A community-owned food cooperative is moving closer to opening in Del Valle years after receiving more than $500,000 from the city to support its launch.

The details: City Council previously directed federal pandemic relief funds to the creation of a community-controlled grocer in an area historically lacking in healthy food retail options. Council member Vanessa Fuentes, who represents the Del Valle area, said she sponsored the approach given her view of local government's role in addressing health disparities.

The co-op is now overseen by a local resident board of directors, and the retail site is slated to open in the fall. Public memberships are available and hundreds of people have already pledged to participate in the pilot project that'll offer grocery staples in far East Austin.

The co-op will be based out of a site on Ross Road that co-op leaders identified as central and accessible for Del Valle residents. A city rezoning that is required to allow food sales on the site advanced in April.

More than $17 million in new child care funding, a 1,300-acre park and a museum district are headed to Travis County.

What happened: Travis County Judge Andy Brown shared updates on several major county initiatives at the State of the County Address at Austin PBS April 30. The county has seen a 60% decrease in fentanyl-related deaths along with investments in supportive housing, mental health intervention and legal representation at first court appearance, Brown said.

What they're saying: "These investments in our downtown, in our parks and in our people are how we build real economic resilience," Brown said. "They help small businesses grow. They create jobs that cannot be outsourced, and they make Travis County a place where families can afford not just to live, but to truly thrive."

The update: The Travis County Commissioners Court is preparing to vote on $13 million in new contracts with 11 community organizations for after-school care and summer programs for more than 5,000 children and families May 5, Brown said.

Dirty Martin’s Place will celebrate 100 years of service at its brick and mortar this summer, according to plans shared by Daniel Young, the business’ general manager.

Dig deeper: After a century of food and community, it will host a celebration July 10-12, with the main party on July 11, according to a statement from Young. 

“The objective of this event is to celebrate our 100th year in business, and the regulars and friends who have helped us get here,” Young said. 

What they offer: Patrons can start their meal with a round of appetizers, featuring queso, wings, fried pickles, corn nuggets and fried jalapenos. 

Dirty Martin’s Place sells a range of burgers, including a habanero burger, black bean burger and chili cheeseburger. The restaurant also sells salads, frito pie, sandwiches and milkshakes.

The history: The historic burger spot initially opened in 1926, according to the business. John Martin opened Martin’s KumBack with a single flat top grill and eight stools at the bar. 

• 2808 Guadalupe St., Austin

Check out some of the most-read stories from the Austin area April 27-30. 

1. 140-year-old Lammes Candies closes Round Rock shop, Austin location to follow

2. Four dining options to open this summer in Georgetown's upcoming The Junction development

3. Leander, Liberty Hill road projects: Explore several May construction updates

4. City of Austin acquires 50 acres of parkland in South Austin

5. Cedar Park development update: 3 projects to watch

6. Barbecue, tacos, tequila: 16 business updates for Lake Travis, Westlake

Texas retailers can keep various smokable hemp products on their shelves through late July, a Travis County judge ruled May 1.

The overiew: Judge Daniella DeSeta Lyttle’s ruling prohibits the Texas Department of State Health Services, which regulates and licenses consumable hemp businesses, from enforcing new THC testing requirements and sharply increasing licensing fees.

The hemp industry previously argued that the DSHS was overstepping its regulatory authority by changing how Texas classifies THC content. State officials have defended the reclassification and other rules as in line with a September executive order by Gov. Greg Abbott.

What it means: DeSeta Lyttle’s temporary injunction extends an earlier pause on the DSHS rules, which was issued April 10.

The pause applies to all consumable hemp businesses in Texas, allowing them to continue producing, manufacturing and selling smokable products until at least July 27, when a final court trial is scheduled. That could change if the state appeals the ruling to a higher court.