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Mr. Funmaker uses a hatsteamer and handshapes the brim and crown into its final shape. Photo by Abbey Archer

Mr. Funmaker uses a hatsteamer and handshapes the brim and crown into its final shape. Photo by Abbey Archer

Making custom hats the old fashioned way

Abbey Archer
Thursday, July 2, 2026
Nathaniel Funmaker makes custom hats the on the Square old-fashioned way, using equipment that is more than 100 years old.“There is newer equipment, but I won’t have it. I don’t like that. I like what I like,” he said. “This was how it was originally done.”
Laura Capes Terry, publisher of BeLocal Magazine, gives a presentation at the Professional Women of Williamson County luncheon, hosted at Temple College in Hutto on June 24. About 50 people attended the meeting. Photo by Abbey Archer

Laura Capes Terry, publisher of BeLocal Magazine, gives a presentation at the Professional Women of Williamson County luncheon, hosted at Temple College in Hutto on June 24. About 50 people attended the meeting. Photo by Abbey Archer

Businesses professionals get crash course in AI for marketing

Abbey Archer
Thursday, July 2, 2026
The Professional Women of Williamson County — an organization that hosts educational luncheons and offers education scholarships for young women — learned about artificial intelligence and how AI platforms can help small businesses during a luncheon June 24.
Nik Shanklin, owner of Papa Frank’s Barbershop, standing in his new booth in Premium Blend Studio, 612 East University Avenue Suite 2. Photo by Abbey Archer

Nik Shanklin, owner of Papa Frank’s Barbershop, standing in his new booth in Premium Blend Studio, 612 East University Avenue Suite 2. Photo by Abbey Archer

Papa Frank’s Barbershop moves to new location

Abbey Archer
Thursday, July 2, 2026
“Cutting hair is super satisfying to me,” said Nik Shanklin, the owner of Papa Frank’s Barbershop.
From left, Kaitlyn Wilkes, the city reporter for the Sun, Dave Porter the Executive Director of Williamson County’s Economic Development Partnership, Janie Havel the North and Central Texas Regional Representative for Governor Abbott, and Cameron Goodman the Economic Development Director of Georgetown. Photo by Abbey Archer

From left, Kaitlyn Wilkes, the city reporter for the Sun, Dave Porter the Executive Director of Williamson County’s Economic Development Partnership, Janie Havel the North and Central Texas Regional Representative for Governor Abbott, and Cameron Goodman the Economic Development Director of Georgetown. Photo by Abbey Archer

Georgetown discuss economic future of the city

Abbey Archer
Thursday, July 2, 2026
State and local economic development leaders gathered June 25 to discuss Georgetown’s rapid growth, expanding manufacturing sector and long-term workforce needs during a Georgetown Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Sheraton Hotel.The panel was moderated by Kaitlyn Wilkes, the city reporter for...
Queer Poppies Walking Club from left to right: Jeremy Mappus, Kitty Ferguson-Mappus, Bryer Rossi, Vonna Witten, Oliver Reyes, Olivia Hayes, Megan Soetaert-Rojas, Raeann Soetaert-Rojas, Anthony Garcia, Elena Welsh and Dina Garcia. Photo Courtesy of Queer Poppies

Queer Poppies Walking Club from left to right: Jeremy Mappus, Kitty Ferguson-Mappus, Bryer Rossi, Vonna Witten, Oliver Reyes, Olivia Hayes, Megan Soetaert-Rojas, Raeann Soetaert-Rojas, Anthony Garcia, Elena Welsh and Dina Garcia. Photo Courtesy of Queer Poppies

Queer Poppies walking club offers LGBTQ community

Abbey Archer
Thursday, July 2, 2026
Every other Wednesday, members of Queer Poppies gather for an evening walk through a different Georgetown park. Founded by partners Olivia Hayes and Dina Garcia, the group was created as a space for LGBTQ+ residents and allies to build community and feel welcome.
The FY27 budget for the City of Georgetown totals $1.61 billion.

The FY27 budget for the City of Georgetown totals $1.61 billion.

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Looking closer at Georgetown’s FY27 proposed budget

Kaitlyn Wilkes
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
The preliminary Fiscal Year 2027 budget for the City of Georgetown features $1.61 billion in operations costs and Capital Improvement Projects. Although the proposed tax rate has not yet been presented, the initial budget line items are available for city council review.
The Old Town July 4 parade travels trough the neighborhood as residents walk to San José Park in Georgetown in 2023. (Sun Archive)

The Old Town July 4 parade travels trough the neighborhood as residents walk to San José Park in Georgetown in 2023. (Sun Archive)

July 4 festivals, activities abound across Wilco

Nicholas Cicale
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
This week, the United States of America celebrates 250 years of independence, and groups across Williamson County are hosting patriotic activities, fireworks and more.Old Town Neighborhood Parade The Old Town Neighborhood Fourth of July Parade — hosted by City Council Member Amanda Parr — will...
This appears to be a $20 bill, but text on the front and back states that it’s for motion picture purposes only, indicating that it’s fake and of no monetary value. Fake or prop money like this has been circulating in town. (Courtesy First Texas Bank)

This appears to be a $20 bill, but text on the front and back states that it’s for motion picture purposes only, indicating that it’s fake and of no monetary value. Fake or prop money like this has been circulating in town. (Courtesy First Texas Bank)

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First Texas Bank sees a rise in fake money in business deposits

Kaitlyn Wilkes
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Businesses across Central Texas are increasingly depositing prop money that resembles U.S. currency, according to First Texas Bank, which says its tellers in Georgetown and other branches have seen a noticeable rise in the fake bills over the past three months.
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