🌱 The History Of Round Rock's Name + COVID Cases Declining

Welcome back, Round Rock! It's Friday, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on today in town.

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First, today's weather:

Turning sunny; cooler. High: 56 Low: 34.

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Here are the top 2 stories today in Round Rock:

1. Ever wondered how Round Rock got its name? A popular history account called Traces of Texas tweeted earlier this week explaining the history behind the monicker "Round Rock." The town was actually named for a round rock in Memorial Park that served as a cattle crossing, and there are actually still wagon wheel ruts in the bed of the creek according to the tweet. (mySanAntonio.com)
2. Demand for COVID-19 testing in Round Rock has continued to increase over the last few weeks, but some believe the town may have reached its peak of Omicron cases. Recently, the National Guard brought in more staff and supplies as testing demands increased. However, cases are falling and researchers are optimistic that the town may be past the worst of the surge. (KEYE TV CBS Austin)
3. Stony Point High School student Noah Fitzgerald formed a nonprofit organization, HelpingHands, with just $20 and a car. He held his first donation drive in 2020 to collect items for homeless individuals. Since then, Fitzgerald has organized six drives to benefit the local homeless population and an elementary school. The high school senior wants to grow HelpingHands and is seeking a mentor to help him achieve IRS 501(c)(3) designation. (Round Rock ISD)

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Today in Round Rock:

• 2nd Impression Print Show - Round Rock Arts at Downtowner Gallery (12:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• The Round Rock Police Department is seeking information about an aggravated robbery that occurred Monday, Jan. 24 around 7:30 p.m. at the La Quinta Hotel at 150 Parker Drive. The suspect is described as a tall, thin Black male. (Facebook)
• Online registration for Round Rock ISD families to enroll kindergarteners for the 2022-2023 school year opens on Monday, March 7. When online enrollment opens on Monday, March 7, parents/guardians of new kindergarten students will need to create a new student profile and upload required registration documents. (Instagram)
• In honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day yesterday, the Round Rock Public Library shared some resources from its catalog to help the public learn more. (Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll see you back in your inbox 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.