🌱 Fire Department's Green Academy + Engaging With Homeless Community

Hello again, neighbors! I'm back with your fresh edition of the Round Rock Daily. Here's all the community news you need to know right now. Today you'll find news and updates about:

• Proposed pay increase for Texas teachers
• Reasons why Round Rock is a great place to live
• Engaging with the homeless community and gathering data

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 55 Low: 33.

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Here are the top stories today in Round Rock:

1. A rather proud moment for James Talarico: Democrats proposed a $15,000 pay raise for Texas teachers, to address the staff shortages and to potentially attract more candidates. Talarico said, “Hoarding this surplus while educators and children are suffering is immoral. And it's also bad business." He drew on his own memories as a former teacher, when his colleagues "drove Ubers and sold their plasma to make ends meet." The budget for education stands as it is now, unchanged. Texas Public Radio has more details you'll want to check out!
2. Have you ever wondered why so many people want to move to our bustling town of growth? According to MSN, Round Rock is considered one of the best places to live in America! Here are some reasons why people are choosing Round Rock over the big city: A short drive from Austin proper, most residents live within a 10-minute walk from a park, consistent growth brings city convenience to the suburbia lifestyle, it's a tech hub with some well-known companies, low unemployment rate and lots more. Check out msnNOW for more!
3. Point-in-Time count happens once a year, statewide. This particular organization works with other networks and volunteers, including the Wilco Homeless Coalition, to take counts of the homeless population as well as information about their current situation. With the information gathered, cities are able to provide more resources to aid those experiencing homelessness. With teams in Round Rock and surrounding cities, Wilco Homeless Coalition has about 100 volunteers registered and are able to engage with the homeless community in a safe way. (KVUE)
4. Round Rock Fire Department has a very cool program called the "Green Academy" that gives people the opportunity to become cadets while being paid as a city employee. Those who want to attend fire school face prerequisites such as a fire certification and an EMT certification. “We found civilians, hired them, gave them paid on-the-job training,” said ESD 2 Chief Nick Perkins. “And we’ve now solved that hiring issue that many departments are facing.” To learn more about this story, visit KXAN.

Today in Round Rock:

• County and District Clerks Association of Texas Winter Conference at Kalahari Resorts (9 a.m.)
• Pranayama Joy of Breathing *Virtual* (11 a.m.)
• Cousins Maine Lobster at Savory Farmers Market at Vizcaya (3 p.m.)
• Volunteer Orientation & Training at Williamson County Children's Advocacy Center (3:30 p.m.)
• Lake Austin Canvas ($39) at Painting With a Twist (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Art lovers, you're going to want to attend this! "Judges for the "Fantastical Fiber Art" exhibit at TXST inspect each piece of artwork to select awards that will be presented at the reception on Friday, Feb. 3, 6-8 p.m. Join us at the Avery Building, to find out who wins the top prizes!" (Round Rock Arts Facebook)
• Family Play Day at the YMCA: "Come and join us for our last Community Play Day for the month of January! We are inviting YOU and the entire community to come and experience our Lilliput Tiny Town here at the CHASCO Family YMCA! Parents and children alike are welcome." (CHASCO Family YMCA Facebook)
• Do you think you're pre-diabetic? "Take charge of your health this year. Take this quick prediabetes risk quiz to see if you are at risk for prediabetes 👇" (Williamson County and Cities Health District Facebook)
• Round Rock ISD is hiring for a unique role! "We’re hiring new and experienced K - 5 Dual Language teachers for the new school year. Get a guaranteed interview at our job fair on Tuesday, Feb. 21, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., located at 7700 Cornerwood Dr. Austin, TX 78717." (Round Rock ISD Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (January 26)
• Crossing Over With Psychic Medium John Edward (Live)! (February 11)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you around.

— Elaine Thompson

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