East Williamson County

The Ag Account: Wet year prompts weed challenges in crops

Uncharacteristically wet weather this year has left many producers across Texas with a growing weed problem, according to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.Widespread drought during previous seasons allowed producers to keep weed growth in check.
A vacant church in Bartlett was scorched due to arson, June 11. Photo courtesy of Bell County Fire Marshal’s Office.

A vacant church in Bartlett was scorched due to arson, June 11. Photo courtesy of Bell County Fire Marshal’s Office.

Suspected Bartlett arsonist arrested

The Williamson County Fire Marshal’s Office arrested Carlos Crathers, of Temple, as a suspect in connection with one of four recent structure fires in Bartlett.Fire Marshal Mike Lugo told the Sun that no details on the motive or other suspects have been confirmed.
Friends Jaidy Alvarez, right, and Patrica Spivey enjoy some quiet fishing time at Mankins Crossing along the San Gabriel River on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. Recent flooding has made some areas difficult to access, but these friends found a quiet space to enjoy their pastime.   Photo by Andy Sharp.

Friends Jaidy Alvarez, right, and Patrica Spivey enjoy some quiet fishing time at Mankins Crossing along the San Gabriel River on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. Recent flooding has made some areas difficult to access, but these friends found a quiet space to enjoy their pastime. Photo by Andy Sharp.

Fishing on a raging river

Water flows over the bridge at Mankins Crossing along the San Gabriel River on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. Recent flooding has made some areas difficult to access.  Signs on either side of the bridge urged drivers to use caution. Photos by Andy Sharp
Dave Porter, Executive Director of the Williamson County Economic Development partnership, shares the growth in local tax revenue during the July 22 meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Dave Porter, Executive Director of the Williamson County Economic Development partnership, shares the growth in local tax revenue during the July 22 meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Economic growth adds $24 million in new county tax revenue

The opening of the Samsung Semiconductor site in 2026 is expected to trigger a chain reaction of economic growth in Williamson County, and the county expects to generate more than $920 million in capital investments from future economic development.
Cameron Glass, front, is joined by Jeff Bradley, behind, to answer questions about how Phase 1 of the new Jail/Justice Center project will roll out, July 22. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Cameron Glass, front, is joined by Jeff Bradley, behind, to answer questions about how Phase 1 of the new Jail/Justice Center project will roll out, July 22. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Williamson County begins Phase 1 of new jail project

Williamson County Commissioners continued discussions about the county’s future jail during a meeting Tuesday, July 22. They directed planning and management firm Kitchell/CEM Inc.
Richard Semple, Williamson County’s Information Technology Director, answers the questions from the public and commissioners about ChatGPT Enterprise Licenses. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Richard Semple, Williamson County’s Information Technology Director, answers the questions from the public and commissioners about ChatGPT Enterprise Licenses. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Williamson County expanding use of Chat GPT AI software

In the age of information and technology, innovation has seeped into every industry. With any new technology comes concerns over safety and security of private information.
7-year-old Jackson Long enjoys a foot-long corn dog before taking part in Mutton Bustin’ at the  75th Annual Taylor Rodeo on Thursday, July 17,2025.  Coordinated by the Taylor Rodeo Association, the three-night rodeo is held at the Williamson County Expo Center.  Photo by Andy Sharp.

7-year-old Jackson Long enjoys a foot-long corn dog before taking part in Mutton Bustin’ at the 75th Annual Taylor Rodeo on Thursday, July 17,2025. Coordinated by the Taylor Rodeo Association, the three-night rodeo is held at the Williamson County Expo Center. Photo by Andy Sharp.

The 75th Annual Taylor Rodeo

The 75th Annual Taylor Rodeo took place Thursday, July 17, 2025.  Coordinated by the Taylor Rodeo Association, the three-night rodeo is held at the Williamson County Expo Center.  Photos by Andy Sharp
 From left to right, SBA spokesperson Natalie Longwell, Director of Emergency Services Bruce Clements,  American Red Cross spokesperson Taylor Salson and Williamson County Judge Steve Snell list resources at the Multi-Agency Resource and Disaster Recovery Centers, Friday morning. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

From left to right, SBA spokesperson Natalie Longwell, Director of Emergency Services Bruce Clements, American Red Cross spokesperson Taylor Salson and Williamson County Judge Steve Snell list resources at the Multi-Agency Resource and Disaster Recovery Centers, Friday morning. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Williamson County opens disaster resource center for flood victims

Williamson County will open a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) this weekend, July 18- 20, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for residents impacted by the flood.
County Commissioner Valerie Covey updates the court on what the next steps are for the county’s new jail during the July 15 Commissioner Court meeting. Photos by Nalani Nuylan.

County Commissioner Valerie Covey updates the court on what the next steps are for the county’s new jail during the July 15 Commissioner Court meeting. Photos by Nalani Nuylan.

Commissioners divided on potential new jail property

Williamson County is looking for properties that could house the county’s next jail, but planning hit a snag Tuesday, July 15, when county commissioners were divided on a potential contract for a property near Florence.
The Culex quinquefasciatus, or Southern house mosquito, can transmit West Nile virus. Photo courtesy of Texas A&M AgriLife.

The Culex quinquefasciatus, or Southern house mosquito, can transmit West Nile virus. Photo courtesy of Texas A&M AgriLife.

Williamson County sees first West Nile case

The Williamson County and Cities Health District has confirmed the first human case of West Nile Virus, July 3.According to the health district, the individual is a resident in their 40s living in southern Williamson County.