🌱 Local Democrat Talks Juvenile Prisons + Oncor Responds To The City

Hello and good morning! Elaine here, with your Friday edition of the Round Rock Patch newsletter, full of all the things you need to know about what's happening in town. In today's issue, you'll find:

• State Rep. from Round Rock speaks out against juvenile prisons.
• Oncor has a response to Round Rock's idea for ownership over streetlights.
• Round Rock's adaptive camp for kids has a new policy that concerns parents.

But first, today's weather:

Cooler; a morning t-shower. High: 67 Low: 58.

📢 I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Round Rock who want to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales.

I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top stories in Round Rock today:

1. Round Rock Democrat and State Rep. James Talarico proposed legislation to close five state juvenile prisons. “For more than a century, kids in Texas child prisons have been beaten, raped and even murdered behind bars,” Talarico said. His idea is to resolve closing the prisons by channeling that funding into rehabilitative systems instead. Other lawmakers want to build more prisons in response to the failing system. The Texas Tribune has more on this story.
2. The City of Round Rock discussed taking over ownership of its almost 5,500 streetlights. Currently, Oncor owns the streetlighting system. The main reasons why Round Rock wants to take over are to provide faster response times to repair any issues and to possibly save about $500,000 every year by owning the system. Oncor's response is that it wants to continue to provide streetlight services for the city. Round Rock would like to reach a mutual agreement with Oncor but also noted that it is prepared to “utilize alternative options” to get ownership. More on this story at KXAN.
3. Round Rock parents are taken aback by City of Round Rock adaptive camp's new policies that essentially leave out children with disabilities. Chris Bredemeier's daughter has disabilities that require personal attention, so the family must scramble to make other arrangements. The camp's new policy states: "Campers must be capable of not interrupting its 1:4 counselor to camper ratio by requiring one-on-one attention." Children who do not meet the new criteria can still attend camp, but with help of a personal care assistant. Rick Atkins, director of Park and Recreation for the city, is open to suggestions from parents. KXAN has more details.

Today in Round Rock:

• Austin Transition Strategies CE Course at Patterson Dental Supply (10:30 AM)
• Spring Hat Parade at Primrose School (3:45 PM)
• Williamson County Symphony Orchestra concert at First United Methodist Church (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• City is almost done with ice storm, brush cleanup! "As of March 7, when the dashboard was last updated as of press time, crews had cleaned up about 98% of the city’s neighborhoods, according to the dashboard." (Community Impact Newspaper)
• Enjoy authentic British fare at Kenney Fort Pub: “It is genuinely owned by an English mom and pop,” he said. “You’re going to see me here, my wife here [and] my two younger children. It’s a genuine family-owned and -operated business that we’re very proud of.” (Community Impact Newspaper)
• It's officially patio-season for the foodies! "Ready for something different? A brand-new Southwestern spot is coming to Round Rock and they have a patio! ☀️ Tag & share with your brunch buddy! 😋" (Round Rock, Texas – City Government via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday off right! I'll be 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