Stories | Hill Country News

Commentary: Why should we care if a politician is unmarried?

It appears some Republican donors are really concerned that presidential candidate Tim Scott, South Carolina's junior senator, is a 57-year-old bachelor — and whatever implications that … more

By Elwood Watson, Guest Columnist | 9/28/23

In October 2021, an estimated 11,000 people attended the Williamson County Expo Center in Taylor for the county's first-ever fair and rodeo. The event returns for this week, running from Wednesday through Saturday.

Williamson County planning October open house meetings for biggest bond election in county history

Williamson County will host several open house meetings this October for its planned Nov. 7 bond elections for the biggest bond package in the county's history. Early voting runs from Oct. 23 through … more

By Josh Moniz, Senior Reporter | 9/27/23

Students from Jim Plain and Bagdad elementary schools help with a Leander ISD groundbreaking ceremony for Elementary School No. 30, in Leander on April 28, 2023.

Leander ISD is asking for the public’s input on naming Elementary School No. 30

Residents within LISD's boundaries have until Sept. 29 to submit their name suggestions using the district’s website. The submission form can be found at: … more

By Clayton Kelley, Reporter | 9/27/23

Round Rock pastor sentenced to nearly six years in prison for child pornography

A Round Rock pastor was sentenced to 70 months in prison - nearly six years - and 10 years of supervised release for an enhanced charge of possession of child pornography. David Lloyd Walther, … more

By Josh Moniz, Senior Reporter | 9/25/23

Texas defensive back Jerrin Thompson (28) returns an interception 27 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of last Saturday's game against Wyoming.

Texas begins Big 12 play at Baylor Saturday

After a comfortable, but unflashy 31-10 win over Wyoming, the Texas Longhorns travel to Waco this Saturday for their final Big 12 matchup against Baylor. Saturday’s win over Wyoming saw … more

Staff Reports | 9/22/23

Leander ISD joins lawsuits over TEA accountability ratings

Leander ISD is joining more than two dozen other Texas school districts in a lawsuit against the Texas Education Agency's (TEA) planned changes to its accountability ratings. The Leander ISD … more

By Josh Moniz, Senior Reporter | 9/22/23

Cedar Park adopts 2 cent tax rate cut; 11th consecutive year of tax rate cuts

Cedar Park residents will see a tax rate cut for the 11th consecutive year. The Cedar Park City Council unanimously adopted last Thursday a 2 cent tax rate cut, which set the tax rate at $0.37 … more

By Josh Moniz, Senior Reporter | 9/21/23

Vandegrift head coach Drew Sanders will lead his undefeated squad into a matchup with Manor next week in a drive to return to the state title game after last year's state finals appearance.

This week's football schedule

Friday: Cedar Park (2-1) vs East View (1-2) Birkelbach Field, 7 p.m.; Glenn (1-2) vs Hendrickson (2-1) The Pfield, 7 p.m.; Lago Vista (2-2) vs Smithville (1-3) … more

Staff Reports | 9/21/23

The Dallas Stars will hold a training camp schedule at H-E-B Center at Cedar Park next week, concluding with an NHL preseason game between the Dallas Stars and the Arizona Coyotes on Sunday, September 24.

Dallas Stars announce training camp schedule ahead of preseason NHL game at H-E-B Center

The Dallas Stars will open training camp at H-E-B Center at Cedar Park on Thursday, Sept. 21, and will begin their preseason slate with an on-site game against the Arizona Coyotes on Sunday, Sept. … more

Staff Reports | 9/21/23

The Williamson County Deputies Association held a press conference on Aug. 29 ahead of the Williamson County Commissioners Court's final vote on the final budget for Fiscal Year 2023-24, criticized the budget for including 18% of the additional deputies that the Williamson County Sheriff's Office had requested for the new budget.

Williamson County adopts two-tenth cent tax rate hike for Fiscal Year 2023-24; Williamson County deputies, district attorney criticize lack of hirings

The Williamson County Commissioners Court adopted a two-tenth of a cent tax rate increase during their Aug. 29 meeting, which will make their next county tax bill $130 more than under this year's tax … more

By Josh Moniz, Senior Reporter | 9/20/23

OBIT: James Dayton Enderlin

In loving memory of James Dayton Enderlin, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, who touched the hearts of all who knew him. He was born on May 10, 1932, in … more

9/19/23

Derrick Neal, the former director for the Williamson County and Cities Health District, discusses how they were tackling the coronavirus pandemic during an April 2020 interview.

Former Williamson County health director sues county, health district over alleged racial discrimination by county judge

The former director of the Williamson County and Cities Health District has filed a federal lawsuit against the Williamson County and Cities Health District and Williamson County itself, alleging … more

By Josh Moniz, Senior Reporter | 9/19/23

Cedar Park man sentenced to 45 years in prison for 2021 shooting

A Cedar Park man was found guilty by Williamson County jury in the 2021 murder of his ex's new boyfriend and sentenced last Thursday, Sept. 14, to 45 years in prison. Hector De Jesus … more

By Josh Moniz, Senior Reporter | 9/19/23

Round Rock quarterback Mason Cochran hands the ball off to running back Aidan Garlington during a high school football game between Cedar Park and Round Rock on September 7, 2023 in Cedar Park.

High School Football Roundup

Cedar Ridge 7, Vista Ridge 28 : JD Jackson had a game-high 109 rushing yards and a score and Jackson Arnot completed eight passes for 101 yards and a pair of touchdowns in Vista Ridge's 28-7 win … more

Staff Reports | 9/17/23

Cedar Park, Leander repeal juvenile curfew ordinances due to new law

It's a Clinton-era legal relic, passed every three years for decades without significant discussion. And, after years of debate over whether it is a net benefit or harm to communities, it will no … more

By Josh Moniz, Senior Reporter | 9/15/23

The first suspect in the Aug. 30 robbery at the Lakeline Mall in Austin is believed to be a 20- to 30-year old male who is approximately 5 foot and 7 inches that weighs between 200 and 250 pounds. During the robbery, he was armed with a tan handgun, brough an oversized tan bag and was wearing a red sweatshirt, black jeans, a black balaclava, red and black gloves and white shoes.

Austin Police seeking help identifying Lakeline Mall robbery suspects

The Austin Police Department is seeking the public's help with identifying the three suspects involved in the robbery of a jewelry store in the Lakeline Mall. According to the department, the … more

By Josh Moniz, Senior Reporter | 9/15/23

Laurie Sharp talks with her daughter, Logan Sharp, in the living room of their Pflugerville home on Saturday.

Texas parents who care for their disabled children full time will lose money after pay raise

Inside an Austin high-rise north of the Texas Capitol in August, tearful parents lined up for a state health commission meeting to beg agency officials not to increase caretaking wages. It would … more

By Neelam Bohra, The Texas Tribune | 9/15/23

Odessa Water Distribution employees work through the night as they attempt to repair a broken water main on June 14, 2022 in Odessa. This summer's extreme heat and drought has wreaked havoc on municipal water lines throughout Texas.

The summer’s record heat has caused costly damage to Texas water systems

The hottest summer on record for many Texas cities has brought millions of dollars in damage to municipal plumbing and the loss of huge volumes of water during a severe drought. Authorities … more

By Dylan Baddour, Inside Climate News | 9/14/23

Dallas Stars announce training camp schedule ahead of preseason NHL game at H-E-B Center

The Dallas Stars will open training camp at H-E-B Center at Cedar Park on Thursday, Sept. 21 and will begin their preseason slate with an on-site game against the Arizona Coyotes on Sunday, Sept. 24. … more

Staff Reports | 9/14/23

Houston head coach Dana Holgerson and the Cougars will host their first Big 12 Conference game against TCU Saturday. The Cougars will host the Texas Longhorns on October 21.

This Week's Football Schedule

Friday: Cedar Park (2-1) - Bye Glenn (1-2) - Bye Lago Vista (1-2) at La Grange (0-3) Leopard Stadium, 7:30 p.m. Leander (1-2) - Bye McNeil (2-1) at Manor (2-1) Mustang … more

9/14/23

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