At 11:49 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, Round Rock Fire Department units responded to a reported structure fire at 3805 Octavia Lane.

Firefighters arrived at 11:58 p.m. and reported a working fire on the second floor of a residential structure. When crews entered they found a well-involved attic fire that had started to vent through the roof.

Occupants were out of the structure when crews arrived. There were no injuries.

Damage is estimated at approximately $100,000 for the structure and contents.

Fire crews contained and extinguished the fire in approximately one hour.

Investigation crews determined the cause of the fire to be due to a lightning strike.

You can read the rest of this article at: https://www.roundrocktexas.gov/news/lightning-strike-causes-house-fire/

The Round Rock City Council will vote on an ordinance at its Dec. 6 meeting that would extend serving hours to 2 a.m. for all restaurants and bars in the city limits.

Currently, only bars and restaurants located in Travis County inside Round Rock’s city limits can serve alcohol until 2 a.m. Bars and restaurants inside the city limits within Williamson County can serve until midnight Sunday through Friday, and until 1 a.m. on Saturday. Round Rock voters overwhelmingly approved the local option change during the Nov. 6 election, with 81 percent voting in favor of allowing the sale of all alcoholic beverages in restaurants and bars across the City. Prior to the election, bars and restaurants in a portion of southeast Round Rock were only permitted to sell beer and wine.

“The City Council considered bringing the extended hours measure forward in the spring, but the local option election gave us the ability to gauge the sentiment of our community on that issue,” Mayor Craig Morgan said. “A majority of voters believed the same rules should apply to alcohol sales regardless of where a restaurant or bar is located in Round Rock.

“To me, it’s a fairness issue. I believe there should be a level playing field for Round Rock bars and restaurants, regardless if they’re in Williamson County or Travis County.”

Three other cities in Williamson County – Cedar Park, Leander and Taylor – permit restaurants and bars to serve alcohol past midnight. Like Round Rock, portions of Cedar Park and Leander are in Travis County.

You can read the rest of this article at: https://www.roundrocktexas.gov/news/servinghours/

Improve your community by shopping the Rock this holiday season! By choosing to spend your money at businesses in Round Rock, you help build our community through sales tax.

The sales tax rate in Round Rock is 8.25 percent, with the state of Texas collecting 6.25 percent and the City 2 percent. Of the City’s share:

• 1 percent funds basic local government services like police, fire protection, parks and the library
• .5 percent helps reduce property taxes
• .5 percent funds economic development, primarily construction of major transportation improvements

The half-cent economic development portion of sales tax has allowed the City to leverage $293 million into $535 million worth of projects since it was approved by voters in 1997.

Whether you’re shopping, dining or running errands, be sure to keep it local. Your city will thank you!

You can read the rest of this article at: https://www.roundrocktexas.gov/the-quarry/2018/11/shop-the-rock-to-give-back-to-your-community/

There’s no place like home for the holidays, and Round Rock is offering plenty of very merry activities to help you get in the spirit of the season.

Take a stroll through Downtown Round Rock’s winter wonderland. Downtown will be brighter than ever this winter! Downtown Round Rock’s Hometown Holiday light extravaganza will begin twinkling to life starting Saturday, Dec. 1 and last through Dec. 31. Trees draped in the warm glow of lights will guide your path to perfect selfie spots including larger than life ornaments, gift boxes and archways.

Burn some calories with the family (to make room for more pie, of course!). Round Rock Parks and Recreation and Rotary Club of Round Rock Sunrise invite you to take a break between holiday meals with the Reindeer Run 5K and Family Fun Run at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1 at the Williamson County Old Settlers Association. This year’s run features several new light displays and a snowy starting line. Runners are encouraged to dress in festive clothing and costumes, and will receive light-up reindeer noses after registration while supplies last. There will be plenty of fun activities for the whole family and Santa photo opportunities. Learn more and register

Watch Santa Claus and Mayor Morgan light the iconic water tower and Christmas tree. Starting at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, join us for Christmas Family Night in Downtown Round Rock with activities for the entire family including live music, dancers, candle making, game booths, Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus and more. The water tower will be lit during a special ceremony with Mayor Craig Morgan. 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.

See model trains come to life through the eyes of a child. All aboard! Bring your family to ArtSpace, 231 E. Main St., to see miniature landscapes and cityscapes come to life

You can read the rest of this article at: https://www.roundrocktexas.gov/the-quarry/2018/11/get-in-the-holiday-spirit-in-round-rock/