Florence

Former Williamson County Judge Dan Allred Gattis — who led the county from 2007 to 2018 —  passed away at the age of 83 surrounded by his family on the evening of October 30. Sun Archive.

Former Williamson County Judge Dan Allred Gattis — who led the county from 2007 to 2018 —  passed away at the age of 83 surrounded by his family on the evening of October 30. Sun Archive.

Dan Gattis passes away

Former Williamson County Judge Dan Allred Gattis — who led the county from 2007 to 2018 —  passed away at the age of 83 surrounded by his family on the evening of October 30.
Williamson County Elections Administrator Bridgette Escobedo explained how the new congressional precincts were drawn during the October 28 Commissioners Court meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Williamson County Elections Administrator Bridgette Escobedo explained how the new congressional precincts were drawn during the October 28 Commissioners Court meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Congressional reshuffle: Williamson County passes new voting precinct lines for 2026 elections

Fifty-three congressional voting precincts will be changed ahead of elections in 2026.The Williamson County Commissioners Court approved the new precinct boundary changes on October 28. The boundaries were established as part of Texas’ second special legislative session this summer.
Leslie Andrews Booker joins the race for Judge of the 512th District Court in Williamson County. Photo courtesy of Jerel Booke.r

Leslie Andrews Booker joins the race for Judge of the 512th District Court in Williamson County. Photo courtesy of Jerel Booke.r

Leslie Booker announces candidacy for 512th District Court

Joined by family, friends and supporters on the steps of the county courthouse, Attorney Leslie Andrews Booker on October 15 announced her candidacy for the newly created 512th District Court in Williamson County. Ms.
Chief Information Officer Richard Semple, front, and County Auditor Julie Kiley (back), explain the next steps for the new software system for the county during the October 21 meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Chief Information Officer Richard Semple, front, and County Auditor Julie Kiley (back), explain the next steps for the new software system for the county during the October 21 meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

County purchases, preps new software

Williamson County will switch its operating software over to Workday Inc. starting November 5. On Tuesday, commissioners court approved the $9 million Workday Inc. software subscription.
Dave Porter, Director of the Wilco Economic Development Partnership, left, chats with County Judge Steve Snell about the future of Williamson County during the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce Power Lunch, October 22. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Dave Porter, Director of the Wilco Economic Development Partnership, left, chats with County Judge Steve Snell about the future of Williamson County during the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce Power Lunch, October 22. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

State of the County: Judge Snell shares economic, infrastructure outlook for Williamson County

A growing workforce, increased water infrastructure and worldwide business connections are on the horizon for Williamson County.
A tow truck from ASAP Towing in Florence hoists an American Flag for National Night Out.

A tow truck from ASAP Towing in Florence hoists an American Flag for National Night Out.

Florence community shows up for National Night Out

For National Night Out, the Florence Police Department hosted a carnival-style community event Tuesday, Oct. 7, featuring more than 10 public service agencies, including the Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Game Wardens, the National Guard and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Scott Matthew, Williamson County’s executive director of Juvenile Services, front, is joined by Judge Ryan Larson of the 395th District Court, back, to answer questions about funding juvenile programs through grants. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Scott Matthew, Williamson County’s executive director of Juvenile Services, front, is joined by Judge Ryan Larson of the 395th District Court, back, to answer questions about funding juvenile programs through grants. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Justices seek grant opportunities to better help youth

Williamson County could receive more than $1 million in grants to fund juvenile assistance programs.During the October 14 Commissioners Court meeting, officials authorized justices of the peace to apply for grants supporting juvenile programs focused on substance use, violence and indigent defense.
Richard Vincent Ramos

Richard Vincent Ramos

Georgetown man gets 90 years for child sexual assault

Richard Vincent Ramos of Georgetown was sentenced to 90 years in prison by a Williamson County jury following a conviction for two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child. The 43-year-old chose to dismiss his court-appointed counsel and represent himself.
Emergency Management Director Bruce Clements provides an update on clean-up efforts during the Tuesday, October 14, commissioners court meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Emergency Management Director Bruce Clements provides an update on clean-up efforts during the Tuesday, October 14, commissioners court meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Flood update: County tackles debris slowly, assistance still available

It’s been three months since the region was hit by deadly flooding in July. Although Wilco Emergency Management and partners have been removing debris from the North and South forks of the San Gabriel River, the county is still only about 10 percent done with clean-up.
Larry Clayman,  left, helps apply clown makeup on his son, Matthew William Clayman at the 32nd Annual Clayman  Rodeo held at Windsong Farm on Saturday, October 4, 2025.  Larry Clayman, 85, a longtime rodeo clown and bullfighter is being inducted into the National Rodeo Hall of Fame on November 7-8.

Larry Clayman, left, helps apply clown makeup on his son, Matthew William Clayman at the 32nd Annual Clayman Rodeo held at Windsong Farm on Saturday, October 4, 2025. Larry Clayman, 85, a longtime rodeo clown and bullfighter is being inducted into the National Rodeo Hall of Fame on November 7-8.

Retired rodeo clown Larry Clayman inducted into national hall of fame

After a career as a rodeo clown, bull fighter and announcer — one that allows him to meet a president, a queen and a pope — Florence resident Larry Clayman will be inducted into the National Rodeo Hall of Fame this November.