Lake Levels Dropping
The drought has been dropping lake levels in Central Texas. The Lower Colorado River Authoritysays the water level at Lake Travis is at about 646 feet. That’s 23 feet below its historic average for July. Lake Buchanan is about 12 feet below its historic average for this month. The rain outlook doesn’t look too promising, although there is a slight chance for rain this weekend.
Ruiz Library Reopening
The City of Austin says it will reopen the Ruiz Branch Libraryin East Austin no later than 10 this morning. The library had been closed because the air conditioning was out. During a burglary last month, thieves stripped copper out of the outdoor A/C units.
People in the community were concerned about the library’s closure. Residents told city council members the library is a place many go to use the internet and cool off from the triple digit heat. The city has bought new A/C units for the library, and it says it's installing security cameras and more lighting outside.
Fireworks Lit Up Two Local Towns
If you didn't get to see fireworks last night for the 4th of July, KXANand KVUE have some fireworks video online. The cities of Kyle and Georgetown were about the only Central Texas cities to have public firework displays last night.
Other cities, including Austin, opted out because of the drought and the potential for wildfires. Needless to say, Kyle and Georgetown got plenty of out of town visitors who wanted to keep up the tradition.