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AM Update: Sound Off on Area Code 737, Quake Shakes East Texas, Water Rate Hike in Kyle

Different area codes: A map of Texas shows the 512 service zone, soon to see introduction of the 737 area code.
Map image courtesy Wikipedia; phone photo by Filipa Rodrigues for KUT News
Different area codes: A map of Texas shows the 512 service zone, soon to see introduction of the 737 area code.

What Do You Think of Area Code 737?

The Public Utility Commission wants to hear from Central Texans this morning about the plan to add a new area code.

Because of population growth and the popularity of cell phones, the commission says 512 numbers are running out and numbers with a 737 area code will soon be added.

Under the new plan, customers in 19 Central Texas counties would be required to dial 10-digits to make a local call.

The public meeting starts at 9:30 this morning on the seventh floor of the William B. Travis Building on North Congress Avenue.

East Texas Earthquake

A 4.3 magnitude earthquake shook parts of East Texas early this morning.

The National Earthquake Information Center says the quake happened just after 3 a.m. about three miles outside of the city of Timpson, and about 27 miles from Nacogdoches.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office says one person was injured in the earthquake but the only damage reported was some broken windows.

A 3.9 magnitude earthquake shook the same area just one week ago.

Water Rates Set to Go Up in Kyle

The City of Kyle reached an agreement this week with Monarch Utilities that will increase water rates by 14 percent in two phases. That’s down significantly from the 62 percent increase the utility provider originally proposed. But city council members made it clear they are still not satisfied with the agreement and want to get rid of the utility.

“Monarch Utilities is a detriment to our residents and a deterrent to potential economic development in that area. Our goal is find a way to get them out of our city limits,” said Kyle Mayor Lucy Johnson in a statement released Wednesday.

Customers who use a small amount of water, less than 2000 gallons, will see almost no increase in cost.

Laura first joined the KUT team in April 2012. She now works for the statewide program Texas Standard as a reporter and producer. Laura came to KUT from the world of television news. She has worn many different hats as an anchor, reporter and producer at TV stations in Austin, Amarillo and Toledo, OH. Laura is a proud graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia, a triathlete and enjoys travel, film and a good beer. She enjoys spending time with her husband and pets.
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