🌱 Vernell Way SWAT Standoff Ends + RRISD Safety + RR Housing Market

Hello and happy Wednesday! I'm back in your inbox this warm summer morning with everything you need to know about what's happening locally. Let's have at it.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and hot. High: 101 Low: 78.

Here are the top three stories in Round Rock today:

1. The five-and-a-half-hour SWAT standoff in the 2300 block of Vernell Way in Round Rock ended at about 7:00 p.m. yesterday when RRPD reopened the roads. According to RRPD, at around 5:30 p.m., a SWAT robot was sent into the home and found the barricaded man unresponsive but with no physical signs of trauma and he was sent to the hospital. After investigating, the RRPD determined that the devices were not a threat. (Fox 7 Austin)
2. Today, Aug. 17, is the first day for Round Rock ISD schools. There have been many new safety and security protocols for the fall including buildings locking from the outside, all classroom interior doors being lockable, entrances that have cameras and microphones, bullet-resistant glass, new technology for threat assessment, anonymous reporting, and monitoring of social media as well as 150 school counselors in the district. (FOX 7 Austin)
3. According to the Austin Board of Realtors (ABoR), the Austin-Round Rock housing market is trending "towards more normal and sustainable levels." The July 2022 Central Texas Housing Market Report showed the median house price grew by 8 percent year over year to $515,000, which is the first time home price growth has been in the single digits since June 2020. Cord Shiflet, 2022 ABoR president, said, "On top of rising housing inventory, home price growth is much closer to the 4 to 5 percent annual growth that is typical for a healthy market. In addition, homes sold slightly below list price for the first time since December 2020, proving that buyers are gaining negotiating power in the market." (News Radio KLBJ)

Today in Round Rock:

• Genius Hour: Hair-Braiding and Care At Round Rock Public Library (6:00 PM)
• Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting At City Council Chambers (6:00 PM)
• Michael Ingalls: Acoustic Solo Show At Urban Eat.Drink (6:00 PM)
• Round Rock One Family Meet & Greet At Wingate Conference Center (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Texas State Finalist Hannah O'Leary, a Round Rock High School student, made a verbal commitment to Texas A&M University to start Fall 2023. Hannah was a two-time state finalist at the 2022 UIL 6A Texas State Championship in February. View the link for details. (Swim Swam)
• Does your child love art? Then don't miss the intro art class, "Learn How to Draw!" at CHASCO Family YMCA! Students ages 6 to 12 will learn the fundamentals of art including drawing, painting, and crafts. Click here to learn more. (Facebook)
• Looking for a new place to call home in Round Rock? View the link to see the latest homes on the market in your area! (Round Rock Patch)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Cedar Park Market Days (August 20)
• Online Webinar with specialists for the assisted living facility in Georgetown (August 29)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with a new 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!