Guardian Paws Animal Hospital opened near the border of Georgetown and Leander in early January.

Meet the owner: Owned and operated by veterinarian Dr. Jubilee Goodner, the clinic provides preventive care, diagnostics, hospitalization and advanced surgeries and treatment options for area cats and dogs.

• 2025 Kauffman Loop, Bldg. 2, Ste. 200, Georgetown

Following a Jan. 9 bomb and active shooter threat to Leander High School that activated a campus lockdown, Leander ISD officials discussed its emergency communication protocols and reunification process with Community Impact.

Some context: According to the Leander Police Department, LHS received the threat through a phone call at 1:25 p.m. LPD and Leander ISD police department officials immediately responded and began investigating the threat, triggering the campus’s lockdown. Once the campus was cleared and no suspicious items were located, LISD staff took over for its reunification procedures.

What they’re saying: District officials said LISD's reunification process follows a standard protocol outlined by the Texas School Safety Center, and emergency communications are sent through email, text or voice message. 

What you need to know: District officials encourage families to ensure contact information is current in the district’s student information system so they receive messages promptly, monitor official LISD communications including ParentSquare, email and text notifications, follow updates from the lead investigative agency and avoid arriving at the campus.

Locally owned Japanese restaurant Dau Sushi is now open in Leander. The concept is owned by Liberty Hill resident Dau Maran, who is also the executive chef.

What's on the menu: The menu offers an array of traditional Japanese dishes, including fresh sashimi, and chef-driven specialties that balance classic techniques with modern flair—"a unique culinary experience designed to surprise and delight," according to the restaurant's website.

Dau has 15 years of experience in Japanese cuisine, including working in some of the region's finest sushi restaurants, the website states.

• 2082 N. US 183, Ste. 115, Leander

Meet the Republican candidates running to represent District 5 in the Texas Senate. The primary election will be on March 3.

A closer look: During the primary election, voters choose their party’s nominee in Democratic or Republican races. Members of the Texas Senate are elected to four-year terms with no term limits. Senate District 5 covers parts of Williamson and Bastrop Counties.

Candidates running for the seat were asked to complete a questionnaire from Community Impact. Candidates were asked to email responses to the following questions, keep responses within 50 words and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.