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At least one home affected as Powder Keg Pine Fire in Bastrop estimated at 100 acres, 65% contained

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:13:31 GMT

BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) — Crews responded to a home on fire within the fire zone of a wildfire in Bastrop Wednesday just before noon, according to a KXAN reporter on the ground.Reporter Nabil Remadna noted firefighters were able to get there quickly, and there are still hotspots popping up in the fire area. The fire, which is called the Powder Keg Pine Fire, is estimated at 100 acres and is 65% contained as of 3 p.m. Wednesday, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.In its Wednesday afternoon update, the forest service said gusty winds and afternoon temperatures have increased activity with the fire. Planes continue to drop water to cool those hotspots.Initial reports had the fire's location listed in the area of Highway 71 and Harmon Road. First responders Tuesday afternoon said they were working to evacuate homes as a "precautionary measure" because of a wildfire burning near Bastrop State Park. Evacuees were later allowed to return home and no evacuations are in place as of ...

Six City of Austin pools to remain open into September amid ongoing heatwave

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:13:31 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Six city pools in Austin will remain open well into September, more than a month later than they were originally scheduled to close for the season.The city shared Wednesday the pools will remain open through Sept. 24, "due to the ongoing heatwave and sufficient lifeguard staffing." Weather extremes: Austin’s hottest and coldest temperatures ever recorded The pools remaining open are:Garrison Pool (6601 Menchaca Road)Govalle Pool (5200 Bolm Road)Mabel Davis Pool (3427 Parker Lane)Northwest Pool (7000 Ardath St.)Shipe Pool (4400 Ave. G)Walnut Creek Pool (12138 N. Lamar Blvd.)Most city pools will close at 4 p.m. on Aug. 13. Many of the lifeguards are students who will be returning to school around that time, according to the city. There are five pools that are open year round, including Barton Springs and Deep Eddy.The city has also extended the operation of splash pads across the city through Oct. 31.

Second wildfire in Bastrop County burns almost two dozen acres

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:13:31 GMT

BASTROP COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- The Bastrop County Office of Emergency Management is responding to a wildland fire located near Hellinger Road. The fire, named the Mesquite Field Fire, is separate from the 100-acre Powder Keg Pine Fire that broke out Tuesday.Officials said the Mesquite Field Fire is currently estimated at roughly 20 acres, as of about 3:20 p.m. Wednesday. BCOEM said there is no containment of the fire, but added there are no evacuations necessary at this time.This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Travis County creates Community Legal Services Division for 'more fair and equitable' legal system

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:13:31 GMT

TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- The Travis County Commissioners Court voted on July 25 to create two new departments that will comprise a new "Community Legal Services Division," according to a press release from the Commissioners Court.The two new departments are the Community Legal Services department and the Data, Policy and Performance Management department. The former will expand public defenders and work to ensure defendants have legal counsel during their first appearance in court. The latter will study how the county handles diversion, workforce development and reentry efforts. Previous: Travis County’s largest mental health facility is its jail, Judge Brown looking at diversion options “The Commissioners Court and I are committed to providing robust and effective criminal legal representation,” said Travis County Judge Andy Brown in the release. “The creation of these two Departments will help the county provide the highest quality services to our community and make sure w...

'I wish it wasn't ending.' Departing Austin FC player speaks to fans at send-off

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:13:31 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) – Following the news that former Austin FC winger Diego Fagundez would leave the club, dozens of fans gathered Tuesday night to send the beloved player off. “I'm a little emotional, but I just want to say thank you to everybody since day one. You guys treated me and my family with a lot of love,” Fagundez told a crowd of around 100 FC fans.  MORE: Austin FC’s Diego Fagundez traded to LA Galaxy for Memo Rodriguez, cash Austin FC announced Tuesday that the club would trade Fagundez to the LA Galaxy for its midfielder, Memo Rodríguez. In addition to getting Rodríguez, Austin FC said it would also receive up to $900,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM), including $300,000 of guaranteed 2023 GAM, for the trade. “I wish it wasn't ending,” he continued. “You guys are still gonna be my family no matter what.” Fagundez said he was just as surprised as his fans to hear the news that he was traded, but “soccer is like that sometimes. We got to move on and go som...

10-acre fire reported near Georgetown

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:13:31 GMT

WEIR, Texas (KXAN) – Firefighters are battling a 10-acre fire Wednesday afternoon in Weir, which is northeast of Georgetown, Williamson County said.The fire was reported to Williamson County Emergency Communications around 1:40 p.m. at County Road 150 and FM 972.Firefighters responded to a grass fire in Weir Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023. (KXAN Photo/Frank Martinez)Firefighters responded to a grass fire in Weir Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023. (KXAN Photo/Frank Martinez)Firefighters responded to a grass fire in Weir Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023. (KXAN Photo/Frank Martinez)The fire didn't force any evacuations but it did burn a barn and a car, Williamson County said.The Weir Fire Department is the lead agency at the scene with support from Hutto, Jarrell, Williamson County ESD 10, Leander, Liberty Hill, Round Rock, Sam Bass, ESD 7 and Bartlett, Williamson County said. The Williamson County Sheriff's Office, EMS and Office of Emergency Management are also responding.

'They saved us': Crews continue to battle Bastrop fire

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:13:31 GMT

BASTROP, Texas (KXAN) — Central Texas is on high alert as wildfire season continues on, but there are more dangers than just the fires.Crews are working in extremely hot conditions, with temperatures well above 100 degrees.The latest fire sparked in Bastrop has burned more than 100 acres.”Man, we had so many planes and helicopters out here it sounded like Vietnam,” said Keith who lives across the street from where fire crews were fighting the fire.The fire started Tuesday afternoon and by Wednesday it had more than doubled in size. Crews spent the afternoon putting out hotspots and responding to any fires that popped up again.“I feel for the guys they worked their butt off,” said Keith.Walter Flocke with the Texas A&M Forest Service says Crews have to be careful in these hot conditions especially when they are decked out in their protective gear, which can be very hot. At least one home affected as Powder Keg Pine Fire in Bastrop estimated at 100 acres, 50% contained ”Obviousl...

Feura Bush man convicted of predatory sexual assault

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:13:31 GMT

GREEN ISLAND, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- On the afternoon of August 2, John Ferrara, 55, was convicted of predatory sexual assault against a child. Ferrara faces 25 years to life in state prison. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! According to the indictment, Ferrara engaged in sexual conduct against a female child between February 1, 2016, and June 4, 2018. The child was between the ages of 5 and 8. Sentencing is scheduled for September 15.

SUNY offering classes to help grow Direct Support Workforce

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:13:31 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)---Twelve SUNY campuses across the state will soon be offering courses for those who currently are or want to become Direct Support Professionals. "Direct support professionals are the folks who work with, care for, advocate with folks with developmental disabilities," said Cynthia Proctor, SUNY Director of Communications and Economic Policy Development.Blaise Bryant is a communications specialist with the NYS Association on Independent living and says he knows first hand just how important these workers are."Homecare workers allowed me, in addition to working my full time job, be a part of the community and advocating for a world that is inclusive and assessable for people with disabilities," said Bryant.But like with many industries, there’s a shortage of these workers."There’s about 130,000 people with developmental disabilities in this state and the vacancy rate for open positions ranges by something like 17-27 %," said Proctor. In an effort to grow the work...

Beloved animal rescue activist dies

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:13:31 GMT

LATHAM, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Cydney Cross, a beloved local animal rescue activist suddenly passed away recently. Local animal rescue organizations are now paying tribute to Cydney and her rescue work which was especially centered around Pitbulls.Inspiring Women of the Capital Region: Cydney CrossNicknamed the Grandmother of Pitbull rescue, Cydney started 'Out of the Pits' in 1994, an organization devoted to rescuing the breed she thought of as misunderstood. “Cydney’s been doing this — 'Out of the Pits' — for 29 years, and prior to that she was in rescue for Greyhounds. So, the last 40 to 50 years of her life has been devoted to dogs” said Maggie Blodgett, Co-VP Out of the Pits.Cydney was working up until the end. Just 3 weeks ago she was at the Healthy Pet Center in Latham buying supplies for dogs that she rescued.Sirena Sanders works at the chain store where Cydney was a regular customer. She says Cross was truly devoted to her work with dogs. “She worked endlessly. She would some...