🌱 RR Pumpkin Festival Donating Proceeds + Tense RRISD Board Elections

Morning, neighbors. It's Elaine Thompson, your host of the Round Rock Daily — back in your inbox this week with everything you need to know about what's happening in the community. Including news about:

• Pumpkin Festival proceeds to go to Texas Red Cross
• Motel murder victim's family outraged by lesser sentences to all suspects.
• School board elections brewing a lot of tension.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and warm. High: 88 Low: 68.

Here are the top stories in Round Rock today:

1. Jamie Rice, the organizer of Round Rock Pumpkin Festival, was one of many residents devastated by the March 2022 tornadoes that wrecked the city. Rice wanted to give back to her community and specifically Texas Red Cross, because the organization helped her neighborhood following the tornadoes. This festival is located at Old Settlers Park and open everyday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., except for Tuesdays, through Halloween. A portion of proceeds will be donated to Old Settlers Association of Williamson County, Austin Pets Alive!, Williamson County Animal Shelter and Central Texas Red Cross. (KVUE)
2. A murder case that occurred at Round Rock La Quinta Hotel on Parker Drive is receiving a lot of backlash. The family of the victim, Christopher Branham, is distraught with the prosecutor's treatment of all four suspects involved in the murder. To read more details about this story, click here.
3. Tension and disagreements continue to stir ahead of the Round Rock ISD school board elections, with the biggest issue being the reinstatement of Superintendent Dr. Hafedh Azaiez, following an investigation of allegations of misconduct. The political action committee group that challenges RRISD's incumbents, known as Round Rock One Family, is accused of spreading misinformation with what looks to be motivation to unseat places 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6. Political action committee group Access Round Rock supports RRISD's incumbents and lays blame on Round Rock One Family for their "patterns of attack." To learn more about other issues being discussed, click here.

Today in Round Rock:

• Park Play Date & Picnic at Round Rock Play for All Abilities Park (11 a.m.)
• Yoga for Cancer Patients and Survivors at CHASCO Family YMCA (1 p.m.)
• Caregiver Support Group at Grace Lutheran Church (1:30 p.m.)
• Latinos in Round Rock Platica: Rene and Cynthia Flores at Centro Event Space (5:30 p.m.)
• Book Group for Adults at Round Rock Public Library (6 p.m.)
• A Midsummer Night's Dream at Round Rock Amp (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Oct. 10 was Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Did you know that Round Rock is situated on land originally inhabited by the Tonkawa Tribe? There were originally 200 Tonkawa tribes who made temporary villages along the banks of rivers and streams, including Brushy Creek and the San Gabriel River. (City of Round Rock)
• The My Art / My Cause exhibit is finally here! This collection of work supports local artists, which started Oct. 10 and ends Dec. 3 at the Texas State University Round Rock Campus. Artists created art exhibits where they were able to express themselves on any subject matter that was important to them. Artists have the opportunity to donate a portion of their art sales to a cause of their choice. (Round Rock Arts)
• The Sam Bass Fire Department is selling pink t-shirts this year while supplies last, in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Sales take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Oct. 31 or when sold out. Meet at Sam Bass Fire Department Station 3, 2351 Great Oaks Drive, Round Rock for purchases. They have sizes small - double XL for $10, cash payments only. (Facebook)
• ⚠️Mosquito trap samples test positive for West Nile Virus!⚠️ The two mosquito trap samples were collected near HEB Center at Cedar Park on Oct. 6 with test results provided on Oct. 10. There will be continued testing in the area today with signage posted. Cedar Park runs a fine line with Round Rock and this is definitely something to be aware of until more information is provided by Williamson County and Cities Health District.

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (October 13)
• Halloween at the Y (October 15)
• Cedar Park Market Days (October 15)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar (October 18)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all caught up 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