Hutto - Taylor

There are six data center properties in Williamson County. Illustration by Matthew Brake.

There are six data center properties in Williamson County. Illustration by Matthew Brake.

Rise in data centers lead to opportunities, questions for Williamson County residents

 “I moved out here to get away from exactly that — the light, the noise, everything [a data center] brings is disgusting,” — Houston Brautigan, Jarrell residentHouston Brautigan moved to Jarell after leaving his hometown of Ashburn, Virginia — a city nicknamed “Data Center Alley” — about six years...
Randell Dlouhy, left, makes way for food items he was collecting for several friends at Shepherd’s Heart Food Pantry on Saturday, March 28, 2026.  Shepherd’s Heart Food Pantry and Thrift Shop, at 121 East 2nd Street, was founded by Executive Director Loretta Masters in 1994.  The group distributes food several times a week.  In 2025 Shepherd’s Heart averaged 2,110 distributions a month.    Photo by  Andy Sharp.

Randell Dlouhy, left, makes way for food items he was collecting for several friends at Shepherd’s Heart Food Pantry on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Shepherd’s Heart Food Pantry and Thrift Shop, at 121 East 2nd Street, was founded by Executive Director Loretta Masters in 1994. The group distributes food several times a week. In 2025 Shepherd’s Heart averaged 2,110 distributions a month. Photo by Andy Sharp.

Olson Legacy Foundation partners with food banks to fight summer hunger

By ISIS AIDE REYESThe Georgetown-based Anna+Anton Olson Legacy Foundation has launched a new April initiative that targets food insecurity across Williamson County. The “Feeding Your Neighbors Challenge” strives to meet the demand students and their families face during the summertime.
About 100 residents pack the Commissioners Court room Teusday afternoon to find answers and air grievances regarding the Primary Election. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

About 100 residents pack the Commissioners Court room Teusday afternoon to find answers and air grievances regarding the Primary Election. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Residents ‘appalled,’ ‘disgusted’ with Primary election day, EA's life threatened

Williamson County will return to county-wide polling for the May run-off election. Wilco officials on Tuesday, March 24, dove into details about the recent March primary election, which was coordinated by the county’s Republican and Democratic parties by state law.
Stephen “Steve” Miller (right) hugs long-time friend, former Judge  Billy Ray Stubblefield (left) during Mr. Miller’s retirement celebration after 30 years of service on February 27 at the 26th District Court in Williamson County. Judge Stubblefield later described Mr. Miller as a brother in his farewell speech.

Stephen “Steve” Miller (right) hugs long-time friend, former Judge Billy Ray Stubblefield (left) during Mr. Miller’s retirement celebration after 30 years of service on February 27 at the 26th District Court in Williamson County. Judge Stubblefield later described Mr. Miller as a brother in his farewell speech.

30 years of service: Williamson County honors retirement of first African-American bailiff

Story and Photos by Nalani NuylanThe 26th District Court in Williamson County was decorated for a special occasion. Balloons and snacks lined the room, and laughter permeated the air.
A Great Egret flies over the rookery area at Murphy Park on Friday, March 6, 2026.  More egrets are beginning to find nesting sites on the island, but cormorants still are the primary residents, for now.  Photo by Andy Sharp

A Great Egret flies over the rookery area at Murphy Park on Friday, March 6, 2026. More egrets are beginning to find nesting sites on the island, but cormorants still are the primary residents, for now. Photo by Andy Sharp

Birds return to Taylor rookery

More egrets are beginning to find nesting sites on the island at Murphy Park in Taylor, but cormorants still are the primary residents, for now.Photo by Andy Sharp 
Kim Collins Gilby, Williamson County’s Democratic Party Chair, speaks during the March 10 Commissioners Court meeting after the Primary Elections on March 3. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Kim Collins Gilby, Williamson County’s Democratic Party Chair, speaks during the March 10 Commissioners Court meeting after the Primary Elections on March 3. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Election woes continue

Eight Williamson County residents took to the podium during the March 10 Commissioners Court meeting to voice their frustration about how Election Day was handled during this month’s primary election.
The Caring Place’s Hana Horick and Rita Turner pose in their super capes and with a can of green beans, representing the nonprofit’s food program. The Caring Place also provides rent, mortgage and utility assistance; clothing, housewares and furniture; laundry services; medical and transportation assistance; elder care; and case management help. Learn more at www.caringplacetx.org.

The Caring Place’s Hana Horick and Rita Turner pose in their super capes and with a can of green beans, representing the nonprofit’s food program. The Caring Place also provides rent, mortgage and utility assistance; clothing, housewares and furniture; laundry services; medical and transportation assistance; elder care; and case management help. Learn more at www.caringplacetx.org.

Animal nonprofits prove popular for Amplify Wilco Day

In the third year of Amplify Wilco Day from Austin nonprofit I Live Here I Give Here, $1.4 million was raised for the 103 participating nonprofits throughout the county. Williamson County nonprofits made up 14 percent of nonprofit participation this year, according to I Live Here I Give Here.
Khrystofer Washington and his horse Dakota enjoy a peaceful evening ride as sunset nears along Justin Lane on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.     Photo by Andy Sharp.

Khrystofer Washington and his horse Dakota enjoy a peaceful evening ride as sunset nears along Justin Lane on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Photo by Andy Sharp.

Evening Ride

Khrystofer Washington and his horse Dakota enjoy a peaceful evening ride as sunset nears along Justin Lane on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.Photos by Andy Sharp
Stationed in front of the Williamson County Sun’s office were A Gift of Time’s Carolina Umana, Executive Director Becky Folta-May and Mary Odom. The nonprofit gave out candy and had small activities for guests who stopped by to learn about their mission: serving those with mild to moderate dementia and their family members by providing respite opportunities, support and resources in Georgetown.  For more information about A Gift of Time, contact Folta-May at 512-489-0160 or becky@agiftoftimegeorgetown.org.

Stationed in front of the Williamson County Sun’s office were A Gift of Time’s Carolina Umana, Executive Director Becky Folta-May and Mary Odom. The nonprofit gave out candy and had small activities for guests who stopped by to learn about their mission: serving those with mild to moderate dementia and their family members by providing respite opportunities, support and resources in Georgetown. For more information about A Gift of Time, contact Folta-May at 512-489-0160 or becky@agiftoftimegeorgetown.org.

Nonprofits hit Square for Amplify Wilco launch

Amplify Wilco — the annual day of giving organized by Central Texas nonprofit I Live Here I Give Here — launched Wednesday evening, with nonprofits lining up along the Square in downtown Georgetown. On March 4 at 6 p.m. until 6 p.m. on March 5, donors could contribute $5 or more at www.amplifyatx.