ATX-RRK: Impact 10/8/2025

Round Rock ISD officials will consider contracts for lighting replacements at competition and high school stadiums in the district at an upcoming meeting.

The replacements would be funded by 2018 and 2024 bond funds, district documents state.

What you need to know: Trustees will consider two contracts to replace existing lighting at stadiums in the district, converting them to LEDs. District documents state these replacements are intended to reduce energy consumption and require less maintenance, as well as improve visibility for spectators and athletes on the field.

Under consideration are two contracts to use $519,960 in 2018 bond funds to replace lights at the district's two competition stadiums—the Kelly Reeves Athletics Complex and Dragon Stadium—and $811,020 in 2024 bond funds to replace lights at Cedar Ridge, McNeil, Stony Point and Westwood high school football stadiums.

Catch up with recent coverage of city and county government impacting Round Rock residents.

What you need to know: Williamson County is under a burn ban through December, and the Round Rock Police Department is adding drone technology to its lineup of resources.

What else? When the Lakeview Pavilion opens in November, it will do so with a live concert.

All Texas retailers are barred from selling consumable THC products to customers under 21 years old after the Texas Department of State Health Services adopted two emergency rules Oct. 3.

The details: The new rules, which took effect immediately, state that businesses may lose their hemp licenses for selling THC products to minors.

Ten days earlier, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission approved emergency rules prohibiting bars, liquor stores and other alcohol retailers from selling THC products to anyone under 21. A TABC spokesperson told Community Impact the two state agencies are working together to enforce a Sept. 10 executive order by Gov. Greg Abbott, who called for age restrictions on THC sales and tighter guardrails on the multibillion-dollar industry.

More context: Approximately 8,000 businesses are licensed by the DSHS to sell consumable hemp products in Texas, including some retailers that also sell alcohol.

The emergency rules from both agencies will be in effect for 120 days and could be extended for an additional 60 days while permanent regulations are drafted.

From Oct. 13-19, Texas residents will not have to pay to apply to in-state public colleges and universities.

The details: During Free College Application Week, application fees will be waived for all Texas residents applying to undergraduate programs at public colleges and universities located in Texas. First-time college students, transfer students and students returning to school are eligible, according to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

To qualify for the fee waiver, all applications must be submitted through ApplyTexas, the state’s college application portal.

What they're saying: “Texas prioritizes opportunities for students to pursue the best education they need to succeed in high demand, good-paying jobs after graduation,” Gov. Greg Abbott said in an Aug. 29 news release. “By supporting our students today, we are investing in a stronger Texas tomorrow.” 

Put in perspective: Most high school seniors apply to 5-10 colleges or universities and each application costs about $60-$75, state lawmakers estimated in June.