Williamson County

Fourth from the left front row: Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 Angela Williams. Far right front row: Former Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 Edna Staudt. Back row, middle in the judge's chair is Jasmine Wolf. Photo courtesy of Williamson County.

Fourth from the left front row: Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 Angela Williams. Far right front row: Former Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 Edna Staudt. Back row, middle in the judge's chair is Jasmine Wolf. Photo courtesy of Williamson County.

Teen earns scholarship for courtroom leadership

Seventy-nine student volunteers with the YMCA Teen Court program have concluded the 2024–2025 session with Williamson County Justice of the Peace Precinct 2.
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.
The Leashing Hope graduate, Celes, sits with their handler in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice's Bartlett Innovation Unit at the Leashing Hope graduation, April 25. Photo courtesy of Williamson County.

The Leashing Hope graduate, Celes, sits with their handler in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice's Bartlett Innovation Unit at the Leashing Hope graduation, April 25. Photo courtesy of Williamson County.

Top Dog Grads: Animal Shelter, Bartlett Innovation Unit celebrate first Leashing Hope dog graduation

Five dogs from the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter graduated from the Leashing Hope program at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s Bartlett Innovation Unit on April 25. The Bartlett Innovation Unit is a state prison located on the southwest corner of Bartlett, at 1018 Arnold Drive.
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.
Williamson County Sheriff Matthew Lindemann lists how many deputies patrol Williamson County, durning the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce’s Cornerstone Series at the Sheraton Hotel on Thursday, May 1. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Williamson County Sheriff Matthew Lindemann lists how many deputies patrol Williamson County, durning the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce’s Cornerstone Series at the Sheraton Hotel on Thursday, May 1. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Sheriff outlines department role during chamber luncheon

Williamson County Sheriff Matthew Lindemann shared information about the programs and units managed by the Sheriff’s Office during the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce’s Cornerstone Series at the Sheraton Hotel on Thursday, May 1.
Construction crews on April 23 set up the Atlas Ranch Phase 1 project, outside of Jarrell. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Construction crews on April 23 set up the Atlas Ranch Phase 1 project, outside of Jarrell. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

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, the MUD will be developed in eight phases over the next decade.
 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.
Newly-appointed County Judge Steven Snell introduces himself during the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce’s Breakfast Links meeting, April 24. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

Newly-appointed County Judge Steven Snell introduces himself during the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce’s Breakfast Links meeting, April 24. Photo by Nalani Nuylan.

County provides update on new jail, road projects

Precinct 3 Commissioner Valerie Covey introduced new County Judge Steven Snell during the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Links on April 24. Ms. Covey also outlined ongoing initiatives by her office. Judge Snell was sworn in as the new county judge on April 21.
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.