The City of Hutto has scaled back local water restrictions, moving from Stage 2 to Stage 1 water conservation effective Dec. 22, after officials said water supply conditions improved.

The details: Stage 1 guidelines are voluntary, but encouraged to focus on reducing outdoor water use. City officials recommend that:

• Industrial, commercial and institutional customers water outdoors on Mondays and Fridays.
• Residential customers with even-numbered addresses water on Sundays and Thursdays.
• Residential customers with odd-numbered addresses water on Saturdays and Tuesdays.
• Outdoor watering take place before 10 a.m. or after 8 p.m. to reduce water loss.

In 2025, Pflugerville and Hutto crews moved forward with many transportation projects in the area to improve connectivity, capacity and road safety. 

Remember this: The speed limit on FM 685 from SH 130 to East Pecan Street was lowered to 45 mph. 

Did you know: Over $217 million in transportation projects were included in Pflugerville's 2025 mobility plan. 

While some individuals are interested in coping with experiences by enrolling in traditional one-on-one therapy sessions, others may be drawn to healing alongside a community.

Austin-based running club Good Grief has shaped an experience for community members to find solace in staying active while working through their grief with people going through similar situations.

The inspiration: The club was founded by Samantha Hendel who received news in 2022 of her mother’s lung cancer diagnosis. While trying to make sense of the news, a week later Hendel was notified her father had received a colon cancer diagnosis.

To cope with the news, Handel started running in addition to going to therapy. She said while run clubs were popular in the city, she wasn’t finding an exact space like the one she was looking for.

The local impact: Today, the group averages 100 people every Monday morning at Noble Joe’s Coffee Co. in South Austin.

David Boren, vice president of Chisholm Trail Financial Group providing financial services in Central Texas, spoke with Community Impact about best practices for estate planning. He has 40 years of experience as a certified financial planner.

What are the most common mistakes people make when estate planning?
The state intestate laws say that if you don't have a will, then if you have a spouse, significant other or someone that you are in a legal relationship with, 50% goes to them. And for any children, 50% goes to the children whether you want it to or not. So it's important that someone take the steps necessary to start this process.

What are some things that people should know when starting their estate planning?
How do you want your assets distributed?
And, what's the most efficient way to distribute them without leaving a lump sum to the IRS?

How can families help each other during the estate planning process?
Ask the question. Don't be afraid to say, “What have you done?”