Local news | Hill Country News

Back row, from left: Terry Cook, Precinct 1 commissioner; Cynthia Long, Precinct 2 commissioner; Steve Snell, county judge; Valerie Covey, Precinct 3 commissioner; Russ Boles, Precinct 4 commissioner. Middle row, from left: Michael Moody, public safety technology manager; Stephn Biasatti, QAQI evaluator; Terri Stubblefield, QAQI supervisor; Victoria Edwards, academy instructor; James Bodisch, training division manager; and Mary Daniels, compliance division manager. Front row, from left: Stephen Hollis, deputy director; Rebeca Christiansen, QAQI evaluator; Katherine Wolf, director; and Lexi Wood, instructional coordinator.

Williamson County Emergency Communications Earns Dual Global Accreditation

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas — Williamson County Emergency Communications has earned dual accreditation as a Center of Excellence for both fire and police dispatch from the International Academies … more

Staff Reports | 6/19/25

Amber Erickson named Executive Director at WCCHD

Amber Erickson has been named the next executive director of the Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD), the Board of Health announced this week. Erickson comes to Williamson … more

Staff Reports | 6/19/25

Leander ISD students earn medals at UIL State Theatrical Design Competition

Leander ISD students were recognized for their creative achievements in the 2025 UIL State Theatrical Design Competition, earning top placements across multiple categories. Vista Ridge High … more

Staff Reports | 6/19/25

Cedar Park Earns Music Friendly Texas Certified Community Designation

The Texas Music Office has officially designated Cedar Park as a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community, recognizing the city’s commitment to supporting musicians, venues and music-related … more

Staff Reports | 6/19/25

Round Rock police open enrollment for Citizens Police Academy

The Round Rock Police Department is accepting applications for its next Citizens Police Academy, a 12-week program that offers community members an in-depth look at local law enforcement operations. … more

Staff Reports | 6/19/25

Round Rock accepting applications for boards and commissions

ROUND ROCK, Texas — The City of Round Rock is now accepting applications for appointments to its local boards and commissions, with a deadline set for 5 p.m. on July 1. These volunteer … more

Staff Reports | 6/19/25

Fourth-grader Kannan, and first-grader Niva both earned first place in their respective grade levels in a writing contest sponsored by Austin PBS.

Two Cactus Ranch students take top honors in Austin PBS writing contest

Two students from Cactus Ranch Elementary claimed first-place awards in their respective grade levels during the 2025 Austin PBS Writers Contest, the district announced June 9. Fourth-grader … more

Staff Reports | 6/19/25

Established LISD Leader Selected as Next Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction

Leander ISD is pleased to announce Lauren Meeks as the district’s new assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, after the Board of Trustees approved her hiring at Thursday … more

Staff Reports | 6/19/25

Austin injects $104M to I-35 “caps and stitches” projects

The Austin City Council has approved $104 million for the “Cap and Stitch” initiative on Interstate 35 (I-35). On May 22, the council voted 8-2, with one abstention, committing the … more

Texas Government Insider | 6/19/25

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar, pictured speaking a the groundbreaking for the Texas Bullion Depository in Leander.

Texas Bullion Depository in Leander now accepting precious metal IRA assets

The Texas Bullion Depository, housed in a secure 40,000-square-foot facility in Leander, is now authorized to store precious metal assets tied to individual retirement accounts (IRAs), officials … more

Staff Reports | 6/19/25

Round Rock ISD Trustees Approve 2025–26 Compensation Plan Amid HB2 Changes

ROUND ROCK, Texas — The Round Rock ISD Board of Trustees on June 3 approved the district’s compensation plan for the 2025–26 school year, adapting to new state funding rules enacted … more

Staff Reports | 6/19/25

Lago Vista ISD Superintendent Darren Webb to Retire in 2026

LAGO VISTA, Texas — Darren Webb, who has served as superintendent of Lago Vista ISD since January 2015, announced plans to retire effective June 30, 2026, the school board said in a June 10 … more

Staff Reports | 6/19/25

Northrop Grumman Corporation is funneling $50 million into Cedar Park based Firefly Aerospace to support the development of a potent new launch vehicle called Eclipse.

Firefly Aerospace secures $50 Million investment to advance Eclipse launch vehicle

CEDAR PARK, Texas — Firefly Aerospace has received a $50 million investment from Northrop Grumman to support development of the Eclipse medium launch vehicle, the companies announced May 29. … more

Staff Reports | 6/19/25

Round Rock Public Library honored with national 'People First' award

ROUND ROCK, Texas — The Round Rock Public Library has received Tech Logic Corporation’s People First Award, recognizing the library’s commitment to community-centered service and … more

Staff Reports | 6/12/25

State sales tax revenue hits $4.2 billion in May, up 4.7%

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced Monday that state sales tax revenue totaled $4.2 billion in May, a 4.7% increase over May 2024. “State sales tax collections … more

Staff Reports | 6/12/25

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick speaks about Senate Bill 3 during a press conference in the Texas Capitol on May 28, 2025. Patrick, flanked by state lawmakers, argued the bill's ban on THC products would be a service to Texans, saving their lives.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s push to ban THC in Texas draws rare backlash from the right

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick was clear from the start. Weeks before this year’s legislative session began, and before he announced any other priorities, the Republican Senate leader said he wanted … more

By Alejandro Serrano, The Texas Tribune | 6/12/25

Westside Elementary recertified as Leader in Me Lighthouse School

Westside Elementary has been recertified as a Leader in Me Lighthouse School, marking its sixth consecutive year earning the distinction for leadership and innovation. The Lighthouse … more

Staff Reports | 6/12/25

Leander ISD students excel at 2025 UIL State Academic Meet

Leander ISD students earned top honors across a range of academic events at the 2025 UIL State Academic Meet, with standout performances from multiple high schools. In the 5A Conference, Rouse … more

Staff Reports | 6/12/25

Leander ISD Offers Free Summer Meals to Children at Knowles Elementary

Leander ISD will provide free summer meals for children and eligible students with disabilities as part of the Seamless Summer Option nutrition program administered by the Texas Department of … more

Staff Reports | 6/12/25

Demonstrators march in front of the Capitol in Austin during a protest against ICE on Monday, June 9, 2025.

Hundreds protest in Austin against nationwide ICE detentions

A largely peaceful march in downtown Austin on Monday condemning the uptick in immigrant detentions across the country dispersed when law enforcement fired tear gas into a portion of the crowd that … more

By Ayden Runnels, The Texas Tribune | 6/12/25

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