🌱 Cedar Valley Wins 3rd In Competition + Medical Billing Transparency

Welcome back, Round Rock! I hope you're all having a lovely and warm Monday morning. Elaine here in your inbox this morning to get you up to speed on everything you need to know that's going on in town, including:

• Round Rock middle school students address climate change in STEM project.
• State Rep. from Round Rock filed legislation addressing medical billing.
• A man from Round Rock was arrested in a prostitution sting.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and very warm. High: 79 Low: 52.

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Here are the top stories today in Round Rock:

1. Students from Cedar Valley Middle School won third place at Texas Future City’s competition this year. The competition involves more than 45,000 students from schools in several different countries. Future City's challenge this year included finding solutions for climate change. Students' vision for the city of Austin 100 years from now, "was specifically designed in a mixed-use setting so people could live and work in the same communities, minimizing the need to travel longer distances." Other features students came up with: water conservation technology, green energy-powered generators, more green park spaces to absorb more carbon emissions. More ideas from the winning students at KXAN.
2. When State Rep. Caroline Harris for Round Rock was elected, one of her top priorities was making medical billing understandable for all customers. Amid a rise in medical debt lawsuits, Harris said her aim was, "how can I kind of lift that burden for people and make it easier for them to understand their healthcare.” In filing one of her first pieces of legislation, House Bill 1973, her favorite part of that bill is the requirement of healthcare providers to show you what they are charging you for, and to also have it in terms that customers can understand. KXAN has more details on what this bill would give to citizens.
3. Among 10 men arrested in a Bell County prostitution sting was Clifford Visel, 77, of Round Rock. On Feb. 22 and 23, digital ads were posted to websites known for prostitution, and officers responded to over 700 communications from at least 73 different contacts. All 10 arrested over the two-day operation were charged with Soliciting a Prostitute. The felony charges were reviewed and accepted by the Bell County District Attorney’s office. More details on this story at KWTX.

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Today in Round Rock:

• It's a Scavenger Hunt! *Virtual* (All-day)
• Good Morning! Social at Corner Bakery (9:30 AM)
• Breathwork Healing Session • Joy of Breathing *Virtual* (Noon)
• Frazor Evangelistic Team Meetings at North Hills Baptist Church (6:30 PM)
• MadFest Sendoff Choir Concert at Round Rock High School (6 PM)

From my notebook:

• Considering working for law enforcement? "Applications are due March 10 for Police Cadet. We are also hiring Lateral Transfers and Summer Interns. For more info, visit JoinRoundRockPD.com/apply" (Round Rock Police Department Instagram)
• Free flu shots and vaccines available: "Come see us in Taylor, TX for free flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines! Our walk-in clinic will be open February 28th from 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. with a one-hour lunch from 12:00-1:00 p.m. 👉100% free vaccinations with no admin fee!" (Williamson County and Cities Health District Facebook)
• Central Texas Feline Rescue: "We are constantly finding babies like this one in need of help! You can, too, make an impact on their early life. How?!"
  (Central Texas Feline Rescue Facebook)
• Save the Flats Neighborhood in Round Rock TX: "Let's continue the work on having those unknown & forgotten voices heard! Many don't know some people even existed so let's make sure they do. Even if not selected they will at least know who they are!" (Save the Flats Neighborhood in Round Rock TX Facebook)

Photo of the day:

I snapped this beautiful orchid plant at Snooper's Nursery on Old Settlers Boulevard. Got a neat photo to send in? Email it in: WritingWithElaine@gmail.com

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday! I'll see you around.

— Elaine Thompson

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Round Rock Patch newsletter? Contact me at RoundRock@Patch.com