which represents 3.19% of Williamson County's 280,561 eligible voters Texas — Officials at Hutto High School have identified a student responsible for leaving a rabbit's head in a campus bathroom described by officials as involving "inappropriate and disturbing materials," was discovered Tuesday in a boys' bathroom at the high school Campus administrators immediately removed the items which included the animal remains alongside a message and drawing of a dead rabbit "District safety protocols were immediately activated and the responsible individual was quickly identified through the coordinated efforts of campus administrators and security staff," said James Gazzale Executive Director of Communications and Community Relations for Hutto ISD ALSO | Cedar Park braces for lawsuit over alleged repeated sexual misconduct by former officer School officials said they have taken administrative action against the student and are pursuing criminal charges in partnership with local law enforcement Principal Ryan Burns said appropriate disciplinary consequences would follow "We remain committed to maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all students," Burns said "Actions like this are taken very seriously and we appreciate the support of our students and families to ensure safety across our campus." Need Help? My Profile Logout This story of the recovery of a long lost friend, Hutto #132, comes from prominent bluegrass mandolinist and instructor Scott Napier. It’s a heartwarming report with which any instrument owner can empathize. It’s often said that a singer is born with their voice, but instrumentalists get to choose their own. I’ve only played a few instruments over my nearly 30-year career as a bluegrass mandolin player, which began in 1996 with Larry Sparks & the Lonesome Ramblers. To my surprise, I received a handwritten letter from Mr. Hutto, along with a dozen printed photos of his mandolins, showcasing various shading and finishing styles. He offered a “pay-as-I-build” plan, noting it would take two years due to a waiting list. The cost would be $2,365. For my family at the time, that may as well have been $100,000. I remember overhearing the conversation between my father and Mr. Hutto on the phone. I suspect all three of us were disappointed that the mandolin wouldn’t be commissioned. Still, I kept those photos on my dresser mirror for inspiration. I tried to make my cheap mandolin sound like what I imagined a Hutto mandolin would sound like. I believe that unknowingly helped me develop my tone and accelerated my progress. Three years later, I landed my first professional job with Larry Sparks & the Lonesome Ramblers—a position I’d hold for nine years. This opportunity brought me into close contact with Dempsey Young and that unmistakable Hutto tone. Larry Sparks was also a fan of Hutto mandolins and knew John personally. He once told me, “You won’t beat those Hutto mandolins.” One night, after a particularly good show where folks were complimenting my playing, Larry told me, not “well done” or “good job,” but: “You’re outgrowing your mandolin.” He meant I needed an instrument that could push me further. I told him I’d love to have it and had been saving, and he replied, “Play it today and we’ll see what happens.” He handed me a card that read: “Charlie Harrison – Frantic Guitar Picker.” After an amazing show with the mandolin, I reluctantly handed it back. Charlie said, “Let me know if you can buy it.” Back on the bus, Larry asked, “Where’s the mandolin?” I explained I’d try to buy it once we were home. Larry turned to our bus driver, Charlie Estas, and said, “Hold on a minute!” He stepped off the bus. No one spoke. Fifteen minutes later, Larry and the festival promoter returned, and I saw the mandolin under Larry’s arm. He handed it to me and said, “You won’t outgrow this one.” I found out later he’d told the promoter, “My mandolin player is buying that mandolin. And if he can’t, then I will. We’re leaving with the mandolin.” With a little help from my father, I closed the deal on Hutto #132. For the next thirteen years, I played it exclusively on live shows and recordings, like Coldest Part of Winter and the acclaimed 40 album by Larry Sparks, where I performed alongside Alison Krauss, Dan Tyminski, Rhonda Vincent, and The Whites. Highlights included playing the Ryman Auditorium on my 22nd birthday, my debut on the Grand Ole Opry, and collaborations with Dale Ann Bradley and Marty Raybon. I also used it on my solo mandolin album, All Out Front, and a tour of Isreal.  One of my proudest moments was finishing the Love Lost & Found record after Dempsey Young’s passing. He recorded the first half; I recorded the rest. One track even features both of us—on different parts of the same song. But over time, the very thing that drew me to the Hutto—the connection to Dempsey—began to push me away. As much as I admired him, I didn’t want to be known as “the next best Dempsey.” I wanted to honor his creativity by finding my own voice. “Be different—that’s the only way people will remember you,” Dempsey once told me. It was the last thing he ever said to me. So, I moved on. I set my sights on classic Gibson mandolins. Eventually, I found a 1939 F-5 that I loved, purchased from Larry Cadle—who, ironically, owns Dempsey Young’s Hutto. To make it happen, I traded some instruments, and Lorraine Jordan ended up with my Hutto. She cherished it, using it on her Country Grass album and in various videos. But then, about six weeks ago, I woke up at daylight with one clear thought: I want the mandolin back. I couldn’t shake the feeling. I messaged Lorraine that night. She wasn’t looking to part with it, but said, “Let’s see what we can do about that.” I suspect the recent loss of my father brought up a lot of emotion. He was proud of how that mandolin had come to me after my first attempt fell through. I reached out to Allen Dyer, Lorraine’s guitarist and a fellow vintage instrument lover. He mentioned Lorraine was looking for a smaller-bodied vintage guitar—something like an old Martin. I happened to have a 1943 Martin 00-18 I’d been playing. A week later, Lorraine invited me to do a mandolin workshop at her festival, Bluegrass in the Blue Ridge, in Kingsport, TN. She said, “Bring the guitar—I’d like to see it.” I arrived early, set up my table, and waited. When it was time for my workshop, Lorraine appeared with her husband Tom and photographer Bill Warren. Instead of a workshop, they surprised me: Lorraine presented me with my Hutto. Words can’t describe that moment. Allen and I played for the next half hour, telling stories. We announced we were “trading” instruments—but in truth, Lorraine gave me the mandolin, and I gave her the guitar she’d been looking for. She later told me she’d already made up her mind before I came to Kingsport. My mother, after hearing the story, said she’d been praying I’d get it back. Lorraine shared her heartfelt thoughts on the matter. “I truly enjoyed playing the Hutto mandolin, and even recorded with it on my 2015 Country Grass project, alongside several Grand Ole Opry stars. It had the best low-end chop I’ve ever heard. After Scott’s father—who helped him get this mandolin—passed away, Scott asked if there was any way to get the Hutto back. I just knew it needed to be with him. Now, it’s back home where it belongs.” Once I had it again, I wanted to refresh the setup to my taste. I turned to my friend, mandolin expert Jonathan McClanahan. The mandolin was unchanged except for the mods I had done: Don MacRostie’s compound radius fretboard, Waverly tuners, and a Bill James tailpiece. The lacquer on the peghead had developed finish checking, and some was chipping on the back. Lorraine had someone remove the back peghead overlay and finish down the neck, but the front still had the thick heavy checking. Jonathan not only restored those areas but added his relic magic to the tuners and tailpiece for a cohesive, aged look. We were both blown away by the intricate inlay work—done entirely by hand by Mr. Hutto, who was 78 at the time. He told me, “Whatever you do, don’t get rid of it. Take it and play it from now on. I put a lot of heart into building that instrument. It’ll outlast us both.” Here’s to John Hutto, and the powerful mandolins built by one powerful man and to Lorraine Jordan for giving me a second chance to “take it and play it from now on.” John Hutto built a total of 144 mandolins and passed away in 2004. He was 83 years old. emailAbout the AuthorScott NapierScott is a thirty-year touring and recording musician as well as the Program Coordinator for Capital Bluegrass & Traditional Music at Owensboro Community & Technical College Latest Event ListingsSearch Events powered by AhSo © Bluegrass Today 2025powered by AhSo Travis county and Williamson County polling places will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m The 54,000-square-foot building will have 8 movie auditoriums and a bowling alley your central hub for discovering events and activities in Hutto This calendar is designed to help you quickly find what's happening making discovering something fun and interesting easy We are committed to keeping the community informed and connected through this platform and encourage you to explore and enjoy all that Hutto has to offer View this page for Agendas which are attached to the listings and recordings of the sessions will be made available on Huttotx.gov For any questions or concerns regarding the Hutto Community Calendar, please feel free to reach out to [email protected] You can contact us for assistance with event submissions or any technical issues you may encounter while using the calendar Our goal is to provide a helpful resource for all community members contact the Communications Department by phone at (512) 759-4833 Following City Council approval of the development agreement and PID petition the city will hold public hearings for the PID creation and voluntary annexation on May 15 City Council members expressed split opinions on expanding Hutto's certificate of convenience and necessity the geographical area in which the city is required to provide water service Enrollment projections for Hutto ISD have changed for the long-term due to a variety of factors Developers described the project as “a pedestrian-oriented mixed use community with small-town charm." (Rendering courtesy of Rialto Studio) The mayor and six council members are elected to serve three-year terms The Hutto Parks and Recreation Department hosted an Easter egg hunt April 13 (Courtesy Hutto Parks and Recreation Department) Es Vedra Cinema’s Hooky will offer a range of entertainment options including bowling and cinema The city of Pflugerville will have its annual festival celebrating the various cultures that make up the community Hutto ISD received a C letter grade in the Texas Education Agency's 2022-23 school accountability ratings Texas — The City of Hutto has announced a new 54,400 square foot movie theater opening in May Hutto’s movie theatre is currently under construction and will be a part of Es Vedra Cinema’s new brand “We’re excited to bring an all-new entertainment destination to Hutto,” said Charlie Tiantawach our 54,400 square foot facility will feature a cutting-edge movie experience including an eight-screen cinema with IMAX alongside twelve full-size bowling lanes." People can also look forward to an arcade with extensive gaming options and a place to relax with a beverage and cocktail menu residents can see the progress on construction at 180 Alliance Boulevard off of US Highway 79 near Academy Sports.” said Cheney Gamboa “The Hutto Economic Development Corporation and City leaders promised our community a first-class cinema and entertainment experience and it is on track to be delivered on schedule.” Police — Hutto Police are investigating a recent report of an attempted child abduction and are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect two men driving a white Ford Transit-style van were reported to have approached a child in the Riverwalk subdivision One of them attempted to grab the child through the open side door of the van ALSO| "Like an evil zombie": advocates say new abortion ban clarification could revive old ban The child was able to describe one of the suspects as a Hispanic male with a tan complexion tattoos covering both arms (sleeve tattoos) He is also reported to have three gold teeth—two on the top and one on the bottom—and dark hair with white or blonde streaks A composite sketch was developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety Forensic Imaging Specialist thanks to the detailed description If you recognize the suspect or have any information related to this incident, you're urged to contact the Hutto Police Department at 512-846-2200 or email HuttoCrimeTips@huttotx.gov Police have not released further details about the incident but are continuing to investigate Work to convert Hutto ISD's Ninth Grade Center to the district's second high school will begin this summer Superintendent Jeni Neatherlin said in a March 12 Hutto Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon Texas — Three people were found dead Thursday morning in what Hutto police are investigating as an apparent murder-suicide "Incidents like this are extremely rare for Hutto," said Hutto Police Chief Jeffrey Yarbrough during a press briefing on Thursday and we understand the impact it has on our community." Hutto police officers responded around 9:15 a.m to a house in the 200 block of Seaholm Lane after receiving a call from a man who claimed to have shot and killed two women Hutto police officers responded to a call from an individual stating that he had killed two people in the home and was going to commit suicide," said Chief Yarbrough "Officers arrived at the residence and initiated a verbal conversation with the individual through the door and were actively attempting to gain constructive dialogue when they heard a single gunshot from inside the home." Hutto police immediately entered the home and found the male suspect and two women dead They were later identified as 60-year-old Kerry Carter Officers secured the residence and searched for additional victims Police emphasized there is no ongoing threat to the public ALSO | Gun safety advocates rally at Texas Capitol, nearly three years after Uvalde tragedy Chief Yarbrough said there have been no emergency calls to the home that would alert police to a potentially dangerous situation "We have a call history that is very minor for incidents at that home - medical related," said Chief Yarbrough Authorities ask residents to avoid the area while the investigation continues The department mentioned it works with mental health professionals and has a Victim Assistance Unit to connect individuals with needed resources Limmer Holdings proposed a mixed-use development at the intersection of SH 130 and Limmer Loop The Hutto Area Chamber of Commerce cut a ribbon for the expansion of the Baylor Scott & White clinic in Hutto Catch up with our coverage of Hutto and Pflugerville ISDs bowling and arcade venue is under construction in Hutto Early voting for Hutto City Council starts April 22 Three seats on Hutto City Council are on the ballot for this upcoming May election Voters must bring one of the following forms of identification with them to vote in Texas: 1 Boba Tea's newest location is in the Hutto Co-Op District Hutto ISD will not hold an election this May after only incumbents filed applications to appear on the ballot Shaved-ice company Fairy Freeze recently opened new stand in Hutto Ron was such a warm hearted person that frequently reminisced about all his high school friends and the fast cars that always put a smile on his face He also had tremendous love for his family He had numerous pets and the number seemed to constantly grow as any dog he came across wandering down the road found a nice new home We are sure that he would love any fellow pet lover to make a donation to a pet shelter of their choice Construction workers prepare one of the server rooms inside Sabey Data Centers in Round Rock the number of new listings in Pflugerville and Hutto increased by 47.6% Texas — A federal grand jury in Austin has indicted a Mexican national on a firearms possession charge Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas Marcelo Olvera-Moreno was charged with one count of possession of a firearm by an illegal alien following an incident in Hutto on January 24 ALSO| Murder charges against Christopher Taylor dismissed in 2020 shooting death a Williamson County Sheriff’s Office deputy conducted a traffic stop after allegedly witnessing the passenger in Olvera-Moreno’s vehicle fire a handgun out of the front passenger window Olvera-Moreno admitted that he was illegally in the United States and had purchased the pistol at a flea market about three months earlier Olvera-Moreno made his initial court appearance on January 28 A federal district court judge will determine his sentence based on the U.S Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office The cause of the alleged gunfire incident remains under investigation HISD's associate superintendent of instruction and innovation presented information about the district's plans for curriculum to be used in the 2025-26 school year An aerial view of plans for the expanded campus