2025 Year in Review: Top stories and photos published this year in the Williamson County Sun

The year has come and gone. The following photos and snippets give  a glimpse of what was reported in the Williamson County Sun during 2025, including the top stories over the past 12 months. The Sun hopes you enjoy this look back, and we’re looking forward to guiding our readers through all the upcoming news in 2026. Happy New Year!

January

Sheriff Lindemann, others take Wilco oath of office

Williamson County residents began the new year by welcoming new elected officials into office January 1 at the county courthouse. Newly-elected Sheriff Matthew Lindemann took his oath and replaced Mike Gleason, who held the position for four years.

Along with the new sheriff, 14 other elected officials were sworn in after winning their election in November:

• Donna King, 26th District judge
• Ryan Larson, 395th District judge
• Betsy Lambeth, 425th District judge
• Terence M. Davis, 480th District judge
• Shawn Dick, District Attorney
• Will Ward, County Court-at-Law No. 5 judge
• Dee Hobbs, County Attorney
• Larry Gaddes, county tax assessor-collector
• Terry Cook, Precinct 1 commissioner
• Valerie Covey, Precinct 3 commissioner
• Mickey Chance, Precinct 1 constable
• Jeff Anderson, Precinct 2 constable
• Kevin Wilkie, Precinct 3 constable
• Paul Leal, Precinct 4 constable

Williamson County welcomes sister city

Gift exchanges, new experiences and heartfelt thanks were shared with out-of-town guests from Williamson County’s sister city on January 9. With an estimated 200 attendees at the Wilco Expo Center, visitors from Yongin Special City, South Korea, marveled at rodeo skills, while Wilco representatives munched on traditional South Korean food.

Cold MLK Jr. Day finds warmth in hope, community

Cold Texas weather could not deter marchers at the Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade that went from the county courthouse to Macedonia Baptist Church on January 20. After the march, attendees huddled into the warmth of the indoors to mingle, sing and listen to this year’s speaker, Sonja Cousar, founder and CEO of Georgetown-based Sunshine Counselor LLC.

Ms. Cousar spoke to the audience about her journey to where she is today and how she overcame personal challenges to help people overcome theirs.

Exhibit examines Vietnam War’s American home front

Miguel H. Morris served three tours of duty in Vietnam, including time as an advisor to the South Vietnamese Air Force. Ken Stubert was in the Navy, from 1968-74, with active-duty time in the Mediterranean. Brenda Alicea’s Army assignments saw her shuttling in and out of Southeast Asia over a three-year period, searching for the remains of fallen Americans.

Those three — representing three service branches and a variety of perspectives — were among the approximately 40 people attending a January 16 reception for the Williamson Museum’s latest exhibit.

“Welcome Home: Voices from Home During the Vietnam War,” debuted January 10 and will be open to the public for the next two years, Museum Curator Ben Geiger said. Since June 2024, Mr. Geiger has been collecting stories for the oral history project. His efforts are ongoing.

“It really feels exciting to have this open,” said Mr. Geiger, who’s been working on the project since stepping into the curator’s job last June.

Easy bounce back after winter storm

Despite frigid temperatures and snow, impacts across Williamson County were minimal compared to the winter weather of recent years. Williamson County closed county offices and opened an Emergency Operations Center ahead of the cold front, which came through the region the night of January 20 and left snow on the ground the morning of January 21. However, daytime temperatures warmed up and melted the snow, and the center was closed and county operations resumed, January 22.

TxDOT scans caverns for future protection

The Texas Department of Transportation created a 3D model of Inner Space Cavern last winter to establish its exact coordinates and protect it from future transportation projects along the Interstate 35 corridor. Scans produced a digital replica of the cave’s passages, including tunnel lengths and widths and ceiling heights. Surveyors paired the underground map with above-ground coordinates to document the cavern’s exact location for future reference.

Jarrell ESD takes voyage to fight California fires

With high winds and fire still racking Southern California, a crew of Central Texas Firefighters took the cross-county trip to assist. Williamson County ESD No. 5 Jarrell Fire and Rescue Driver/Engineer Tyler Lawhorn is one of the all-hazard firefighters who was eligible for deployment. The team is part of a caravan with a strike team from around the area including Jarrell, Hutto, Kyle, Austin, Killeen, Morgan’s Point, Bryan and Round Rock. According to the ESD, deployments have a schedule of 12 hours on the fire line with 12 hours off for rest and nutrition for a period of up to 21 days. On January 13, the crew arrived in L.A., and were debriefed the following day before heading out to fight the fires.

Gas leak causes evacuations, street closures downtown

A gas leak in downtown Georgetown Wednesday, January 29, forced evacuations of businesses and homes along University Avenue from Church Street to Scenic Drive. The leak was caused when a private contractor struck an ATMOS Energy gas line. The fire department said about 388 buildings were evacuated in the area. It took more than seven hours for ATMOS Energy to find and patch the leak.

Expansions to library services would include high future costs

As library demands increase, Georgetown City Council will look at book lockers, library micro-branches and expand its downtown facility to serve the growing population. The 49,050-square-foot Georgetown Public Library is undersized by 100,000-150,000 square feet based on the city’s population, according to Steinberg Hart consultants.

Wilco grows Juvenile Justice Center

Williamson County broke ground on its $90 million Juvenile Justice Center expansion project on January 31. The Juvenile Justice Center creates opportunities for positive change in Wilco’s youth population that have committed offenses, according to the Justice Center’s website.

February

BiG opens Grace Place community

For 14 years, Brookwood in Georgetown has operated vocational programs for adults who are diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Now, the organization has opened its new permanent residential community, Grace Place, on a 127-acre property between Georgetown and Weir.

Founder Erin Kiltz said Grace Place is a culmination of the vision she had for the organization when it first launched in 2011, when her special needs daughter, Gracie, was 18 years old.

Jarrell High School grad saluted by Governor Abbott

Jarrell High School 2024 graduate Raya Rabold, and JISD’s Career and Technical Education program, were saluted February 2 during Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s State of the State address. According to JISD, while a JHS student, Raya won numerous FFA awards, and earned her Industry Based Certification in welding. Her work has been featured on the television show Yellowstone.

Georgetown Chamber of Commerce hosts 78th annual Awards Banquet

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce on February 6 hosted its 78th Annual Awards Banquet, and celebrated achievements from the past year.

Cody Hirt was given the Jesse ‘Buz’ Sawyer Award, an honor that is not bestowed by the Chamber every year. Mr. Hirt is an active member of the chamber and owns restaurants The Golden Rule, Gold Burger Diner and Camp Brightside, as well as Mesquite Creek Outfitters and Bar, and River Ranch and Provisions. However, he was selected for the Jesse ‘Buz’ Sawyer Award for his “extraordinary philanthropy.”

Bradley D. Smith was awarded the Chamber’s Citizen of the Year award for his years of volunteer work.

Pet Partners of Williamson County won the Martha Diaz Hurtado College Town Award, which is given to a person or organization that has “enhanced the college town environment.”

Last year’s Volunteer of the Year recipient, Carolyn Cummins, announced that Andy Webb won this year’s award.

This year’s Owen Sherrill Lifetime Achievement Award didn’t go to an individual, but an entire group. Mayor Josh Schroeder presented the award to nonprofit The Caring Place.

Equipment malfunction sends wastewater into Berry Creek

An equipment malfunction at Georgetown’s Pecan Branch Wastewater Treatment Plant on January 28 resulted in the discharge of partially-treated effluent wastewater into Berry Creek.

The estimated 90,600 gallons of wastewater were discharged in an area a short distance east of the plant, which is located on Farm to Market 971 near State Highway 130. The equipment malfunction was fixed within an hour of its discovery and city staff found no indication of discharge.

March

Georgetown residence subject of bomb threat

On March 5, the Georgetown Police Department responded to a bomb threat in the 100 block of Retreat Place, which is near the International Order of Odd Fellows cemetery. By 12:01 p.m. the scene had been cleared of any threats and the area was reopened to the public.

Police Chief Cory Tchida called the bomb threat “unusual” since it was at a private residence. The department is now involved in an investigation to find the source of the email, which initially sent the threat to FOX 7.

Garey Park improvements march forward

Group camping cabins and a new amphitheater headline the second phase of improvements at Georgetown’s Garey Park. Georgetown and construction company STR broke ground on work Thursday, March 6. Also included in the project, second growth cedar trees will be removed and a memorial pavilion will be built. The park’s event venue, Garey House, will also be expanded. This phase will be complete by the spring.

Amplify Wilco beats last year’s fundraising total

In its second year, I Live Here I Give Here’s Amplify Wilco Day raised $1.13 million for participating nonprofits.

Charges not pursued against NFL wide receiver

NFL wide receiver and former Texas Longhorn Xavier Worthy was arrested in Georgetown on alleged felony domestic violence Friday, March 7. The arrest record shows Mr. Worthy was booked for alleged assault on a family or household member in which their breath was impeded. He was held in county jail overnight and released Saturday.

After reviewing the case, the Williamson County district attorney’s office declined to charge Mr. Worthy, according to District Attorney Shawn Dick.

“After further investigation by the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office and further discussion with a third-party witness, Mr. Worthy and his attorneys, this case is being declined at this time pending completion of the investigation by the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office,” a letter from the DA’s office to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office/Magistrate reads.

Jarrell ISD teachers merit cash awards

Fifteen Jarrell ISD teachers were recognized with financial awards March 10 totaling $169,523.

The largest JISD award — $23,000 — was presented to two Jarrell Elementary teachers Ashley Howard, fifth grade, and Haley Welkely, third grade. Funds were available through the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) created by the Texas Education Agency, and the awards will be duplicated for each individual teacher for the next five years, JISD Communications Director Nick 
Spinetto said.

Vaulting club saddles up for March show

Rodeo and dressage often come to mind when thinking about equestrian sports, while others like horse racing and polo, vaulting also provides entertainment for fans in the stands.

Equestrian vaulting mixes elements of balance, strength and choreography to create a unique form of artistry. For Coach Samantha Kacir and her competitive team, the High Fly Vaulters, vaulting is a passion.

“My girls just fell in love with vaulting. It combines dance, gymnastics and horses, so it’s a perfect mix for them,” the coach said during the club’s practice on February 13 as the team prepared for a March 8-9 competition at the Williamson County Expo Center in Taylor.

Bill Gravell reflects time as Wilco judge, embraces new role as advocate

Bill Gravell in March announced his resignation as Williamson County judge to work as the Region Six Advocate in the U.S. Small Business Administration. Mr. Gravell said he is looking forward to hearing the stories of local businesses in his new position.

“I love stories,” Mr. Gravell said. “I’m looking forward to the stories and building the relationships with small businesses. I’m looking forward — hopefully — to bringing a little common sense back to Washington about what’s harming Main Street.”

Mr. Gravell said that he began to touch up his resume and prayed about the position after a conversation with political strategist and Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts in July 2024. When President Donald Trump was elected, Mr. Gravell met with Kelly Loeffler — who was later named Trump’s Small Business Administration administrator. The two discussed opportunities with the Small Business Administration.

First moon mission by Wilco-based Firefly Aerospace a success

Firefly Aerospace — a private aerospace company with headquarters located in Cedar Park — successfully completed Blue Ghost Mission 1 in partnership with NASA. On March 16, the company’s unmanned Blue Ghost lunar lander completed 14 days of surface operations on the moon and operated over five hours into the lunar night. This marks the longest commercial mission on the moon to date.

The mission was funded by NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload services, a program dedicated to collecting data that could help human space missions in the future.

GHS Lacrosse player honored in memorial clay shoot

On the day that would be his last, 16-year-old Jason Pennington worked with his coach and teammates to create a code the Georgetown High School lacrosse team could live and play by.

They chose “Teamwork, Accountability and Grit” — qualities that would underpin the team’s season.

Later that evening — on October 15, 2024 — Jason lost his life in an automobile accident.

“Jason was a really good young man of character and consequence,” GHS Lacrosse Coach Kevin Capra said. “It fits that — earlier that day, our last together — he was focused on ideals. That’s who he was.”

In Jason’s honor, his family and Mr. Capra organized the Jason Pennington Memorial Clay Shoot, an March event to share Jason’s love of clay shooting — with proceeds supporting Georgetown Youth Lacrosse, funding scholarships, and “providing resources to help others thrive in the sport,” Mr. Capra said.

Flight instructor honored

For 38 years, Beth Jenkins has owned and operated Pilot’s Choice Aviation at the Georgetown Municipal Airport, providing students with instruction on how to become pilots. Ms. Jenkins is also part of the Commemorative Air Force and helps operate a World War II B-25 bomber as part of the Devil Dog Squadron.

For her efforts, Ms. Jenkins was inducted into the Commemorative Air Force Hall of Fame earlier this year, as one of four members inducted in 2025. She is the third woman inducted since the Hall of Fame started in 2010.

“Being the first female co-pilot in the B-25 [bomber] for the CAF, and then being the first female type rating pilot for the CAF, that’s an honor that I could say that I have,” she said. “It used to be the ‘good old boys’ club, but I have three females I’ve gotten involved in getting their co-pilots, and now are working their way up there to their type ratings.”

Barn dance surpasses goal, raises $750K

Ride On Center for Kids raised more than $750,000 during its 19th Annual ROCK Barn Dance in March. Surpassing its original goal of $600,000, these funds will directly support ROCK’s equine-assisted services, facility improvements, and ongoing horse care.

April

Son pleads guilty to parents’ murder

Georgetown resident Seth Bryan Carnes, 47, pled guilty to capital murder Monday, March 31, and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Mr. Carnes pleaded guilty for the January 8, 2024, murder of his father, 74-year-old retired District Court Judge Alfred “Burt” Carnes, and mother, 74-year-old Susan H. Carnes.

“This guilty plea ensures that Seth Carnes is held accountable for his actions in this heartbreaking case,” District Attorney Shawn Dick said. “Judge Carnes and his wife Susan were beloved members of the community where they lived and served.”

Two Step Inn goers endure mud, cold to enjoy country music

Texas weather once again showed it follows no master, as Two Step Inn concertgoers were subject to muddy, marshy grass on Saturday, and biting winds on a cloudy, damp Sunday.

Attendees were only slightly deterred, as folks turned out in droves to see legendary country singer Alan Jackson Saturday evening, after catching a glimpse of up-and-coming stars earlier in the day. Saturday’s lineup included Kaitlin Butts, William Beckmann and The Panhandlers.

Mr. Jackson asked fans to hop the barricade between the stage and audience to dance and have fun. As fans began jumping the fence — intended to reserve space for emergency personnel and photographers — the show was briefly paused, as security corralled fans back behind the barricade.

Documentary unearths Wilco history

Texas journalist Olive Talley’s uncanny and sudden self-discovery of the Gault Archaeological Site in Florence initially made her want to write a piece about the site. After researching its historical significance, she decided to make a documentary instead.

“It looks like a normal pasture along Buttermilk Creek,” she said. “People have no clue how much history is underneath their feet.”

The documentary, The Stones are Speaking, tells the story of how archaeologist Mike Collins, at great risk and personal sacrifice, saved 30 acres of looted land that was once a pay-to-dig site. The Gault Archaeological Site is now regarded as one of the most significant sites in the Americas, with discovered artifacts dating back 20,000 years. The film is part of the Texas PBS’s “Made in Texas” series.

Traffic study could lead to toll lanes along Ronald Reagan Boulevard

Williamson County Commissioners approved a resolution Tuesday, April 15, to have the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority conduct a traffic study along the Ronald Reagan Boulevard corridor. According to the resolution, the traffic study would allow CTRMA to determine whether a project to add two managed toll lanes to the Ronald Reagan corridor is feasible. Public talks for a toll road along Ronald Reagan began during the Cedar Park and Leander City Council meetings last month. Leander decided to table the idea, while Cedar Park approved the traffic study.

“Let me be perfectly clear that Williamson County has zero desire to convert existing frontage roads, or frontage roads under construction, into toll lanes,” said Bob Daigh, Wilco’s senior director of infrastructure. “We’re only talking about if the CTRMA may be looking at constructing toll lanes. That’s just a possibility.”

Wilco Judge Steve Snell sworn in

Steve Snell was sworn in as the new Williamson County judge Monday afternoon at the historic county courthouse.

“Faith, family and the future. I plan to earn the trust of Williamson County, the community and the voters by leading with integrity and vision,” Judge Snell said after taking the oath of office.

The Commissioners Court appointed Mr. Snell to serve as county judge on March 27 to replace former County Judge Bill Gravell, who resigned from office to work in the Small Business Administration.

Publisher highlights Sun’s role in recording Wilco history

Light spilled out from the windows of Grace Heritage Center Tuesday night, as a packed crowd murmured in small-talk while munching on self-assembled charcuterie in the historic church. They eagerly waited for the evening’s presentation by Linda Scarborough, the Williamson County Sun’s co-owner and publisher, who discussed the newspaper’s 147-year history and its role in documenting the stories of Georgetown and Williamson County.

May

Georgetown teacher a finalist for national excellence award

A love of mathematics and teaching turned into a career for Georgetown High School teacher Carolyn Hise. That passion made her one of just three Texas finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

Ms. Hise — GISD’s 2021 Teacher of the Year — also recently earned her National Board Certification, the most respected professional certification available in education.

Souhwestern receives $1 million from Brightwell estate

The estate of longtime community philanthropists George and Barbara Brightwell gifted Southwestern University more than $1 million.

“Even after their passing, George and Barbara Brightwell continue to make a profound impact at Southwestern University and around the Georgetown community,” Marie Muhvic, vice president for university relations, said April 15.

George Brightwell died in April 2023, and Barbara passed away in June that same year.

The Brightwells left an “indelible mark” on Southwestern, Ms. Muhvic said, after they moved to Georgetown in 1977 to begin jobs at the university.

4,000 homes, golf course head to Jarrell area

Nearly 4,000 homes will spring up in North Williamson County as part of the new Atlas Ranch Municipal Utility District in the coming years. Located outside of Jarrell’s extraterritorial jurisdiction on County Road 344 west of the city, the MUD will be developed in eight phases over the next decade.

Phase 1 — which is under construction now — will include 225 homes on 40-foot lots, targeting first-time homebuyers, young families and downsizing grandparents.

Georgetown City Council members take their seats on the dais

Three Georgetown City Council members were sworn into their positions on May 13.

Council Member Ben Butler began his first term, while Ron Garland and Ben Stewart are now in their second terms of service.

In a final statement to those in attendance, retiring District 3 Council Member Mike Triggs discussed the relationships he’s built with other members of the dais and the city’s finance department.

Census data shows Georgetown with 100,000 residents

Georgetown has surpassed the 100,000 population threshold, with an estimated 101,344 residents according U.S. Census Bureau data published May 15. Georgetown saw 4.76 percent growth from 2023 to 2024, when data was gathered, and has grown by 47.49 percent since 2020.

The bureau also ranked Hutto as one of the 15 fastest-growing cities in the country. Hutto saw a 9.4 percent increase from last year, bringing the city’s population to 42,661.

Vandalism strikes confederate monument twice in one week

The Confederate Soldiers and Sailors Monument outside the Williamson County Courthouse was vandalized twice in May, on the nights of May 12 and May 14.

In the first instance, the statue was sprayed with green spray paint with words that appeared to say “this is a symbol” across the front. In the second act, dark brown splatters appeared up and down the structure’s sides.

Georgetown Police Chief Cory Tchida said the department is looking into the two cases. Mr. Tchida said vandalism of the monument has happened in the past, albeit sporadically.

“[The monument] is something people feel passionate about,” he said.

Sons of Confederate Veterans — also known as the Williamson County Grays — are a group that works to preserve the heritage of Confederate soldiers, offered a $1,000 cash reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the vandal.

City staff reviews long-term funds to avoid deficit

Based on a multi-year forecast for Georgetown’s General Fund, Georgetown City Manager David Morgan said city expenses will exceed revenues over the next three fiscal years without “due diligence.”

The General Fund is the city’s primary operating fund. Revenues come from sales taxes, fees, property taxes and returns on investment from utility funds. Expenditures include operating budgets and traditional government services. Mr. Morgan presented the modeling during the May 13 City Council workshop. He said the data shows Georgetown will begin drawing heavily from the city’s reserves — used for unforeseen emergency responses and to maintain bond ratings — starting in Fiscal Year 2026.

Reviewing the city’s annual budget over multiple years helps maintain service priorities and financial balance, Mr. Morgan said.

Measles case confirmed in Leander

The Williamson County and Cities Health District confirmed the first case of measles in a school-age child from Leander on May 22.

Speaker honors fallen through storytelling

At the annual Memorial Day ceremony at Sun City, this year’s keynote speaker — Major Jay Lardizabal, U.S. Army, Retired — spoke about honoring those who gave their life for their country, not through recounting how they died, but through stories that honor their legacy. He shared memories of several people he served with in the Army, telling stories of their passions, mischief, humor and thoughtfulness.

$2 billion increase: Georgetown appraised values continue to rise

Georgetown’s total property market value increased from $22.9 billion in 2024 to $24.75 billion in 2025, according to a valuation update from the Williamson County Appraisal District presented May 27.

Affordable housing ‘loophole’ addressed with new law

Housing finance corporations, or HFCs, will now have to operate within their own jurisdictions.

On May 28, Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 21, which limits housing finance corporations from acquiring property outside their boundaries and adds more requirements to the approval process.

Under previous rules, once an HFC earned an affordable housing designation, it could apply that status to properties it acquires, even if it falls into a taxing jurisdiction that didn’t approve the initial designation. This resulted in significant tax cuts for projects that, ultimately, may not have brought adequate affordable housing to the area, while stripping away possible tax revenues.

“Affordable housing was supposed to help house the vulnerable,” Wilco Commissioner Russ Boles said. “The HFCs turned it into a money grab.”

Williamson County officials described the process as a loophole that put millions of dollars in tax revenues for Wilco school districts and cities at risk.

June

Scout leads scatter garden project, earns Eagle Award

Georgetown scout Trevor Suggs became the 211th scout in Troop 405 to be named an Eagle Scout. Trevor’s years of scouting work — which included a project that built a scatter garden at the International Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery last summer — paid off on June 1.

County approves more funding for floodplain map

Williamson County commissioners voted 3-2 to approve additional funding for the Atlas 14 floodplain mapping project, which includes contracts with three private engineering firms to complete an updated floodplain map for the county. Atlas 14, a federal program, uses rainfall data from 1994 to 2017 to update precipitation frequency estimates nationwide. The updated maps are intended to help municipalities, developers and residents avoid building in flood-prone areas.

GISD trustees pass budget for 2025-26

Georgetown ISD trustees approved a $170 million operating budget for the 2025-26 school year on Monday, June 16. This budget did not include staff raises, which were approved in August.

Georgetown celebrates Juneteenth

The Georgetown Cultural Citizens Memorial Association hosted Georgetown’s 73rd annual Juneteenth celebration on June 14, marking the occasion with pride, camaraderie and reflection.

Counselor’s Alcatraz swim benefits The Locker

East View High School counselor Alan Oakes had a few goals when he plunged into the cold waters of San Francisco Bay on June 28. He wanted to challenge himself in the two-mile, open-water Alcatraz swim while celebrating his 60th birthday.

Most importantly, he swam to support The Locker, a Georgetown nonprofit that provides students with essential items to help them succeed in school.

“I want to shine a light on the incredible work The Locker does for Georgetown kids,” he said.

Weather and rough water prevented Mr. Oakes from finishing his swim, but the effort was a success nonetheless.

History honored at memorial garden

Georgetown Cultural Citizen Memorial Association member Paulette Taylor was Mistress of ceremonies for the unveiling of a historical marker at Citizens Memorial Garden Cemetery during a ceremony held on Juneteenth June 19.

Dedication remarks were offered by State Representative Caroline Harris Davila (District 52) and Georgetown Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Pitts.

Sun earns top state press award

The Williamson County Sun earned the top honor in its division at the 2025 Texas Press Association Convention and Trade Show in Denton. The Sun was the overall Texas Better Newspaper Contest sweepstakes winner in Division 3, meaning the newspaper earned the most points by judges based on submissions across 12 categories. Division 3 represents semi-weekly publications across the state.

Other accolades included First Place in Feature Writing (Abbey Archer and Brad Stutzman) and Headline Writing (Nalani Nuylan and Kaitlyn Wilkes), Second Place in Sports Photography (Andy Sharp and David Hernandez) and Third Place in Column Writing (Brad Stutzman), Feature Photography (Andy Sharp) and News Photography (Andy Sharp and Nalani Nuylan).

City council passes ordinances affecting homeless residents

Despite pushback via public comment at both the first and second reading of a city ordinance that would prohibit nonprofits from using public parking lots to distribute food, it was unanimously approved by Georgetown City Council during its June 24 meeting.

A total of three ordinances that would impact the unhoused were passed on second reading:

• It is prohibited to sit or lay down on public sidewalks, streets, alleyways or property in the Downtown Overlay and in addition to aggressive panhandling.
• It is unlawful to be in any city park outside of designated hours and it is unlawful to use a park amenity like a bench, picnic table or pavilion outside of a reservation for longer than two hours in a 24-hour period.
• It is prohibited to distribute food or other goods on city-owned and city-controlled parking lots.

“I understand your concerns, I really do, but I want you to know that the [Georgetown Coalition for the Unhoused] is very sincere about addressing these issues and working with [the city] so that you don’t have to do this kind of thing,” Resident Dwight Richter told city council.

Police Chief Cory Tchida said these ordinances reflect similar ones that were implemented in Austin. He reiterated his stance that homelessness is a community issue that needs community solutions.

He also said the police department would continue to work with organizations like Georgetown Coalition for the Unhoused, Bluebonnet Trails Community Services, churches and area nonprofits to try and address the issues surrounding homelessness.

800 homes coming to Southeast Georgetown

Hillwood Communities will build 840 homes on 200 acres near the County Road 105 and 110 intersection, just west of State Highway 130. The master-planned community is called Melina, and construction will start later this year. New homes could be available by spring 2027, according to the developer.

Fire engulfs another historic Taylor building

A fire destroyed the Old Dickey-Givens Community Center building located at 903 East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in the early morning of June 29. The structure, located within Fannie Robinson Park, was deemed a total loss. The New Dickey-Givens Community Center, located at 1015 East MLK Jr. Boulevard, is a different structure.

This isn’t the first time a building associated with Dr. Dickey was destroyed. In July 2022, the historic home of Dr. James Lee Dickey — who was the only Black physician in the county in 1921 — suffered the same fate from alleged arson.

July

Rain, floods wash out July 4 weekend in Central Texas

More than 100 people died across Texas after deadly flash floods impacted the Guadalupe, San Gabriel and Colorado rivers during the first weekend of July.

A dreary and damp Thursday led to heavy rainfall across the Texas Hill Country Friday, July 4.

Kerr County, which includes the City of Kerrville, received the brunt of initial flooding. Floodwaters from the Guadalupe River swept over the campgrounds at Camp Mystic with little warning Friday morning. As a result, 27 campers and counselors from the girls summer camp lost their lives. More than 60 others died in that same flood.

In Williamson County, the San Gabriel River rose early Saturday morning, killing three residents and causing millions in damages. Liberty Hill got hit with some of the worst damage, with flooded homes west of the city and two of the three confirmed deaths: Kaitlyn Swallow, age 22, and Sherry Merlene Richardson, age 64, who worked at Hope House. Both were from the Liberty Hill area.

In the Georgetown area, the heaviest damage was at two RV parks — Shady River and GoodWater — on Highway 29 west of Jonah. Officials also issued evacuation orders Saturday morning for Two Rivers Apartments, San Gabriel Apartments and Waters Edge, located between the two forks of the San Gabriel River east of Austin Avenue.

A lot of water

The San Gabriel River surged on Saturday, July 5, almost reaching the top of the Austin Avenue bridge in Georgetown, about 29 feet above where the river usually rests before gradually receding back to normal levels over a 12-hour period.

The South Fork of the San Gabriel River rose from 575 cubic feet per second to 56,600 feet per second, about 100 times its usual flow. The North Fork of the river near the Georgetown Municipal Airport increased from 0.59 cubic feet per second to 7.18 late July 4 into July 5. According to the Brazos River Authority, one cubic foot per second equals approximately 7.48 gallons per second, or 448.8 gallons per minute.

The reservoir at Lake Georgetown rose 25 feet and Granger Lake rose eight feet over the weekend. Lake Georgetown was considered full for the first time since July 2019.

Outpouring of support

Georgetown volunteers answered the call to support residents displaced or affected by the flooding. A grassroots effort formed to aid residents in both RV communities. Established nonprofits such as The Caring Place, Helping Hands of Georgetown and The Georgetown Project also stepped in to assist families in need, collecting food, water and common goods for distribution, while groups of volunteers brought tools to help clean up the communities and recover what was salvageable for families.

In Liberty Hill, a volunteer-led distribution center was set up at Liberty Hill Middle School and Cross Tracks Church. Donations came from businesses such as H-E-B and Home Depot, as well as local residents. The middle school gym was lined with cleaning supplies, hygiene products, clothing, food, shoes and more.

Infrastructure impacts and costs

Williamson County emergency management officials estimated that flooding on July 5 caused $34 million in damage to county infrastructure. The $34 million figure includes damage to roads, bridges, water control facilities, utilities, parks and other county infrastructure, according to Emergency Management Director Bruce Clements.

He also said a total of 56 residential properties met disaster standards.Williamson County Road and Bridge reported 28 road closures and eight damaged roads. Severe damage occurred at two low-water crossings between Baghdad Road and County Road 279 on the county’s west side.

In Georgetown, damage topped $9 million. The Austin Avenue bridge was closed as a safety precaution for four days to evaluate potential damage caused by the flood water. San Gabriel and Blue Hole parks were also closed due to damage and debris, and cleanup took more than a month to complete, an effort by volunteers and city staff.

The city also issued a temporary boil-water notice for part of Georgetown because the flood had broken a water line, and crews couldn’t access it until water cleared the area. The notice remained in effect for about 48 hours before it was lifted.

Other city emergency expenses included opening a temporary shelter; addressing debris and erosion along riverbank, and silt/gravel deposits; fixing electric infrastructure; and assisting in search and rescue operations.

A long road to recovery

A Multi-Agency Resource Center was open in mid-July for immediate flooding support, and federal agencies opened a Disaster Recovery Center through August.

By mid-October, only an estimated 10 percent of debris had been cleaned up and processed, with a lot more work still to be done.

The Central Texas Community Foundation in December announced it had distributed about $3.35 million in direct financial support to more than 100 residents impacted by the July 5 floods. From the $3.35 million that was distributed in this first round, about $1 million went to 34 Wilco residents, according to county officials. With a $10 million goal, residents from both Travis and Williamson counties have raised $8 million with the foundation so far, with support going across Central Texas.

Round two applications for financial assistance are open now. Applications for short-term relief are available at ctxcf.org/floodrelief2025 and are in English and Spanish. They will remain open through Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 5 p.m. For more information Williamson County residents can contact 
WilCoCARES@ctxcf.org.

Financial assistance from the Texas Department of Emergency Management allowed Wilco to receive $25 million to help with debris, with $378,000 paid from county funds.

Williamson County’s Office of Emergency Management has a flood assistance page for residents. From FEMA applications to a list of volunteer opportunities, resources are found at www.wilcotx.gov/1758/July-5-Flood-Recovery.

Meal services close up shop in library parking lot

Nonprofits that provide Georgetown’s homeless residents with free hot meals served their last dinner from the Georgetown Public Library parking lot on July 11. About 25 guests enjoyed homemade lasagna, salad and dessert that day provided by nonprofit Kat Kares.

Distributions have taken place in the lot between Seventh and Eighth streets, north of the Georgetown Public Library, for years. Helping Hands of Georgetown offers meal services Monday-Thursday, where brown-bag lunches of sandwiches and chips are offered, as well as fresh produce and other goods. Other organizations help fill in the gaps. New Georgetown ordinances forced the groups to end food service from the public location, and to move down the street.

Animal shelter merger between Wilco, Georgetown begins

The Georgetown Animal Shelter and the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter officially merged on July 14, with the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter campus at 1855 Inner Loop serving as the central location for main shelter services.

About $15 million in bond funding for the merger and future shelter expansion was approved by Georgetown voters in November 2023. The goal is to build a facility that can support animals in Georgetown and the surrounding area for at least the next 10 years.

GISD trustees approve purchase of 188 acres for future schools

Georgetown ISD trustees on July 21, approved a purchase of 188.7 acres in the northeast quadrant of the school district. The site is large enough to accommodate a future elementary, middle school and high school.

Wilco expanding use of Chat GPT AI software

Commissioners court on July 15 purchased a ChatGPT Enterprise License for about $70,000 that gives county departments access to about 150 licensed artificial intelligence applications.

Richard Semple, information technology director for Wilco, said that the primary users will be county employees in the IT department for different tasks, mostly to improve processes. He added that the system will not be used for any confidential information or decisions.

Economic growth will add $144 million in new tax revenues over next decade

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.

In a presentation to commissioners court July 22, Williamson County Economic Partnership Executive Director Dave Porter said 12 international companies have relocated to the county.

Recent economic development has created 899 jobs. All local taxing districts are expected to receive a combined $144.1 million in new tax revenue over the next 10 years.

Southwestern surpasses $150 million fundraising goal

Southwestern University’s “Thrive: The Campaign for Southwestern” has surpassed its $150 million fundraising goal after seven years of support.

Nearly half of the funds raised will support student success. More than $32 million is allocated to financial aid and scholarships. The campaign raised more than $11.5 million for student life initiatives, $5 million for high-impact experiences and $2.5 million for enhanced student advising and retention efforts. Nearly $20 million will support “academic excellence.”

Liberty Hill first community in county to earn Dark Skies certification

Williamson County Commissioners celebrated the City of Liberty Hill’s International Dark Sky Community designation on July 29. Liberty Hill is the first community in the county to be certified by DarkSky International, an organization that aims to preserve and protect the nighttime environment through environmentally responsible outdoor lighting that prevents light pollution. Light pollution can disrupt wildlife, negatively impact human health and block out the view of the natural night sky.

August

Georgetown welcomes Woodie McCook, home at last

The sky was blue and the air was still. It was a good day for flying, on that warm mid-summer morning when First Lieutenant Charles Woodruff McCook was laid to rest under the shade of a tall oak tree.

It was Saturday, August 2. Eighty-two years — almost to the very day — since the B-25 bomber he piloted was shot down over Burma. The then 23-year-old man known as Woodie took that crippled aircraft high enough for two other soldiers to parachute out. He lost his own life saving the lives of others.

Hundreds of people turned out to watch and honor a slow-moving procession, as the Gabriels Funeral Chapel hearse passed along Georgetown streets this hometown hero walked as a boy and young man. Dozens followed to the IOOF Cemetery where the First Lieutenant’s remains lay in a proper casket, all polished and dark brown.

Family members sat on folding chairs, underneath that tarp and shaded from the sun.

In 1947, four years after First Lieutenant McCook’s B-25 was shot down, a U.S. military recovery team located his grave outside a Burmese village. From there, McCook’s remains joined those of other unidentified service members in Hawaii. In 2022, the Defense Department’s POW/MIA accounting agency approved the disinterment of what would, eventually, prove to be his remains.

G’town gathers to revive San Gabriel Park

Across two days dedicated to cleaning up San Gabriel Park, about 150 volunteers showed up to help restore the grounds after floodwaters caused damage in July.

GISD trustees approve employee salary increases

Georgetown ISD trustees approved employee salary increases at their August 4 workshop. Thanks to House Bill 2, passed during Texas’ 2025 legislative session, funding is available statewide for school districts to bump up staff compensation.

Frost moves into Old Benold campus

It’s just a move around the corner — from Lakeway Drive to Northwest Boulevard — but for Frost Elementary students and staff, it was a shift into a more modern, spacious campus. Frost’s new home is the former Benold Middle School, now spiffier thanks to renovations funded by GISD’s voter-approved 2024 bond program.

Georgetown YMCA gets donation from H-E-B

H-E-B on August 8 donated $500,000 toward the new Georgetown YMCA that is being built on Williams Drive near Wellspring Church. A portion of this donation also funds scholarships for YMCA programs.

The 55,000-square-foot facility will include an outdoor aquatics center, indoor and outdoor gym space, child watch rooms, reading area, gymnastics and dance room and second floor fitness space. The cost of the YMCA is being split by the organization and the City of Georgetown, after voters approved the city’s contribution of $10 million in a November 2023 bond election.

County finalizes spaceport corporation partnership

The Williamson County Commissioners Court entered into an official partnership with the City of Cedar Park to form the Central Texas Spaceport Development Corporation, which will operate as a nonprofit legal entity independent of both governments. It will focus on infrastructure and development for launch and landing facilities for spacecraft, rockets and satellites.

Partnership expands training to combat human trafficking

The Williamson County District Attorney’s Office entered a multi-year partnership with the Human Trafficking Institute to expand its ability to combat human trafficking, commercial sexual exploitation and related child exploitation crimes. A training was held August 25–27 at the Williamson County Law Enforcement Training Center, giving prosecutors and law enforcement officers instruction on Texas-specific legal frameworks, victim identification, investigative methods, trauma-informed engagement, use of digital evidence and multidisciplinary collaboration.

September

Lakeside Estates approved for 1,300 units, resort

Lakeside Estates — 722-acre project southwest of Lake Georgetown and north of Santa Rita Ranch in the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction —- was approved on second reading by Georgetown City Council on August 26.

Developer Zovest aims to bring 1,300 residential units, as well as a 14.6 acre private hotel and resort. There will also be 43.4 acres of public parkland.

620-acre mixed-use plan approved

Georgetown City Council approved the annexation and creation of a Public Improvement District for the Heirloom development, which will be located at the intersection of Ronald Reagan Boulevard and County Road 248. The 620-acre mixed-use subdivision will include commercial, single- and multi-family residential buildings. About 340 acres would be zoned for residential use, with small scale housing having a maximum of 2,000 units, medium scale housing having a maximum of 150 units and large scale housing having a maximum of 1,350 units. Commercial would take up 109 acres and parkland would use 48 acres. A new Georgetown ISD school — located on the east side of the development — would take up about 120 acres.

Overpass struck, causing road closures, one death

On September 2, an oversized load from an 18-wheeler traveling on Interstate 35 struck the Highway 29 overpass near Wolf Ranch. The truck driver was a 61-year-old man from Jonestown, who was traveling with a load taller than what was allowed by his Texas permit.

Parts of the bridge’s siding fell to the highway, causing southbound lanes on I-35 as well as the overpass above to be shut down until around 7:30 a.m. the following morning. Two people were transported to the hospital after being injured by debris, and one later died of his injuries.

A TxDOT inspection showed some beams were damaged, and repairs to the bridge lasted about a month, with lane closures on both the interstate and Highway 29 during the process.

County budget approved, including tax increase

Williamson County Commissioners Court approved the Fiscal Year 2026 budget — including $702,428,992 in expenditures — for the 2026 fiscal year, on Wednesday, September 3.

The new budget will be about $67.3 million more than Fiscal Year 2025. The tax rate was set at $0.413776 per $100 of valuation, a 1.3 cent increase compared to last year’s tax rate of $0.399999 per $100 valuation. Based on the new tax rate, the average homestead in Williamson County will pay approximately $122 more in county property taxes for Fiscal Year 2026.

TEA to replace annual STAAR testing in 2027-28

Texas public schoolchildren will take their last STAAR tests in spring 2027, but a new testing format will follow quickly in the 2027-2028 school year. Texas legislators, in their second special called session that ended September 4, approved House Bill 8, establishing the new testing regimen. The new tests will be administered at the beginning, middle, and end-of-year, allowing schools to be able to track academic growth throughout the year.

Isaiah 117 House opens to foster kids

After three years of anticipation, Isaiah 117 House Williamson County held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, September 6, and welcomed its first children transitioning into the foster care system. Named after Isaiah 1:17 in the Bible, the Tennessee-based nonprofit provides a temporary home for children who have entered the foster care system but have not yet been processed for foster family placement.

Southwestern completes $25 million renovation

Southwestern University has reopened Mood-Bridwell Hall, completing a two-year, $25 million renovation of the 117-year-old building which began in September 2023.

Georgetown’s $1.3 billion budget finalized

Georgetown City Council approved a 35.3 cent tax rate and $1.3 billion total budget for Fiscal Year 2026 on September 9. The finalized budget is $457.4 million more than the $842.6 million budget approved for FY 2025. The 35.3 cent tax rate is down from the FY 25 rate of 36.47 cents per $100 valuation. However, due to a rise in average homestead values — from $386,749 to $403,543 — the average homestead tax bill is expected to increase by $14 for the year, or about $1.17 per month. According to the city, most of the budgeted increases are to fund capital improvement projects.

Congressional lines change after state redistricting

On September 5, Governor Greg Abbott signed into law new state districts that would impact congressional elections and will move some Williamson County residents into new districts.

The redistricting map — proposed by House Republicans — shifted the border of District 31, which is held by Republican John Carter and covers the majority of Williamson County. The new district boundary includes rural areas like western Bell County, Mills and Lampasas counties, which were previously part of District 11.

The southern part of Williamson County — including the Jollyville area of Austin — will shift away from District 31 and is now part of the 17th Congressional District, held by Republican Pete Sessions.

H-E-B opens store in Parmer Ranch

Located at Parmer Ranch Marketplace, at the northwest intersection of Ronald Reagan Boulevard and Ranch to Market Road 2338, the H-E-B’s $30 million store is the company’s fourth operating Georgetown location. It opened on September 17.

Groundwater contract not impacted by lawsuit settlement

Georgetown’s water transportation contract with utility provider EPCOR remains intact after a lawsuit involving the Brazos Valley Groundwater District — which allocates the groundwater water to the utility company — was resolved over the summer.

The Texas A&M University system sued the Brazos Valley Groundwater District in an attempt to prevent the district from selling water to other entities so the water could be kept in the region.

Based on the ruling, water export volume cannot exceed 50,000 acre-feet per year, and permit terms cannot exceed 30 years. The amount of water that Georgetown is working to reserve with EPCOR is less than the maximum collective export volume and in compliance with the ruling.

Through the approved contract, Georgetown would receive about 32-40 million gallons per day of treated groundwater. It would cost Georgetown an estimated $5.9 million a year to reserve the water.

Chris Stapleton, Brooks & Dunn to headline Two Step Inn

Chris Stapleton and Brooks & Dunn will headline 2026’s Two Step Inn country music festival in Georgetown. The event takes place April 18 and 19 in San Gabriel Park. Other artists on the 2026 lineup include 90s rock band Goo Goo Dolls and country legend Randy Travis.

Death investigators yielding improvements, county reports

After Wilco’s justices of the peace last summer convinced county commissioners to alleviate workloads by adding a pilot death investigator program, County Manager Rebecca Clemons on September 23 said death investigators have already worked on 800 cases, and the caseload demand is there for additional support. Death investigators visit death scenes, such as car wrecks, to determine the cause of death of the individual. Wilco currently has three death investigators working collaboratively with Justices of the Peace.

Suspect in Georgetown triple homicide arrested

Georgetown resident Raul Franco Jr., 26, was charged with capital murder in connection with the September 13 deaths of residents Doneshia Brooks, 39; Alonzo Hawkins, 34; and Olivia Brooks, 8. The three — who had been shot multiple times — were killed inside an apartment in the 300 block of Luther Drive.

October

UT recruits Sun City for aging, cognition study

The Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin is launching the BRAINFIT study, exclusive to Sun City residents. Researchers are seeking people over age 60 who are healthy or experiencing mild cognitive decline. The study aims to learn how the brain stays healthy with age by observing electronic signals during certain activities. For more information, call 512-459-5285.

Florence residents distinguished at annual gala

The Florence Chamber of Commerce presented three awards to members of the community at the Chamber’s annual Gala. Gerald and Linda Nunn of Gerald Nunn Electric, LLC received the Pillar of the Community Award. The Main Street Co-Op in Florence was selected as Business of the Year. Ed Riley received the Citizen of the Year Award.

Cattleman’s Ball honors ROCK founder

With this year’s theme, “Blazing New Trails: Educating Our Future,” the Williamson Museum honored Dr. Nancy Krenek — the founder and CEO of the Ride on Center for Kids, an equine therapy center in Georgetown, — during its 13th annual Cattleman’s Ball on October 16.

GISD breaks ground on new high school

GISD trustees and Superintendent Devin Padavil broke ground October 9 for Georgetown ISD’s new high school. Opening in fall 2028, the campus is located at DB Wood and Cedar Breaks roads — just south of Lake Georgetown. It will be the district’s first comprehensive high school west of I-35. The site totals 100 acres. The campus will have a student capacity of 2,200, relieving crowding at East View and Georgetown high schools. Its attendance zone has not yet been set. Funded by a school bond approved by voters in May 2024, the construction cost is approximately $365 million.

Books, community resources coming to Jarrell

The Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center is one step closer to opening its own building. On October 9, the community gathered at the library’s new two-acre site on Boatright Boulevard, donated by Marie Boatright. Dignitaries turned dirt at the property for the first time, looking ahead to construction of the community-funded library project.

Based out of the Sonterra Municipal Utility District administrative building, the community library started in 2019 to offer books and community spaces to Jarrell residents.

Although in Jarrell, the center serves the region, with visitors from Granger, Weir, Schwertner and Walburg.

First phase of SU 560 plan gets commercial zoning approval

Georgetown City Council approved a rezoning request by Southwestern University on October 14 as part of the SU 560 plan, which will redevelop vacant land east of SU’s campus. The newly-granted commercial zoning would allow commercial, residential, office and entertainment buildings to be built on the property. This zoning will only apply to the first phase of the plan, which is approximately 68.5 acres. As more phases come forward, the developer will have to apply for additional zoning changes to Southwestern’s Planned Unit Development.

Also part of the 560 plan, Georgetown will build a new Customer Service Center for 12 city departments, including utility billing, human resources, planning, information technology and customer care. About $50 million in funding for the 175,000-square-foot Customer Service Center was approved by voters as part of a November 2023 city bond. The goal, according to the city, is to open the center by 2028.

Georgetown pre-school leader wins state women’s service award

A 27-year career running Ms. Mac’s Shining Stars preschool on Leander Road earned owner Linda McCasland one of Texas’s top honors. The Yellow Rose of Texas service award for women is presented by the governor’s office to highlight “exceptional community service.”

“The award itself [is] a prestigious award. I don’t know what to say, I’m beyond grateful,” a humble Ms. McCasland said. “My scripture that I grow the children by every day is Proverbs 22:6 ‘Train up a child in the way he should go. Even when he is old, he will not depart from it.’ “

Georgetown welcomes new planning director

Edgar Garcia will be Georgetown’s new Planning Director starting November 3. He replaces former Planning Director Sofia Nelson, whose last day with the city was July 3. She was with the city for nearly 10 years. Mr. Garcia has 15 years of public sector experience in Florida, California and Texas, and most recently served as the Planning and Zoning Director for McAllen.

Wilco okays tax incentives for food distributor in Jarrell

Williamson County commissioners approved a tax abatement agreement for Labatt Food Service, LLC on October 21. Labatt Food Service is headquartered in San Antonio and is the 10th-largest food service distributor in the nation.

The project will be located on approximately 48 acres near Interstate 35 southbound and Ronald Reagan Boulevard in Jarrell. The agreement calls for Labatt to design and construct a 150,000-square-foot warehouse space and ancillary facilities. The 10-year agreement would reduce the $42 million project’s assessed taxable value by 30 percent for the land, improvements and tangible personal property.

Dan Gattis passes away

Former Williamson County Judge Dan Allred Gattis — who led the county from 2007 to 2018 — passed away at the age of 83, surrounded by his family on the evening of October 30. Williamson County officials said Judge Gattis was a steady hand who helped shepherd the county through rapid growth as one of the fastest-growing counties in the country.

Born on May 22, 1942, in La Grange, the fifth-generation Texan was a husband, father, grandfather, educator and public servant.

November

Retired rodeo clown Larry Clayman inducted into national hall of fame

After a career as a rodeo clown, bull fighter and announcer, Florence resident Larry Clayman was inducted into the National Rodeo Hall of Fame in November. Mr. Clayman is a third generation rodeo clown. Mr. Clayman is well known not only for the battles he faced in the arena but also for the acts he performed with his chimpanzee companion, Todo. Mr. Clayman and Todo traveled the world, entertaining audiences with their one-of-a-kind rodeo routine.

Latest plan shows $10 million in Blue Hole Park renovations

The final draft of the Blue Hole Master Plan shows updated emergency vehicle access, terraced lawns, a playscape including boulders and logs near the river, and more restroom facilities as part of the park’s redesign. The project’s estimated cost stands at $10.15 million.

Tech manufacturer coming to Georgetown

Taiwanese electronic manufacturer Pegatron will invest $35 million to build its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Georgetown. The company will fill out a 168,000 square-foot shell building at 610 Blue Spring Boulevard near SE Inner loop, and will hire at least 100 employees within the first three years of operation. Construction should start by the end of the year.

TML chooses Georgetown for new headquarters

The Texas Municipal League’s Intergovernmental Risk Pool selected the old Wesleyan building at 205 East University Avenue as the location for its new headquarters and the Texas Municipal Center. The Texas Municipal League provides legislative advocacy, legal and educational services to its 1,178 member cities. The Intergovernmental Risk Pool provides workers’ compensation, liability, property, cybersecurity and other specialized coverage to cities.

ROCK raises more than $82,000 at Cowgirl Brunch

More than 600 women attended Ride On Center for Kids’ fourth annual Cowgirl Bruncheon at the Merlin Hoppe Arena on November 1. Participants raised more than $82,000 to help fund ROCK’s women’s and veterans’ programs.

Residents make final funding push for Veterans Memorial facelift

Members of the Veterans Memorial Advisory Group in Sun City are trying to raise funds to improve Veterans Memorial Plaza to have it include a reflection garden. The plan is to remove the non-native trees and replace them with native plants. They hope to install three pergolas with ceiling fans. Additionally, improvements will be made to the walkway behind the wall. The estimated cost for the project is $200,000. Potential donors can mail a check made payable to “SCTXCA - Reflection Garden” to Sun City Texas, 2 Texas Drive, Georgetown, TX 78633. Other options include donating virtually at 
https://tinyurl.com/mt2tfd6d.

Sun City residents concerned about deer population maintenance

Outside of the Sun City Activity Center ahead of the community’s November 6 board meeting, two signs were placed outside by residents, protesting against the community’s efforts to trap deer and control the animal’s population.

Sun City’s board was set to vote on hiring a third party company, which would set up nets to capture deer, kill them and take them to a meat processing plant. Several residents signed up about what they said was inhumane treatment of the deer.

Sun City Wildlife Biologist Warren Bluntzer said that if the deer population was left alone the “conflicts” between deer and people would increase, creating safety concerns and monetary impacts.

The November 20 vote by the Sun City Board of Directors was delayed because of a lawsuit filed on November 13 against the development’s Community Association and Texas Parks and Wildlife.

Lawyer Garrett Gibbons, who filed the lawsuit for residents, said residents are seeking more than $1 million in monetary relief and non-monetary relief, and hope to end deer culling.

Families, officials celebrate children finding their forever homes

Williamson County officially recognized nine adoptions during its 14th annual National Adoption Day celebration. During the 2024 fiscal year, 29 children in Williamson County were among 3,209 children adopted in Texas.

New ballots generate mixed opinions from Wilco voters

For the first time in more than a decade, Williamson County residents on November 4 voted using hand-marked paper ballots — bubbling in selections with pen on a printout — instead of electronic ballots.

The new hand-marked ballot system was put into place by Williamson County officials in June in response to a March Executive Order by President Donald Trump.

The county’s Elections Department observed a higher number of voters struggling with the process of hand-marking paper ballots, County Elections Administrator Bridgette Escobedo said. Since the Executive Order still allows for Ballot Marking Devices to accommodate voters with disabilities, the department is exploring options to expand the number of devices available in each voting location going forward. This expansion is aimed at improving the overall voting experience and accessibility for all individuals, she said.

Greg Abbott speaks to Sun City Republicans

A packed Sun City Social Center welcomed Governor Greg Abbott during the Sun City Republican Club’s monthly meeting Thursday, November 13. Governor Abbott used the platform to speak about the successful constitutional election, property tax laws, the proposed Texas Stock Exchange and school choice.

Palace Playhouse venue closing by end of year

The Palace Theatre will conclude its programming at its Palace Playhouse at the end of the year, closing the longtime venue after its production of Dashing Through the Snow on December 28. Because the Palace rents the space on Eighth Street, Palace Development Director Debra Heater said the building’s owners will find new tenants.

For the next few seasons, Playhouse productions will be held at the Doug Smith Performance Center on Second Street. The Palace’s management team is searching for a new, permanent home for the Playhouse in downtown Georgetown.

Round Rock, Leander ISDs sued by Paxton over 10 Commandments posters

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, on November 18, sued Round Rock and Leander ISDs for not complying with the state’s new law that requires districts to display The 10 Commandments in every classroom.

Meanwhile, as part of an ongoing lawsuit involving 14 Texas school districts, a federal judge on November 18 ordered Georgetown ISD to remove any 10 Commandments posters from its classrooms. It was easy for the district to be in compliance, since GISD hadn’t yet hung any posters up.

“We received 1,500 posters donated by Citizens Defending Freedom just before the lawsuit was filed by the ACLU (on September 22) in which we were named (a defendant),” GISD Communications Director Melinda Brasher said November 19. “As a result of that suit, we did not hang any posters in our schools, and we do not have plans to hang them pending the outcomes of litigation.”

Coupland Dance Hall opens under new management

After its sold-out reopening on November 7, the revived Coupland Dance Hall is preparing a full music lineup to the end of the month on a high note.

Kurt Wheeler — who is a part of the venue’s new management group, Lightstream Presents — said the team’s goal with the historic business is “preservation more than renovation.”

“In the dance hall community, there is an expectation and an etiquette. We are listening to the community feedback,” he said.

Located at 101 Hoxie Street in Coupland, the building has seen many iterations beginning in 1904: a drug store and doctor’s offices, a hardware store, tavern and hotel. In August 2025, the dance hall’s previous owners announced that it would be shutting its doors. In October, Lightstream Presents – who also manages the Haute Spot in Cedar Park – acquired the venue.

SU names new dorms

Southwestern University announced the names of two new residence halls scheduled to open in January 2026. The new hall for first-year students will honor 1902 graduate and nationally prominent suffrage and civil rights activist Jessie Daniel Ames. The new second-year residence hall will bear the name of beloved Aramark/Pirate Dining employee Ella Sedwick. “Ms. Ella,” as she is affectionately known, has greeted and supported generations of Southwestern students for more than 25 years in the Mabee Commons Dining Hall.

Downtown parking garage opens

Georgetown’s first city parking garage — at the corner of Main Street and Sixth Street — opened to the public on November 21, bringing more than 300 additional parking spaces to the downtown area. It cost $19.8 million to build. The bottom floor of the garage has 5,000 square feet of commercial space that houses the city’s Downtown and Tourism Department.

Residents, developer butt heads over wastewater package plant

For nine months, Georgetown resident Danette Ray has been raising awareness about a wastewater package plant that is planned near her property off State Highway 29 next to the San Gabriel River.

The wastewater package plant would support a future residential project proposed by Riverside Land Development. Specific details about the development have not been finalized.

Ms. Ray and her neighbors attended a public meeting November 17 with the Texas Commission for Environmental Quality and the developer Riverside Land Development, LLC. There, neighbors voiced concerns about the wastewater plant’s impact to the river and surrounding environment.

According to the TCEQ, the proposed wastewater package plant would dispose of treated domestic wastewater in an amount not to exceed 50,500 gallons per day through a subsurface area drip disposal system, according to the application. This would happen over a minimum area of 11.6 acres.

“We are planning to build duplexes or single town homes or multi-family. If it is multi-family, we will have more units,”said Sathish Babu Chakka, Managing Partner of Riverside Land Development.

He told the Sun if the permit is approved, it will take about a year until any product is built.

Nonprofits combat hunger across Wilco ahead of holidays

During its November 15 food distribution, the Hutto Resource Center saw a 30 percent increase in attendance, which equates to 92 new households needing food.

Although that Saturday was the Thanksgiving distribution, the numbers are too noticeable to ignore, said Sandy Brockwell, director of the food pantry. Paired with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – or SNAP – benefits cuts earlier this month and uncertainty with the federal program moving forward, local and regional food banks are feeling the impact.

“Food is a need,” Ms. Brockwell told the Sun. “As Hutto grows, so does the need.”

Georgetown resident Kathy Bond’s organization Kat Kares serves food to homeless individuals in the city. She said what her organization provides is “the only hot meal most get all week.”

Recipients come on Fridays to St. Paul United Methodist Church at 610 MLK Jr. Street to partake in the free meal.

The number of dinner guests grows gradually by the week, Ms. Bond said. There were about two dozen guests at the meal on November 13.

Other Georgetown groups — including Helping Hands of Georgetown, Meals on Wheels, The Caring Place, GTX Connect and Holiday Meals Delivered — do their parts to provide access to food and general resources.

Homeless families aren’t the only ones struggling with food access. More than 5,000 kids in Georgetown ISD qualify for free or reduced lunch. For additional nourishment, a team of 100 volunteers with Georgetown Backpack Buddies provides take-home bags of food to about 1,200 GISD students each weekend.

Soiree rounds up a night of giving

The ninth annual Soiree went off without a hitch Saturday night, November 15, at the Cutter Aviation Hangar in Georgetown. More than $60,000 was raised in the live auction.

Wilco forms group to bolster long-term water supply

County commissioners allocated $500,000 for a Williamson County Water Study on November 25. The goal is to have a water solution in place for the next 50 years. The county will also form the Williamson County Water Group, with members from five partnering Wilco cities.

Once the Williamson County Water Group is formed in early 2026, the group can select consultants for the water study who will work with the vicarious cities and water providers in the county moving forward.

Georgetown considers expanding downtown retail space with parklets

Outdoor seating and social spaces at restaurants downtown could be expanding as part of a Georgetown effort to revamp pedestrian spaces around the business district. Called parklets, restaurants would be allowed to expand into sidewalks and public on-street parking areas for extra outdoor seating that are three parking stalls wide. During the November 25 city council workshop, city staff presented options to city council, including a pilot program that could start in the spring.

“We see some of these businesses kind of spilling out into our sidewalks already with chairs and benches and things. So [we’re] just seeing how we can maybe clean that up a little bit,” said Kelly Trietsch, Georgetown’s chief development officer.

Enjoy Disney’s ‘Frozen’ this winter on the Palace stage

The Georgetown Palace Theatre opened the regional premiere of Disney’s Frozen November 21 on the historic Springer stage under the direction of Dr. Kristen Rogers. The show runs through February 1, 2026. Check dates and times online at www.georgetownpalace.org

December

Jarrell’s infamous pothole gets filled

On December 8, Williamson County celebrated the completion of the Sonterra Boulevard project in Jarrell. Repairing a notorious pothole comically dubbed “Lake Sonterra” – even on Google maps – the project came under budget and ahead of schedule.

Historic Wilco jail for sale

Georgetown’s Planning and Zoning Commission approved a rezoning request from Williamson County for the historic jail property at 102 West Third Street, across the street from 309 Coffee.

Zoning for the county property was changed from the “Mixed Use Downtown and Residential Single Family” solely to “Mixed Use Downtown” in an effort to sell the property.

Soaring price makes Georgetown change course on bridge design

A 90 percent design check-in revealed that Engineering firm Freese and Nichols underestimated the amount of steel needed for the previously approved design for Austin Avenue pedestrian bridges over the San Gabriel River. The estimated construction costs for the truss designed bridge rose from $14.6 million to $23.4 million throughout the design phase.

Georgetown City Council on December 9 selected a new, simpler design that will construct a concrete bridge with concrete supports underneath and an even railing across. The newly approved bridge design will cost about $14.7 million — similar to the original estimate for the more complex bridge — with $2.8 million included in contingency.

The total project budget approved by city council is $21,160,440, with a remaining budget of $17,778,617.

Light and Waterworks Plaza opens

On December 12, a new outdoor plaza between the Georgetown Public Library and the Light and Waterworks building opened. The Light and Waterworks Plaza will host live music, cultural activities, civic events throughout the year, and provide more downtown greenspace.

Pulte Group looks to add another subdivision in east Georgetown

Sun City developer Pulte could bring a new Municipal Utility District with about 395 homes to the east side of Georgetown between University Avenue, NE Inner Loop, the 130 Toll and the south shore of the San Gabriel River. Referred to as the Bell-Sharkey development, Assistant City Manager Nick Woolery told city council December 9 the subdivision was still in early planning stages.

Salado interested in acquiring part of G’town water territory

Over the summer, Georgetown announced it would be selling portions of its water service territory located in other cities’ extraterritorial jurisdictions in an effort to reduce the city’s potential future water deficit. Selling parts of the water territory would decrease the amount of acre-feet per year Georgetown must provide to its own customers from 100,000 to 41,000. In September, the Cities of Killeen and Jarrell expressed interest in buying the portion of the water territory in their ETJ. Since then, Chief Communications Manager Keith Hutchinson said the City of Salado has also expressed interest in buying part of the water territory. The sales process will continue into 2026.

Trustees name new GISD elementary campus for early 1900s suffragist

Georgetown ISD’s new elementary school now has a name — Jessie Daniel Ames Elementary School. Trustees selected the name at their December 15 meeting.

Jail, Justice Center could move into new facilities by 2031

On December 16, county commissioners green-lit civil engineering firm Kitchell/CEM, Inc., to begin Phase 2 of a project to relocate Williamson County’s jail and justice center operations away from downtown Georgetown. The county started discussing a new jail and justice center in August 2024. A tentative plan was approved in December 2024, launching a project to evaluate existing services and to develop options for a future site. Phase 1 of evaluation began in July 2025. Phase 2 — which will finalize numbers to determine the specific needs, costs and possible locations for the county’s justice and jail facility — is set to finish by the middle of 2026. The goal is to have new facilities by 2031.