🌱 New Library's Exciting Features + Superintendent's 2023 Outlook

Happy Friday, folks! I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening in our community. In today's issue of the Daily, you'll find these stories and more:

• Future transportation projects in town
• Nonprofit group created by children is recognized.
• The 10-year, $30 million public library project

But first, today's weather:

Plenty of sunshine. High: 63 Low: 36.

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Here are the top stories today in Round Rock:

1. Our city seems to always be under some kind of construction, and here are a few more projects currently in their design phase: FM 1460 to Country Road 117 with $7,993,500 project cost, County Road 117 to County Road 110 with $9,496,000 project cost, and Red Bud Lane to County Road 110 with $7,772,000 project cost. To learn more about what City Council and Williamson County agreed upon during their regular meeting Jan. 12, read about it at City of Round Rock.
2. Remember the notable youngsters who founded their own nonprofit, the HEARD Foundation, to support refugee and immigrant children? Round Rock ISD students Nikhil Parida, Emaan Chhatriwala, Anagha Deepak and Nitya Parida were recognized at the most recent City Council meeting with these words from Mayor Craig Morgan: “You all are truly inspirational. You inspire me, you inspire all of us and I can’t say thank you enough for what you’re doing for our community.” Formed less than one year ago, this group has already hosted 12 events, including a bake sale that raised $1,400 for Ukrainian kids in need. (City of Round Rock)
3. I think I'm just as excited as you all might be about the new Round Rock Public Library opening up at the end of this month! A decade's worth of labor and love is finally coming to a happy ending. "The 66,000-square-foot facility is three stories with a 300-car parking garage. It has several meeting spaces and program rooms throughout, and an entire floor dedicated to serving the children of Round Rock." Patrons can also enjoy several outdoor spaces, a second- story "discovery garden" with native Texas plants to explore, and more. After the grand opening party on Jan. 28 ends at 2 p.m., the library will officially be back in business for everyone to enjoy. Read more on KXAN.
4. Round Rock ISD's superintendent, Dr. Hafedh Azaiez, has a positive outlook for the 2023 school year. Numbers of students and staff still get sick, and staffing voids that need to be filled, but the numbers have greatly improved all around. “I think we’re pretty much to 90 over 95% staff, which is a really, really good number we want to be there and that that there are higher obviously closer to 100%,” said Dr. Azaiez. He's focused on better incentives to show appreciation for teachers as well as put measures in place to support the mental health of students. Read more on this story at KXAN.

Today in Round Rock:

• 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting at Victory Center Church (5:45 a.m.)
• THSBCA Coaches Convention at Kalahari Resorts (9 a.m.)
• It's a Scavenger Hunt! Round Rock *Virtual* (10 a.m.)
• Round Rock High School Boys Basketball v.s. McNeil - Round Rock (5:30 p.m.)
• Bright Sunset Lagoon (Ages 18+) at Painting With a Twist (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Round Rock Library's extra accessory: "We're pretty charged up about this news! ⚡ The first electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at a City of Round Rock facility are in place and will be ready for use in the new library's 289-space parking garage when the building official..." (Round Rock, Texas – City Government via Facebook)
• Don't forget about Monday's holiday! "Monday, January 16th, is a school holiday in recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. At Great Oaks we usually provide a Day of Service opportunity to remind our kids of the importance of helping our community. This year, we will ..." (Great Oaks Elementary PTA via Facebook)
• Did you know about this food allergen? "As of January 1st, the FDA requires sesame seeds to be labeled as an allergen on packaged foods and dietary supplements. Read more: https://www.fda.gov/food/cfsan-constituent-updates/fda-reminds-manufacturers-effective-date-sesame-major-..." (Williamson County and Cities Health District via Facebook)

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Events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (January 16)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (January 20)
• Crossing Over With Psychic Medium John Edward (Live)! (February 11)
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That's it for today! See you tomorrow for your next update.

— Elaine Thompson

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