🌱 Local Sentenced For Murder + RR Power Outage Plan + RR Open Houses

Hello all. It's me, Rose Mendez, your host of the Round Rock Daily — here to tell you everything you need to know about what's happening in the community today. Follow along for the latest.

First, today's weather:

Hot; a stray p.m. t-storm. High: 101 Low: 77.

Shoutout to the awesome local business that keeps this newsletter running:

Round Rock business owners: do you need accounting help? Rock Business Solutions is a local firm with over 20 years of experience in financial services for small businesses — including accounting, bookkeeping, and payroll management. If your business needs help getting its financials in order or ongoing monthly accounting, let Rock Business Solutions help. Visit them here to learn more, or email them at susan@rockbusinesssolutions.com.

Want to see your business featured in this spot? Click here to get started.

Here are the top three stories today in Round Rock:

1. Gabriel Hernandez was recently sentenced to 20 years in prison for the murder of 17-year-old Brian Navarro in March 2020 in Round Rock. Hernandez, who was also 17 years old at the time of the murder, pleaded guilty on Jun. 23 and will get credit for the 843 days (2.3 years) already spent in jail. (KXAN)
2. Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the power grid operator for Texas, has issued two Conservation Appeals this week, Jul. 11 and Jul. 13. The City of Round Rock announced that there is a plan in place if a large-scale system outage occurs. Any Round Rock residents who are in need of a donated fan can contact crr@roundrocktexas.gov or call 512-318-1337. (City of Round Rock)
3. It's hard to find the perfect home online. Patch and Redfin have you covered! Check out five open houses in Round Rock on Saturday, Jul. 16, and Sunday, Jul. 17. (Round Rock Patch)

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Today in Round Rock:

• Play Zone and Board Games (all ages) At Round Rock Public Library (9:30 AM)
• Scholastic Book Fair At Round Rock Public Library (9:30 AM)
• Twin Peaks Round Rock Re-Grand Opening Event At 100 Louis Henna Boulevard (4:00 PM)
• Virtual Tween Book Club (ages 9-12) At Round Rock Public Library (5:00 PM)
• Round Rock City Council Meeting At City Council Chambers (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• On Jul. 12, Taylor police arrested 47-year-old James Paul Gogolewski. Gogolewski is a suspect in connection to the fire that burned down the Dr. James Lee Dickey Museum on Jul. 10. Round Rock fire crews helped contain the fire. View the link to read the full article. (Taylor Press)
• Round Rock ISD Partners In Education Foundation needs volunteers for this year's "Back to School Celebration" on Aug. 6! Click here for more information. (Facebook)
• The Williamson County and Cities Health District is reminding residents to take the summer heat seriously! Click here for tips to stay healthy this summer. (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (July 15)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday! I'll see you around.

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!