Cases by City
City	C	Δ
Georgetown	12,653	+118
Round Rock	16,023	+92
Hutto	4,557	+37
Cedar Park	4,454	+26
Leander	5,470	+31
Austin (in wilco)	5,707	+38
Other towns	8,326	+115

Confirmed Cases by Age
Age	C	Δ
Under 5	1,484	+11
5 to 10	4,040	+69
11 to 13	2,622	+37
14 to 17	3,667	+57
18 to 30	13,213	+59
31 to 40	10,492	+68
41 to 50	9,521	+58
51 to 60	6,912	+35
61 to 70	3,996	+20
71 to 80	2,200	+13
81 and over	1,410	+4

  C=Confirmed Cases
  Δ=Change

Deaths by Age Group
Age	Total	Δ
18-50	47	+1
51-60	78	+1
61-70	95	+1
71-80	153	--
81+	226	+1

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Outside Wilco

Location	Cases	Deaths
Bell	35,525	604
Travis	112,620	1,055
Texas	3,949,052	62,071
U.S.	42,291,718	676,268

 

Sources:

• Williamson County
• Travis County
• John Hopkins University

 

Definitions

 

Families grieve Sunday at facility gate Stacey Gamboa of North Williamson County mourns the death of her family's dogs, Rudy and Buddy, as she stands outside the Ponderosa Pet Resort on Sunday afternoon. A late Saturday night fire at the boarding and training facility at 2815 North Austin Avenue resulted in the death of 75 dogs. Gamboa's mother, Walburg resident Stephanie Wright, was the primary owner of Rudy and Buddy, but Gamboa has been helping care for the dogs while her mother is out of town. Photos by Andy Sharp

75 pets die in Saturday night fire at Ponderosa Pet Resort

 

By KATHERINE ANTHONY

Don Richards and Pam McMillan were married on Friday, and so festivities with family and friends could continue uninterrupted through the weekend, they boarded their beloved Shelties — Bunny and Clyde — at Ponderosa Pet Resort.

The joyous celebration, however, turned into tragedy and heartbreak on Saturday night.

Bunny and Clyde, both just four months old, were among the 75 beloved pets that died in a fire at Ponderosa, 2815 North Austin Avenue.

Every animal at Ponderosa died in Saturday’s fire, Georgetown Fire Chief John Sullivan said at the scene on Sunday morning. There were 75 dogs in the facility.

“We were unable to save even one life in this building,” he said. “The conditions and the smoke allowed the situation to be not tenable — and that’s difficult for us to wrap our brains around.

“Our hearts go out to these pets’ families. This is a big deal when you lose an extension of your family.”

 

Read more

 

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Community remembers First Sgt. Chapman

 

A ceremony took place September 10 at the Nathan R. Chapman Memorial in Georgetown  to remember the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and to memorialize the American servicemen and women who died in the August 26 suicide bombing at the Kabul International Airport earlier this year. 

First Sgt. Nathan Chapman was the first American military casualty of the War on Terror.  He was killed in action in January, 2002.  His memorial was erected with private donations in 2006 and stands at the corner of Fourth Street and Forest Street. At the time, his parents resided in Sun City.

Members of The Williamson County Grays, Camp #502 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, staged the ceremony at the memorial. Retired members of the U.S. Marine Corps, Army and Navy services read the names of the 13 who died while trying to evacuate American citizens and Afghan support personnel at the Kabul Airport.  Following the reading of each name, a single bell chime was rung.  

In this photo, retired U.S. Army Col. Shelby K. Little (left) and Grays  Commander Tommy Turner salute those servicemen and women who died on August 26

 

 

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Parents ask GISD to take stronger stance on masking

 

District Covid-19 policies support personal freedoms

By NICHOLAS CICALE

 

On the eve of the new school year, Georgetown ISD residents Amy and Marv Varhley decided to withdraw their two students from the school district due to relaxed Covid protocols.

GISD officials released their new Covid-19 guidelines for the school year two days before the first day of class. Unlike last year, when masks were required and teachers enforced social distancing in the classroom and during other school activities, the district made masking optional in its policies.

Ms. Varhley said she didn't believe the updated guidelines would be able to keep students safe, especially compared to the stricter policies from last year and those of other nearby school districts.

 

Read more

 

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Georgetown budget set for final vote

Second readings for budget, tax rate scheduled for September 28

 

By CHRISTOPHER DE LOS SANTOS

 

The City of Georgetown’s proposed $483 million fiscal year 2022 budget and a proposed property tax rate of 40.1 cents per $100 valuation, received first-reading approval from the Georgetown City Council Tuesday. 

The council scheduled  second readings and final adoption votes on the budget and tax rate ordinances for September 28.

Read more

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Biz briefs

U.S. Chamber recognizes  Wag Heaven 

Earlier this month, Wag Heaven was one of more than 1,000 applicants to be recognized during the Annual Small Business Awards Program in Washington, D.C. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced the finalists for its annual Dream Big Awards, celebrating the achievements of small businesses and honors their contributions to America’s economic growth. Wag Heaven was chosen to receive a LGBTQ-Owned Business Achievement Award. The Dream Big Awards Ceremony, part of The Big Week for Small Business virtual event, will be held October 21, at 4 p.m.   

Wilco top earning community 

Williamson County was listed fifth in Texas for highest median  incomes in a recent analysis by financial technology company SmartAsset. The study analyzes data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Five-Year American Community Survey to determine the counties with the highest earners. These rankings are a contributing factor in an overarching study on the places with the most purchasing power. The rankings covered the top ten cities for amount earned annually. The study also listed cost of living as $44,153 on average and median income at $87,337. 

Mini donuts now available

Theo Mini Donuts is open and serving Georgetown. The locally based bakery offers online ordering and is also available at the Wolf Ranch Farmers Market. The selection ranges from classic flavors to hibiscus and coffee cayenne. The bakery also offers vegan and gluten-free options. www.theominidonuts.com

Planet Fitness coming to Georgetown

Planet Fitness will set up shop next to Tuesday Morning in the Rivery in the coming months. The gym offers personal training as well as common gym equipment. Monthly memberships are available. 

Teapioca Lounge under construction

Wolf Crossing will have a Teapioca shop by the end of the year. The store offers tea, coffee and frozen drinks with a variety of boba options. The store will be located near The Yard and Beverly Nail Salon.