB’s bodyguard.  We wouldn’t have this event if it weren’t for the Bennetts.

Continue reading “Thank Yous” for WBNA Easter Egg Hunt →

SCHOOL BUDGET CUTS PLANNED: 5 things concerned parents can do

Neighborhood News

Any parent with a child in public school is aware of the bad news flowing through the hallways about the state budget deficit and budget reductions that will impact every school district in Texas. Both Pflugerville and Round Rock ISD (where Wells Branch students attend) will be affected.  Under current school finance law, Texas owes its public schools $10 billion more than the amount proposed in the current budget. However this money may not make it to the schools if the Legislature keeps it to help balance an expected $27 billion shortfall. Schools in Texas are financed primarily from property taxes and state funding.  Districts won’t know for sure how big their shortfalls will be until the state budget passes.

So what is on the chopping block? Athletic, art, music and academic programs. Librarians may be replaced by library aides. Registered nurses (RN’s) may be replaced by LVN’s (Licensed Vocational Nurses). School counselor and gifted/talented programs may be cut. Student to teacher ratios will likely increase. Many staff positions may be eliminated.

The proposed legislative cuts to public education funding are unacceptable. We deserve a better public education system for our children and their future.  So what can a concerned parent do? Continue reading SCHOOL BUDGET CUTS PLANNED: 5 things concerned parents can do →

Homestead Pioneer Festival • April 16 Noon-5pm at the Homestead at KF Park

Neighborhood News, Past Events

The annual Wells Branch Pioneer Festival celebrates Texas history Saturday, April 16, Noon – 5:00 p.m. The Homestead Festival is centered around the historic Gault Homestead, the 1850s-era cabin in Katherine Fleischer Park and will feature fun and educational activities throughout the day so residents can experience a taste of life in 19th Century Texas.

There’ll be lots of FREE FUN for the whole family.  Free pony rides, a petting zoo and photos with a Texas Longhorn.  Live entertainment from the Jimmy Sims Trio, Austin Banjo Club, the New Orleans Jazz Band of Austin and Better Late Than Never.  Free demonstrations and exhibits include weavers, lace makers, quilting lessons, spinners, Indian sandal making, rope making, syrup making and butter churning, antique bikes, antique guns & Buffalo Soldiers, just to name a few.

In addition, refreshments offered by the Wells Branch MUD and the Wells Branch Soccer Assn. will be available for purchase.  There will be roasted corn, turkey legs, funnel cakes, hot dogs, sausage wraps and cold drinks.

To quote Bill Todd, retired Wells Branch historian,  “The homestead is both a symbol of change and link between past and present.  Pioneer values like ingenuity, resourcefulness and recycling have endured.  Texas always will be a frontier as long as imagination survives.”

Bring the whole family and join us for a day of living history.

Volunteers are needed for the following game and demonstration stations:

Tug-O-War, Sack Races, and 3-Legged Race; Pole Climbing and Log Horse; Washer Pitching and horse shoes (games); Candle making (no fire or hot wax); Bunny stitching Craft; Cowboy Toss (game); Barbed Wire Display and Buffalo Display; Bull Lasso (needs to be able to work a lasso); Corn Sheller; Stilts, Hoop Rolling (no need to be able to walk on stilts); Syrup Making; Clothes Washing Station; and “where needed”

Any amount of time you have to give will be appreciated.  To volunteer for this event, contact Matt Fuller at 251-9814 or mfuller@wellsbranchmud.com

Happy 100th Birthday, Ruby!!!

Neighborhood News, Past Events

The Silver Branchers are celebrating our very own centenarian!

Ruby Faye Bryan Lythgoe was born April 24th 1911 in Pueblo, Colorado. She is a retired teacher who keeps all children in her heart today. Ruby became a member of Silver Branchers in 1986. She was honored by the group with a paver on her 99th birthday.

Since her retirement Ruby has volunteered with North Central Caregivers, Literacy program in Austin, and the elementary children reading program in Pflugerville schools.

Thank you Ruby for being a great mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend and mentor to all who know you.

Happy 100th Birthday with Love from Your Family & Friends!

Scouting for Food – Thanks Wells Branch!

Neighborhood News, Past Events
Posted on behalf of Mendy Barnett, Pack 140 Scouting for Food Chair

Thanks to all our generous neighbors!

Our neighborhood Cub Scout Pack 140 and Boy Scout Troop 1409 held a Food Drive on January 30th.  We passed out flyers the week before in the Wells Branch neighborhood and collected over 800 pounds of canned foods!

We want to say THANK YOU Wells Branch for your generous donations, and for teaching our young boys that through service they can make a difference in their community.  All the donated items went to Gateway Church Food Pantry, which serves 100 families a meal every week.

Thank you again,

Mendy Barnett, Pack 140 Scouting for Food Chair

Editor’s note:  The WBNA would like to thank all of the adults who volunteer their time to work with our youth and instill a value system which includes community service.  Children learn by example and giving of your time and energy sets a fine example.  Thank you!

Alive @ 25

Neighborhood News, Neighborhood Safety

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15 through
24-year-olds. – National Transportation Safety Board

“Alive at 25” is a video-based 4.5 – hour class taught by law enforcement and first responders. Developed by the National Safety Council, the program focuses on good decision-making while the driver or passenger in a motor vehicle with the goal of empowering young drivers to adopt safer driving habits and reduce injury and death among Texas’ youth.  In comparison to their peer programs graduates have experienced an over 72% decrease in crash fatalities.  “Alive @ 25” teaches young drivers important decision-making skills for staying safe behind the wheel. Continue reading Alive @ 25 →

“Mama” Goose Returns

Neighborhood News

As many of you know the female goose has been absent for the last few weeks.  About three weeks ago, she became entangled in fishing line and caught a lure in one of her legs.  This developed into a terrible infection and she was near death when the MUD Staff caught her.  Thanks so much –  Keith Nett, Ryan Davino & Andy Rankine for taking her in to Wildlife Rescue where she was able to receive the care she needed.

In the first picture, Keith and another staff member carry her to the pond for release.  As soon as they put the crate down, she started honking.  The “boys” were out on the pond and they whirled around swimming as fast as they could, honking and flapping their wings all the way.  There’s one really sweet picture where the gander in the center leans over and nuzzles the female’s neck.  They were so glad to see her!  Click on the picture to enlarge.

Wildlife Rescue is a non-profit organization.  The vets and volunteers cared for our goose for three weeks until she was fully recovered.  MUD Office Staff collected $45 to donate towards her care.  If you would like to send in a contribution, or thank them for taking such good care of her, their address is: Wildlife Rescue, P.O. Box 806, Austin, TX 78767-0806

Thanksgiving Potluck 5-7pm, THIS Saturday, November 20, Dedication Grove Ceremony 4pm

Neighborhood News, Past Events

ALL Wells Branch neighbors are invited to come together for the annual Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner to be held in the Recreation Center on Shoreline Drive this year from 5-7pm.   Everyone should bring a side dish or dessert to serve 10 and the recipe  of the dish so that it can be included in the Wells Branch Homestead Cookbook.  The turkey, ham, dressing, potatoes, bread, and beverages will be provided by the WB MUD. Continue reading Thanksgiving Potluck 5-7pm, THIS Saturday, November 20, Dedication Grove Ceremony 4pm →