Liberty Hill

Back row left to right: Deputy Tre’vone Johnson, Deputy Mark Bell, Deputy Chase Cervenka, Deputy Brandon Cantu; front row left to right: Sergeant Albert Ortiz, Deputy Silvana Stoke, Deputy Derrick Johnson, Deputy Charles Duvall. (Courtesy Williamson County Sheriff's Office)

Back row left to right: Deputy Tre’vone Johnson, Deputy Mark Bell, Deputy Chase Cervenka, Deputy Brandon Cantu; front row left to right: Sergeant Albert Ortiz, Deputy Silvana Stoke, Deputy Derrick Johnson, Deputy Charles Duvall. (Courtesy Williamson County Sheriff's Office)

Sheriff’s K-9 unit earns multiple awards at educational seminar

The Williamson County Sheriff K-9 unit brought home three awards from the Lubbock Narcotic/Fugitive Apprehension K-9 Seminar that took place from June 24-27. The team took second and third place in narcotics detection and third place in patrol/apprehension.
Republican Rupal Chaudhari is running as County Commissioner, Precinct 2.  Photo courtesy of Rupal Chaudhari for Commissioner.

Republican Rupal Chaudhari is running as County Commissioner, Precinct 2. Photo courtesy of Rupal Chaudhari for Commissioner.

Republican Rupal Chaudhari launches candidacy for County Commissioner

Republican Rupal Chaudhari has announced her candidacy for Williamson County commissioner in Precinct 2. Republican Cynthia Long, who has served since 2007, currently holds the seat.“Service to others is not something I have ever embarked on lightly,” Ms. Chaudhari said.
Democrat Caitlin Rourk enters the congressional race for Texas 31. Photo courtesy of Kate Roberts.

Democrat Caitlin Rourk enters the congressional race for Texas 31. Photo courtesy of Kate Roberts.

Democrat Caitlin Rourk declares candidacy for Congress

Democrat Caitlin Rourk, a Round Rock resident working in Global Marketing at Dell Technologies, officially launched her campaign for Texas’s 31st Congressional District, July 29.“I’ve had enough of these out-of-touch politicians,” she said in her campaign launch video. “So I’ve made the choice.
This Congressional redistricting map was proposed by Texas House Republicans on July 30. (Courtesy Texas Tribune)

This Congressional redistricting map was proposed by Texas House Republicans on July 30. (Courtesy Texas Tribune)

Texas House begins congressional redistricting

Every 10 years, congressional districts in Texas are redrawn to accommodate for population change based on the U.S. Census results.
The Williamson County Commissioners Court, from left, Terry Cook, Cynthia Long, County Judge Steve Snell and Valerie Covey approve a two percent salary increase for elected officials during the July 29 meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

The Williamson County Commissioners Court, from left, Terry Cook, Cynthia Long, County Judge Steve Snell and Valerie Covey approve a two percent salary increase for elected officials during the July 29 meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Elected Williamson County officials get 2% pay raise in Fiscal Year 26

Williamson County Commissioners Court approved a 2 percent salary increase for elected officials for the 2026 Fiscal Year budget. The salaries include all elected officials except the District Judges and the District Attorney.

The Ag Account: Wet year prompts weed challenges in crops

Uncharacteristically wet weather this year has left many producers across Texas with a growing weed problem, according to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.Widespread drought during previous seasons allowed producers to keep weed growth in check.
David McDonald is running for County Commissioner Precinct 2 as a Republican. Photo courtesy of Kate McDonald.

David McDonald is running for County Commissioner Precinct 2 as a Republican. Photo courtesy of Kate McDonald.

David McDonald starts candidacy for county commissioner

Republican David McDonald — a current Leander City Council member and retired Austin police officer — has announced his candidacy for Williamson County Commissioner, Precinct 2, which is currently held by Cynthia Long. The primary election is scheduled for March 3, 2026.
Dave Porter, Executive Director of the Williamson County Economic Development partnership, shares the growth in local tax revenue during the July 22 meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Dave Porter, Executive Director of the Williamson County Economic Development partnership, shares the growth in local tax revenue during the July 22 meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Economic growth adds $24 million in new county tax revenue

The opening of the Samsung Semiconductor site in 2026 is expected to trigger a chain reaction of economic growth in Williamson County, and the county expects to generate more than $920 million in capital investments from future economic development.
Cameron Glass, front, is joined by Jeff Bradley, behind, to answer questions about how Phase 1 of the new Jail/Justice Center project will roll out, July 22. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Cameron Glass, front, is joined by Jeff Bradley, behind, to answer questions about how Phase 1 of the new Jail/Justice Center project will roll out, July 22. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Williamson County begins Phase 1 of new jail project

Williamson County Commissioners continued discussions about the county’s future jail during a meeting Tuesday, July 22. They directed planning and management firm Kitchell/CEM Inc.
Richard Semple, Williamson County’s Information Technology Director, answers the questions from the public and commissioners about ChatGPT Enterprise Licenses. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Richard Semple, Williamson County’s Information Technology Director, answers the questions from the public and commissioners about ChatGPT Enterprise Licenses. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Williamson County expanding use of Chat GPT AI software

In the age of information and technology, innovation has seeped into every industry. With any new technology comes concerns over safety and security of private information.