🌱 201 Emergency Calls During Ice Storm + Stark Pleads Not Guilty

Hey, Cedar Park-Leander! It's Saturday, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on today in Cedar Park-Leander.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and cold. High: 45 Low: 23.

Here are the top stories in Cedar Park-Leander today:

1. The local disaster declaration due to the Central Texas ice storm ended at 4 p.m. on Friday, but Williamson County officials said they will continue to monitor conditions and roads through this morning. Temperatures are forecast to rise into the low 40s on Saturday.
   During the ice storm, 201 emergency calls were placed, according to a county news release. The calls included 84 law enforcement calls and 87 calls for EMS. (Austin-American Statesman)
2. Chad Christopher Stark, the Leander man charged with threatening Georgia election officials last year, pleaded not guilty on Friday during a virtual court hearing. Stark is the first person charged by a new federal task force. (Reuters)
3. Five new couples are set to share their relationship journey on an all-new season of WeTV's Love After Lockup, including a Cedar Park couple. Rick and Raydean of Cedar Park only recently fell in love after meeting 10 years ago. WeTV released a sneak peek trailer to introduce the five new couples plus a fan-favorite couple from Love During Lockup. (Screen Rant)

Today in Cedar Park-Leander:

• Virtual All Ages Storytime At Cedar Park Public Library (10:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• The Cedar Park Police Department warned residents that there were still patches of ice on the roadway and sidewalks as of yesterday. For your safety and the community's, slow down and drive carefully! (Facebook)
• Due to hazardous conditions and facility closures, there was no trash or recycling pickup in Cedar Park yesterday, and all pickups dates have been moved through the end of next week. Thursday's collection will now be today (Feb. 5), and Friday's collection will move to Monday (Feb. 7). (City of Cedar Park)
• It may be winter, but you can still take swim lessons at Twin Lakes Family YMCA! Session 2 Swim Lessons are now open. Learn more and register here. (Facebook)
• Looking for a new pet? These adorable cats, dogs, and other animals are now available for adoption at Cedar Park-Leander area shelters. (Cedar Park-Leander Patch)

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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with your next update!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.