Pflugerville police officials say the department is increasingly relying on technology, regional partnerships and community engagement to keep pace with the city’s growth, according to a presentation delivered to City Council.

Police Chief Willie Richards, appointed in October, along with department staff presented updated data, key initiatives and future priorities, pointing to increased activity and evolving policing tools.

The big picture: Pflugerville police are balancing increased service demand with a shift toward technology-assisted policing and expanded community programs.

“We’re trying to do the best we can with the technology that you’ve entrusted us with to make sure that we’re protecting the liberties and the constitutional privileges of the people that live and work here,” Richards said.

In its first year of operation, Cottonwood Creek Brewery & Smokehouse has worked to foster community in Hutto, while fermenting craft beer.

About the business: The brewery offers craft beer, a full bar and a smokehouse-inspired menu. Many of the items on the menu are infused with signature brews, said General Manager Catalina McKenzie.

What's on the menu: House-made beer cheese, a pot roast infused with the brewery's Hippo Express Porter and chicken brined with the Toast Malone amber ale are just some of the ways McKenzie said Cottonwood Creek has incorporated craft beer in its menu.

The menu also includes familiar bar fare such as fried pickles, truffle fries and buffalo chicken sliders. Smash burgers, brisket and pulled pork sandwiches, and Cubano sliders also nod to the smokehouse-style menu.

Respecting the craft: Among the brewery's signature beers are 15 house brews and 12 guest taps. There's something for every craft beer connoisseur, she said, from the Cornfield Blonde to the Shaquille Oatmeal Stout.

Months after a historic flood hit Central Texas, Travis County has been awarded a $1 million state grant to install flood warning sirens.

The Travis County Commissioners Court approved an award agreement for at least $1 million in funding from the Texas Water Development Board at a March 24 meeting. The grant is a part of the state’s $50 million effort to fund the installation of flood warning siren systems in counties impacted by the July 4-5 flooding.

The details: The $1 million grant is expected to cover the installation of outdoor warning siren systems, including flood gauges, in Travis County. The sirens must be located in areas that the TWDB has identified as being prone to flash flooding.

The backstory: Central Texas was impacted by catastrophic flooding on the weekend of July 4, resulting in more than 130 fatalities. 

Senate Bill 3 requires cities or counties impacted by the July 4-5 floods to install and operate outdoor warning sirens. Under Senate Bill 5, the state will award $50 million across 30 counties.

Check out some of the most read stories in the Austin area March 23-26.

1. 5 new and coming soon businesses in downtown Georgetown

2. Beginning March 31, most smokable cannabis products will be illegal in Texas

3. New Willie’s Grill & Icehouse location opening in Leander in late March

4. 44,000-square-foot indoor sports club headed to Leander, Cedar Park

5. Elon Musk announces ‘largest chip manufacturing facility’ Terafab coming to Austin

6. Pflugerville water update: Repairs planned, conservation critical as lake levels recover

Check out some of the most read stories in the Austin area March 23-26.

1. 5 new and coming soon businesses in downtown Georgetown

2. Beginning March 31, most smokable cannabis products will be illegal in Texas

3. New Willie’s Grill & Icehouse location opening in Leander in late March

4. 44,000-square-foot indoor sports club headed to Leander, Cedar Park

5. Elon Musk announces ‘largest chip manufacturing facility’ Terafab coming to Austin

6. Pflugerville water update: Repairs planned, conservation critical as lake levels recover