Liberty Hill’s first Whataburger location will open Oct. 19, according to a news release from the business. The restaurant will open along Hwy. 29 near Liberty Hill Middle School.

The details: A ribbon-cutting event will take place at 9 a.m. Following the ceremony, the restaurant will open to the public at 11 a.m. The location will employ 73 local workers, the press release states.

What’s on the menu: Whataburger offers burgers, fries, salads, milkshakes and breakfast fare. The Liberty Hill location will feature two drive-through lanes as well as a dining area. 

While the business will open only with drive-through and dining room service, the location plans to expand to curbside ordering and delivery. The chain is open all day, every day of the year, except Christmas Day.

• 12925 Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

A new dental clinic is now offering a variety of services to Leander residents. Siena Dental opened in late July, a representative from the business said.

What they offer: The clinic provides family, preventative and cosmetic dentistry. The clinic offers a number of services, including exams, cleanings, tooth removals, dental implants and dentures.

By offering many services in-house, the business aims to allow patients to see the same doctor each time instead of going to specialists.

• 1892 N. US 183, Ste. 130, Leander

Democrat Joe Paz Herrera is challenging Republican incumbent Pete Flores for the Texas Senate District 24 seat.

The big picture: District 24 stretches across Central Texas and includes portions Community Impact's coverage areas in the Lake Travis area, northwest Austin, Cedar Park, Leander and Round Rock.

What else? Candidates were asked to keep responses within 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines or for style and clarity.

Early voting runs from Oct. 19-30, and Election Day is Nov. 3.

Travis County commissioners approved $5.65 million Oct. 6 for repairs and legal costs at a closed county landfill beneath the Austin Country Flea Market at 9500 E. US 290.

What’s happening: The landfill has produced polluted liquid, called leachate, since it closed in 1982.

Most of the money will go toward repairs, according to a county memo, with the rest covering legal costs in the county’s effort to take the property.

Zooming in: The county is in three lawsuits over the site, according to a county court filing:

• The state sued the county in May 2025 over its care of the landfill.

• Landowner Moo Moo Meadows LLC and Graham Development Corp. sued the county in federal court in July 2025.

• The county sued Moo Moo Meadows in December 2025 to take the property through eminent domain.