Liberty Hill officials gave the green light in late June to fund $933,609 to move wastewater mains as part of a project that will expand a stretch of Hwy. 29, a partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation.

Two-minute impact: TxDOT is currently finalizing plans to widen Hwy. 29 from CR 322 in Bertram to the Butler Farms subdivision to allow for the addition of a middle turn lane, city documents state. During the design process, the state determined that the city’s wastewater mains would be in the way of that project.

Because Liberty Hill built the utility lines within the state’s right of way, the city is responsible for moving them, Deputy City Manager Brandon Pritchett said. Liberty Hill City Council approved an advanced funding agreement June 24, allowing the city and state to combine the work each is responsible for into one project.

The Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce has moved to a new space downtown.

The specifics: The chamber is now located at 3106 Ranch Road 1869, which is also the site of Hughes and Company Real Estate.

The new location will be the organization’s “new and permanent home effective July 1,” according to Chamber President Steve Schiff.

“This move represents a significant step forward for our organization, and I look forward to the opportunities it will create for our members and the community,” Schiff said.

The context: The Liberty Hill Chamber of Commerce previously moved to 100 E. Myrtle Lane, Ste. D, in a shared space with Duckworth Insurance in December 2025. Previously, the organization was also housed in the Stubblefield Building.

• Relocated July 1
• 3106 RR 1869, Liberty Hill

Austin's summer heat can affect mental health, particularly for people managing conditions like schizophrenia, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder or bipolar disorder, according to Ziyad Nuwayhid, chief medical officer at Integral Care, Travis County's mental health authority.

The impact: Nuwayhid said mental illness can impair temperature perception, and some psychiatric medications reduce the body's ability to stay hydrated.

A 2026 study by UT Austin researchers and the city found 85% of Austin single-family homes pose significant heat risk for elderly residents during a heatwave combined with a power outage.

Keep in mind: All Austin Public Library branches and Austin Parks and Recreation facilities serve as cooling centers during normal operating hours, according to Austin Emergency Management.

Travis County community centers are open Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. CapMetro offers complimentary rides to cooling centers when cooling hours are extended for those who cannot afford fare, according to the city.

Integral Care operates a 24-hour crisis hotline for mental health support and cooling shelter referrals.

Check out Austin area stories trending June 29-July 2.

1. Plans filed for proposed gas station, retail center near Hutto-Georgetown-Round Rock border

2. Developer of The Domain partners with legacy family on 1,200-acres

3. Dirty soda drink shop to open in San Marcos

4. Lagoon-anchored Leander Springs development advances to Leander City Council

5. Hopdoddy Burger Bar acquired by New York-based restaurant group

6. Closer to care: Bastrop explores path to full-service hospital