🌱 Texans Hope To Pass Allie's Way Bill + Teacher Heading To New York

Good morning, Round Rock neighbors! Elaine Thompson here with your fresh copy of the Round Rock Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know that's happening in town, including ...

• Supporters want Texas bill to lessen dangers from distracted drivers.
• Awards to the city for yearly financial reporting.
• Round Rock Library received an achievement award for excellence.

But first, today's weather:

Increasing cloudiness. High: 81 Low: 58.

🏘️ Looking to differentiate yourself from other real estate agents in Round Rock? Partner with the Round Rock Patch and gain access to a targeted, engaged audience through our premium newsletter sponsorships. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top stories today in Round Rock:

1. A new Texas bill, "Allie's Way" aims to stop distracted driving, promoting drivers use of phones in a hands-free manner. "Representatives for AAA Texas, high school teens and distracted driving victims rallied to call for the passing of SB 41," while rallying on the Capitol's lawn on Tuesday. The bill is named for 2-year-old Allie White, who was hit and killed by a distracted driver in Round Rock in 2019. In the bill, some limited touching of the phone with a swipe or tap to activate or deactivate functions is allowed. The use of speakerphones or a phone attachment installed in the car is also a form of a "hands-free" device. Read more details at KVUE.
2. The City of Round Rock earned two awards for excellence in financial reporting, from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA): the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting and the Outstanding Achievement Award. The GFOA concluded that Round Rock met a higher standard when it comes to providing a comprehensive look at the city's fiscal conditions. View the 175-page report and more at City of Round Rock.
3. Round Rock Public Library received the 2022 Achievement of Library Excellence Award from the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association (TMLDA). What qualified our library for this award includes its excellence in providing services to underserved populations; creative marketing deliverance; managing collaborative works; consistently enhance services; literacy support; assisting in workforce development; cultural programming; and providing excellent training to staff. For more details, check out City of Round Rock.
4. Caldwell Elementary School first-grade teacher Tierra Pitchford will participate in the Scholastic Inaugural Teaching Fellow Cohort. Twelve other teachers nationwide were selected besides Pitchford, to "complete a capstone project that will be showcased at a summit within Scholastic’s New York City headquarters." Some projects she will work on are development of products and K-12 initiatives. After the showcase, Pitchford will implement some of those techniques and report back to Scholastic with her feedback. Scholastic will provide a $2,000 stipend and $500 toward retail value books and learning materials. More details at KXAN.

Today in Round Rock:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! at 1770 Warner Ranch Dr. (9 a.m.)
• Round Rock M1 Training at Hyatt Place Round Rock (9 a.m.)
• Transportation and Economic Development Corp. Meeting (Type B) at City Council Chambers (5 p.m.)
• Dylan Scott ($42 +) at Haute Spot (5 p.m.)
• City Council Meeting at City Council Chambers (6 p.m.)
• A Toast to Our Past at Round Rock Library (7 p.m.)
• Lenten Mission / Mision de Cuaresma at Saint William Catholic Church (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Food and fitness: "Located at the intersection of Texas Avenue and Mays Street, the Triangle shopping center has recently welcomed two new businesses to its roster:" F45 Training and Tso Chinese. (Community Impact Newspaper)
• Round Rock's way of "snail mail" over 100 years ago! "Back then, the post office was essential to life - check out these photos of the Round Rock Post Office staff in 1905! ✉️ 😮" (Round Rock, Texas – City Government Facebook)

• Who's ready for some baseball? I know I am! "Baseball is on its way back to the Dell Diamond! ⚾️ The tournament takes place this weekend, Feb. 24-26." (Round Rock, Texas – City Government Facebook)
• Quality time for daughters and daddies: "Our Annual Daddy Daughter Dance is back! Grab your dancing shoes and join us on March 25th! This magical evening for you and your princess includes a dessert buffet, digital photographs, dancing, music, a special gift for your little girl." (CHASCO Family YMCA Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• The Life Story of Buddha Shakyamuni (February 25)
• RAD Talent & Singing SOULdiers at The Lucky Rabbit - 2/25 (February 25)
• Add your event

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you soon!

— Elaine Thompson

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