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Community Corner

🌱 Fire In NW Austin + ❄️ Rent Your Own Igloo + Ransomware Attack

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Austin.

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Jessica Collins, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Hello, everyone! It's Jessica here with your Tuesday edition of the Austin Daily, filled with all the things you need to know about what's happening in town.

Settle in while we cover:

  • A massive fire struck a golf course in Northwest Austin.
  • One of APD's crime prevention initiatives gets a funding extension.
  • Tickets are still available for How the Grinch Stole Christmas this evening!
  • Ever wanted to sip cocktails inside of an igloo? We've got the scoop!

But first, today's weather:

Low clouds, warm and humid. High: 75 Low: 69.

Here are the top stories today in Austin:

1) The Austin Police department is being given an extension to spend the grant money allocated for its "Riverside Togetherness Project." Back in 2017, APD landed a $1 million grant to implement this initiative geared toward reducing crime and improving public safety in the Riverside-Oltorf neighborhood. Lt. Richard Egal, who oversees the project, told FOX 7 Austin that the first few years were focused on research and that in 2020, initiatives were derailed "due to COVID, the pandemic, the civil unrest, the restructuring of the department." The approved extension will give APD through 2023 to spend the remaining grant funds. FOX 7 Austin has more on this initiative and how APD plans to utilize the funding.

2) Austin Fire Department spent most of yesterday morning fighting a massive fire out at Avery Ranch Golf Club, in Northwest Austin. AFD reports that the fire started in the cart barn, which contained over 80 golf carts for the country club. AFD Division Chief Thayer Smith stated: "Ultimately, the fire pretty much destroyed the building, adding that about 80% of the structure collapsed atop 83 golf carts. The golf carts created a very significant amount of fire with all the fuel and plastic and rubber." Officials are still trying to determine what caused the fire. The Statesman has more on this story here.

3) Have difficulty contacting the Travis Central Appraisal office yesterday? The agency was the target of a ransomware attack that shut down phone lines and its online chat system for Austin property owners. TCAD Chief Appraiser Marya Crigler told KVUE: "We are working with the appropriate agencies to resolve this issue. At this time, we do not have an estimate on how long it will take to restore our network." KVUE has more on this developing story here.

4) A Texas "Most Wanted" fugitive was captured in Austin. State Troopers and the U.S. Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force arrested 25-year-old Jaquille Carl Chefney. Both the Austin Police Department and Travis County had warrants out for Chefney during most of 2022. KXAN has more on this story here.

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Today in Austin:

  • 2022 Blue Genie Art Bazaar at Blue Genie Art Bazaar. (10 a.m.)
  • Ice Rodeo at The Four Seasons Austin. (4 p.m.)
  • Peppermint Parkway at Circuit of the Americas. (6 p.m.)
  • Slugfest! Comedy Show at East Austin Comedy Club. (7 p.m.)
  • Elf at The Paramount Theatre. (7 p.m.)
  • Sunny Day Real Estate with The Appleseed Cast at Emo's. (7 p.m.)
  • Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical at Bass Concert Hall. (7:30 p.m.)

Community Chatter:

  • 🐶 Adopt don't shop: Austin Pets Alive! and AAC are working to find "furever" homes for local pets this month by offering $31 pet adoptions for the holidays. (CultureMap Austin)
  • 🎄 The Capitol Christmas tree is officially lit! "If you missed the Downtown Holiday Stroll last weekend, where carolers sang and the Capitol tree got its glow, never fear. We captured the magic." (The Statesman)
  • 💔 Restaurant closing: After more than 10 years, the East Austin vegan eatery, Counter Culture, will close its doors this month. (Eater Austin)
  • ❄️ Ever wanted to cozy up in your very own igloo? The Hotel Van Zandt is offering reservations for its rooftop igloos, where guests can sip on themed cocktails and enjoy a variety of snacks. (CultureMap Austin)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Tuesday! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with your next update.

— Jessica Collins

About me: Jessica is happy to call Austin her home for the past 10+ years. She loves the outdoors, arts & cinema, dining, and all of the natural beauty that Central Texas has to offer.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Austin Daily? Contact me at DowntownAustin@patch.com

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