Round Rock

Mario Villarreal, 54, of Round Rock. Photo courtesy of the Williamson County District Attorney's Office.

Mario Villarreal, 54, of Round Rock. Photo courtesy of the Williamson County District Attorney's Office.

Professor convicted of having child porn

A Williamson County jury found Mario Villarreal, 54, of Round Rock, guilty of possession of child pornography in five cases last Thursday, May 1. Following the verdict, Mr. Villarreal was sentenced to serve a total of 12 years in prison and fined $10,000.
County Commissioner Terry Cook, left, reads the proclamation to designate May 5 - 9 as Air Quality Awareness Week during the May 6 commissioners court meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

County Commissioner Terry Cook, left, reads the proclamation to designate May 5 - 9 as Air Quality Awareness Week during the May 6 commissioners court meeting. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Air aware: County, state stride to reduce air pollution

Williamson County commissioners designated May 5-9 as Air Quality Awareness Week. Air quality in the Austin Metropolitan Statistical Area was classified as “moderate or worse” for nearly half of the days in 2024, according to the Air Quality Index.
 Bruce Clements, Wilco’s Director of the Office of Emergency Management, explains how the updated Hazard Mitigation plan can get grants to the county to improve infrastructure. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Bruce Clements, Wilco’s Director of the Office of Emergency Management, explains how the updated Hazard Mitigation plan can get grants to the county to improve infrastructure. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

County debuts refashioned mitigation plan

The Williamson County Commissioners Court approved a revamped Hazard Mitigation Plan on April 29. Emergency Management Director Bruce Clements said this plan — updated every 10 years — includes a detailed risk assessment, an inventory of infrastructure and mitigation strategies.

Two people shot in Round Rock dispute

Two individuals were found with gunshot wounds after Williamson County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a call in the Round Rock area on May 1 at approximately 8 p.m. According to police, the shooting took place in the 2200 block of Chandler Creek Road, an unincorporated area within Round Rock.
 From left to right, Jamie Felicia, Sarah Moore and Cari Warner received a board certification in Criminal Law from the state. Photo courtesy of the Williamson County District Attorney’s Office.

From left to right, Jamie Felicia, Sarah Moore and Cari Warner received a board certification in Criminal Law from the state. Photo courtesy of the Williamson County District Attorney’s Office.

Williamson County district attorneys earn board certification

Three Assistant District Attorneys from Williamson County — Jamie Felicia, Sarah Moore and Cari Warner —  earned board certification in criminal law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Friday, April 25.
Linda Scarborough, co-owner and publisher of "The Williamson County Sun", passionately explained the history of the revitalization of the "Sun’s" office building at the Grace Heritage Center, April 22. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Linda Scarborough, co-owner and publisher of "The Williamson County Sun", passionately explained the history of the revitalization of the "Sun’s" office building at the Grace Heritage Center, April 22. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Through the archives

Lights spilt out from the windows of Grace Heritage Center on a not-so-typical Tuesday night. A packed crowd murmurs in small-talk conversation while munching on self-assembled charcuterie in the historic church, eagerly waiting for the evening’s presentation.
Steven Snell gives a speech about his priorities as the new Williamson County judge Monday afternoon, April 21.

Steven Snell gives a speech about his priorities as the new Williamson County judge Monday afternoon, April 21.

Williamson County Judge Steven Snell sworn in

Steven Snell was sworn in as the new Williamson County judge Monday afternoon at the historic county courthouse.“Faith, family and the future.
County Commissioners – from left Terry Cook, Russ Boles, Cynthia Long, Valerie Covey – listen to Incoming County Judge Steven Snell give a speech at the new county headquarters’ topping off ceremony, April 11. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

County Commissioners – from left Terry Cook, Russ Boles, Cynthia Long, Valerie Covey – listen to Incoming County Judge Steven Snell give a speech at the new county headquarters’ topping off ceremony, April 11. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Williamson County completes framework for new headquarters

Williamson County officials commemorated the structural completion of the new county administration building Friday afternoon with a topping off ceremony.“The topping out ceremony celebrates a monumental moment in the construction of any building,”  Commissioner Valerie Covey said.
State Representative Caroline Harris Davila, R-Round Rock, works on House Bill 517, which deals with HOA fines, in her office at the Texas Capitol in downtown Austin, April 3. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

State Representative Caroline Harris Davila, R-Round Rock, works on House Bill 517, which deals with HOA fines, in her office at the Texas Capitol in downtown Austin, April 3. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

The Texas Legislature: Williamson County, Georgetown eye bills with impact

With the Texas Legislature two months from the finish line, Williamson County officials have their eyes on specific bills that could directly impact Wilco residents and cities.