🌱 Brush Collection Dashboard + Native Teen Accused Of Kidnapping

Good morning, neighbors! Elaine Thompson here, sharing another cold winter morning with y'all, filling you in on the most interesting news in town. I've geared you up with weekend events to keep you busy, and these stories:

• Police searching for suspects involved in robbery at gunpoint.
• Round Rock native teen, accused of kidnapping and stabbing.
• How much tree debris after ice storm + dashboard for residents.

But first, today's weather:

More clouds than sun. High: 56 Low: 44.

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Here are the top stories today in Round Rock:

1. Round Rock police are searching for three suspects involved in a convenience store robbery at gunpoint. This incident happened on Feb. 10 around 11:15 p.m. at the Texan Market on Gattis School Road. One suspect, wearing a "Thrasher" sweater, displayed a handgun, while the other two were wearing black face masks, black sweaters and black and white shoes. Visit FOX 7 Austin for more on this story and how to report information.
2. Round Rock native and University of the Incarnate Word athlete MyRajah Rankin is accused of stabbing a San Antonio mother, and kidnapping her 3-year-old. Before Rankin could take off with the child, a bystander was able to rescue the little boy. She then ran into an apartment building and hid in a closet until police came to arrest her. The 19-year-old is currently jailed on a $150,000 bond, awaiting an initial court appearance on Feb. 28. No information is available on Rankin's motive. Check back with KENS5 for future updates on this developing story.
3. Winter storm Mara wrecked trees in Round Rock in the amount of an estimated 1 million cubic yards of debris. After picking up curbside brush collections, the city will process between 400,000 - 600,000 cubic yards of trees, "enough brush to fill Dell Diamond to a height of 12 stories." In a typical year, only about 30,000 cubic yards of brush is processed. Because so much work is needed to clear up all of the storm's aftermath, the city created this helpful dashboard for residents to submit requests and to keep track of the progress. More interesting facts at City of Round Rock.

Feb. 18 in Round Rock:

• Central Texas Teen & Kids Comic Con at Round Rock High School (10 a.m.)
• Carnivorous Plant Care Class at 901 Sam Bass Road (10 a.m.)
• Stef & Mak Group Workout at BPN HQ (11 a.m.)
• 3852 Haleys Way Open House (4 p.m.)
• Romeo and Juliet at Sam Bass Theatre (7:30 p.m.)

Feb. 19 in Round Rock:

• Disciple-Now at The Fellowship Church (All-day)
• Round Rock Car Show at Old Settlers Park Tennis Complex (10 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• Best metros for Black entrepreneurs: "Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown came in at the No. 1 spot followed by Houston (12), San Antonio (19), and Killeen (34)." (cw33)
• Did you know that "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" was partially filmed right here in Round Rock? It's hardly what it looked like back then. Check out EW for the exact locations and other Texas towns it was filmed in!
• Want to obtain a lifeguard certification? "The CHASCO Family YMCA is offering The American Red Cross Lifeguard certification course for prospective YMCA Aquatics employees. This course is FREE for all participants looking to become certified lifeguards for the YMCA! In order to q..." (CHASCO Family YMCA Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Cedar Park Market Days (February 18)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (February 21)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (February 21)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (February 22)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (February 23)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday off right. I'll catch up with you bright and early 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