🌱 Mail Thief Arrested + Supplies For Ukraine + Market Days Opens

Happy Friday, neighbors! Let's get you all caught up on what's happening locally to start today off on an informed note.

First, today's weather:

Sunny and windy. High: 71 Low: 42.

Here are the top three stories in Cedar Park-Leander today:

1. Matthew Smart, 39, has been arrested and charged with first-degree mail fraud for the recent mail theft in Leander. Smart was identified through the surveillance footage showing him and an accomplice opening the cluster mailboxes in the Crystal Falls Home Owners Association with a USPS master key. The Austin Police Department identified Smart's accomplice when they located the stolen Jeep, used as a get-away vehicle, and found the accomplice's bank statements inside. The accomplice has not been charged with a crime at this time. (KXAN)
2. A local group is collecting medical supplies to send to Ukraine. They need common items such as safety pins, tongue depressors, and tweezers, but the group is also calling for other specialized items like hemostatic bandages, disposable scalpels, and tourniquets. Those interested in donating can drop items off at Sharks Burger, located at 12681 Hero Way in Leander. (KXAN)
3. On Mar. 19, the inaugural Cedar Park Market Days will open near Lakeline Mall. The monthly event will host 50 to 60 vendors and will serve as a place for local artisans and crafters to sell their items. (Community Impact)

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Today in Cedar Park-Leander:

• Virtual All Ages Storytime, At Cedar Park Public Library (10:30 AM)
• Knit and Crochet Group, At Cedar Park Public Library (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Congratulations to Cedar Park's Julian Swift for being named 1st Team All-State 3rd Baseman! (Twitter)
• AEW is coming to Cedar Park to tape AEW Dynamite and Rampage! See the full story here. (Figure Four Online)
• Not sure what to do with the kids for summer? Send them to a fun and enriching summer camp! View the link for a list of the best summer camps in the Leander and Cedar Park area. (Community Impact Newspaper)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Virtual Medicare 101 with Sid Martinez (March 22)
• American Diabetes Association Diabetes Alert Day: Understand Your Risk (March 22)
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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you soon.

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!