Florence

Liberty Hill Mayor Crystal Mancilla asks Williamson County Commissioners to help with landfill vouchers during the Special Commissioners Court meeting, July 11. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Liberty Hill Mayor Crystal Mancilla asks Williamson County Commissioners to help with landfill vouchers during the Special Commissioners Court meeting, July 11. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Estimated $34 million in infrastructure damages caused by flooding in Williamson County

Williamson County emergency management officials estimate that flooding on July 5 caused $34 million in damage to county infrastructure.County commissioners held a special session Friday, July 11, to discuss post-flooding public health and safety concerns.
Liberty Hill volunteers are joined by H-E-B helpers to load a flood victim’s car with supplies at a makeshift disaster relief center in Liberty Hill Middle School. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Liberty Hill volunteers are joined by H-E-B helpers to load a flood victim’s car with supplies at a makeshift disaster relief center in Liberty Hill Middle School. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Victims, volunteers recount flood experiences

Georgetown resident Alisha Burton was woken up by a firefighter banging on her door to her RV home in GoodWater RV Park on July 5.Around 7:30 a.m., Ms. Burton said Sheriff’s deputies and firefighters were checking the San Gabriel River’s rising water.
Bruce Clements, from Wilco’s Office of Emergency Management (left), explains plans about how crews will conduct the damage assessment during an 11 a.m. press conference Monday, July 7. County Judge Steve Snell, center, and Sheriff Matt Lindemann, right, listen to the report. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Bruce Clements, from Wilco’s Office of Emergency Management (left), explains plans about how crews will conduct the damage assessment during an 11 a.m. press conference Monday, July 7. County Judge Steve Snell, center, and Sheriff Matt Lindemann, right, listen to the report. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Flood claims third Williamson County victim

At least three people are dead after the San Gabriel River severely flooded across Williamson County over the weekend. The first victim was Kaitlyn Swallow, age 22, from the Liberty Hill area, who was found dead late Saturday by the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.

County shelter takes animals from Georgetown, Lampasas

The Georgetown Animal Shelter facility was evacuated on July 5 as water broke the banks of the San Gabriel River. The animals were taken to the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter site on SE Inner Loop. WCRAS began emergency protocols at about 10:30 a.m.
The San Gabriel River roars through Blue Hole Park. Water covers Rock Street up to Second Street in Georgetown.

The San Gabriel River roars through Blue Hole Park. Water covers Rock Street up to Second Street in Georgetown.

Local state of disaster declared for Williamson County

Williamson County Judge Steve Snell declared a local state of disaster Saturday, July 5, in response to area flooding. According to the county, the declaration is needed to protect the health, safety and welfare of county residents.
Sally Bardwell, Williamston County HUD Grants coordinator, answers questions about the allocation of the grants for the 2025 fiscal year. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Sally Bardwell, Williamston County HUD Grants coordinator, answers questions about the allocation of the grants for the 2025 fiscal year. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Williamson County begins federal grant process

With 23 local applications and the Trump Administration planning to cut Community Block Development Grant funding, Grant Manager Sally Bardwell said Williamson County has to weigh its options carefully to ensure funding is optimized.
Russel Fishbeck, Wilco parks director, explains the new rental procedures for the Southwest Williamson County Regional Park, June 17. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Russel Fishbeck, Wilco parks director, explains the new rental procedures for the Southwest Williamson County Regional Park, June 17. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Williamson County revises park policies

Summer is in full swing. With families spending more time outdoors, Williamson County officials are adjusting park rental rules and reservation policies.

Juneteenth celebrations happening this weekend

Georgetown’s 73rd annual Juneteenth celebration will include a photo exhibit, live entertainment, a parade and a historical marker unveiling over the next week. Some events are a partnership between the city and the Georgetown Cultural Citizen Memorial Association.
Senior Director of Infrastructure Bob Daigh explains why the Road and Bridge Department is asking for funding transfers for the Atlas 14 project. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Senior Director of Infrastructure Bob Daigh explains why the Road and Bridge Department is asking for funding transfers for the Atlas 14 project. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

County approves additional funding for floodplain mapping

Williamson County commissioners voted 3-2 to approve additional funding for the Atlas 14 project, which includes contracts with three private engineering firms to complete an updated floodplain map for the county.