🌱 Hope Alliance Domestic Violence Survivor + RRISD Honor Recognition

Hi all! Elaine Thompson, here with your new edition of the Round Rock Daily, fresh off the presses. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in town. Today you'll read about:

• Courtney Petersen and how she's spreading awareness on overcoming domestic violence
• Round Rock ISD's fourth consecutive year being honored with 'District of Distinction Recognition'
• Round Rock Firefighter's first female Driver, Brandlyn Cours
• Today's local events + future spooky events in October!

But first, today's weather:

Hot with plenty of sunshine. High: 98 Low: 71. Don't worry ya'll! It's definitely gonna be on the warmer side for the next few days, but temps lower back down into the 80s and 90s next week. *Fingers crossed*

Here are the top stories today in Round Rock:

1. Courtney Petersen is a past resident of Hope Alliance in Round Rock and is sharing her story to spread awareness to others, after she was helped by the organization. Petersen was a victim of abuse by her then husband, a Round Rock police officer. Since Petersen's transition into a safe environment, she has given her testimony in a published book and celebrated her creation of a lipstick line. In each lipstick box, there is a true story of other women who have experienced violence in their lives and a list of resources to help those experiencing the same thing. Hope Alliance is working on expanding their facilities to provide shelter for more victims, as well as expanding their ability to provide other services to assist those in a domestic violence situation as the calls coming in for help have increased greatly in the past several years. (KVUE)
2. In the employee spotlight, we have Brandlyn Cours, a Round Rock Firefighter. She originally fell in love with this profession after doubting herself and her abilities to be a firefighter herself, yet taking a leap of faith anyway. Cours is the first woman to achieve the rank of Driver and absolutely fits the bill of Round Rock Firefighters' commitment to excellence and the strength to push beyond limits. Thank you for serving our citizens and our city, Brandlyn! (City of Round Rock)
3. Round Rock ISD proudly earns for a fourth consecutive year, 'District of Distinction Recognition' by the Texas Art Education Association. This honor recognizes Round Rock ISD's Visual Arts programs to be in the top 5% in all of Texas. For the 2022 award, more than 1,200 districts were eligible to apply with only 59 districts meeting a 14-point rubric to qualify. This distinction and honor is made possible by the dedication of a talented faculty and staff, community input, and student growth. (Round Rock ISD)
4. Round Rock is booming with open positions in many different career paths. If you check out some of these job listings, you will find roles available in customer service, sales, real estate, truck driving, general construction, business, and lots more! Don't hesitate to explore the options and pass the word on to those you know looking for a new opportunity. (Round Rock Patch)

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Today in Round Rock:

• Green Thumbs Up: Raised Garden Beds at Brushy Creek Community Center (Noon)
• Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting at City Council Chambers (6 p.m.)
• Alzheimer's Association Fundraiser Workshop at Board and Brush *Limited Spots!*(6 p.m.)
• Family Fun Night *Acoustic* at Yonders Point Old Settlers Park (6:30 p.m.)
• PreK Playtime: Bees at Round Rock Public Library (6:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• You've probably heard this many times already but...Are you registered to vote? Early voting begins October 24th - November 4th. Election day is November 8th. Your vote counts, and Round Rock ISD encourages residents to get out there and get registered to vote today! (Round Rock ISD)
• 🍻🍖🍴The next “Friday Fun Nights” at Yonders Point in Old Settlers Park will host a 'People & Parks' BBQ Fundraiser Friday, October 7th from 5:30-8:30 p.m. There will be Southside Market & Barbeque plates for $20 as well as free Lonestar beverages, activities, and entertainment by Peoples Choice Band. This isn't a party you'll want to miss! (Facebook)
• 🎃👹💀 The annual free, Fall Fun Fest-Monster Mash Bash takes place on Halloween day, October 31st from 9-11:30 a.m. at Old Settlers Park. Families can enjoy carnival games for toddlers and preschoolers such as hayrides, snacks, prizes, and lots more! Put your costumes on, and don't forget to bring a canned food item to donate to the Round Rock Food Pantry as your entry "ticket". (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Home for the Holidays Gift Market of Waco (September 23)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (September 26)
• Online Webinar with specialists for Assisted living in Georgetown, TX (September 30)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Elaine Thompson

I would love to hear from ya'll if you have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Round Rock Daily. Contact me at RoundRock@Patch.com