Leander - Cedar Park

An empty Square and Williamson County Courthouse were icy Monday, January 26, after a strong winter storm brought heavy rain, sleet and ice over the weekend. (Photo by Jessica Ohle)

An empty Square and Williamson County Courthouse were icy Monday, January 26, after a strong winter storm brought heavy rain, sleet and ice over the weekend. (Photo by Jessica Ohle)

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Winter storm ices Williamson County, but leaves minimal damage

Nalani Nuylan and Kaitlyn Wilkes
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Following rain, wind and a hard freeze from Winter Storm Fern this weekend, Williamson County is expected to bounce back to normal by the end of the day Tuesday, January 27.
County Commissioners Valerie Covey, left, and County Sheriff Matt Lindamann, right, participate in the January 15 Justice Complex Project open house at the EMS North Campus. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

County Commissioners Valerie Covey, left, and County Sheriff Matt Lindamann, right, participate in the January 15 Justice Complex Project open house at the EMS North Campus. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

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County Briefs: Justice Complex Project open house on the way

Nalani Nuylan
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Williamson County will hold a public information session about the Justice Complex Project on Tuesday, March 3 at the EMS North Campus, 3189 S.E. Inner Loop, in Georgetown, from 5-7 p.m. The meeting is a come-and-go event with no formal presentation.
Richard Semple, Wilco’s IT director, presents a new policy on what kind of information will be attached to online county agenda’s in the future. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Richard Semple, Wilco’s IT director, presents a new policy on what kind of information will be attached to online county agenda’s in the future. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Williamson County to limit online public information due to rising AI scams

Nalani Nuylan
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Certain information — including contract details, project backgrounds and contact info — will not be available as part of future online Williamson Commissioners Court agenda packets in an effort to fight Artificial Intelligence scams that impersonate county entities.
Grey Orchard team standing inside of Denny’s on October 2, the first day of the demolition. (Left to right) Sous Chef Damian Eimann, Executive Sous Chef Phil Varney, Collin Polley (General Manager of sister restaurant Fig Italian), Chef Partner Cole Fitzgerald, Owner James Sun, and Marketing/Events Sara Alarcon. Not pictured is the pastry chef Kat Sees.

Grey Orchard team standing inside of Denny’s on October 2, the first day of the demolition. (Left to right) Sous Chef Damian Eimann, Executive Sous Chef Phil Varney, Collin Polley (General Manager of sister restaurant Fig Italian), Chef Partner Cole Fitzgerald, Owner James Sun, and Marketing/Events Sara Alarcon. Not pictured is the pastry chef Kat Sees.

New businesses coming to Williamson County in 2026

Abbey Archer
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Grey Orchard, an upscale American restaurant with Asian influence, will open in mid-February in the old Denny’s at 2700 North Interstate 35, just south of University Boulevard in Round Rock. Restaurant owner James Sun and Michelin-awarded Chef Cole Fitzgerald are the force behind the restaurant.
Exterior work, including Windows, doors and roofing, were completed on the new Williamson County administrative building in December.

Exterior work, including Windows, doors and roofing, were completed on the new Williamson County administrative building in December.

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Williamson County’s new HQ reaches construction milestone, slated for summer opening

Nalani Nuylan
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Exterior work on Williamson County’s new administration building at the corner of Southwestern Boulevard and Southeast Inner Loop has been completed.County officials announced December 22 that the “dry-in phase” — including windows, doors and roofing — has been finished.
Ryan Bownds (second from left) was awarded the Excellence in Justice Award from the Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center’s Multi-Disciplinary Team on December 3. He is with members of the Williamson County District Attorney’s Office. Photo courtesy of the Williamson County District Attorney’s Office.

Ryan Bownds (second from left) was awarded the Excellence in Justice Award from the Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center’s Multi-Disciplinary Team on December 3. He is with members of the Williamson County District Attorney’s Office. Photo courtesy of the Williamson County District Attorney’s Office.

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Williamson County prosecutor honored with Excellence in Justice Award

Nalani Nuylan
Monday, December 29, 2025
Ryan Bownds, special victims unit chief for the Williamson County District Attorney’s Office, was awarded the Excellence in Justice Award from the Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center’s Multi-Disciplinary Team on December 3.“I am proud to see Ryan’s hard work recognized with this award,” ...
Justin Tullos, owner of Phineas Laboratory, doing work while his service dog Hercules lays on his lap. Photo courtesy of Phineas Laboratory

Justin Tullos, owner of Phineas Laboratory, doing work while his service dog Hercules lays on his lap. Photo courtesy of Phineas Laboratory

Caribbean food comes to Round Rock - Business Briefs

Abbey Archer
Monday, December 29, 2025
Island Riddim Jerk & BBQ Grill opened in Round Rock at 200 University Boulevard, Ste. 350,on November 22. The family-run restaurant offers traditional Jamaican food including Jerk Chicken, Curry Chicken and BBQ ribs.
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