🌱 Sam Bass Fire Trucks On Icy Overpass + Fun Virtual Events At Home

Good morning, everyone! I hope you all are staying warm and safe during these icy conditions. I'm here right on time with your Wednesday edition of the Round Rock Daily. Keep reading to find out all the local information you need to know right now, including news on:

• A couple of new real estate listings in town
• Fire trucks got stuck on an icy overpass.
• New bill proposed that could affect all of Texas.

But first, today's weather:

Morning icy mix; cloudy. High: 32 Low: 30.

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Here are the top stories in Round Rock today:

1. On our "Real Estate Roundup" this week, you'll find these new listings in the neighborhood: Three-bedroom, two-bathroom home at 3941 Rolling Canyon Trail listed at $425k with the perk of being walking distance to highly rated Chandler Oaks Elementary school and local parks. 1461 Rainbow Parke Drive listed at $425k is a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home with perks of no carpet throughout the home and a cozy breakfast sitting area. (Round Rock Patch)
2. Due to expected ice accumulation from predicted rounds of freezing rain and temperatures, Texas State University closed its campuses in Round Rock and San Marcos until today. Students and staff should follow any future statements of closures or re-opening following this winter storm. (Community Impact Newspaper)
3. According to studies by Rent Cafe, Round Rock is considered part of greater Austin real estate, where rental markets became the least competitive due to a 2.9% increase in new apartment buildings. At the "beginning of 2022, the rental market heated up due to a high lease renewal rate of 58.2%." With all of the new construction of rental units, competition dropped by 9.1% later in the year. Read more on this story at The Daily Texan.
4. Sam Bass Fire Department experienced several of its trucks getting stuck on the SH-45 overpass. Officials warned drivers to stay off that tollway, as it's "an ice rink." Reportedly, no sand or de-icing liquids were used to combat ice accumulation on bridges and overpasses like those on SH-45.

Today in Round Rock *Due to possible hazardous, icy road conditions, check with event hosts beforehand, to see if they're open!*:

• Million Cups Round Rock at CENTRO Event Space (9 a.m.)
• It's a Scavenger Hunt *Virtual* (10 a.m.)
• Breathwork Free Weekly Class *Virtual* (Noon)
• Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting at City Council Chambers (6 p.m.)

Virtual events today that you can enjoy from the comfort of home:

• Activate Your Heart's Purpose (9 a.m.)
• Cleaning Tips and Tricks (11 a.m.)
• Understanding Hoarding (Noon)
• Building Generational Black Wealth (1 p.m.)
• Free Virtual Sound Bath (2 p.m.)
• Pregnancy and Postpartum Stress Group (2:30 p.m.)
• Improv Comedy Workshop For Beginners (3 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Road closures + how to handle collisions: "Roads and bridges are icing and creating dangerous driving conditions. Please slow down if you must be out driving. If you are involved in a minor collision where your vehicle is driveable, exchange information, take photos and self-report the crash to your insurance. " (Round Rock Police Department Instagram)
• Round Rock ISD schools closed: "Due to inclement weather conditions, Round Rock ISD has canceled classes and before and after school activities for Wednesday, Feb. 1. All schools and offices will also be closed. The District will continue monitoring weather conditions for Thursday, Feb. 2." (Round Rock ISD Facebook)
• Sb147 protests across Texas: Sb147 is a "proposal to bar citizens of China, Iran, North Korea and Russia from buying property in Texas." State Representative Gene Wu says, "The only new proposal SB 147 adds is the individual person component, but he added that there are other ways for Texas to review and address national security risks without 'a blanket law' targeting an entire community." Austin American Statesman (free subscription)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (February 8)
• Crossing Over With Psychic Medium John Edward (Live)! (February 11)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed! See you all tomorrow morning for your next update.

— Elaine Thompson

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