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ATX PULSE 9/9/24 (sponsored by TX Flyover): Westlake HS Student Arrested for Making Threat // Power Restored After Fire Caused E. ATX Outage // Homicide Investigated Near Pleasant Valley // Next COA / APD Negotiating Session Tuesday // Jenkins to Receive Legacy Award at 2024 Best CEO Awards

ATX PULSE 9/9/24 (sponsored by TX Flyover): Westlake HS Student Arrested for Making Threat // Power Restored After Fire Caused E. ATX Outage // Homicide Investigated Near Pleasant Valley // Next COA / APD Negotiating Session Tuesday // Jenkins to Receive Legacy Award at 2024 Best CEO Awards

Everything you NEED TO KNOW about Austin.

Matt Mackowiak
September 09, 2024

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2024

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TODAY’S WEATHER

H: 89° / L: 65°. A taste of fall. Latest forecast from Fox 7 Austin’s Adaleigh Rowe here.

PLEASE HELP THIS AUSTIN FAMILY

Support the college fund for Sophie and Olivia here.

From GoFundMe: It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Wolfgang Niedert. To honor his lifelong dedication to education and philanthropy, we ask that memorial contributions be made to a college fund for his beloved daughters, Sophie (9) and Oliva (5). In this time of overwhelming sorrow, we are incredibly grateful for the love and support from those whose lives were touched by Wolfgang.

Personal note: Wolfgang and I have been friends for at least ten years, with Texas athletics being our top shared interest. I have known Wolfgang and Julie both very well and their darling daughters are precious. His loss was sudden and shocking. His philanthropic work in Eanes ISD, at UT and across our community was significant. His large network of friends across Austin and Texas is understandably devastated. We must lift up this family. I hope you will join Amy and I in supporting them at this time. You can support them here.

His obituary is here. No funeral info yet. Thank you for considering.

TOP NEWS

“Westlake High School student arrested, accused of making school threat,” KXAN’s Nabil Remadna — “A Westlake High School student was arrested Sunday after the student was accused of making threats against the school, according to a letter from Eanes Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Jeff Arnett.

The letter said several students alerted administrators about a student making threats against the school and students on Snapchat.

The students who reported the incident used the Westlake Watch anonymous reporting system that the district uses, the letter states.

The superintendent said they quickly worked with district staff and law enforcement agencies to identify and ultimately arrest the student after receiving the information.

“Although we have no reason to believe there is an existing threat to the school, we will be especially observant on campus this week,” the letter said.” KXAN

“Power restored after fire caused outage in East Austin,” KVUE’s Morgan McGrath — “Thousands of East Austin residents were without power after a fire early Monday morning.

According to a social media post from the Austin Police Department (APD), crews arrived just before 4:30 a.m. to the 9800 block of Middle Fiskville Rd. because of a small fire.

APD said the fire happened at the Austin Energy Power Grid, resulting in a "large power outage" for customers east of Interstate Highway 35, near Braker Lane.

Austin Energy's outage map reported more than 6,000 customers without power at the start of the fire, but these numbers have since returned to normal.

KVUE spoke with crews on scene around 5 a.m., who said that a transformer blew but that it has since been redistributed.

The impacted roadways near Middle Fiskville Road were temporarily closed after the fire, and both APD and the Austin Fire Department (AFD) responded on scene.

The Austin Energy map no longer shows these outages as of 5:30 a.m.” KVUE

THE BLOTTER

~ “Homicide in SE Austin; police investigating,” via Fox 7 Austin – “The Austin Police Department is investigating a homicide in Southeast Austin.

The investigation is going on in the 2500 block of Teri Road just west of South Pleasant Valley.

No further details have been released at this time.” Fox 7 Austin

“ACTEMS reports several serious collisions along South Congress within a week,” KVUE’s Matt Fernandez — “In just the last week, Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS) has responded to several serious crashes in the South Congress area.

"One resulted in a fatality," said ATCEMS Cpt. Christina Stedman, referring to a collision on Thursday morning between a car and a cyclist where the cyclist ended up dying.

Just up the road, a vehicle hit a pedestrian near South Congress Ave. and Lightsey Rd.

“Resulted in being transported with critical live threatening injuries," Stedman said of that incident.

Michael Dowss owns property along South Congress near Stassney Ln. He said with more cars on the road, he's seen drivers speeding and plenty of accidents.

"There is a danger," Dowss said.

Vision Zero, an organization that aims to prevent traffic collisions, reports from January 2020 through August 2024, there have been eight deaths and 11 serious injuries on South Congress between Ben White Blvd. and Slaughter Ln.” KVUE

“Child struck by intoxicated driver in Pflugerville, driver arrested,” CBS Austin’s Stephanie Becerra — “A child is seriously injured after they were hit by an alleged intoxicated driver in Pflugerville Friday afternoon.

Pflugerville police say officers responded at around 3:45 p.m. to an auto-pedestrian collision near southbound FM 685 and Kelly Lane.

When officers arrived, they discovered a minor was struck by a vehicle. The minor was transported to Dell Children's Medical Center with serious injuries.

The driver was arrested for Intoxication Assault and transported to Travis County Jail.

This incident remains an ongoing investigation.” CBS Austin

“Firefighters control fire at abandoned structure in northeast Austin,” CBS Austin’s Melody Jones — “Two people were pronounced deceased on the scene of a collision involving three vehicles in Mustang Ridge Friday evening.

Mustang Ridge Police Officers were called to the scene at around 7:43 p.m. Friday, according to the Mustang Ridge Police Department on Facebook.

An officer arrived on the scene and immediately administered aid, the two victims were pronounced deceased on the scene shortly.

The incident is being investigated by the Mustang Ridge Police Department. They also expressed their gratitude to the agencies that responded and provided assistance in the incident, including Travis County Fire, Caldwell County Fire, and others.” CBS Austin

“Firefighters control fire at abandoned structure in northeast Austin,” CBS Austin’s Melody Jones — “The Austin Fire Department put out a fire at an abandoned building in northeast Austin Friday afternoon.

The fire department responded to the 1200 East 52nd Street, located near Muller, around 3 p.m.

According to AFD, no injuries were reported, and the fire didn't extend to other buildings. The fire is currently under control, but will need heavy overhaul.” CBS Austin

“Multiple tire thefts reported at Hays County apartment complexes: sheriff,” via Fox 7 Austin — “The Hays County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about a "concerning trend" in tire thefts at area apartment complexes.

HCSO says the thefts have been primarily happening at complexes in Kyle and San Marcos and specifically targeting Toyota Corollas.

Law enforcement is offering the following tips to help prevent this from happening:

Secure your vehicle: Use wheel locks, car alarms with wheel sensors, or other anti-theft devices
Parking areas: Park in a closed garage or a busier, well-lit parking lot with surveillance cameras
Be aware of your surroundings: Be on the lookout for any suspicious or odd behavior

HCSO is investigating the thefts alongside the San Marcos and Kyle police departments.” Fox 7 Austin

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

“Austin, police union still grappling over contract; city gears up to give raises,” Austin American-Statesman’s Skye Seipp — “Although the city and the Austin police union have yet to reach a tentative deal, the city seems poised to offer one of the highest salary increases since the meet and confer process began in the late 1990s.

With the current offers sitting where they are, officers could expect to get anywhere from a 25% to 30% salary increase over the life of the five-year contract, which is more than most previous years that have been four-year contracts. Regardless, the city's current offer of a 7.5% base wage increase would give officers the largest year-one increase in the city's meet and confer history.

Members of the city's labor relations team and the Austin Police Association met three times last week after six months of sometimes tense contract negotiations that have failed to bring a tentative contract.

During the conversations, the city's negotiators expressed hope that both sides would be able to reach a tentative deal they could send to be voted on by members of the Austin City Council and the association.

One of this year's most pressing issues in the contract talks has revolved around police oversight in light of the voter-approved Austin Police Oversight Act. While both sides have largely been able to get language worked out related to oversight, they still must agree on wages.

Michael Bullock, president of the Austin Police Association, told the American-Statesman the two sides are close to getting a deal, but he added that the "clock is ticking" before they have to declare an impasse. He said the largest hurdle right now is agreeing on economic issues.

"We are focused on making sure that we're going to be able to actually resolve our staffing crisis and keep people from leaving, and be able to attract new recruits," Bullock said. "That way we can refill our ranks, and we can get back to providing the level of service that our city expects and no longer be in a public safety crisis."

In a statement to the Statesman, city officials said they appreciate the "good discussions" they are having with the police union and are optimistic about making progress. "However, until we have a tentative agreement, it would be premature for us to talk about the process, timing or next steps," the statement said.

The city and police association are set to meet again Tuesday.” AAS ($)

2024

~ “‘It was a second mortgage every month’: Travis County leaders campaigning for more affordable child care,” KVUE’s Melia Masumoto – “Travis County leaders rolled out a campaign on Saturday that aims at energizing voters to approve a proposal that would make childcare more affordable countywide.

“We’re counting on Travis County to support the future of our children and families,” said Cathy McHorse, the coalition manager for Affordable Childcare Now.

Proposition A would include a property tax rate increase of 2.5 cents per $100 valuation. County leaders say that would come out to about $10 per month for the average Travis County resident, which they equate to one lunch.

“It’s a small way to invest tremendously in the future of our community,” McHorse said.

The increased proposed tax rate would add about $75 million in funding for child care in Travis County. County leaders say that funding would lead to increased wages and recruit more childcare workers.

“We have basically zero capacity in Travis County right now because we’re struggling to fill the gap in that early childhood and afterschool workforce because they don’t get a living wage,” McHorse said.

It would also allow the county to expand the hours of childcare for parents who don’t work a traditional 8-to-5 job.” KVUE

BUSINESS NEWS

~ “80 nominated for Best CEOs in Austin awards,” Austin Business Journal’s Colin Pope – “Eighty chief executives and local leaders have been nominated for the 2024 Best CEO Awards, and Bobby Jenkins of ABC Home and Commercial Services has been named this year's Legacy Award recipient.

Jenkins runs one of Austin’s most recognizable brands, and he commands a corporate workforce that is about 850 strong. But he’s perhaps equally as influential for the various civic roles he’s held throughout the decades, such as chairman of the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, the Austin Chamber of Commerce and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Many nonprofits have benefitted from his wealth and stewardship, too.

Jenkins joins past Legacy Award recipients such as Gay Gaddis, Tyson Tuttle, Gary Keller and John Paul DeJoria.

Austin Business Journal will unveil the other winners and present the awards at a private ceremony on Oct. 16. Winners will be crowned based on size and type of organization. The judging is done by a committee of past winners, based on nominees' track record of innovation" and "outstanding performance," in business as well in philanthropy and other community services.

Check out the alphabetical list of nominees below, and look for coverage of the winners next month in print and online.

2024 Best CEO nominees

OTHER NEWS

~ “UT School of Civic Leadership now accepting applications for fall 2025. Here’s what to know,” Austin American-Statesman’s Lily Kepner – “The School of Civic Leadership at the University of Texas is accepting applicants for its inaugural fall 2025 class.

With 10 new faculty members hired and a minor launched this fall in philosophy, politics and economics, the school is aiming to recruit 50 to 100 students for its inaugural class which will have the opportunity to pursue a major in civics honors. A civics minor will launch next fall.

“Civics is the picture definition of the study of the rights and duty of citizenship,” said Justin Dyer, the school's founding dean. “We have the idea of a program that introduces students to the broad sweep of Western civilization, American constitutionalism, but also equips them with the kind of skills and opportunities that they'll need as leaders in our society.”

The new school, established by the UT System in May 2023, houses the research-focused Civitas Institute, which was created through legislative action in 2021. State Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, had initially filed a bill last legislative session to turn the institute into a school, but the UT System board’s action preceded any vote.

Civics-focused schools and initiatives — largely focused on free speech, intellectual diversity, civic responsibility and American history — have recently become more common as a dissent against more progressive colleges.

Some faculty members and students initially criticized the institute as a conservative project after The Texas Tribune’s reporting revealed conservative political influences pushing the institute's initial creation. Dyer, who was previously the founding director of the institute, said the school is neither partisan nor conservative, but it does study concepts that will likely be “attractive” to conservative people.

Scott Carrell, the associate dean for faculty affairs at the new school who has a joint appointment in economics, agreed with Dyer and described the school as “pre-partisan,” equipping students with civic knowledge and an interdisciplinary knowledge of the country's founding.

“Folks will say (it’s) a conservative silo, but … it’s not about partisan politics at all. It’s about discussion of ideas and importantly we want to be integrated with the rest of campus,” he said.” AAS ($)

SPORTS

~ TEXAS FOOTBALL: Kirk Bohls column: “Texas beats Michigan: Longhorns make a statement with 31-12 win,” via Houston Chronicle — “The College Football Playoff can’t get here soon enough.

That isn’t to say that Texas has peaked already in the first week of September although it might have looked the part and Michigan might think so.

Regardless, the No. 3 Longhorns have already stamped themselves as legit, early national contenders after making a clear statement by crushing the defending national champions 31-12 at Michigan Stadium in a game that wasn’t that close.

In fact, it was never close at all. Ever.

Heck, Texas scored on four of its first five possessions, and the overwhelmed No. 9 Wolverines scored three points in the first 40 minutes of the game and didn’t reach the end zone until 1:54 remained on a late touchdown pass.

By game’s end, Texas was celebrating its most lopsided victory over a Top 10 team since Vince Young and the 2005 Longhorns clobbered No. 10 Texas Tech in a 52-17 thumping.

That game helped propel Texas to a date with USC and the program’s first national title in 35 years, and this, too, could have such far-reaching implications as well, even with an SEC gauntlet ahead.

“This one game isn’t going to define our season,” Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said. “But I think it would serve as a pretty good barometer of the type of team that we could be. So all in all, it’s a good start to the season.”

To put it mildly.

This 19-point margin of victory will reverberate around college football and should serve the Longhorns well if they need a tie-breaking edge over another CFP contender for a spot in the new 12-team format."

Not that Texas is looking ahead, even if tempted to do so after having just one regular season with double-digit wins since 2009. But its fans can’t help but be forward looking, not after watching its team snap Michigan’s 23-home game winning streak and toying with a club that had gone 41-3 the last three years.

Was this a statement on a national level?

“I believe so,” said senior center Jake Majors, brimming with pride. “But we understand this is our standard.”” Hou Chron ($)

~ TEXAS FOOTBALL: Cedric Golden column: “Quinn Ewers for the Heisman Trophy? The Texas quarterback makes early case,” via Austin American-Statesman — “Quinn Ewers for the Heisman.

Sure, we’re just two games into the 2024 season, but Texas football's quarterback has already checked off an important box in what’s likely his final season as a Longhorn. No Heisman Trophy winner ever existed without a signature performance and Ewers got his Saturday in one of college football’s most hallowed halls.

Speaking as a Heisman voter, that, my friends, is a prerequisite.

The 31-12 silencing came before an announced crowd of 111,170 at Michigan Stadium, mostly yellow-clad Wolverines fans whose defense of the 2023 national championship ran headlong into an opponent that is clearly rising in Year 4 of the Steve Sarkisian era.

And it starts with Ewers, who's on a vendetta aimed at taking out college football blue bloods. Last year it was Alabama at the Crimson Tide’s house. On Saturday it was Michigan’s Big House.

Hey Georgia, are you listening?

“I enjoy the big moments,” Ewers said. “I think what helps me out is, you know, I'm not trying to please anybody. I'm not trying to please people who breathe one breath at a time. I'm just trying to please Jesus. He controls all breaths. And when you truly believe that, when you truly know that, I think I allow myself to fully play clear-minded."“ AAS ($)

~ TEXAS FOOTBALL: “Texas beats Michigan: Longhorns make a statement with 31-12 win,” Austin American-Statesman’s Danny Davis — “As Texas football opened its second drive Saturday at Michigan, tight end Gunnar Helm caught a deflected ball and gained 22 yards. Five plays later, he burst open over the middle of the field and hauled in a 21-yard touchdown pass to give the Longhorns a 7-0 lead.

By themselves, Helm’s two catches and 43 yards would have represented a good day at the office. Statistically speaking, those 43 yards were the second-most he's every had in a game as a Longhorn, going back to the 2021 season.

But Helm wasn’t done. He went on to lead Texas with a career-high seven receptions and 98 receiving yards in the 31-12 win at Michigan Stadium.

"Gunnar Helm did a great job today again," Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers said. "I think he got a little bit faster in the offseason. He's always in the right spot today, it seemed like."

Saturday’s breakout performance was a long time coming for Helm, who signed alongside Ja’Tavion Sanders in Tom Herman’s final recruiting class at Texas. A Colorado native and three-star prospect, Helm picked Texas over Auburn, Iowa, UCLA and Wisconsin. He also turned down an offer from Alabama — which had Steve Sarkisian, now Texas' head coach, and Jeff Banks, now UT's tight ends coach, on its staff.” AAS ($)

~ CENTRAL TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: “Post-Week 2 rankings,” via Fox 7 Austin — “Here are the new rankings:

CLASS 6A

WESTLAKE (2-0, defeated San Benito 63-7)
LAKE TRAVIS (2-0, defeated Rockwall 45-42)
DRIPPING SPRINGS (1-1, defeated 5A SA Wagner 35-6)
VANDEGRIFT (1-1, lost to 5A Cedar Park 49-46)
BOWIE (2-0, defeated Vista RIdge 37-28)

CLASS 5A

WEISS (2-0, defeated San Marcos 54-0)
CEDAR PARK (1-1, defeated 6A Vandegrift 49-46)
LIBERTY HILL (1-1, defeated Rouse 57-38)
PFLUGERVILLE (2-0, defeated Hays 47-7)
ROUSE (1-1, lost to Liberty Hill 57-38)

CLASS 4A

WIMBERLEY (2-0, defeated Fredericksburg 35-9)
LBJ (1-0, Idle)
LAMPASAS (2-0, defeated Salado 49-30)
LAGO VISTA (1-1, lost to Waco Connally 44-26)
JARRELL (2-0, defeated Marble Falls 21-14)

CLASS 3A

LEXINGTON (2-0, defeated Little River-Academy 45-21)
THRALL (2-0, defeated 2A Rosebud-Lott 38-21)
ROCKDALE (2-0, defeated Hempstead 28-7)
LLANO (1-1, lost to Comanche 34-21)
LULING (1-1, lost to Anderson-Shiro 46-0)

CLASS 2A/1A/OTHERS

MASON (1-1, defeated 3A Brady 47-19)
JOHNSON CITY (2-0, defeated Sonora 36-35)
REGENTS (1-1, lost to Houston Kinkaid 33-15)
THORNDALE (1-1, defeated Granger 33-27)
FLATONIA (1-1, lost to TAPPS Hallettsville Sacred Heart 21-20)” Fox 7 Austin

QUICK LINKS

~ Lloyd Doggett had a long political life before his bombshell call for Joe Biden to withdraw - Austin American-Statesman

~ City provides updates on financial, anti-displacement efforts related to HOME initiatives - Austin Monitor

~ Historic Landmark Commission votes to preserve east side building over developer’s wishes - Austin Monitor

~ The Tradition restaurant, Heydey Social Club opening at downtown Austin Hyatt hotel - Community Impact

~ Tropical system forms near Mexico | Here is the impact it may have on Texas - KVUE

~ Westlake High School student arrested, accused of making school threat - KXAN Austin

~ Texas readies emergency resources ahead of tropical activity in the Gulf - KXAN Austin

~ Austin American-Statesman sports coverage is growing. Here's what you can expect from us - Austin American-Statesman

~ Traffic enforcement increased on stretch of US 290 in Hays County - KXAN Austin

~ Former officer proposes settlement that includes changes at APD - Austin Monitor

~ 25 affordable homes coming near Burnet Middle School under Austin's community land trust model - Community Impact

~ Bastrop Utility Services Department moves in late September - Community Impact | News

AUSTIN CULTURE

~ BRUNCH: ”The 8 Hottest New Brunches in Austin” Easter Austin

~ DATING: ”New Austin-only dating app brings romance back to the swiping scene” Culture Map Austin

WHAT TO DO TONIGHT

~ GRAB A DRINK: “The 14 hottest new cocktail destinations in Austin right now” Eater Austin

COOL JOB ALERT

~ Executive Director: Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Salary: $299k - $345k. Info / apply here.