Council looks at loan for entertainment venue
The San Marcos City Council will consider $5 million in interest free loans to help a developer convert the largely abandoned Springtown Center into an entertainment district. Economic Development San Marcos (EDSM) Executive Director Amy Madison (above) would not reveal the board’s recommendation to council.
Newstreamz Video Extra - What’s Happening Hap? - 7/2/2009
In this Newstreamz Video Extra, Hap Mansfield and Bill Peterson discuss what’s going on this Fourth of July weekend.
Fireworks violators face hefty fines
San Marcos residents who use private fireworks on the holiday weekend will face fines up to $2,000 fine. San Marcos prohibits fireworks within and up to a mile from the city limits.
Triple digit heat predicted to stay through holiday weekend
The National Weather Service is predicting highs around 102 degrees, but it could feel as hot as 108, during the Independence Day weekend.
County to double Buda patrol unit
A rash of car burglaries in the Buda area has led the Hays County Sheriff’s Office to double its Buda patrol. Captain Bo Kidd (above) said the deputies are “desperately needed.”
Newstreamz.com will print updates of dropped charges or not guilty verdicts upon request. Send requests with appropriate documentation and working daytime phone number to cops@newstreamz.com or by fax to (512) 392-5132.
Old Bastrop Highway to close for three months
Old Bastrop Highway (CR 266) will close for three months starting July 6, from the San Marcos River to Staples Road. The Hays County Road Department will reconstruct the road.
Massive gas explosion shakes buildings miles away
Posted on August 28, 2008 at 11:36 am • Print • Share
Thursday morning, at 8 A.M., a ground-shaking natural gas explosion at Stairtown rocked school buildings in Prairie Lea, 2 miles away, and was felt 11 miles to the southwest in Lockhart.
Prairie Lea students had not yet arrived; after they arrived, they entered and stayed in classrooms; and by 11 AM, Superintendent Jessie Lopez stated to Newstreamz that the fire was out and “a couple of grassfires” were contained.
Within 15 minutes of the explosion, Superintendent Lopez and shop teacher, Shelly Hardaway, traveled to the site. Lopez noted the capable response of The Tri-County Volunteer Fire Department, the Lockhart Fire Department, and the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Department. State troopers and about 9 other fire units also assisted.
The flames shot up several hundred feet; but through a safety valve system, Lopez reports, the gas was immediately shut off. Then the fire was allowed to burn out.
Several square miles were cordoned off, and traffic was stopped on State Road 671, which runs past the gas plant.
No one was injured, and no one was evacuated.
Officials are testing to see if pipelines are structurally sound and will conduct a full investigation of the cause of the explosion.
Lopez states that he will check with police officials to make sure the roadway near the plant is clear for buses to travel after school is dismissed today.
By BOB GARRINGER
Correspondent
Photos are courtesy of Shelly Hardaway of Prairie Lea Schools.