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BiG citizens standing with a bird painting they are working on. (From left to right) Debbie, Brittany, Mary Catherine, Michelle, Elizabeth Griffin CEO, Beth, Kylie. Photo by Abbey Archer

BiG citizens standing with a bird painting they are working on. (From left to right) Debbie, Brittany, Mary Catherine, Michelle, Elizabeth Griffin CEO, Beth, Kylie. Photo by Abbey Archer

BiG Art Auction on the way

Abbey Archer
Sunday, January 11, 2026
Brookwood in Georgetown is still selling tickets for their annual art auction “Made for BiG Moments” at the Sheraton Austin Georgetown Hotel on February 28.
This house at 901 Church Street was rezoned from General Commercial to Single Residential Family on January 6. (Photo courtesy City of Georgetown)

This house at 901 Church Street was rezoned from General Commercial to Single Residential Family on January 6. (Photo courtesy City of Georgetown)

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North Old Town house gets rezoned

Kaitlyn Wilkes
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Georgetown’s Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday, January 6, unanimously rezoned a property at 901 North Church Street from General Commercial to Residential Single Family.
Frank Espinosa Jr. received an encased Congressional Record in recognition for Congressional Veteran Commendation award, an American flag, and a John Carter challenge coin for his community service efforts. (Photo courtesy Frank Espinosa)

Frank Espinosa Jr. received an encased Congressional Record in recognition for Congressional Veteran Commendation award, an American flag, and a John Carter challenge coin for his community service efforts. (Photo courtesy Frank Espinosa)

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Georgetown veteran gets congressional award from John Carter

Kaitlyn Wilkes
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Navy veteran Frank Espinosa Jr. might be well-known in town for his participation in Georgetown’s veteran groups and The Caring Place, but his community contributions were put in a spotlight in December through Representative John Carter’s Congressional Veteran Commendation Program.
Owners of La Vaquerita Creamery, Yozoe Delatorre and Modesto Arismendi, show off a Mangonada— their best seller.

Owners of La Vaquerita Creamery, Yozoe Delatorre and Modesto Arismendi, show off a Mangonada— their best seller.

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Business briefs: La Vaquerita Creamery offers specialty Mexican ice cream

Abbey Archer
Thursday, January 8, 2026
La Vaquerita Creamery opened January 3 and serves farm-to-cone Mexican ice cream made fresh each day. The menu has sweet, sour and unique spicy options— including the Cantario with tequila ice cream or the Mango Sorbet with Tajin. It also sell crepes, affogato and traditional Mexican street snacks.
Jim McLean, left, is sworn in by his wife, Justice of the Peace Evelyn McLean of Precinct 3, right, as the City of Jarrell’s new Chief of Police on January 6 at City Hall. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Jim McLean, left, is sworn in by his wife, Justice of the Peace Evelyn McLean of Precinct 3, right, as the City of Jarrell’s new Chief of Police on January 6 at City Hall. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

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Seasoned officer is new Jarrell police chief

Nalani Nuylan
Thursday, January 8, 2026
After a year of searching, Jarrell welcomed a new Police Chief James “Jim” McLean to the city.“Thank you for the trust that you have placed in me to lead the Jarrell Police Department,” Chief McLean said after being sworn in on Tuesday, January 6. “First off, I’d like to thank my family.
Florence Police Chief Wayne Thompson (in the red long sleeve shirt) observes his officers as they complete their Texas Commission on Law Enforcement firearms qualification on January 5 in Killeen. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Florence Police Chief Wayne Thompson (in the red long sleeve shirt) observes his officers as they complete their Texas Commission on Law Enforcement firearms qualification on January 5 in Killeen. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Hitting the mark: Florence PD sharpens skills, builds momentum

Nalani Nuylan
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
The Florence Police Department started the new year off with a bang – literally. After the holiday hiatus, Florence PD conducted its firearms qualification and training in an indoor gun range on Monday in Killeen.
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.
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