Florence

 DJ Daniel, joined by Georgetown Police Chief Cory Tchida, far left, Williamson County Sheriff Matt Lindemann, center left, Sheriff Deputy Jeff Combs, center right, and Interim Jarrell Police Chief Pacer Korn on the north side of the courthouse, Monday afternoon.

DJ Daniel, joined by Georgetown Police Chief Cory Tchida, far left, Williamson County Sheriff Matt Lindemann, center left, Sheriff Deputy Jeff Combs, center right, and Interim Jarrell Police Chief Pacer Korn on the north side of the courthouse, Monday afternoon.

The boy in blue: Law enforcement initiates youth as honorary officer

Photos by Nalani NuylanTo the average pedestrian who may be having lunch on the Square Monday, May 19, the display may have been jarring, as a crowd of law enforcement personnel from across the region — with their lights flashing, K9 in position and SWAT teams ready  — swarmed the north side of the...
Mike Maples, Bluebonnet Trails Community Services Chief Executive Officer, announces three new mental programs that are in collaboration with Williamson County during the May 13 commissioners court meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Mike Maples, Bluebonnet Trails Community Services Chief Executive Officer, announces three new mental programs that are in collaboration with Williamson County during the May 13 commissioners court meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

County highlights new mental health resources, programs

Bluebonnet Trails Community Services is working on three new programs to address mental health conditions in collaboration with Williamson County.
Mario Villarreal, 54, of Round Rock. Photo courtesy of the Williamson County District Attorney's Office.

Mario Villarreal, 54, of Round Rock. Photo courtesy of the Williamson County District Attorney's Office.

Professor convicted of having child porn

A Williamson County jury found Mario Villarreal, 54, of Round Rock, guilty of possession of child pornography in five cases last Thursday, May 1. Following the verdict, Mr. Villarreal was sentenced to serve a total of 12 years in prison and fined $10,000.
 Council members, from left, Denise Diechmann, Mike Harrell and Lesa Ragsdel received a certificate of appreciation from the City of Florence for their years of service on the council. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Council members, from left, Denise Diechmann, Mike Harrell and Lesa Ragsdel received a certificate of appreciation from the City of Florence for their years of service on the council. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Changing of the guard: Florence officials close public service chapter

Three of the five Florence City Council members will conclude their time in public service following the May election. Council members Denise Deichmann, Lesa Ragsdale and Mike Harrell will hold their final meeting in office June 3, when the new council members will be sworn in.
County Commissioner Terry Cook, left, reads the proclamation to designate May 5 - 9 as Air Quality Awareness Week during the May 6 commissioners court meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

County Commissioner Terry Cook, left, reads the proclamation to designate May 5 - 9 as Air Quality Awareness Week during the May 6 commissioners court meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Air aware: County, state stride to reduce air pollution

Williamson County commissioners designated May 5-9 as Air Quality Awareness Week. Air quality in the Austin Metropolitan Statistical Area was classified as “moderate or worse” for nearly half of the days in 2024, according to the Air Quality Index.
 Bruce Clements, Wilco’s Director of the Office of Emergency Management, explains how the updated Hazard Mitigation plan can get grants to the county to improve infrastructure. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Bruce Clements, Wilco’s Director of the Office of Emergency Management, explains how the updated Hazard Mitigation plan can get grants to the county to improve infrastructure. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

County debuts refashioned mitigation plan

The Williamson County Commissioners Court approved a revamped Hazard Mitigation Plan on April 29. Emergency Management Director Bruce Clements said this plan — updated every 10 years — includes a detailed risk assessment, an inventory of infrastructure and mitigation strategies.
 From left to right, Jamie Felicia, Sarah Moore and Cari Warner received a board certification in Criminal Law from the state. Photo courtesy of the Williamson County District Attorney’s Office.

From left to right, Jamie Felicia, Sarah Moore and Cari Warner received a board certification in Criminal Law from the state. Photo courtesy of the Williamson County District Attorney’s Office.

Williamson County district attorneys earn board certification

Three Assistant District Attorneys from Williamson County — Jamie Felicia, Sarah Moore and Cari Warner —  earned board certification in criminal law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Friday, April 25.
Linda Scarborough, co-owner and publisher of "The Williamson County Sun", passionately explained the history of the revitalization of the "Sun’s" office building at the Grace Heritage Center, April 22. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Linda Scarborough, co-owner and publisher of "The Williamson County Sun", passionately explained the history of the revitalization of the "Sun’s" office building at the Grace Heritage Center, April 22. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Through the archives

Lights spilt out from the windows of Grace Heritage Center on a not-so-typical Tuesday night. A packed crowd murmurs in small-talk conversation while munching on self-assembled charcuterie in the historic church, eagerly waiting for the evening’s presentation.
Steven Snell gives a speech about his priorities as the new Williamson County judge Monday afternoon, April 21.

Steven Snell gives a speech about his priorities as the new Williamson County judge Monday afternoon, April 21.

Williamson County Judge Steven Snell sworn in

Steven Snell was sworn in as the new Williamson County judge Monday afternoon at the historic county courthouse.“Faith, family and the future.
County Commissioners – from left Terry Cook, Russ Boles, Cynthia Long, Valerie Covey – listen to Incoming County Judge Steven Snell give a speech at the new county headquarters’ topping off ceremony, April 11. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

County Commissioners – from left Terry Cook, Russ Boles, Cynthia Long, Valerie Covey – listen to Incoming County Judge Steven Snell give a speech at the new county headquarters’ topping off ceremony, April 11. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Williamson County completes framework for new headquarters

Williamson County officials commemorated the structural completion of the new county administration building Friday afternoon with a topping off ceremony.“The topping out ceremony celebrates a monumental moment in the construction of any building,”  Commissioner Valerie Covey said.