Animal Hospital of Hutto is now open and providing veterinary services.

What they offer: The practice provides comprehensive wellness exams designed to detect early signs of illness, prevent future issues and support a healthy lifestyle for both dogs and cats. The office, led by Dr. Natasha Knight, also provides vaccines, dental care, spay and neuter services, urgent care, surgery and end-of-life care.

The clinic is providing free first exams for new clients until April 5.

• 126 Chris Kelley Blvd., Ste. 200, Hutto

The Pflugerville Chamber of Commerce announced its board of directors and Chief Executive Officer Kristen Cepak have mutually agreed to part ways as part of a planned transition.

Two-minute impact: Cepak, who led the chamber for the past three years, stepped down Jan. 7, according to a statement from the board. No reason for the separation was provided. Board Chair Armando Perez said the board is focused on maintaining stability and continuing day-to-day operations while it identifies interim leadership and begins a search for the chamber’s next CEO. 

The board said it remains committed to supporting chamber members and positioning the organization for long-term success during the transition.

Lone Star Circle of Care is partnering with the Texas A&M Health Science Center in Round Rock to expand local specialty care and launch a new endocrinology program. 

In a nutshell: The health care provider announced its new program Jan. 12, expanding its services beyond primary care. Services in the new specialty will be led by Dr. Avinash Ravipati, a board‑certified physician in internal medicine and endocrinology, per the announcement.

The details: Endocrinology services will be available to patients 18 and older, per the release. These include:

• Diabetes management
• Care for thyroid disorders
• Adrenal and pituitary disorders
• Metabolic disorders
• Bone health
• Reproductive endocrinology

A new U.S. Postal Service rule could impact when time-sensitive mail, such as tax forms and mail-in ballots, is considered officially sent.

The overview: Effective Dec. 24, mailed items are postmarked when the USPS processes them, rather than the date items are dropped in a mailbox. A postmark refers to the date and location stamped or printed on most mailed items, indicating when and where the USPS “accepted custody” of a mailpiece, per the federal agency.

Zooming in: According to the Texas comptroller’s office, the updated USPS guidance means items could be postmarked “several days” after they are dropped in a mailbox. This includes date-sensitive items sent by Texas residents and businesses, such as property tax payments, federal tax returns, mail-in ballots and required business reports.

To ensure that mail is postmarked on the day it is sent, customers can take mail into their local post office and request that the item be hand-stamped for free, according to the USPS. Texans can also pay property taxes and submit ballots in-person at county offices.