East Williamson County

Democrat Caitlin Rourk enters the congressional race for Texas 31. Photo courtesy of Kate Roberts.

Democrat Caitlin Rourk enters the congressional race for Texas 31. Photo courtesy of Kate Roberts.

Democrat Caitlin Rourk declares candidacy for Congress

Nalani Nuylan
Thursday, July 31, 2025
Democrat Caitlin Rourk, a Round Rock resident working in Global Marketing at Dell Technologies, officially launched her campaign for Texas’s 31st Congressional District, July 29.“I’ve had enough of these out-of-touch politicians,” she said in her campaign launch video. “So I’ve made the choice.
This Congressional redistricting map was proposed by Texas House Republicans on July 30. (Courtesy Texas Tribune)

This Congressional redistricting map was proposed by Texas House Republicans on July 30. (Courtesy Texas Tribune)

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Texas House begins congressional redistricting

Kaitlyn Wilkes
Thursday, July 31, 2025
Every 10 years, congressional districts in Texas are redrawn to accommodate for population change based on the U.S. Census results.
The Williamson County Commissioners Court, from left, Terry Cook, Cynthia Long, County Judge Steve Snell and Valerie Covey approve a two percent salary increase for elected officials during the July 29 meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

The Williamson County Commissioners Court, from left, Terry Cook, Cynthia Long, County Judge Steve Snell and Valerie Covey approve a two percent salary increase for elected officials during the July 29 meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

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Elected Williamson County officials get 2% pay raise in Fiscal Year 26

Nalani Nuylan
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Williamson County Commissioners Court approved a 2 percent salary increase for elected officials for the 2026 Fiscal Year budget. The salaries include all elected officials except the District Judges and the District Attorney.

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The Ag Account: Wet year prompts weed challenges in crops

Nalani Nuylan
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
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.

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Suspected Bartlett arsonist arrested

Nalani Nuylan
Monday, July 28, 2025
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

Andy Sharp
Thursday, July 24, 2025
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.

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Economic growth adds $24 million in new county tax revenue

Nalani Nuylan
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
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.

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Williamson County begins Phase 1 of new jail project

Nalani Nuylan
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
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.

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Williamson County expanding use of Chat GPT AI software

Nalani Nuylan
Monday, July 21, 2025
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

Andy Sharp
Sunday, July 20, 2025
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
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