What Happens in Hutto

YAY! I've moved to WhatHappensInHutto.com!

2010-09-24T17:02:00.001-05:00

I am excited to announce that I have packed up my stuff here and moved over HERE.

Don't forget to reset your favorite bookmark to WhatHappensInHutto.com!

Hutto Farmers Market Returns!

2010-09-14T14:21:00.000-05:00

Keep Hutto Beautiful is proud to announce the return of the fall session of the Hutto Farmers Market. The market will run every Saturday for eight weeks starting on September 18. This season the market will be open, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (The market will not run on October 9 due to the Olde Tyme Days events.)

Come on out and buy fresh vegetables, eggs, home-baked goods, and beautiful plants from our wonderful vendors!

Every week a speaker will be available at the Keep Hutto Beautiful booth at 11:00 a.m. to give informative talks on a variety of topics such as gardening, composting and the importance of bees. On September 18, Wayne Rhoden will be on hand to give helpful advice and information on fall vegetable gardening.

Also, don’t forget to sign up to become a member of Keep Hutto Beautiful. Your annual membership of just $25.00 allows KHB to continue to provide events such as the farmers market and community clean up events.

Keep Hutto Beautiful will take your cardboard for recycling on these Saturdays as well.

Hope to see you at the market!

Reprinted with permission from the Hutto Highlights newsletter (subscribe here).

Women’s Shelter in Need of Toiletries

2010-08-20T18:18:00.000-05:00

The Hope Alliance emergency shelter, which provides safety and resources for women in crisis and their children, is experiencing its own crisis this summer. According to CEO, Patty Conner, there is an urgent need for family-size toiletries including shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste, and lotion. Also needed are deodorant, razors, feminine hygiene products, and hand sanitizer.

Ms. Conner said, “It may be due to families being away on summer vacations or the sluggish economy, but donations of necessary items and cash are down considerably.” Hope Alliance is looking for individuals, families, businesses, churches or other groups who are willing to collect these items and deliver them to the Hope Alliance main office at 1011 Gattis School Rd., Suite 106, in Round Rock. “Many of our survivors quite literally arrive at the shelter with only the clothes on their backs. These supplies are crucial to helping our residents feel safe, comfortable, and well cared for” said Ms. Conner.

For more information call 512-255-1212 or visit www.hopealliancetx.org

Founded in 1984, Hope Alliance is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to providing services to those affected by family violence and sexual assault in Williamson County. Hope Alliance provides a 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency domestic violence shelter, therapeutic counseling, and support services at no charge to the approximately 5,000 individuals and families it serves each year. Hope Alliance is an affiliate of the United Way of Williamson County.

Reprinted with permission from the Hutto Highlights newsletter (subscribe here).

Chicken Dog Circus Performance at Hutto Public Library - you cannot miss this..

2010-07-15T08:15:00.000-05:00

Party performer Chicken Dog - actually a team made up of a human (Darren Peterson), two dogs, and a scarlet macaw - draws from a repertoire that includes pirate stories, juggling, unicycling, puppets, yo-yo tricks, accordian music, clowning, giant bubbles, and a little science and math - for good measure.

You won’t want to miss this summer’s spectacular performance of Chicken Dog Circus on Friday, July 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hutto Public Library! Performance is free and open to the public.

Reprinted with permission from the Hutto Highlights newsletter (subscribe here).

National Night Out is here again!

2010-07-14T08:12:00.001-05:00

On Tuesday, August 4th, neighborhoods throughout the City of Hutto are being invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the “26th Annual National Night Out” (NNO) crime and drug prevention event.

National Night Out, which is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), will involve over 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world.

In all, over 37 million people are expected to participate in ‘America’s Night Out Against Crime’ on August 4th. NNO 2009 is being supported in part by TARGET, the national corporate sponsor.

If your neighborhood is interested in participating please call or email Amy Ross at 512-846-2057 or Amy.Ross@HuttoTX.Gov for an application and further details. The deadline for all applications and serious inquiries is Friday, July 30, 2010 at 12:00PM.

Fritz Park Five Year Celebration Rescheduled

2010-07-08T19:22:00.000-05:00

Due to the recent weather events and current park conditions, the Fritz Park Birthday Celebration was postponed until Friday, July 9. Please join the Hutto Parks and Recreation Department on the 9th for a family friendly evening full of games and excitement. Fritz Park turns five years old this summer! The fun will begin at 6:00 p.m.at Fritz Park with the Games2U video game trailer and laser tag games along with the Park Kids Summer Camp staff hosting the Horseshoes and 2-on-2 Basketball tournaments along with loads of other games for all ages. Birthday cake and plenty of treats will be served at 8:45 pm. As sundown occurs around 9:15 pm, last summer’s blockbuster sci-fi adventure movie hit “Star Trek” will be playing on the big screen.

The jazz quartet, Jitterbug Vipers with Sarah Sharp, originally scheduled to be part of the celebration, has been rescheduled for Friday, August 27 at 7:00 p.m. Also returning on August 27 will be the Higher Power Martial Arts studio. They will give their demonstration in mastery of the Hawaiian Jujitsu discipline at 6:45 p.m. For more information regarding these new dates and times, please contact the Hutto Parks and Recreation Department at 512-759-4000. Come out and enjoy these community events in the park and under the stars. All events are free! Hope to see you there!!!

Reprinted with permission from the Hutto Highlights newsletter (subscribe here).

Yard Sales, anyone?

2010-06-19T07:00:00.001-05:00

Did you know that the City of Hutto Website has a fancy little feature that lets you scope out all the good yard sales slated for this weekend before the weekend is here?!

Click here to see a google map of all the scheduled yard sales in Hutto for this weekend and plan your Yard Sale strategy!

Support Needed for Deploying Troops

2010-06-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

This summer the 1-4 Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, the army unit out of Fort Hood that the Hutto community adopted, will be deploying for Afghanistan. For many of these soldiers this will be their first deployment to Afghanistan, and the second time within a year that they will have an extended period away from their families with only limited communication.
In order to provide the best possible experience while in Afghanistan, the Hutto-Adopt-A-Unit is currently gathering supplies to prepare care packages to send to the troops during the deployment. Needed items include:

Toiletries
Skin lotion
DVDs
Games
Phone Cards

Individuals who would like to contribute funds or care package items to the Hutto Adopt-A-Unit are asked to contact Mary Belton at (951) 218-3235 or e-mail the Hutto Adopt-a-Unit program at adoptaunit@embarqmail.com. Donations may be dropped off at:

Beyond the Limits
104 1660 South
Hutto, TX 78634

Reprinted with permission from the Hutto Highlights newsletter (subscribe here).

Farmer’s Market Continues Through June!

2010-06-17T15:45:00.002-05:00

Come out and enjoy a Saturday morning, from 9:00 a.m. until noon at the Hutto Market, located at the old Co-Op property site on Highway 79. The Keep Hutto Beautiful Commission will be extending its spring session through June 26.

Along with the nice selection of items including carrots, beets, onions, plants, and farm fresh eggs, other vendors are on hand as well including:

Lions Club offers their American flag lease program for Hutto residents
Keep Hutto Beautiful has a booth set up to accept cardboard boxes for recycling.

For additional information, please contact Julie Arndt at 759-4400.

Reprinted with permission from the Hutto Highlights newsletter (subscribe here).

June is 'Adopt a Shelter Cat Month' at the Williamson County Animal Shelter!

2010-06-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

Three Sisters - Domestic Shorthair/Mix

These three sisters are energy in motion and represent a wonderful selection of kittens available at the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter.

Beginning last week, a special adoption event recognizes June as “Adopt a Shelter Cat” month. Now through September,the Shelter is offering cats over 1 year old for $25.00, any single cat or kitten under 1 year of age for $50.00 or two for $75.00.

WILLIAMSON COUNTY REGIONAL ANIMAL SHELTER
For more information, call 943-3322

Reprinted with permission from the Hutto Highlights newsletter (subscribe here).

Hutto Farmers Market Hosts Special Guest Speakers

2010-06-08T07:00:00.001-05:00

Reprinted with permission from the Hutto Highlights newsletter (subscribe here).

FARMER’S MARKET HOSTS SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS

Along with the nice selection of items including carrots, beets, onions, plants, and farm fresh eggs, each week a special guest speaker from the Master Gardeners Association or other gardening experts will be presenting on a variety of topics at the Farmer’s Market. All presentations begin at 10:00a.m. and include:

June12 Wayne Rhoden ButterflyGardens

Additionally, visitors to the Market may also enjoy the following booths:

Hutto CityCouncil is hosting the Saturday CitizenChats at the Market
Lions Club isoffering their American flag lease program for Hutto residents
Keep HuttoBeautiful has a booth set up to accept cardboard boxes for recycling.

As the spring harvest ripens, more vendors will be on the Farmers Market scene. Come out and enjoy a Saturday morning, from 9:00 a.m. until noon at the Hutto Market, located at the old Co-Op property site on Highway 79.

For additional information, please contact Julie Arndt at 759-4400.

I'm Back! (Almost)

2010-06-07T11:56:00.005-05:00

As some of you may have noticed - I disappeared some time ago..

On January 7th, my husband had a very serious car accident in which he broke his neck & back - by God's grace, he is finally doing better and is making a full recovery. Our church, friends, and neighbors came out of the woodwork in droves to help us with whatever we needed without ever batting an eyelash.

Our lawn was mowed, our dinners were cooked, and our kids were even at play dates without us having to lift a finger, and we will never forget the intense love we felt from everyone around us. I can honestly say, Hutto (and especially the Legends of Hutto neighborhood) showed us its true colors and they were beautiful. Thank you.

Another update.. any day now we are expecting the newest member of our family to grace us with his presence! Jonathan is due to arrive very soon and will up our numbers to being a family of 8. Yes, 8. Obviously, this will leave little time for me to update your favorite Hutto-themed website for a time, but I will do my best.. I promise!

Stay tuned, Hutto - I have exciting ideas in mind for WHIH!

Treats On East Street!

2009-10-26T12:24:00.002-05:00

Hutto Parks & Recreation Department and Hutto Police Department team up to bring back the “TREATS ON EAST STREET” event for its fifth year!

This year’s event will take place on Saturday, October 31. Children are encouraged to dress in their scariest, prettiest, or most ghoulish costumes and come to downtown Hutto for a safe alternative to trick-or-treating on unfamiliar streets.

The event starts at 3:00 PM and lasts until 5:00 PM. The Costume Contest will begin at 3:30 PM next to the Hutto Chamber of Commerce building. See you there. Happy Halloween!

From the Hutto Texas Official Website

Website of the Week

2009-10-18T17:34:00.003-05:00

This weeks' Website of the Week is: DeathlyCute.Esty.Com!

From the site: Welcome to Deathly Cute.

We carry a unique line of custom quilts, toys, bracelets and hair accessories. You never know what we might create next, so check back often.

Did you see something at a show recently that we have not added to the site? Please convo us and let us know what you are looking for, and we can make a custom listing for your item!

I had the pleasure of meeting the artist at Hutto Olde Tyme Days this weekend and I can tell you that her creations are to die for!! ;)

She's got quilts, achy paks, ribbon cuff bracelets, hair bows, earrings - and tons of hippo stuff - go check them out!

This isn't even a halloween joke, y'all.

2009-10-08T19:37:00.002-05:00

Bat Safety

Since August 14, 2009, the City of Hutto Animal Control Division has picked up four bats in the city limits, all of which have tested positive for rabies. The Texas State Department of Health and the Williamson County Health Department are aware of the positive test results and suspect that the City may have a colony of bats with the rabies virus near our area. In light of the recent increase in numbers of rabid bats, the Animal Control Division feels it is imperative to educate the public regarding rabies and bat safety.

First and foremost, all dogs and cats whether indoor or outdoor pets, and all livestock that commonly come in contact with human handlers, plus any other domesticated animals, must be vaccinated for rabies. Vaccinations are necessary to protect not only our pets but people as well against this disease.

With specific regard to bats, it cannot be stressed enough: DO NOT HANDLE BATS. If you encounter a bat in or near your home, please contact your local Animal Control agency immediately regardless of day or time. If you need Animal Control assistance after hours, please contact your local non-emergency dispatch to have an Animal Control officer sent to your location. If you encounter a bat inside your home, it should not be let out but should be contained to an area until the Animal Control officer arrives to remove it safely. If your pet should encounter a bat, the pet or animal should be isolated with limited contact by only one adult until the Animal Control officer arrives and is able to assess the situation.

Animal Control Contact information:

Animal Control Officer

401 W. Front St.
Hutto, TX 78634

Phone: (512) 759-5985

8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Monday – Friday

Non-Emergency, 24 Hour Ph: (512) 846-2200

Reprinted from the Police Blotter (subscribe here).

Free Concert - October 16th!

2009-10-07T09:25:00.001-05:00

The Williamson County Symphony Orchestra promises another exciting season of fun, pops-type concerts sure to please the entire family.

Their first concert series, to be presented in Hutto on October 16, will focus on unusual marches throughout classical literature.

Mark your calendars for October 16 at 7:30 p.m. to come out for a free evening of enjoyment.

Reprinted with permission from the Hutto Highlights newsletter (subscribe here).

Website of the Week

2009-10-07T08:57:00.004-05:00

This weeks Website of the Week is: TripleCrownDogs.com

From their site:

Triple Crown Dog Academy provides results oriented training solutions and a state of the art boarding kennel for the comfort and education of your pet.

Check them out today: TripleCrownDogs.com or call 512-759-BARK!

Congrats, Triple Crown!

The Return of the Hutto Olde Tyme Days Parade

2009-10-07T08:41:00.001-05:00

Reprinted with permission from the Hutto Highlights newsletter (subscribe here).

The Hutto Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the return of the Olde Tyme Days Parade, to be held on October 17th starting at 9:15 a.m. in Hutto Texas. The Hutto Area Chamber of Commerce is working in conjunction with the Swain family to produce a safe and fun filled parade to kick off the second day of events for 24th annual Olde Tyme Days.

The theme for this year’s parade will be “Proud to Live in America” highlighting the values, diversity, and sacrifices that have made America so great. “The return of the parade to the Olde Tyme Days Festival marks a time of healing for the community, and the Swain family by encouraging our youth to get involved in community events. The Chamber is proud to work together with the Swain Family to make the return of the parade one of celebration and remembrance.” said Stan Briggs, Hutto Area Chamber Chairman. “Melissa loved the parade and being involved in festivities such as this…she would be thrilled to know that the parade is returning”, said Mrs. Swain. “The Swain family supports the return of the parade and encourages everyone to participate and enjoy the diverse events of the Old Tyme Days Festival.”

The 24th annual Hutto Olde Tyme Days Festival will be held in Hutto Texas on October 16th and 17th. For More information on events and schedules, please visit www.HuttoOldeTymeDays.com. Please direct any additional questions to the Hutto Area Chamber of Commerce at 512-759-4400.

Be Aware-Message from the Chief

2009-09-08T20:31:00.000-05:00

Today (09-08-09), at approximately 3:40 pm, an officer was sent to the 1100 block of Gainer in reference to a male individual who attempted to talk a seven year female child into his vehicle. The child was so frightened she was unable to provide the officer with a detailed description of the individual, including race. The only information gained at this point in the investigation was the individual was driving a smaller bluish gray car.

Neighborhoods should be attentive to any suspicious vehicles and call police, so the occupant(s) can be identified. Please be especially attentive when children are leaving and arriving home for school and at bus pick-ups.

Harold Q. Thomas

Chief of Police

Hutto Police Department

401 West Front St.

Hutto, TX 78634

512-846-2057 (office)

512-846-2753 (fax)

harold.thomas@HuttoTX.gov

Local Review: Pink Penguin Frozen Yogurt

2009-08-28T16:50:00.000-05:00

After dinner last week, we decided to take the kids to Pink Penguin Frozen Yogurt and check out the goods: and the goods were good.

Pink Penguin rocks your socks off. Where else can you dish up all the frozen yogurt, Gummi Bears, crushed Andes mints, sprinkles, marshmallows, chocolate chips & M&M's you can eat and not be judged? I can't believe we have lasted so long without this place.

You too can create concoctions like this:
By choosing your favorite yogurt flavor here:
And then piling on the yumminess here:
And if you don't eat all your Gummi Bears because they freeze solid and you didn't know that, this nice man and sweet little girl will be there to help you (maybe):
Pink Penguin Frozen Yogurt is located at 409 West Front Street, #240 and their phone number is 846-1441 - go eat and eat and eat.*

*WhatHappensInHutto & Pink Penguin can not be held responsible for severe cases of brain freeze and/or the sudden need to eat mass quantities of licorice, maraschino cherries, and shredded coconut at any given time.

New Library Operating Times

2009-08-28T13:03:00.003-05:00

Prohibition of Cell Phone Use in School Zones

2009-08-28T12:24:00.004-05:00

From Hutto Highlights:

Prohibition of Cell Phone Use in School Zones

Recently passed legislation, H.B. 55, now makes it a state offense to use a cell phone in a school zone under some circumstances. The bill makes the use of a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle within a school crossing zone a class C misdemeanor, unless the vehicle is stopped or the device is being used in a hands-free mode.

Further, the bill requires cities that enforce the prohibition must post a sign that complies with standards adopted by the Texas Department of Transportation at each school crossing zone in the city in order to inform an operator of a motor vehicle of the prohibition. Additionally, the bill provides that the prohibition does not apply to an operator of an authorized emergency vehicle if the operator is using the device in an official capacity, or to a radio frequency device operator who is licensed by the Federal Communications Commission. Finally, the bill provides for the preemption of all city ordinances that are inconsistent with specific provisions of the bill.

City of Hutto’s Public Works Department and Police Department are diligently working together this week to install and enforce “No Cell Phone Use” signs in the HISD school zones. The new state law goes into effect September 1 and authorizes the prohibition of cell phone use in school zones.

For additional information please contact the Hutto Police Department at 846-2200.

To subscribe to Hutto Highlights Electronic Newsletter please visit: HuttoTX.gov

The Hutto Farmers Market Returns!

2009-08-28T12:16:00.003-05:00

Yay!! The Farmers Market is coming back - woohoo! From Hutto Highlights:
The Hutto Farmers Market Returns!

Back by popular demand, the Hutto Farmers Market will begin its Fall Session on Saturdays beginning September 19 – November 14 from 9:00 am until noon or sellout at the Co-Op site on Hwy 79 in Hutto. A variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, bread and other homegrown or eatable homemade items will be available.

There will not a Farmers Market day on Saturday, October 17 as the Olde Tyme Days event will take place on the Co-Op site.

Also, if you are interested in becoming a vendor please contact Julie Arndt at (512) 759-4000.

To subscribe to Hutto Highlights Electronic Newsletter please visit: HuttoTX.gov

Website of the Week

2009-08-10T09:32:00.003-05:00

This weeks' Website Of The Week is: Hippo Electricity!

Hippo Electricity offers competitive, affordable rates and awesome customer service! They make the rates easy to understand (you just gotta love an electricity company that displays their rates right smack on their front page!) and it is easy to sign up. You even get a funky decal when you become a customer!
From the site:

Our Rate is 9.6 cents.

It’s very simple; using Hippo Electricity you’ll benefit in two important areas:

*You’ll keep more of your money with our low electricity rates.

*You’ll have a local, community based representative at your service.

Congrats, Hippo Electricity! Your awesome website will be displayed on What Happens In Hutto for one week and you win this nifty new button to do with as you please, just for being awesome!

National Night Out Tonight!

2009-08-04T17:31:00.003-05:00

You can find a block party at 6pm here:

Glenwood Subdivision (At the pool)
Creekbend Neighborhood (Park Pavilion)
Legends of Hutto (Corner of Campos and Richards)
Meadows at Creekbend (Park on Meadowlark Drive)
Lakeside Estates (Pool at Little Lake and Estate Drive)
Country Estates (City park on South Pauley)

Big thanks to @HuttoTx at The City of Hutto for the list!

After you drop in on your local block party - make sure you head over to Fritz park to see Mysterious Ways at 7pm & watch Kung Fu Panda at 9pm!

See you there!