🌱 Educational Nonprofit Awarded $36K + Home Prices Decline

Good morning, Round Rock! I'm back, after taking Presidents' Day off. Curious about what you may have missed over the weekend? I'll fill you in on the most recent news items and more:

• Round Rock Fire Department assists putting out a North Austin apartment fire.
• Educational nonprofit awarded $36,000 grant.
• Decline in home prices in Round Rock and nearby.

But first, today's weather:

Warm with a t-storm or two. High: 86 Low: 60.

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Here are the top stories today in Round Rock:

1. A North Austin fire was put out by Pflugerville and Round Rock Fire Departments. Around 7 p.m. on Monday evening, a call was made about a fire at the Morgan Apartments on Wells Branch Pkwy. By the time fire units arrived, the blaze had already spread to the attic. Eight out of 16 apartments were damaged. What caused the fire is still under investigation. Check with KXAN for updates on this developing story.
2. Round Rock ISD Partners in Education Foundation was awarded $36,000 by St. David's Foundation. The grant will support the school district's prekindergarten program, RRock Ready, in "pilot strategies, including Summer Sessions; a RRock Ready conference; and Family Engagement with the intended results of increased learning for caregivers." In-home daycare and other licensed childcare facilities will be able to get free professional development from this program. To learn more about this story, visit Round Rock ISD News.
3. Home sale prices began their decline in Dec. 2022 by 7% compared to Dec. 2021. The reasons why many experts believe the once-frenzied home-buying drastically slowed down are: buyer fatigue, very high interest rates and supply chain issues. Round Rock is not the only city to see these numbers; nearby Hutto and and Pflugerville are seeing similar stats. People didn't stop buying homes just considering those factors; the amount of days a home stays on the market increased as well. If interest rates decrease, professionals believe home prices will come back. View illustrated charts and more on Community Impact Newspaper.

Today in Round Rock:

• BUILDING BEAUTY: Art and Architecture deadline at Downtowner Gallery (All-day)
• CIPS: Europe and International Real Estate at Cooke'd Broadcast (8:30 a.m.)
• ACT Test Prep sessions at Meridian World School (1:30 p.m.)
• ABA and Speech Therapy: How We Work Together at Children's Autism Center (3:45 p.m.)
• Fat Tuesday Masquerade Party at Pardners (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• For the foodies: "Bluefin Sushi & Ramen is expecting to open a Round Rock location at 2200 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Ste. 125, in early March. Bluefin serves ramen, sushi and poke bowls, in addition to a variety of sashimi." (Community Impact Newspaper)
• Round Rock ISD recognizes our bus drivers: "Today is Bus Driver 🚌 Appreciation Day. Education begins with Transportation. Our bus drivers work hard everyday to provide safe rides to and from school for our students. Thank you! 👏" (Round Rock ISD Facebook)
• Young writers, check this out! "The Young Author Writing Contest is back! Tweens and teens, send us your best poem or short story (up to 2,000 words). Entries must arrive before 9 p.m. Tuesday, March 31." (Round Rock Public Library Facebook)

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• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (February 23)
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• RAD Talent & Singing SOULdiers at The Lucky Rabbit - 2/25 (February 25)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update.

— Elaine Thompson

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