🌱 ArtUsCo Spaces For Local Artists + North Austin Murder-Suicide

Get on up, North Austin-Pflugerville! It's Friday, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on around town today.

First, today's weather:

Sunny; warmer in the p.m. High: 83 Low: 51.

Here are the top stories today in North Austin-Pflugerville:

1. "Like many local artists during the pandemic," Heidi Lowell from Austin "struggled to find an affordable and safe studio to work in," but fortunately she connected with ArtUsCo, a nonprofit based in North Austin that specializes in creating spaces for artists. According to Joshua Green, executive director of ArtUsCo, the rising costs of real estate and lower tourism in town have made it very difficult to keep artists in Austin. He said, "Right now we're looking at two grants to get longer-term funding to kind of continue these spaces in Austin." He added, "Everyone agrees in the importance of art in Austin. The question is, how do we get there from here?" For more details visit: (spectrumlocalnews.com)
2. On Monday, March 21, Austin Police Department (APD) officers "responded to a check welfare call at a home in the 1000 block of Bodgers Drive" in North Austin. Upon entering the house, they found two deceased individuals with gunshot wounds, and they are investigating it as an apparent murder-suicide case. The people were identified as Carrie Rodriguez, a homicide victim, and Moises Pita-Rodriguez, a victim of suicide. If you have any information or video of the incident, please contact APD Homicide at 512-974-8477 or the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at 512-472-8477. You can use the new Crime Stoppers app, or email APD Homicide at homicide.apd@austintexas.gov, or you can also submit tips by downloading APD’s free mobile app, Austin PD, on iPhone and Android. For more details please visit: (FOX 7 Austin)
3. On Wednesday, March 23, a man was arrested in a North Austin Walmart for refusing to come out of his car. That night at approximately 9:45 p.m., Austin Police Department (APD) received a call from an individual about the man, who "was erratic and had a couple of warrants out for his arrest" that were apparently related to drugs. The SWAT team had to arrive, and although it was reported that the man may have had a weapon, officials couldn't confirm if a weapon was found. Fortunately, the man "got out of the vehicle and SWAT officers arrested him" and "no one was hurt in the SWAT call," but the store was still evacuated, and customers were "directed to a safe place" due to police protocol. For more details visit: (KVUE.com)

From our sponsor:

Today’s newsletter is brought to you in part by Ring, a Patch Brand Partner. We all know that Ring is the leader in video doorbells for home security. But did you know that Ring now makes a home security system that is getting raves from consumer electronic experts?

To learn more about Ring Alarm Pro, the system CNET called "the future of home security,” or to build your own custom system, visit Ring here.

Today in North Austin-Pflugerville:

• High Low with Leann at Pflugerville Recreation Center. Cost is $7 per class or $50 for a 10- class pass. Register at the Recreation Center front desk. (9:15 a.m.)
• Pflugerville Seniors Lunch at Kerbey Lane Cafe Mueller hosted by Pflugerville Recreation Center. Cost is $4 with Recreation Center membership. Register at CommunityPass. (11 a.m.)
• Saturday's Rabbit Fun Run 2022 Early Packet Pickup at HRRN Event Center (110 West Pflugerville Pkwy). (4:30 p.m.)
• "Amadeus" at Round Rock Penfold Theatre. (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• "It's 9 p.m. Is your garage closed? Take simple steps to prevent theft with the Pflugerville Police Department's #9PMRoutine." (Facebook)
• "A neighbor in Falcon Pointe is looking for a full-time caretaker to care for their 92-year-old mother. Competitive pay is offered for this elder care position. If you or someone you know is interested, please contact Michael at 512-871-9291." (Nextdoor)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (April 1)
• Add your event

Loving the North Austin-Pflugerville Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
• Get your local business listed in front of readers
• Send me a news tip or suggestion at NorthAustin@Patch.com

Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with your next update.

— Gabriela Couvillion

About me: I'm an active mom of two grown sons and lifelong San Antonio resident. I received a BA in Spanish from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and in my free time I immerse myself in creative writing. Thanks for reading Patch, and feel free to reach out if you have any news and happenings you think may appeal to our readers!