Following a tragic accident at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center on Feb. 13, City Council responded in July by unanimously approving a resolution to enhance safety measures at medical facilities by requiring installation of bollards at entrances. This week, more details on the design of such features are being reviewed. The accident at issue […]
Hunter Simmons
Hunter is a practicing attorney and freelance reporter who relocated to Austin from his home state of Arkansas. He most enjoys covering the intersection of business, politics, environmental issues and entertainment. Prior to joining the Austin Monitor, he reported for the Sidney Herald in Montana. Send tips to huntr.simms@gmail.com or follow him on Instagram at @hunto_simmo.
Posted inPolice
TCSO officers stationed at Central Library
To alleviate pressure on library staff to respond to incidents at the Central Library, 10 officers from the Travis County Sheriff’s Office have been onboarded and cleared for stationing at the West César Chávez Street branch downtown. Officers serve in four-hour shifts throughout library operating hours. The Library Commission heard an update from Austin Public […]
Posted inEnvironment
Texas fatmucket mussel conservation provides significant value in regional water filtration efforts
At its regular meeting Sept. 18, the Environmental Commission heard updates on Austin’s freshwater mussel population from Matt Johnson, Texas freshwater mussel conservation and recovery coordinator with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and Bianca Perez, an environmental scientist with the Watershed Protection Department. Of significant conservation interest was the Texas fatmucket mussel species. Texas […]
Posted inEnvironment
Great Springs Project proposes to partner alongside local government with equity in mind
The Environmental Commission passed a motion at its regular meeting on Sept. 18, recommending local government establish a partnership with Great Springs Project to “serve the City’s interest with respect to connectivity, transportation, conservation, and watershed protection outcomes.” Trails and transportation planner Mikey Goralnik presented an overview of Great Springs Project’s mission and future plans […]
Posted inAustin
Animal Advisory Commission considers banning glue traps in Austin
Bats are under attack by glue traps used in the city, advocates for Austin’s bats say. “I would love to see glue traps banned from being sold and used in Austin,” says Austin Bat Refuge’s executive director, Dianne Odegard. The Animal Advisory Commission discussed Austin’s use of glue traps as a form of pest control […]
Posted inRoads
Living Streets Program plans to expand operations
In an effort to build community and address equity across the city, Austin’s Living Streets Program is working to reenvision local streets as spaces where residents can walk, bike, gather and connect. Community members can apply by Oct. 4 for three different types of resident-led street activations: Neighborhood Block Parties, Healthy Streets and Play Streets. […]