Read recent business and community news from Central Texas.

Leander-Cedar Park

Leander ISD reports 2 COVID-19 positive employees, launches case dashboard

After completing the first week of phased in-person learning, Leander ISD will share COVID-19 positive cases and exposures in a public dashboard.

Currently, there are two reported COVID-19 positive cases in the district as of Sept. 11—one Akin Elementary School employee and one Bagdad Elementary School employee.



Central Austin

Five virtual and socially distanced events going on in Central Austin this month

More Austin businesses have begun to reopen now that the city has moved into Stage 3 coronavirus risk, and some are venturing to host live events once again. However, many virtual are still held virtually. Here are five events and openings to check out in September from Central Texas businesses and organizations, including some kicking off this weekend.

New Braunfels


Outdoor dining opportunities in New Braunfels could expand amid pandemic

In the name of helping the local economy, diners in New Braunfels may soon be allowed to dine in empty parking spaces.

Clear Springs catfish eatery has been a community hot spot for decades

Founded in 1984 in New Braunfels, Clear Springs restaurant remains one of the most popular establishments in the area.


This is according to General Manager Harry Kelly, who said that he believes the local catfish hot spot has some of the best menu items around.

Round Rock-Pflugerville-Hutto

Firehouse Pet Resort to open in Round Rock and 4 other business highlights

Firehouse Pet Resort will open a luxury animal boarding facility and day care center in Round Rock in September. Read on to learn more about Firehouse Pet Resort and four other business highlights from Round Rock, Pflugerville and Hutto.


Liberty Barbecue serves traditional Texan, innovative smoked meats in Round Rock

Owner John Brotherton and his business partners, the Perez family, opened Liberty Barbecue in Round Rock in December 2018. The barbecue joint shares recipes with Brotherton's other restaurant, Brotherton’s Black Iron Barbecue, in Pflugerville—recipes that earned his Pflugerville business top honors in a statewide ranking of the best new barbecue places in Texas.

San Marcos-Buda-Kyle

San Marcos officials OK reopening of parks and river access


Due to what city officials are describing as a steady decline in active COVID-19 cases, the city of San Marcos will reopen all public facilities, including parks and athletic complexes, starting Sept. 16 at 8 a.m.

Lake Travis-Westlake

River Place Limited District ends $10 fee on two sections of River Place trail

The River Place Limited District is no longer charging a $10 fee periodically to people living outside the district’s boundaries for access to two of three River Place trails.

Schlotzsky's closes location within Trails at 620

Schlotzsky’s closed its Four Points location this summer within The Trails at 620 shopping center at 8300 N. RM 620, Austin. The Austin-based deli franchise across from Concordia University of Texas first opened in 2012.

Olivia Aldridge, Brian Rash, Kelsey Thompson, Amy Rae Dadamo, Brian Perdue and Taylor Girtman contributed to this report.