East Williamson County

The Williamson County Justices of the Peace attend the June 9 Commissioners Court to advocate entering into a contract with Tranquil Mortuary. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

The Williamson County Justices of the Peace attend the June 9 Commissioners Court to advocate entering into a contract with Tranquil Mortuary. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Commissioners, JPs debate exemption for transport contract

The Williamson County Commissioners Court voted to allow Hutto-based Tranquil Mortuary to continue providing transport services for recently-deceased bodies while directing county staff to pursue a formal contract, following debate over whether the service should have been competitively bid under...
Alvin Lankford, Chief Appraiser for the Williamson County Appraisal District, presents the 2026 preliminary data to the Commissioners Court, June 2. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Alvin Lankford, Chief Appraiser for the Williamson County Appraisal District, presents the 2026 preliminary data to the Commissioners Court, June 2. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Williamson County property appraisals total $188.9 billion

During his annual Chief Appraiser, Alvin Lankford said the total market value for Williamson County properties in 2026 is $188.91 billion, Chief Appraiser Alvin Lankford shared with commissioners court Tuesday, June 2. Compared with 2021 data, the market has appreciated by 76 percent in five years.
The skies fill with vibrant color a few minutes past sunset  in this view from County Road 420 in Thrall on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.  Photo by Andy Sharp.

The skies fill with vibrant color a few minutes past sunset in this view from County Road 420 in Thrall on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Photo by Andy Sharp.

Vibrant colors

The skies fill with vibrant color a few minutes past sunset  in this view from County Road 420 in Thrall on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Photos by Andy Sharp
Nathan Moore and his daughter Irene, 3, enjoy spending time with in the Foam Party during the 47th Annual Lakefest in downtown Granger on Friday, May 8, 2026.    Photo by Andy Sharp.

Nathan Moore and his daughter Irene, 3, enjoy spending time with in the Foam Party during the 47th Annual Lakefest in downtown Granger on Friday, May 8, 2026. Photo by Andy Sharp.

Granger Lakefest welcomes summer

 The 47th Annual Granger Lakefest took place May 8-9, 2026.  
Kevin Kennedy from Mahomet, Texas, in Burnet County, presents what a 765 kV transmission line is and how far they will spread across the state at a town hall in Salado, April 23. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Kevin Kennedy from Mahomet, Texas, in Burnet County, presents what a 765 kV transmission line is and how far they will spread across the state at a town hall in Salado, April 23. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Power struggle: Neighbors oppose incoming transmission lines

In a church down the winding roads of southwest Salado, a group of North Williamson County and Bell County landowners gathered on April 23 to learn about a proposed extra-high-voltage electricity transmission line that will cut through their properties as it makes its way across the state.
Precinct 4 County Commissioner Russ Boles (right) welcomes Ronald Kurtz, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development, to Wilco, April 24. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Precinct 4 County Commissioner Russ Boles (right) welcomes Ronald Kurtz, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development, to Wilco, April 24. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

East Wilco Highway gets $5 million in federal funding

Williamson County officials were buzzing with excitement on Friday afternoon, as two major updates opened a new road and paved the way for another.
Egrets gather at the rookery in Murphy Park on a cloudy night, Monday, April 20, 2026.  These migratory birds were slow in arriving at their nesting area this year, but their numbers are growing.     Photo by  Andy Sharp.

Egrets gather at the rookery in Murphy Park on a cloudy night, Monday, April 20, 2026. These migratory birds were slow in arriving at their nesting area this year, but their numbers are growing. Photo by Andy Sharp.

Springtime at Taylor's Rookery

The Williamson County Commissioners Court approves the mid-year creation of a new position for the Elections Department, April 21. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

The Williamson County Commissioners Court approves the mid-year creation of a new position for the Elections Department, April 21. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Elections Office adds new position to handle rise in public Information requests

The Williamson County Elections Department is falling behind on completing public information requests, and will hire a new coordinator to help address the increased number of requests made in recent years.