Georgetown

Rob Dyer, CEO of The Georgetown Project (center), is joined by Melissa Seigman, community engagement coordinator (left), at the nonprofit’s first Wreath Auction and Holiday Party, December 1. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Rob Dyer, CEO of The Georgetown Project (center), is joined by Melissa Seigman, community engagement coordinator (left), at the nonprofit’s first Wreath Auction and Holiday Party, December 1. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

All wreathed up and ready to shine

The Georgetown Project held its first Holiday Party and Wreath Auction on December 1 at The Embree Group office, 4747 Williams Drive in Georgetown.
Reverend Dr. Ronald L Swain, at front in center aisle, leads a processional through the chapel lighted by candlelight during the Southwestern Candlelight Service, The Service of Lessons and Carols, held at Southwestern’s Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 4, 2025.  Dr Swain is Southwestern’s Chaplain and Director of Spiritual Life.  This was during the first of two services.  Originally called the Christmas Carol Service, the service began in 1915 at the University.    Photo by Andy Sharp.

Reverend Dr. Ronald L Swain, at front in center aisle, leads a processional through the chapel lighted by candlelight during the Southwestern Candlelight Service, The Service of Lessons and Carols, held at Southwestern’s Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 4, 2025. Dr Swain is Southwestern’s Chaplain and Director of Spiritual Life. This was during the first of two services. Originally called the Christmas Carol Service, the service began in 1915 at the University. Photo by Andy Sharp.

Southwestern Candlelight Service keeps 100-year tradition alive

The Service of Lessons and Carols was held at Southwestern University's Lois Perkins Chapel on Thursday, December 4, 2025. Originally called the Christmas Carol Service, the candlelight service has been held at the university since 1915.Photos by Andy Sharp.
Designed by architect Miguel Rosales, Georgetown City Council selected a concept in March 2024 for two pedestrian bridges along Austin avenue. Austin engineering and planning company Freese and Nichols was then awarded a design contract to finalize plans for the amount of $2.8 million. Construction on the project has not yet started. (Rendering courtesy City of Georgetown)

Designed by architect Miguel Rosales, Georgetown City Council selected a concept in March 2024 for two pedestrian bridges along Austin avenue. Austin engineering and planning company Freese and Nichols was then awarded a design contract to finalize plans for the amount of $2.8 million. Construction on the project has not yet started. (Rendering courtesy City of Georgetown)

Soaring price could jeopardize Austin Avenue truss-inspired pedestrian bridges

Approved Austin Avenue pedestrian bridges — which were okayed by Georgetown City Council in 2024 in an effort to create a gateway into downtown —- are in jeopardy as the costs have significantly increased due to an underestimation in steel quantities required.
A close up shows a large broken limb that’s harmed the Story Tree on the Southwestern University campus.

A close up shows a large broken limb that’s harmed the Story Tree on the Southwestern University campus.

Science will try to save Southwestern's historic Story Tree

The famous and majestic live oak Story Tree is located on the Southwestern University campus in Georgetown. This tree has partially succumbed to the effects of its age, pathogenic fungi, bacterial infections, and who knows what over its 100 years of life.
A Georgetown property, which used to have a house on it, has been zoned C3 since the 1970s. It is now zoned C1, the city’s lowest commercial zoning. (Photo by Kaitlyn Wilkes)

A Georgetown property, which used to have a house on it, has been zoned C3 since the 1970s. It is now zoned C1, the city’s lowest commercial zoning. (Photo by Kaitlyn Wilkes)

Commercial rezoning draws opposition from neighbors

Despite trepidations from residents of the Track-Ridge-Grasshopper neighborhood, Georgetown City Council unanimously approved a zoning change on November 25 for a vacant property at 501 West Eighth Street. The property had been zoned C3, which is the highest-density commercial zoning the city has.
Javier Garcia, 29, of Georgetown. Photo courtesy of the Williamson County District Attorney’s Office.

Javier Garcia, 29, of Georgetown. Photo courtesy of the Williamson County District Attorney’s Office.

29-year-old receives double sentence for child sexual assault

A Williamson County jury found 29-year-old Javier Garcia of Georgetown guilty of aggravated sexual assault of a child and two counts of indecency with a child by sexual contact on November 19.

New Year means a clean house

From the end of November through the end of January, the City of Georgetown offers multiple ways for residents to get rid of string lights, Christmas trees and wrapping paper. Residents are encouraged to recycle these items to reduce landfill waste.
Georgetown firefighter Jason Fryer helped distribute plates to attendees  during the Georgetown Community Thanksgiving, held at the San Gabriel Community Center on Thursday, November 27, 2025.

Georgetown firefighter Jason Fryer helped distribute plates to attendees during the Georgetown Community Thanksgiving, held at the San Gabriel Community Center on Thursday, November 27, 2025.

Georgetown meal brings community together

Georgetown Community Thanksgiving, held at the San Gabriel Community Center on Thursday, November 27, 2025, is an annual event that offers free holiday meals to everyone. This year, it was sponsored by the Georgetown Police and Fire Departments, the Georgetown Beard Club and G.W.
Breck Madson had a good spot to watch the parade on Austin Avenue during the annual Christmas Stroll on Saturday, December 7, 2024. Temperatures remained in the 40s, with occasional rain. (Sun Archive)

Breck Madson had a good spot to watch the parade on Austin Avenue during the annual Christmas Stroll on Saturday, December 7, 2024. Temperatures remained in the 40s, with occasional rain. (Sun Archive)

Have a sweet time at the Christmas Stroll

This weekend, downtown Georgetown will turn into a winter wonderland with the 44th annual Christmas Stroll. This year’s stroll — which takes place Friday, December 5 to Sunday, December 7 — is Candyland themed.