🌱 Arctic Blast Will Bring Freezing Temps + Hospitals In CHIP Program

Good morning, everybody! I'm finally back, with your Wednesday edition of the Round Rock Daily, full of all the things you need to know about what's happening in town. Today you'll find news about these stories and more...

• Blast from the 2021 "snowpocalypse" past, coming later this week
• Local hospitals participating in CHIP program will receive higher pay-back rates
• Things to do in town for the remainder of the holiday season
• Businesses that will be opening in 2023

But first, today's weather:

Low clouds. High: 56 Low: 45.

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Here are the top stories today in Round Rock:

1. An arctic blast is predicted to make its way into town and other South-Central Texas cities on Thursday Dec. 22. Wind chills are expected to be -8 and 11 degrees with temperatures in the teens. "Oncor, an energy company that provides power for much of the area, has issued a statement saying although no wintry precipitation is expected, it continues to monitor the forecast and is preparing crews to respond to issues as needed." Please refer to Round Rock's emergency preparedness page for tips. (Community Impact Newspaper)
2. In an effort to balance out funding needs that come with treating uninsured and/or medicaid patients, "commissioners set the rate for local hospitals at 2.1% of net patient revenue, which was recommended by the participating providers, to be paid to the state’s Comprehensive Hospital Increase Reimbursement Program." 2022's fiscal year was set at 1.86%. Local hospitals that are currently participating in this program are: Baylor Scott & White Emergency Medical Centers, Ascension Seton Medical Center Williamson, St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center, and Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Round Rock. (Community Impact Newspaper)
3. Here are 5 businesses opening up in 2023 and their general locations: Amy's Ice Cream at Rock Creek Plaza, Citizens National Bank on S. Mays St., Dutch Bros Coffee on A.W. Grimes Blvd., Home2 Suites by Hilton on University Blvd., and Settler's Grove (an industrial development) on Chisholm Trail. (Community Impact Newspaper)
4. The holidays have gone by in a flash this year, and there's still a few festive things you can attend before and after Christmas. The holiday light displays located downtown will be shining until Dec. 31. Get a free photo with santa at Bass Pro Shops through Dec. 24 - Book your time slot ahead of time. Don't feel like cooking on Christmas? Kalahari Resorts is hosting their "Winter Holiday Celebration Buffet, including traditional holiday fare, chilled seafood and desserts." Dec. 25. Check their website for pricing for tickets. (Community Impact Newspaper)

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Today in Round Rock:

• Awakening Yoga with Soul Dimension *Online* (9:30 a.m.)
• Flixmas: It's A Wonderful Life 75th Anniversary at Flix Brewhouse (4:15 p.m.)
• Music on Main Hometown Holiday at Downtown Round Rock (7 p.m.)
• Karaoke Night at The Alcove Cantina (7:30 p.m.)
• Rockeys Rocking Comedy Show at Rockey's Piano Bar (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Important message from Sam Bass Fire Department: "Now is the time to prepare. Confidence is growing that we will see wind chills below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Temps could be below freezing for 48 hours with wind gusts / speed 20-35 mph. Remember the 4 P's: Plants🪴 Pets 🐈🐕 Pipes 🚰 People." (Sam Bass Fire Department Facebook)
• The American Legion, George Johns Post 447 is helping veterans! "If you know of a Veteran that needs help preparing for the cold in the Round Rock area please email: manager@txlegion447.org. We will do our best to get a team over to help!" (The American Legion, George Johns Post 447 Facebook)
• CHASCO Family YMCA is hosting a blood drive. "ONE WEEK AWAY! 🚨🚨 The CHASCO Family YMCA has partnered with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive on Tuesday, December 27th. Give the greatest gift this holiday season and schedule an appointment today! ❤️ Where: CHASCO Family YMCA" (CHASCO Family YMCA via Facebook)
• Looking for a new job? Check out these new listings in Round Rock and surrounding cities. There are so many opportunities in a wide variety of fields including: Sales, customer service, consulting, legal, software, merchandising, and so much more. Check out Round Rock Patch for all the listings rounded up just for you!

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Brungot Farms — (Visit website)
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Events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (December 22)
• Add your event

That's it for today. I'll see you around!

— Elaine Thompson

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