News from May 2024
Austin-Bergstrom Airport marks 25 years with reflections from Chief Development Officer
By Austin Journal | May 31, 2024
The Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS) is celebrating its 25th anniversary this month, marking a significant milestone in its history of growth and development. Chief Development Officer Shane Harbinson, who has been with AUS since its inception, reflects on the airport's journey and his role in its expansion.
Guest Services Officer reflects on 25 years at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
By Austin Journal | May 31, 2024
As Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) marks its 25th anniversary, Ramonika Carr, the Guest Services Officer who has been with the airport since its inception in 1999, reflects on her journey. Starting as an intern in the summer of 1998 before AUS officially opened, Carr's career trajectory mirrors the growth and evolution of the airport.
Homicide investigation underway after fatal shooting on Little Texas Lane
By Austin Journal | May 31, 2024
On May 29, 2024, at approximately 8:40 p.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a shooting incident at 401 Little Texas Ln. Upon arrival, officers located a Hispanic male with apparent gunshot wounds, later identified as Olvin Ponce-Aguilera, born January 17, 1984.
Traffic fatality reported at West Braker Lane and Research Boulevard Northbound Service Road
By Austin Journal | May 31, 2024
On Monday, May 27, at approximately 11:38 p.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a two-vehicle crash at West Braker Lane and the Research Boulevard Northbound Service Road. The driver of an SUV, identified as Ashlee Marie Pegram, a white female born on February 22, 1992, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The passengers of the SUV and the driver of a sedan were all transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Austin emerges as a growing hub for soccer enthusiasts
By Austin Journal | May 31, 2024
Austin, traditionally known for its live music scene and more recently as a burgeoning tech city, has also emerged as a vibrant hub for soccer enthusiasts. From informal games and mini-pitches in local parks to organized supporter groups for Austin FC, the city boasts a thriving soccer culture.
Two dead after collision involving tractor trailer on East Oltorf Street
By Austin Journal | May 31, 2024
On Saturday, May 25, at approximately 9:18 p.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a crash between two vehicles in the 500 block of East Oltorf Street. As a tractor trailer made a left turn out of a shopping center, it was struck by a sedan. The driver of the sedan and one of the three passengers were transported to a local hospital and pronounced deceased. The two remaining passengers in the sedan were transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. The driver of the tractor trailer remained on scene, was not impaired, was not injured, and is...
Two dead after collision on East Oltorf Street
By Austin Journal | May 31, 2024
On Saturday, May 25, at approximately 9:18 p.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a crash between two vehicles in the 500 block of East Oltorf Street. As a tractor-trailer made a left turn out of a shopping center, it was struck by a sedan. The driver of the sedan and one of the three passengers were transported to a local hospital and pronounced deceased. The two remaining passengers in the sedan were transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. The driver of the tractor-trailer remained on scene, was not impaired, was not injured, and is...
Traffic accident claims life on West Braker Lane
By Austin Journal | May 31, 2024
On Monday, May 27, at approximately 11:38 p.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a two-vehicle crash at West Braker Lane and the Research Boulevard Northbound Service Road. The driver of an SUV, identified as Ashlee Marie Pegram, a White female born on February 22, 1992, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Passengers of the SUV and the driver of a sedan were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Austin police report results from Memorial Day No Refusal initiative
By Austin Journal | May 31, 2024
The Austin Police Department conducted a DWI No Refusal Initiative over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, which spanned from Thursday, May 23 through Monday, May 27, 2024. The initiative aimed to curb impaired driving by ensuring that those suspected of driving while intoxicated could not refuse sobriety tests.
Pedestrian dies after vehicle collision on Ed Bluestein Boulevard SB service road
By Austin Journal | May 30, 2024
On Thursday, May 23, at approximately 9:48 p.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian in the 7100 block of the Ed Bluestein Boulevard Southbound Service Road. The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital and was later pronounced deceased on Friday, May 24, 2024. The driver remained on the scene, was not impaired, was not injured, and is cooperating with the investigation.
Austin continues pilot program to reduce harmful algae blooms
By Austin Journal | May 30, 2024
The City of Austin will conduct its fourth year of a five-year pilot program aimed at reducing harmful algae blooms on parts of Lady Bird Lake. Harmful algae blooms occur when Cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, produce toxins. The pilot program involves applying lanthanum-modified clay in specific areas of the lake. This clay binds to phosphorus, a key nutrient for algae, making it unavailable and thereby reducing algae growth.
Austin Parks and Recreation celebrates LGBTQIA+ Pride Month with DAC Nights events
By Austin Journal | May 30, 2024
Austin Parks and Recreation invites the public to celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride Month at DAC Nights on Wednesdays, June 5, June 12, and June 26 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Dougherty Arts Center (DAC), located at 1110 Barton Springs Rd.
City seeks community input on police chief search
By Austin Journal | May 30, 2024
The City of Austin is seeking input from community members as it conducts a national search for Austin’s next Chief of Police.
Palmer Events Center announces diverse lineup of events for June
By Austin Journal | May 30, 2024
The Palmer Events Center in Austin, Texas, will host 11 events throughout June, including Markets for Makers, the 2024 Bridal Extravaganza, and three private events.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport announces new SkyWest Airlines flight crew base
By Austin Journal | May 30, 2024
AUSTIN, Texas – The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) announced that SkyWest Airlines will establish a new flight crew base at the airport this summer. This development aims to strengthen AUS’s position as a major aviation hub in the Central Texas region.
Austin police investigate fatal shooting on Middle Fiskville Road
By Austin Journal | May 30, 2024
On Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at approximately 9:59 p.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a report of a shooting at an apartment complex located at 9601 Middle Fiskville Road. Officers arrived and located a Hispanic male, later identified as Wilfredo Benitez-Jimenez, lying on the ground in the living room of the residence with apparent gunshot wounds. Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services (A/TCEMS) arrived and attempted medical aid, but Benitez was pronounced deceased at 10:13 p.m.
Traffic fatality reported at South Lamar Boulevard and Barton Skyway
By Austin Journal | May 30, 2024
On Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at approximately 7:28 p.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of South Lamar Boulevard and Barton Skyway. The driver of a sedan, identified as Edward Guy Maddox, was transported to a local hospital and later pronounced deceased on Thursday, May 23, 2024. The driver of a pick-up truck remained on the scene, was not injured, and is cooperating with the investigation.
Austin City Council approves $1 billion upgrade for wastewater treatment plant
By Austin Journal | May 30, 2024
Today, May 30, 2024, the Austin City Council approved contracts to complete design and construct significant enhancements and expansion of the Walnut Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, totaling over $1 billion.
Travis County seeks public input for master flood plan update
By Austin Journal | May 30, 2024
Travis County officials are inviting residents to provide feedback on the county's Master Flood Plan. The initiative includes a virtual open house where participants can learn about flood risks and planned updates to floodplain maps in Western Travis County watersheds.
Pedestrian fatally struck by two vehicles on East US 290 Highway
By Austin Journal | May 30, 2024
On Saturday, May 25, at approximately 3:22 a.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to a crash involving two vehicles and a pedestrian in the 9500 block of the East US 290 Highway Eastbound Service Road. The unidentified pedestrian was attempting to cross the service road when they were struck by both vehicles. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene.