Early voting begins today.

Early voting for the Nov. 8 election has begun and will run through Nov. 4. For a full list of early and Election Day polling places, click here. For a list of contested races on ballots in San Marcos, Kyle and Buda, click here.

This week is Red Ribbon Week at schools throughout Central Texas.

San Marcos and Hays CISDs, as well as Austin Community College, have joined with organizations throughout the nation for Red Ribbon Week, which aims to promote drug prevention. “Substance abuse by college students is a major issue across the nation,” said Virginia Fraire, ACC vice president of student services, in a news release. “Nationally, 4,300 people under the age of 21 die each year from underage drinking-related causes. ACC is dedicated to providing a safe, healthy environment. Counselors are available on every campus with access to resources, free screenings, and referrals.” Free, confidential drug and alcohol screenings will be offered to students at the ACC Hays campus, 1200 Kohlers Crossing, Kyle, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

The Kyle Planning and Zoning Commission meets Tuesday.

P&Z will discuss single-family home design and construction standards at their regular workshop meeting Oct. 25 at City Hall, 100 W. Center St., Kyle. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Also on the agenda are a briefing on the 2016 Water and Wastewater Impact Fee study and discussion of an amendment to the city’s ordinance regulating food trucks.

The Texas Department of Transportation hosts an open house Tuesday to discuss the intersection of I-35 and Hwy. 123.

TxDOT hosts an open house from 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday at San Marcos High School, 2601 E. McCarty Lane, San Marcos, to discuss plans for a $107 million construction project at the intersection of I-35 and Hwy. 123. Citizens can provide feedback on the project at the open house. The department’s plans for the intersection call for reconstructing and improving of the Hwy. 123 interchange; reconstructing the I-35 main lanes over the Hwy. 123 intersection; adding extended entrance lanes from the frontage road onto I-35 and adding of exit lanes from the highway to the frontage road; reversing and modifying ramps on the north and southbound frontage roads SH 80 and RR 12; reconstructing a portion of the frontage roads and bridges over Willow Springs Creek and the San Marcos River; and constructing bicyclist and pedestrian improvements throughout the project area. Those unable to attend the open house can comment online between Tuesday and Nov. 8 at www.mobility35openhouse.com.

Boo-da Halloween is from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Saturday.

The city hosts the trick-or-treat event in downtown Buda. Local businesses along Main Street give candy and treats to children and use the opportunity to promote themselves. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, click here.