HIPPO BITES Little bits of big news
City to support property- damage claims
HUTTO — After more than a year of receiving reports that fiber-optic contractors destroyed landscaping and broke water lines in yards, city officials say they will now help neighbors press their damage claims.
“If residents are unable to resolve issues with the broadband provider or its contractors, our Department of Public Works will make every possible effort to help and connect you with the contractors responsible for the installation,” reads a statement released by the city.
“However, please note that these are not city projects, and our ability to take action may be limited.”
In addition, the city’s release noted, “These projects are part of the Texas Broadband Initiative to expand access to high-speed internet. The Public Utility Commission of Texas oversees this initiative; outside of permitting for use of city easements, the city is not directly involved in the installation of fiber, cable or broadband service.”
The City Council previously tried to mitigate potential disruptions from multiple cableburying projects by limiting crew work times and enforcing noise ordinances.
Construction crews, including fiber-optic contractors, are only allowed to work from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. No construction is permitted on Sunday.
Residents may report incidents of property damage during fiber installs at huttotx. gov/791/Fiber-and-Broadband. Reports should include a detailed description of the damage and photos.
New eateries on the table
Panera Bread and Chuy’s Tex-Mex are joining the evergrowing hub around Ed Schmidt Boulevard and U.S. 79, officials announced. Panera Bread will open near Home Depot, while Chuy’s is under construction on Alliance Boulevard near Lowe’s.
Meanwhile, McAlister’s Deli at 110 Chris Kelley Blvd., Burger King at 94 Chris Kelley and Happy Panini’s new location at 202 Farley St. are well underway and should open soon, officials said. Taco Palenque began serving up its salsa at 2722 FM 685 on Sept. 28, and another Mexican food diner, Mi Vida Comida Mexican Cuisine, also opened in September at 101 Limmer Loop.
Holidays in Hutto dates set
Several holiday observances are on tap for Hutto. The 39th annual Olde Tyme Days takes over the streets with live music from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Saturday, plus a car show, vendor booths, kids’ activities, entertainment and more.
Shop Small Saturday kicks off holiday buying Nov. 30 downtown, and the day ends with the city tree-lighting ceremony and a drone show. The HippoClaus Crawl, a food-and-adultbeverage event, is slated for Dec. 7 and Hutto Holiday Market takes place Dec. 14.
Stargazing with sleeping bags
The Parks and Recreation Department is holding a family campout Oct. 18-19 at Adam Orgain Park, 1001 CR 137.
Setup is from 5-6:30 p.m. Oct. 18, followed by a hot-dog dinner, demonstrations, stories, s’mores, stargazing and a movie. A flag-retirement ceremony will also be held. Oct. 19 starts with a catered breakfast and features archery and other activities before campers pack up at 11 a.m.
Cost is $30 per family. Campers must bring their own tents, sleeping bags and related gear. Outside food and beverages are allowed.
Register by Oct. 16 at huttotx.g/pard.
