Connect with us

Austin, TX

State agencies prep for winter storm, boost emergency response

Published

on

State agencies prep for winter storm, boost emergency response


State emergency response resources have been implemented ahead of winter weather.

The Texas Division of Emergency Management announced Saturday that the agency and it’s state partners have begun mobilizing state resources for the upcoming weather.

“TDEM and our state agency partners are prepared for upcoming winter weather impacts and Texans are urged to take personal preparedness measures ahead of time,” said Texas Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd. “I urge all Texans to stay informed, take proactive measures to protect their families, and follow guidance from local authorities as this winter weather event approaches.”

TDEM is increasing the level of the Texas State Emergency Operations Center (SOC) to Level II (Escalated Response) at 7:00 a.m. on Monday.

Advertisement

ALSO | Arctic front brings chance of snow to Austin; officials urge home preparations

TDEM has requested representatives from the following Texas Emergency Management Council agencies report to the SOC on Monday and ensure their resources are mobilizing and are ready for immediate deployment:

  • Texas Department of Transportation: Winter weather roadway equipment and crews pre-treating and treating roadways; personnel and equipment to assist with traffic control and road closures
  • Texas Division of Emergency Management: Incident Management Teams; personnel working with local partners to update warming center maps
  • Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service: Public Works Response Teams
  • Texas A&M Forest Service: Saw crews; motor graders and personnel to assist with snow/ice clearance
  • Texas Department of State Health Services: Texas Emergency Medical Task Force Winter Weather Packages including medics and ambulances
  • Texas Health and Human Services Commission: Personnel to provide information on available services through the 2-1-1 Texas Information Referral Network; Coordinating with long term care providers across the threat area
  • Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air/water/wastewater monitoring
  • Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster assessment and recovery agents
  • Texas Animal Health Commission: Coordinating animal resource needs
  • Texas Department of Agriculture: Coordinating agricultural resource needs
  • Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring and coordinating with utility providers across the threat area
  • Railroad Commission of Texas: Monitoring of the state’s natural gas supply and communication with the oil and gas industry
  • Texas Department of Public Safety: Texas Highway Patrol Troopers to patrol Texas roadways
  • Texas Parks & Wildlife Department: Game Wardens to support local law enforcement; high-profile vehicles to assist stranded motorists
  • Texas National Guard: High-profile vehicles and personnel to support stranded motorists
  • Texas Department of Information Resources: Monitoring technology infrastructure
  • Texas Education Agency: Monitoring school district needs across the state
  • Texas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (Texas VOAD): Coordinating of volunteer organizations across the state

People can find winter weather resources, safety tips, warming center information, and current road conditions online in the Texas Disaster Portal located at tdem.texas.gov.



Source link

Austin, TX

Velocity Credit Union Announces Relocation and Grand Opening of New Southwest Austin Branch

Published

on

Velocity Credit Union Announces Relocation and Grand Opening of New Southwest Austin Branch


AUSTIN, Texas, June 11, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Velocity Credit Union is proud to celebrate the opening of its new Southwest Austin branch, a modern, expanded facility designed to better serve its growing membership across Central Texas. Located at 3419 Davis Lane, Austin, TX 78745, the full-service branch opened in late May and offers enhanced convenience, expanded services, and a welcoming space for members and the community.

Image caption: Photo caption: Velocity Credit Union’s new modern, expanded Southwest Austin branch is located at 3419 Davis Lane, Austin, TX 78745.

The new location replaces Velocity’s former Southwest Austin branch at 4220 S. Lamar Blvd., Suite 100, Austin, TX 78704, as part of the credit union’s continued investment in serving members where they live, work, and thrive.

To mark the opening, Velocity Credit Union hosted a grand opening celebration featuring special product offers, including loan and mortgage discounts, promotional certificate rates, exclusive sweepstakes giveaways, and opportunities for members and community partners to tour the new branch.

Advertisement

Designed with Members in Mind:

The new Southwest Austin location reflects Velocity’s continued commitment to delivering convenient, modern financial services in a welcoming and flexible environment.

Members will enjoy:

  • Two ITM drive-thru lanes offering 24/7 ATM access or live teller service during business hours
  • A spacious, comfortable branch layout designed for flexibility and a stress-free experience
  • Private offices for confidential conversations about loans, accounts, or financial planning
  • Expanded services to support everything from everyday transactions to complex financial needs

“This new location represents an important investment in our members and our community,” said Debbie Mitchell, President & CEO. “As Central Texas continues to grow, we are committed to growing with it—providing innovative solutions, expanded access, and personalized service every step of the way.”

The new branch will also offer expanded hours for greater convenience:

Lobby Hours
Monday–Friday: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Advertisement

Drive-Thru Hours
Monday–Friday: 7:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Velocity Credit Union looks forward to welcoming members to this modern facility and continuing help them manage their financial lives with the trusted, personalized service they expect.

For more information, visit: https://www.velocitycu.com/.

About Velocity Credit Union

Velocity Credit Union has served Central Texans for more than 75 years with a mission to provide exceptional financial products, personal service, and support for the communities it serves. Membership is open to those who live or work in the five-county Austin area. Velocity Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. Equal Housing Lender.

Advertisement

Photo 300dpi: https://www.velocitycu.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Velocity-Southwest-Austin-Branch-4×6-1.jpg

Photo caption: Velocity Credit Union’s new modern, expanded Southwest Austin branch is located at 3419 Davis Lane, Austin, TX 78745.

News Source: Velocity Credit Union



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Austin, TX

Crash closes US 290 at Fitzhugh Road in both directions in Austin

Published

on

Crash closes US 290 at Fitzhugh Road in both directions in Austin


AUSTIN (KXAN) – Both directions of U.S. Highway 290 at Fitzhugh Road are closed due to a crash, according to TxDOT.

Details about the crash and any injuries were not immediately available.

Drivers are urged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes while crews work to clear the roadway.

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Austin, TX

Karmelo Anthony sentenced to 35 years in fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf at Frisco track meet | Houston Public Media

Published

on

Karmelo Anthony sentenced to 35 years in fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf at Frisco track meet | Houston Public Media


Collin County Courthouse in McKinney. (Tony Gutierrez | AP)

A Collin County jury sentenced 19-year-old Karmelo Anthony to 35 years in prison Tuesday for the murder of 17-year-old Austin Metcalf at a Frisco track meet last year.

It came just hours after Anthony was found guilty of murder in the fatal stabbing. He faced up to life in prison.

Jurors had the option of finding him guilty of manslaughter or murder if they didn’t find him not guilty. The two charges are distinguished by intent. Murder means the jury believed Anthony “knowingly” caused Metcalf’s death.

During the trial’s punishment phase, Anthony’s mother Kayla Hayes asked the jury for mercy.

Advertisement

“He’s my oldest, he’s my first born, he will always be my baby,” she said. “I love him very much.”

She was asked if she believed her son had any regrets.

“Yes, I know my son,” she said. “He’s very sorry for what he did.”

“Please have mercy on my son,” she added.

During closing arguments in the punishment phase, Anthony’s defense attorney Mike Howard acknowledged how difficult the decision was for the jury and asked them to consider sudden passion in determining their punishment. They don’t have to be sure, he said — they only need to believe Anthony felt terror in the moment.

Advertisement

“I can only ask you to consider both sides, to follow your hearts, and to follow the law,” he said.

Prosecutor attorney Bill Wirskye argued in response that sudden passion, by definition, “does not apply to this case and this set of facts.”

He asked the jury to consider a life sentence, telling jurors, “mercy to the guilty is cruelty to the innocent.”

“Regardless of what you do today, plenty of life sentences have already been handed out in this case,” he said to the jury.

The decision comes after both sides rested their case Monday afternoon. Anthony’s defense lasted two days and ended without him taking the stand. Prosecutors argued the stabbing was an unjustified attack on Metcalf, while the defense said Anthony acted in self defense.

Advertisement

The case has drawn national attention and controversy over the race of both teens. Anthony is Black and victim was white. None of the jurors were Black.

Several schools were competing when Anthony sat under the Memorial High School tent that was perched in the bleachers. Metcalf and others had repeatedly told Anthony to leave, witnesses testified, leading to an escalating confrontation.

During the nearly weeklong trial, prosecutors said that Anthony provoked Metcalf, and witnesses have testified that Anthony was the aggressor.

Anthony at one point reached inside a bag and replied: “Touch me and see what happens,” according to a police report.

Metcalf pushed Anthony, according to witnesses, who said Anthony then pulled out a knife and stabbed him in the chest. The teens, both from Frisco, didn’t know each other.

Advertisement

The trial drew lines of spectators hoping to find seats in the gallery and unfolded amid heavy security at the Collin County courthouse. As police officers watched Tuesday, dozens of people stood outside the courthouse in 90 degree heat to await the verdict. There were wails of grief from one woman — “This isn’t real!” — when the result became known.

Got a tip? Email Emily DeMotte at edemotte@kera.org or Dylan Duke at dduke@kera.org.

KERA News is made possible through the generosity of our members. If you find this reporting valuable, consider making a tax-deductible gift today. Thank you.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending