Florence

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

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)

Texas House begins congressional redistricting

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.

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

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.
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.
 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.