Two candidates are facing off in the Democratic primary election for Hays County commissioner, Precinct 2.

On the ballot: Bryan Escobar and Johnny Flores are running for a spot on the November ballot. Michelle Cohen, the incumbent, is not running for re-election.

The winner of the Democratic primary will face Abby Gibson, the uncontested Republican candidate, in the general election to determine who will serve as the Precinct 2 Hays County commissioner.

What you need to know

• Tuesday, Feb. 17: first day of early voting in person
• Friday, Feb. 20: application for ballot by mail deadline (received in the elections office, not postmarked)
• Friday, Feb. 27: last day of early voting in person
• Tuesday, March 3: election day

Two candidates are facing off in the Republican primary election for Hays County commissioner, Precinct 4.

On the ballot: WM. Travis Crow and Rob McClelland are competing for a spot on the ballot in November. A candidate must receive over 50% of the votes to win; if this doesn’t happen, a runoff election will be held May 26.

The winner of the Democratic primary will face the winner of the Republican primary in the general election, and the winner will serve as Hays County commissioner for Precinct 4.

What you need to know

• Tuesday, Feb. 17: first day of early voting in person
• Friday, Feb. 20: application for ballot by mail deadline (received in the Elections office, not postmarked)
• Friday, Feb. 27: last day of early voting in person
• Tuesday, March 3: election day

Check out six upcoming, ongoing or completed transportation projects around the Austin metro. 

Upcoming projects
Hwy. 290 extension project
Project: project seeks to reduce congestion along 15 miles of Hwy. 290 between Hwy. 130 and Hwy. 95 South in Bastrop County
Update: public survey concluded Oct. 10

• Timeline: expected to complete first draft of schematic design mid-2026
• Cost: TBD
• Funding source: TBD

• Timeline: total project completion expected in 2026
• Cost: $612 million
• Funding source: federal funding, sale of roll revenue bonds, Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act funds

With the new year beginning and resolutions underway, individuals may look into body contouring procedures to feel more confident in their bodies, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sanjay K. Sharma said. 

What's happening: Affiliated with Ascension Medical Group, the University of Texas Dell Medical School and the University of Texas Medical Branch, Sharma said these procedures are common in the Austin area due to the community’s culture of being outdoors and trying to stay healthy. He spoke with Community Impact about how body contouring works, ideal candidates and tips for community members to know when looking for a provider. 

What is body contouring?
Body contouring is a broad-based category in plastic surgery. Any part of the body can be contoured. It can be from areas that are sort of stubborn fat deposits. Patients sometimes want to know how they can get rid of isolated pockets around the abdomen, legs, thighs or arms.