East Williamson County

Banker Catherine Totty was selected as Williamson County’s new tax assessor-collector. Photo courtesy of Williamson County.

Banker Catherine Totty was selected as Williamson County’s new tax assessor-collector. Photo courtesy of Williamson County.

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Williamosn County commissioners tap Totty as new Tax Assessor-Collector

Nalani Nuylan
Monday, July 20, 2026
The Williamson County Commissioners Court appointed Catherine Totty as interim Williamson County tax assessor-collector on Tuesday, July 14. The appointment follows the Commissioners Court’s acceptance of Larry Gaddes’ resignation on June 12. Mr.
Bartlett High School students competing in various national competition categories sponsored by the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) were (front row, left to right) Makaela Russell, Lisa Gillon, Elena Juarez, Katie Randig, Faith Luna, Jessica Benitez, Estefani Ornelas Garcia, Karis Stoglin, Salma Juarez, Aaron Hernandez, and Marissa Brown. (back row) Brian Castillo, Brice Becker, Jaxon Bernstein, Jamal Gillon, and Nicholas Sharp. Courtesy Bartlett ISD

Bartlett High School students competing in various national competition categories sponsored by the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) were (front row, left to right) Makaela Russell, Lisa Gillon, Elena Juarez, Katie Randig, Faith Luna, Jessica Benitez, Estefani Ornelas Garcia, Karis Stoglin, Salma Juarez, Aaron Hernandez, and Marissa Brown. (back row) Brian Castillo, Brice Becker, Jaxon Bernstein, Jamal Gillon, and Nicholas Sharp. Courtesy Bartlett ISD

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Bartlett High School students win 2026 Knowledge Bowl national competition

Katherine Hamilton
Thursday, July 16, 2026
The situation was akin to David and Goliath.

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Cities, state at crossroads with data center growth

Nalani Nuylan
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
In 1999, the Bland family envisioned its 87 acres of farmland being turned into a park for families on the south side of Taylor.In a land deed, the Bland family initially sold the property to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation.
Jack Hohman with ESD No. 6 passed away last week on July 7.

Jack Hohman with ESD No. 6 passed away last week on July 7.

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Around Wilco: Weir fire department morns member, and Thrall ISD names interim superintendent

News Staff
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Weir fire department morns member Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 6 — which serves the community of Weir — announced July 7 that firefighter Jack Hohman passed away while off duty. “The District extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, friends and colleagues.
The main entrance area of the Williamson County Administration Building is pictured during the Grand Opening Celebration of the new facility on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. A County Showcase was held in addition to a ribbon cutting ceremony in the County Commissioners Courtroom. Photo by Andy Sharp

The main entrance area of the Williamson County Administration Building is pictured during the Grand Opening Celebration of the new facility on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. A County Showcase was held in addition to a ribbon cutting ceremony in the County Commissioners Courtroom. Photo by Andy Sharp

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Williamson County opens new administrative building

Andy Sharp and Nalani Nuylan
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
The new county courtroom buzzed Tuesday morning with talk, hugs and handshakes as residents celebrated the opening of the new County Administration Building. “This building is a testament to the fast growing county,” County Judge Steve Snell said in his opening speech.
16-month-old Maizlee Raesz sits with her grandmother Kari Raesz as the farm crew takes a supper break along County Road 414 during corn harvest of brothers Shaun and Steven Raesz on Friday, July 10, 2026. Kari is Shaun’s wife. Maizlee is the daughter of Shaun’ and Kari’s son Montgomery and his wife Madalynn. The ear of corn she’s holding was just a play toy for Maizlee. These East Williamson County farmers are harvesting over 4,000 acres of corn this year. Photo by Andy Sharp

16-month-old Maizlee Raesz sits with her grandmother Kari Raesz as the farm crew takes a supper break along County Road 414 during corn harvest of brothers Shaun and Steven Raesz on Friday, July 10, 2026. Kari is Shaun’s wife. Maizlee is the daughter of Shaun’ and Kari’s son Montgomery and his wife Madalynn. The ear of corn she’s holding was just a play toy for Maizlee. These East Williamson County farmers are harvesting over 4,000 acres of corn this year. Photo by Andy Sharp

Family, corn continue to grow on 4,000 acres

Andy Sharp
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Photographing the corn harvests of the Raesz family through the years has been a blessing. Brothers Shaun Raesz, 51, and Steven, 49, continue the work begun by their father, Arnold Raesz, who turned over the mantle to them a few years back.
From left, Layne Verhelst, MTL Construction; Kyle McCoy, HNTB; Junaid Akhtar, JMT; Brian Olson, Precinct 4 chief deputy constable; Troy Marx, City of Thrall Mayor; Russ Boles, Precinct 4 Commissioner; Robert Martinez, HNTB; Liviu Reynolds; Front Line Advisory Group (FLAG); Korey Jackson, FLAG; Sarah Molina, Cobb Fendley; and Keith Taylor, HNTB. Photo Courtesy Williamson County

From left, Layne Verhelst, MTL Construction; Kyle McCoy, HNTB; Junaid Akhtar, JMT; Brian Olson, Precinct 4 chief deputy constable; Troy Marx, City of Thrall Mayor; Russ Boles, Precinct 4 Commissioner; Robert Martinez, HNTB; Liviu Reynolds; Front Line Advisory Group (FLAG); Korey Jackson, FLAG; Sarah Molina, Cobb Fendley; and Keith Taylor, HNTB. Photo Courtesy Williamson County

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Around Wilco: North Barker Street Project breaks ground in Thrall

News Staff
Sunday, July 12, 2026
North Barker Street Project breaks ground in ThrallWilliamson County officials, in partnership with the City of Thrall, broke ground on the North Barker Street Project on Monday, June 29.
Matt Lindemann, Williamson County Sheriff. Photo courtesy of Williamson County.

Matt Lindemann, Williamson County Sheriff. Photo courtesy of Williamson County.

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Williamson County expands take-home vehicle policy for sheriff's deputies

Nalani Nuylan
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Williamson County sheriff’s deputies can now take their vehicles home if they live up to 20 miles outside the county line.In a 3-2 vote, Williamson County Commissioners Court updated the county policy June 30 based on a request by Sheriff Matt Lindemann.
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