🌱 Texas State Honors Uvalde Loss + MLK Celebration + Hospital Expands

Hey, friends! It's me, Elaine Thompson, your host of the Round Rock Daily — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening in our community. Including news about:

• Hospital expansion begins
• Annual MLK event on Saturday
• Texas State Round Rock campus dedicates scholarship to Uvalde victim

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny; breezy, cooler. High: 65 Low: 37.

🏘️ 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 in Round Rock today:

1. Baylor Scott & White makes an official announcement of their largest expansion since opening - A $220 million project that will offer more space as well as more services. "Once complete, a neonatal intensive care unit; an expanded labor and delivery department; additional operating rooms and patient beds; cardiac catheterization, interventional radiology and testing laboratories; an expanded emergency department; and additional support for existing facilities, such as the hospital's cafe, will operate out of the expanded facility." Vice President of Operations, Drew Bennett, notes that one of the neat features will be universal beds that can be used for multiple types of care. More on this story on Community Impact Newspaper.
2. The 36th annual MLK Walk and Celebration will take place on "Saturday, Jan. 14 from 2 to 3:15 p.m." This event is organized by the Round Rock Black History Organization and will begin with a 30-minute walk from Buck Egger Park at 1 p.m. and end at the Baca Center at 1:30 p.m. A program will be held at the "Baca Center beginning at 2 p.m. The program will feature the Sweet Home Baptist Church Choir, under the direction of Minister James E. Reed III. Also featured will be Round Rock Ballet Folklorico, under the direction of Yolanda Sanchez." (City of Round Rock)
3. A heartbreaking story, with a touching ending: Tess Mata was a student victim of the Uvalde mass shooting. According to Tess' family, it was always her dream to attend Texas State University. "Tess's family was sent a certificate that designated her as an honorary Bobcat & a scholarship fund was created in her memory." Funds from this scholarship will go to an incoming freshman in the College of Health Professions. To learn more, visit Texas State University Round Rock Campus Facebook.

Today in Round Rock:

• New Neighbors of Greater Round Rock Monthly Luncheon & Meeting at Brushy Creek Community Center (11 a.m.)
• New Year Networking at Anchor Bar (11:30 a.m.)
• Alex Winters Live at Aloft Hotel (4 p.m.)
• Young Professionals Social at Aloft Hotel (4 p.m.)
• Golf Play & Donate at Monster Mini Golf (5 p.m.)
• City Council Meeting at City Hall (6 p.m.)
• Jesse Stratton Band at Bar Louie (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Don't be alarmed! "🦺This is only a drill. The Austin Community College District Police Department is conducting a multi-agency training exercise at its Round Rock campus this Friday, Jan. 13. There will be all types of police and first responders on campu..." (Round Rock Police Department via Facebook)
• YMCA members can get free childcare for a date-night! "Do you know about Free Family Fridays? Free Family Fridays are nights of childcare offered exclusively to our YMCA Family Members.😀 Children get to enjoy an evening of fun here at the Y while parents can catch an early dinner or have a ..." (CHASCO Family YMCA via Facebook)
• Check out the details for this special community event: "❄️⛄️👨‍👩‍👧‍👧Families of individuals with disabilities are invited to a night full of wonder and amazement at the annual Family Winter Ball. Dress to impress and join us for dancing, fun, and family! Light refreshments will be served. ..." (Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• New Neighbors of Greater Round Rock Monthly Luncheon & Meeting (January 12)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (January 16)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (January 20)
• Crossing Over With Psychic Medium John Edward (Live)! (February 11)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Elaine Thompson

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