🌱 Classroom Culture War + Deadly Pedestrian Crash

Hello, everybody! It's Wednesday in Round Rock and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening locally. In today's issue of the Daily, we'll cover these stories and more...

• A deadly pedestrian crash on Oct. 26 remains an ongoing investigation.
• The tension of school board elections
• McNeil and Round Rock high schools receive awards from Austin Chamber of Commerce.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and pleasant. High: 76 Low: 65.

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Here are the top stories today in Round Rock:

1. On Oct. 26, a pedestrian was hit by a pick-up truck and killed, while crossing I-35 North. Police identified the victim as Rogelio Alonso Puente. The police are asking anyone with information about this ongoing investigation to contact the "Highway Investigation Tip Line at 512-974-8111 or the Crime Stoppers tip line at 512-472-8477." (FOX 7 Austin)
2. Round Rock has entered the "classroom culture war" trend. Several extremist and "far-right religious candidates" are rocking the school board elections with calls for book bans and being against "inclusion" when it comes to sex and gender freedom. The Texas Observer has more information and words shared by parents of different backgrounds, and how they feel about the state of the schools and RRISD board elections.
3. Round Rock's McNeil and Round Rock high schools received awards from the Austin Chamber of Commerce during their "2022 State of Education and Talent event on Oct. 27. McNeil and Round Rock high schools tied for the Greatest Improvement in Direct-to-College Enrollment for a High School Campus award." To learn more about the awards, check out the Round Rock ISD website.

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Today in Round Rock:

• Household Hazardous Waste Collection at Deepwood Recycling Center (3 p.m.)
• Plant Bar Happy Hour at Hometown Gift & Decor (4:30 p.m.)
• Round Rock Dyslexia Group at Round Rock Library (6 p.m.)
• Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting at City Council Chambers (6 p.m.)
• Music on Main "Fall Evenings" at Main Street Plaza (7 p.m.)
• Emotional Intimacy Workshop at Brushy Creek Community Center (7:15 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• "Safely dispose of residential paint and other household chemicals (up to 25 gallons) during the monthly Household Hazardous Waste Collection. Today's event will be at the Recycling Center, 310 Deepwood Drive, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. (rain or shine). 🗑" (City of Round Rock)
• "Feliz Dia de Los Muertos!" - From the Round Rock Ballet Folklorico and the Williamson County Hispanic Heritage Committee 🎊 Event-goers are asked to put on their "finest Calaca, Frida, Selena or Prince apparel. At the Nov. 5 event at noon-8 p.m., there will be activities for kids and art, craft and food vendors!" (City of Round Rock)
• Round Rock will be celebrating Veterans Day this year as an all-day event at Yonders Point at Old Settlers Park. On Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. - noon will be the formal ceremony. From 4 p.m. - 9 p.m., the family celebration will take place. There will be live music from Anders Drerup Band and beer by Lonestar. (Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Brungot Farms — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• Adoption Knowledge Annual Conference (November 4)
• Men's Clothing Drive (November 5)
• 27th Annual Cedar Park 5 Miler/5K & Kids 1K (November 13)
• Add your event

You're all caught up 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