City Council voted to commit $1 million for a new dedicated transit lane down the center of Dean Keeton Street around I-35. The project is part of the Texas Department of Transportation's multi-billion dollar Capital Express Central highway expansion through Central Austin, which will feature a redesigned, at-grade intersection over the interstate.

The lane will accommodate service like Capital Metro's existing Rapid Route 837 connecting East Austin to downtown.

The details: The city commitment was required to formally incorporate the lane into Capital Express Central plans. Council's vote was an initial authorization only, and a future city-state agreement for design and construction will follow.

Going forward: Funding from Austin won't be needed until 2029, ahead of scheduled construction on that segment of the highway project from 2030-33.

The history: Dr. Thomas Blevins and his wife, Donna, founded Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology in 2001. The practice began as a three-person team and has grown to 149 employees, including 12 physicians, across three locations.

What they offer: The practice specializes in treating patients with diabetes, thyroid disorders, obesity, osteoporosis and endocrine and metabolic conditions. Texas Diabetes and Endocrinology offers:

• Thyroid ultrasounds and biopsies

• FibroScan testing for liver health

• Clinical research

Learn more: The organization has a research department with more than 15 years of experience conducting studies to help approve new diabetes medication and technology. Blevins serves as the Medical Director of Clinical Research, and locals can volunteer to participate in clinical studies. The practice has locations in Round Rock and Austin.

The history: The office supply company Office Depot was founded in Boca Raton, Florida in 1986 by F. Patrick Sher, Jack Kopkin and Stephen Dougherty. The co-founders opened the first location in Fort Lauderdale before expanding to three locations by the end of the year.

What they offer: Office Depot offers school, office and art supplies, computers, electronics and furniture. Other services include packing, shipping, furniture assembly and printing services for items such as:

• Custom projects like invitations and wrapping paper
• Resumes
• Yard signs
• Business cards

The celebration: The brand is celebrating its 40th anniversary with free customer appreciation events at individual stores featuring treats, networking and product deals.

Staying local: In Austin, the local team celebrated on Oct. 30 with an Austin Chamber ribbon cutting, a coffee cart and free food from Crepe Crazy at 907 West 5th St., Ste. 101.

Chief Fire Marshal Gary Howell lifted the burn ban for unincorporated Travis County Nov. 3, citing rainfall. The ban had been in place since Aug. 11.

What residents should know: The change only applies to unincorporated areas of the county, where state rules allow residents to burn certain items during daylight hours with someone attending at all times. Inside city limits, local rules still apply: Open burning is banned in Austin year-round, and Bee Cave, Lakeway and Pflugerville require permits.

Sorting out details: In unincorporated areas, residents may burn brush, leaves and other plant growth from their own property. They may burn household trash only at homes without trash collection service.

Tires, furniture, carpet, appliances and non-wood construction debris cannot be burned. Residents should contact their local fire department first and obtain any required permits.