Leander Mayor Christine DeLisle announces unexpected end to term
Leander Mayor Christine DeLisle announced she would leave her post at City Council’s Sept. 18 meeting.
“[Our family has] made the decision to relocate,” DeLisle said.
What residents need to know: Mayor Pro Tem Na’Cole Thompson will serve in DeLisle’s absence. DeLisle will hold her post until Oct. 16, she said.
“Continuity of government is important, so over the next few weeks, I’ll be working with our pro tem on transition. I intend to serve every day to the best of my ability until the end of our meeting on Oct. 16,” DeLisle said.
Lava Leander Cafe & Hookah Lounge will hold its soft opening at Centro Plaza in Leander on September 23.
What they offer: The establishment offers a variety of flavored tobaccos that can be smoked on the premises from a range of hookah pipes. The facility will also offer a full restaurant and coffee bar, featuring a variety of small plates and specialty coffee.
The soft opening will take place from 3 p.m. to midnight Sept. 23. In the following weeks, the cafe will open at 7 a.m. for breakfast and espresso and a variety of Mediterranean cuisine. The lounge will also offer karaoke and other entertainment until 2 a.m. Saturdays.
Samsung’s Taylor plant awarded $250M in state incentives
The Samsung semiconductor plant in Taylor will receive $250 million from a Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund grant, Gov. Greg Abbott’s office announced Sept. 17.
About the program: The TSIF is a part of the Texas Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors and Science Act, which Abbott signed into law in 2023.
The TSIF grant furthers the incentive program that aims to bring more semiconductor-related businesses to Texas, as well as support existing semiconductor manufacturers, like Samsung.
The history: Samsung announced its plans to build a semiconductor plant in Taylor in 2021.
A $45 billion project, it is the largest foreign direct investment in Texas on record, according to the Sept. 17 news release. The project includes two new fabrication plants, a new research and development fab, and a new advanced packaging facility on a 1,268-acre site, according to previous Community Impact coverage.
What's next: Samsung's Taylor plant expects to be fully operational by 2026, according to previous Community Impact reporting.
20 years strong: Community Impact celebrates anniversary through state-wide company gathering
Since 2005, Community Impact has delivered trusted news and local information to communities across Texas. Privately owned by John and Jennifer Garrett of Round Rock, it now reaches 2.5 million mailboxes and 270,000 inboxes in 40 markets.
As it celebrates its 20th anniversary, Community Impact is looking back on two decades built on passion, integrity and innovation—while also focusing forward on deeper reader connections and future growth.
The framework: To recognize 20 years of success, Community Impact held a conference and celebration called The Gathering. The event united employees from across the company for two days of training, collaboration and connection.
“Our belief is that leadership from internal top performers and external experts helps us be the modern local news company we want to be,” Founder and CEO John Garrett said.
What to know about the 17 state propositions on the Nov. 4 ballot
Texas voters will decide on 17 proposed amendments to the state constitution during the Nov. 4 election.
The overview: The propositions, which were adopted by state lawmakers earlier this year, include measures aimed at reducing property taxes, funding water supply projects and creating a state dementia research institute.
“This is an opportunity to make your voice heard about the governing document of our state,” Secretary of State Jane Nelson said in a June 25 statement.
More details: Texans have until Oct. 6 to register to vote in the upcoming election. Early in-person voting runs from Oct. 20-31, and Election Day is Nov. 4.
The secretary of state’s office randomly selected the ballot order for the 17 state propositions. Keep reading to learn about the proposed constitutional amendments and how they would change Texas law.
