store package version and release date in text file

So updates are only needed in one place

Expected Differences

[ ] Do these changes modify the system output in any way? [Yes or No]
If yes, please describe:

[ ] Describe testing already performed for these changes:
[ ] Recommend testing for the reviewer(s) to perform, including the location of input datasets, and any additional instructions:
[ ] Do these changes include sufficient documentation updates, ensuring that no errors or warnings exist in the build of the documentation? [Yes or No]
[ ] Do these changes include sufficient testing updates? [Yes or No]
[ ] Will this PR result in changes to the test suite? [Yes or No]
If yes, describe the new output and/or changes to the existing output:
[ ] Please complete this pull request review by [Fill in date].

[ ] Review the source issue metadata (labels, project, and milestone).
[ ] Complete the PR definition above.
[ ] Ensure the PR title matches the feature or bugfix branch name.
[ ] Define the PR metadata, as permissions allow. Select: Reviewer(s) Select: Project Select: Milestone as the version that will include these changes Select: Development to link to the original development issue.
[ ] After the PR is approved, merge your changes. If permissions do not allow this, request that the reviewer do the merge.
[ ] Close the linked issue and delete your feature or bugfix branch from GitHub.