Florence

Ben Daniel, right, is sworn in by County Judge Steve Snell, left, as the Mayor for the City of Florence for his second and final term during the June 2 City Council meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Ben Daniel, right, is sworn in by County Judge Steve Snell, left, as the Mayor for the City of Florence for his second and final term during the June 2 City Council meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Florence City Council : Florence welcomes new council faces

Two new residents were officially sworn in as Alderpersons during the City of Florence’s monthly city council meeting on June 2. Newcomers Jose Perez and Ashley Gilland had their oaths administered by County Judge Steve Snell at the beginning of the meeting. Ms. Gilland won 36.
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.
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.
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.
From left, Renee Morgan, Forrest Hyde, Ashley Gilland, Jose Perez, Brett Banks, Ben Daniel and David Merideth participate in a candidate forum hosted by the Florence Chamber of Commerce in the Florence High School Cafeteria on April 16. The form was moderated by Justin Gibson, standing. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

From left, Renee Morgan, Forrest Hyde, Ashley Gilland, Jose Perez, Brett Banks, Ben Daniel and David Merideth participate in a candidate forum hosted by the Florence Chamber of Commerce in the Florence High School Cafeteria on April 16. The form was moderated by Justin Gibson, standing. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

May election: Florence candidates vie for council seats

Florence residents can vote in the city’s council and mayoral elections on May 2, and the Florence Chamber of Commerce hosted a candidate forum Thursday, April 16, at the Florence High School cafeteria.  Florence Mayoral candidatesTwo candidates are running for mayor.

May 2 Williamson County Sample Ballot

The following sample ballot lists all items that will appear on ballots in Williamson County for the May 2, 2026 election. Individual resident ballots are based on which precinct they live in.
County Judge Steve Snell (center), is joined by the county commissioners Russ Boles of Precinct 4, far left, Valerie Covey of Precinct 3, center left, Cynthia Long, center right, and Terry Cook, far right) as they listen to the county department heads’ needs for the upcoming budget during a workshop on Friday, April 10. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

County Judge Steve Snell (center), is joined by the county commissioners Russ Boles of Precinct 4, far left, Valerie Covey of Precinct 3, center left, Cynthia Long, center right, and Terry Cook, far right) as they listen to the county department heads’ needs for the upcoming budget during a workshop on Friday, April 10. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

2027 County Budget: Williamson County departments ask for personnel

Williamson County department heads are requesting more than 100 new employees be added to the county’s 2027 fiscal year budget. Which positions, if any, are filled, however, remains up in the air.
The map for Two Step Inn shows a new layout compared to other years, no chair zones, more restrooms and the locations of brand pop-ups. (Map Courtesy Two Step Inn)

The map for Two Step Inn shows a new layout compared to other years, no chair zones, more restrooms and the locations of brand pop-ups. (Map Courtesy Two Step Inn)

Prepare for Two Step Inn in Georgetown this weekend

The Two Step Inn country musical festival returns to San Gabriel Park this weekend, April 18-19. This year’s Two Step Inn headliners include Brooks & Dunn, Chris Stapleton, the Goo Goo Dolls and Randy Travis.

Yesteryears: Outgoing Granger Mayor Dollie

140 Years Ago (April 15, 1886)Glimpses of GeorgetownStraw hats have made an appearance. It will soon be time for dusters and palm leaf fans.A nice carpet, just placed on the floor of Mr. S. F. Owen's ice cream parlor, adds very much to its appearance.