🌱 RR Local Charged With Fraud + Precinct 1 Lobby Closed

Hi all. I'm back in your inbox this morning with your new copy of the Round Rock Daily, fresh off the presses. Here's all the local news you need to know right now...

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and very warm. High: 100 Low: 75.

Here are the top four stories today in Round Rock:

1. On Jul. 28, 43-year-old Steve Ray Shickles, Jr. of Round Rock was charged with wire fraud for embezzling from his employer, Simple Helix, LLC in Huntsville, between January 2012 and January 2019. While employed as the Chief Operating Officer he allegedly made fraudulent transactions that resulted in Simple Helix losing over $2.1 million dollars. (United States Department of Justice)
2. The lobby of Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 in Round Rock will be closed through Aug. 2 due to recent positive COVID-19 test results within the staff and subsequent exposure to clerks. Clerks will work virtually, all scheduled hearings will be on Zoom, and court business may still be performed by phone or by email. (FOX 7 Austin)
3. The district police department gave a safety and security update at the Round Rock ISD board of trustees meeting on Jul. 28. The RRISD PD said "over 50 percent of officers are certified mental health officers and have crisis negotiation experience." To determine the needs of students, there will be collaboration between the administration, police, and behavioral services. Starting Monday, Aug. 1, RRISD will have a new police chief, Chief Dennis Weiner, to lead the school district's police department. And a safety audit of all district campus buildings will begin in August. (KVUE)
4. On Jul. 27, visiting judge James Morgan in the Williamson County 425th District Court dismissed the lawsuit asking for the removal of Round Rock school board Trustee Danielle Weston for official misconduct and bribery. The lawsuit alleged that Weston accepted donations and forwarded confidential district emails to people involved in a lawsuit against the school district. (Austin American-Statesman)

Today in Round Rock:

• Pokemon Club At Round Rock Public Library (9:00 AM)
• Storytime LIVE! At Kiddie Academy of Round Rock (10:00 AM)
• Family Storytime At Round Rock Public Library (11:00 AM)
• Genius Hour: Homeschooling for Beginners At Round Rock Public Library (3:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Meet Maize and Emerald, two adorable baby rabbits, looking for a forever home! View the link to see Maize, Emerald, and many more adoptable pets in the Round Rock area. (Round Rock Patch)
• The Round Rock Fire Department is hiring cadets! Earn a paycheck while getting the education you need to become a firefighter! The application period is open through Aug. 26, click here to learn more. (Facebook)
• The final "Pop UP Play Day" is at Lake Creek Park and Lake Creek Pool on Saturday, Aug. 13, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.! Get free access to Lake Creek Pool, food, snacks, refreshments, yard games, and more! Located at 800 Deerfoot Drive in Round Rock. Click here for more details. (Facebook)

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Events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (August 4)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (August 5)
• Swim and Screen! (August 5)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (August 6)
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You're all caught up for today! See you all tomorrow morning for your next update.

— 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!