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NOVEMBER 20, 2019 | NEWSLETTER
ROUND ROCK NEWS
Mayor to return to dais after recent surgery
Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan plans to resume attending City Council meetings this month after undergoing surgery to remove a benign mass in his spine in October.

"I’d like to thank my family, friends and members of the community for the incredible outpouring of support and prayers," he said in a statement. "It has made all the difference in the world, and makes me all the more eager to get back to serving you as your Mayor."

City kicks off traffic sign replacement program
Traffic control signs throughout the City will be easier to see in the coming months. Over the next nine months, 7,120 traffic control signs will be replaced to come into compliance with federal retroreflectivity standards.

The City selected to use a blanket method to replace the signs, which allows for sign replacement every 7-10 years. This option does not require an annual retroreflectivity scan, which saves the City $105,000 annually.

Local Legends honored for contributions
The Historic Preservation Commission announced this year’s three Local Legend Award honorees at the City Council meeting on Thursday, Nov. 14.

Faye Johnson, the Sauls family and the Tonkawa Tribe were recognized for their contributions to the culture, development and history of Round Rock.

RRPD investigates fatal accident on FM 1431
At approximately 11:25 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 17, Round Rock Police Officers responded to a three-vehicle accident in the 1700 block of FM 1431 between IH-35 and Stone Oak Drive. Three individuals were pronounced deceased and four more were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation into the accident is ongoing, and any witnesses are urged to contact Sgt. Justin Davis at 512-218-6654.

FEATURE STORY
Round Rock to host Big 12 Soccer Championships
For the first time in seven years, Texas will play host to the Big 12 Soccer Championships when the competition moves to Round Rock next fall as part of a multi-year agreement that will run from 2020-2022.

The Championships will be held at the Round Rock Multipurpose Complex and will feature the top soccer players in the NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics conference facing off in an eight-team, single-elimination bracket — with the winner moving forward to the NCAA Soccer Championships. The tentative tournament dates are Nov. 1, 6, 8, 2020; Oct. 31, Nov. 5, 7, 2021; and Oct. 30, Nov. 4, 6, 2022.

Parks staff headed to State Maintenance Rodeo
Two maintenance teams from Round Rock’s Parks and Recreation Department won first and second place overall at this year's Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) Central Region Maintenance Rodeo on Nov. 14. The staff members will represent Round Rock at the state level in February in Galveston.

Events included a truck and trailer competition, mower competition, backhoe competition, nail driving competition, irrigation assembly competition, and more.

City earns top awards for video excellence
The City of Round Rock has been recognized among the top in the state for excellence in video production by the Texas Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors.

The City earned first place in community event coverage for its Fourth of July Recap video. Round Rock also took home second place in public education for its Blueprint for Success budget video, and second and third place awards for Employee Spotlight videos in the category of organization or department profiles.
 
EVENT SPOTLIGHT
Feel right at home for the holidays in Downtown
Get ready to delight in the lights this season. Gather your family and friends for a festive stroll through Downtown Round Rock. During the entire month of December, enjoy the dazzle of holiday lights as they sparkle, twinkle and glow to life every evening at nightfall beginning Dec. 1.

After a delightful stroll, cap off the fun with some hot cocoa and a yummy bite at one of our many hometown eateries.

If you’re looking for even more holiday fun in Downtown, we have model trains and everyone’s favorite annual holiday event!

Christmas Family Night will take over Downtown Round Rock at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6. Join us for free games and activities along Main Street, followed by the illumination of the Hometown Holiday lights. Then, Santa will make his grand entrance. Activities for the entire family include live music, dancers, candle making, game booths, Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus and more.

Children should bring their “wish lists” for Santa Claus and parents are encouraged to bring their own cameras for pictures with Santa. Plus, enjoy free hot dogs, popcorn, hot chocolate, and other refreshments, activities and snacks.

The Holiday Model Trains Exhibit will bring miniature landscapes and cityscapes to life from Friday, Nov. 29 through Saturday, Jan. 4 at the Downtowner Gallery, 231 E. Main St. Hosted by Round Rock Arts, this event is free and open to the public. Trains will operate from noon to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays through Sundays.

Beaujolais Nights kicks off Thursday
Thursday, Nov. 21
5 p.m. — 9 p.m.
Centennial Plaza
221 E. Main St.

Join us for the free Round Rock Art Walk, featuring local artists and their creativity by transforming Downtown Round Rock into a living, breathing art celebration. Local artists will be displaying their wonderful hand made art in an open air environment, and there will be plenty of vendors with gifts for the holidays.

Kids ID Kit at the PD
Saturday, Nov. 23
9 a.m. — noon
Round Rock Police Department lobby
2701 N. Mays St.

One of the most important tools for officers to use when searching for a missing child is readily-available and up-to-date identifying information, such as a high-quality photo and fingerprints. Round Rock Police will be helping you make a Child ID Kit with photos, fingerprint cards and other information in a packet that you can give to first responders if your child is ever missing or involved in an emergency. 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event
Wednesday, Dec. 4
3-6 p.m.
Deepwood Recycling Center
310 Deepwood Dr.

Round Rock residents can safely dispose of residential paint and other household chemicals during the monthly Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event. The event is free for City of Round Rock water utility customers. 

Christmas Towne
Dec. 13-15, 19-29
5-9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays;
5-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays
Old Settlers Association
3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd.

Christmas Towne features amazing light displays including a walking tunnel of lights, full-scale carnival rides, holiday refreshments and more. Christmas Towne is adjacent to the Thomas Carnival featuring full-scale carnival rides for all ages.