By KIM ESTES, Four Points News

Napa Flats Wood-Fired Kitchen, founded by Tom Kenney of Austin, announced the opening of its fourth restaurant in The Trails at 620. Kenney thought he’d open before the new year but now plans to open by mid January.

“The concept for the restaurant originated in College Station, with the opening of the first Napa Flats Wood-Fired Kitchen,” said Kenney. “Our goal was to open a neighborhood restaurant and share our love of chef-inspired food with our friends, family and community.” 

“The concept for the restaurant originated in College Station, with the opening of the first Napa Flats Wood-Fired Kitchen,” said owner Tom Kenney. This is that restaurant.

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By CASSIE MCKEE, Four Points News

It has been the deadliest year in Austin’s history with regard to traffic fatalities, and, with many residents traveling over the holidays, local law enforcement agencies are working to keep that number from rising.

“This year is sadly proving to be one of the bloodiest in many, many years,” said Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo.

On Dec. 15, the city had its 85th traffic fatality when a pedestrian was hit and killed by a vehicle in the 12800 Block of Pearce Lane, near Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. According to police reports, a male pedestrian was standing in the middle of the road after dark when he was struck by a traveling vehicle.

The previous record for most traffic fatalities in a single year in Austin was 81, set in 1986. In 2014, there were 37 traffic deaths. Continue reading →

Sarah Elizabeth Pool
March 13, 2000 –
June 11, 2015

By CASSIE MCKEE, Four Points News

The mother of a 15-year-old who drown in Lake Travis while attending a church wakeboarding camp in Lake Travis in June has filed a lawsuit in Travis County District Court against the church and her daughter’s boat operator. The lawsuit, filed several weeks ago, is still pending.

Westlake High School freshman Sarah Pool, 15, was attending the “One Wakeboard Camp” organized by Austin Ridge Bible Church on June 11. According to court documents, Pool was hanging onto a platform on the back of the boat when she went underwater and did not resurface. Her body was found two days later and officials said they believed the teen had inhaled the boat’s exhaust fumes.

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By LYNETTE HAALAND, Four Points News

A Vandegrift High School football and basketball coach and teacher resigned last week after allegations surfaced of him having an improper relationship with a female student.

“He has resigned and is no longer employed by LISD,” said Veronica Sopher, Leander ISD spokesperson.

A coach/teacher resigned last week from Vandegrift High School after allegations surfaced of an inappropriate relationship with a student.

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By KIM ESTES, LYNETTE HAALAND, Four Points News

The owners of District Kitchen + Cocktails in Austin’s Circle C neighborhood opened their latest restaurant concept, Oasthouse Gastropub, in the Trails at 620.

“My brother and I have been eager to start a new concept together,” said Amir Hajimaleki, executive chef/owner.  

He and his brother, Ali, began working in the restaurant industry 12 years ago. As a chef, Amir wanted to prepare thoughtful, seasonal menus in areas of Austin that he thought were underserved. Ali, with a background in restaurant operations, worked with Amir to create District Kitchen in 2013.

Oasthouse Gastropub is named for “oast house,” a building designed for drying hops as part of the brewing process. The structures can be seen in parts of Europe.
Photo by Lynette Haaland

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