By CASSIE MCKEE, Four Points News

While the number of fatalities on Austin roadways has decreased compared to this time last year, the number of driving while intoxicated arrests in Austin seems to be holding steady, according to Austin Police Department data from the first quarter of 2016.

Between Jan. 1 and Mar. 31, 2016, APD made 1,517 DWI arrests. During that same time period in 2015, APD made 1,540 DWI arrests.

“On average, every year we do about 6,000 DWI (arrests) department-wide,” said APD Lieutenant Blake Johnson. “We’re on pace to be around that same number this year.”

Fortunately, there has been a decrease in the number of fatalities this year compared to the same time period last year. 2015 was the deadliest year on Austin roadways with a total of 102 fatalities. Of those, 65 percent involved impaired drivers. Continue reading →

This crash at the intersection of RM 620 and RM 2222 occurred around 7:30 p.m. on Apr. 5 and it involved a driver who was arrested for driving while intoxicated.

By CASSIE MCKEE, Four Points News

While the number of fatalities on Austin roadways has decreased compared to this time last year, the number of driving while intoxicated arrests in Austin seems to be holding steady, according to Austin Police Department data from the first quarter of 2016. Continue reading →

By CASSIE MCKEE, Four Points News

Travis County and the Texas Department of Transportation are ready to “fast track” plans for a new full-purpose traffic signal at the intersection of Steiner Ranch Boulevard and RM 620, according to a May 6 email sent by TxDOT project manager Bruce Byron to Brian Thompto, chairman of the Steiner Ranch Neighborhood Association.

“Due to heavy traffic on RM 620 during peak hours, Travis County contacted TxDOT to see how we could improve operations at this location,” said Kelli Reyna, public information officer for TxDOT. “After looking at a myriad of different options, it was determined that a traffic signal was the best solution.”

In his email, Byron said the redesigned, full-purpose traffic signal would cost approximately $250,000; however, Reyna said that number could not be confirmed until a funding agreement is put into place. Continue reading →

By KRISTEN HILL, Contributor

The Vandegrift choir program is wrapping up this spring with University Interscholastic League accolades, a trip to the capitol and its annual Spring Show, which is next week.

The Chamber and Chorale Women choirs enjoyed great success at the recent UIL contest. Both choirs earned a Sweepstakes trophy meaning that all six judges in concert and sight reading gave superior ratings. Continue reading →