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Round Rock focuses on water, traffic, and public safety in proposed budget

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:44:18 GMT

ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) -- Round Rock city council approved the first reading of its proposed budget and is set to retain one of the lowest property tax rates in all of Central Texas. The budget puts an emphasis on traffic, water, and public safety as the city continues to grow. Sara Bustilloz, the city's communication director, said traffic is the main priority for Round Rock residents. The city is investing more than $100 million on road improvements to help with traffic. More than 50% of the city's general fund is going toward public safety. The city will hire six new firefighters this year and will finish the construction of Fire Station No. 1. The station, and two future stations, were approved by Round Rock voters during a bond election in May. "As we continue to grow to the north, we know we are going to need more fire stations to the north," Bustilloz explained. The city does not have a specific location for its next two fire stations, but are looking at areas in northeast ...

Shots fired in ceiling during robbery attempt at Lakeline Mall, APD says

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:44:18 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) – Austin Police are investigating after they say gunshots were fired during an attempted robbery inside Lakeline Mall Wednesday evening. According to APD, the shots were fired into the ceiling during the robbery at the jewelry store inside the mall.Police said they were notified around 7:15 p.m. Police told KXAN the robbery suspects left before officers arrived. No one was hurt, APD said.

Letters: We have given much of our parenting responsibility to the government

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:44:18 GMT

Giving it to the governmentI am a senior citizen.Years ago if a couple got pregnant it was said “they had to get married.” Which meant the young man was responsible. Nowadays the government takes over with subsidies or abortion approval.Years ago there was no pre-school. Parents were responsible to take care of and teach the ABCs and 123s etc. Now government has stepped in.Years ago there was very little day care; parents had to “figure it out.” Now government wants the taxpayers to offer free day care.Years ago parents would make their children breakfast and probably pack a them a lunch to bring to school. Now government/schools provide breakfast snacks and a free full lunch.Years ago preteens and teenagers had curfews; now there seems to be a lack of discipline on the part of parents. Is it government’s responsibility?We have given much of our parenting responsibility over the last 50+ years to the government. Making parenting easier but not better.Jo...

Law enforcement looking into 20-year Greenfield cold case

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:44:18 GMT

GREENFIELD, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Wednesday marked the 20th anniversary when then 18-year-old Jennifer Marie "Moonbeam" Hammond was reported missing. In 2009, hunters near Lake Desolation Road in Greenfield found human remains which were confirmed to be that of Hammond after DNA analysis. The Saratoga County Sheriff's Office is now asking the public for any information amid the anniversary of her disappearance. Get the latest news, weather, sports and more delivered right to your inbox! According to New York State Police, Hammond was last seen selling magazines in the Creek and Pine Trailer Park in Ballston Spa. She didn't show up at the designated pick-up location with her employer.Hammond was originally from Littleton, Colorado, and had a bus ticket from Albany to Colorado. New York State Police say the ticket was never picked up and her belongings were left behind in an Albany hotel. Newburgh man pleads guilty to stalking ex-girlfriend On October 25, 2009, state police say Hammon...

Several Illinois hospitals experiencing power outages through week

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:44:18 GMT

O'FALLON, Ill. - For the fourth day in a row, a significant health care provider in Illinois is experiencing a major system outage. It's a problem for several facilities.The problem is impacting facilities operated by the 'Hospital Sisters Health System,' or HSHS. The group operates multiple facilities in Illinois and Wisconsin, including St. Elizabeth's Hospital.An online post from HSHS says that a system outage has temporarily taken virtually all operating systems offline. The HSHS posting does not specify which exact systems are impacted, but the Belleville News Democrat reported that the outage involves websites, internet service, telephones, and computer applications.When checking the main HSHS website, all that came up was a message about the outage. Someone did answer when we called St. Elizabeth's. However, the person acknowledged that the problems are ongoing, and they are doing what they can to help people. Outrage after missing Missouri dog shot by police, placed in di...

Group of biker friends ride from Troy Missouri, to Arctic Ocean

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:44:18 GMT

TROY, Mo. - Four biker friends are putting a plan to the pavement for an adventure of a lifetime that led to the last frontier, 'Alaska.'For the last two years, Todd Tebrink, Michael Sutton, Russ Tharp, and Jeff Dove have spoken about making the trip unforgettable. In January, the four started meeting every two weeks to map out their journey, mile by mile. In half a century, this St. Louis suburb grew from 500 to 50,000+ people Last month, they hopped on their motorcycles and hit the road for 17 days. Their destination, the Arctic Ocean. On the first day, the team left Troy, Missouri, and traveled nearly 800 miles to Fargo, North Dakota.They continued north through Canada and Alaska, the Dalton Highway. A gravel road that they would travel for two days before finally reaching Prudhoe Bay and the Arctic Ocean.

Missouri Democrats propose allowing 17-year-olds to vote in party-run presidential primary

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:44:18 GMT

ST. LOUIS - Missouri Democrats are planning to open up next year's party-run presidential preference primary to 17-year-olds, but only if they turn 18 before the November 2024 election.Missouri legislators repealed the state-run presidential preference primary in 2022. They argued that political parties, not taxpayers, should pick up the tab for party contests.An effort to re-instate the primary failed this past legislative session. Now both Republicans and Democrats are moving forward with plans for party-run contests in 2024. In half a century, this St. Louis suburb grew from 500 to 50,000+ people Missouri Democrats will hold theirs on March 23. They'll also distribute mail-in ballots starting February 23 and require their return by March 12. The Missouri Republican Party has not announced plans for its 2024 presidential nominating contest.They're scheduled to meet on September 9 to discuss it.

SSM Health St. Clare Hospital in Fenton hosting dry fruit food fair today

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:44:18 GMT

FENTON, Mo. - SSM Health St. Clare Hospital in Fenton and St. Louis Area Foodbank are hosting a drive through food fair Thursday.It'll be at the hospital on Bowles Avenue from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., or until supplies last. Outrage after missing Missouri dog shot by police, placed in ditch The event is free and open to the public, but it is first come, first served.

New partnership launching to fight opioid epidemic in St. Louis County

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:44:18 GMT

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. - A new partnership is launching in St. Louis County to fight the opioid epidemic.St. Louis County Executive Sam Page will join city officials to announce it Thursday. Outrage after missing Missouri dog shot by police, placed in ditch That's at 10:00 a.m. at the Lewis and Clark branch of the St. Louis Public Library.

International Overdose Awareness Day tribute taking place this evening

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:44:18 GMT

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. - Thursday is International Overdose Awareness Day, a day to remember those who died from drug overdoses and support the families and friends affected by their loss.To recognize the day, several Missouri organizations will hold a remembrance for those who died of substance abuse. In half a century, this St. Louis suburb grew from 500 to 50,000+ people It'll be at Concordia Lutheran Church in Kirkwood, starting at 5:30 p.m. After the service, there will also be a remembrance walk. Resources and NARCAN will also be available.Attendees are also encouraged to bring a pair of new or lightly used shoes to be donated to those in need.