Local news | Hill Country News

Voters line up to enter the polling place at the Leander Public Library during the late afternoon on Election Day, Nov. 8, 2022, in Leander, Texas. The 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. hour was the busiest across Williamson County, where more than 57,000 voters cast a ballot on Election Day, bringing the total including early voting to over 213,000 and a turnout of more than 51%.

Williamson County election official no longer with county after ballot error results in 18 ballots uncounted in ESD 9 election

The Williamson County Elections Department reported that it was notified of a ballot error by a voter in Emergency Service District 9. The voter reported that their ballot for the current election … more

Staff Reports | 11/2/23

Leander Mayor Christine DeLisle (right) attends a private Diwali celebration back in October 2022 with its organizer, Vedant Garg (center left).

Leander, Cedar Park celebrating first major Diwali celebrations

The cities of Leander and Cedar Park are preparing to celebrate their first major Diwali celebrations early next month. Diwali, the five-day Festival of Lights, is celebrated by millions of … more

By Josh Moniz, Senior Reporter | 10/31/23

Leander High School, seen on Sept. 29. 2022, Leander, Texas. Leander ISDâ??s A.C. Bible Stadium is to the left.

Travis County judge temporarily blocks release of A-F school ratings after changes

A Travis County judge ruled on Oct. 26 that the Texas Education Agency (TEA) temporarily halt its release of its annual A-F school ratings. The order by Judge Catherine Mauzy comes after more … more

By Clayton Kelley, Reporter | 10/31/23

A sign marks the entrance into the city of Cedar Park on FM 1431 on April 21, 2022.

Hanyang Eng USA plans to build new national headquarters in Cedar Park

National engineering consultant Hanyang Eng USA plans to build its new national headquarters in Cedar Park. The Cedar Park City Council approved a $450,000 performance-based economic development … more

By Josh Moniz, Senior Reporter | 10/27/23

Firefly Aerospace announced on Sept. 14, 2023, that it had beaten its personal rocket launch record by launching a rocket in 27 hours while participating in the Victus Nox mission, which is a test by the U.S. Space Force of private companies' response times.

Firefly Aerospace breaks its rocket launch speed record; Firefly's lunar lander finally assembled

Cedar Park-based aerospace company Firefly Aerospace broke its personal rocket launch speed record - launching in 3 and half days - on Sept. 14 while participating in mission Victus Nox, a challenge … more

By Josh Moniz, Senior Reporter | 10/25/23

The early voting polling place at the Cedar Park Recreation Center, Oct. 24, 2023.

Early voting began Monday for November elections

Early voting began this Monday and will run through Nov. 3 ahead of the Nov. 7 local and statewide elections. Voting will run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through to Oct. 28, noon to 6 p.m. on Oct. 29 and 7 … more

By Josh Moniz, Senior Reporter | 10/24/23

Fargo, N.D.-based all sport retailer Scheels announced last Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, that it will be opening its second Texas location in Cedar Park in the fall of 2026.

Scheels to open its second Texas location in Cedar Park

Fargo, N.D.-based all sport retailer Scheels announced last Friday that it plans to open its second Texas location in Cedar Park in the fall of 2026. The company, which is employee owned, will employ … more

By Josh Moniz, Senior Reporter | 10/24/23

Police have found the body of Shawn Jospeh, pictured, who was shot Thursday evening, Oct. 5, 2023, in the parking lot of a Walmart in Round Rock and taken from the scene by the suspect.

Missing Cedar Park shooting victim found dead; additional charges expected to be filed

The missing Cedar Park man who was taken after being shot in a Round Rock Walmart parking lot has been found dead in rural Milam County. "We have found Shawn Joseph," Round Rock Police Commander … more

By Josh Moniz, Senior Reporter | 10/23/23

Cedar Park Chamber joins opposition to school vouchers

The Cedar Park Chamber of Commmerce has joined dozens of other chambers of commerce and over 100 school districts in opposing the school voucher proposal passed last Thursday, Oct. 12 by the Texas … more

By Josh Moniz, Senior Reporter | 10/19/23

Leander ISD, Texas superintendents testify in lawsuit over A-F school rating changes

Leander ISD Superintendent Dr. Bruce Gearing testified in court Oct. 10 alongside several other Texas superintendents on behalf of their lawsuit seeking to prevent the Texas Education Administration … more

By Josh Moniz, Senior Reporter | 10/16/23

Former Cedar Park HS football player killed in Louisiana

Former Cedar Park High School football player Ronnie Caldwell, 21, was shot and killed in Natchitoches, La., near Northwestern State University. The police department in that area has not yet … more

By Josh Moniz, Senior Reporter | 10/16/23

Cedar Park Police adds new officer, upgrades two positions

The Cedar Park Police Department added an additional officer dedicated to criminal investigations last Friday following the Cedar Park City Council's approval of an adjustment to the city's Strength … more

By Josh Moniz, Senior Reporter | 10/16/23

Balch Springs man convicted of money laundering after Williamson County traffic stop

A Balch Springs was found guilty by a Williamson County jury of money laundering and is faces up to 10 years in jail. Vicente Alonso-Carbajal was found guilty of third-degree felony money … more

By Josh Moniz, Senior Reporter | 10/13/23

Vista Ridge teacher charged with inappropriate relationship with student

A Vista Ridge High School teacher has been put on administrative leave and is facing felony charges for allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with a student. Kristie Russell, a math … more

By Josh Moniz, Senior Reporter | 10/12/23

The third annual Williamson County Fair and Rodeo will be held at the Williamson County Expo Center in Taylor from Oct. 25-28.

Williamson County Fair and Rodeo kicks off Oct. 25

Get ready for some good, old-fashioned fun at the third annual Williamson County Fair and Rodeo from Wednesday, Oct. 25, through Saturday, Oct. 28. Attendees can enjoy carnival rides, rodeo, a … more

Staff Reports | 10/12/23

Leander ISD Superintendent Bruce Gearing spoke Monday, Oct. 10, 2023, during a protest at the Texas Capitol against the school voucher program being sought during the newly called special session of the Texas Legislature.

Leander ISD Board votes to oppose school vouchers ahead of special session

The Leander ISD Board of Trustees voted last Thursday, Oct. 5, to oppose any type of school vouchers being considered during the special session of the Texas Legislature that was called into session … more

By Josh Moniz, Senior Reporter | 10/10/23

Families enjoy outdoor activities on a cool and sunny Columbus Day holiday, and select pumpkins for Halloween at the Texas Pumpkin Festival in Leander, October 9, 2023.

Texas Pumpkin Fest returns to carve out spot in Leander

Hordes of gourds have descended on Leander with the return of the Texas Pumpkin Fest for its fourth year in Leander. Located at 8760 FM 2243 in Leander, the event opened Sept. 30 and will run … more

By Josh Moniz, Senior Reporter | 10/10/23

Police are searching for Shawn Jospeh, pictured, who was shot Thursday evening, Oct. 5, 2023, in the parking lot of a Walmart in Round Rock and taken from the scene by the suspect. Police are seeking the public's help in finding him.

Police seeking missing Cedar Park shooting victim; suspect in custody

The Round Rock Police Department is searching for a missing Cedar Park man who was shot during an aggravated assault Thursday night at a Walmart in Round Rock. Police responded to a suspicious … more

By Josh Moniz, Senior Reporter | 10/9/23

An aerial photograph taken Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023, shows the extent of the massive grass fire along Parmer Lane that totally destroyed one apartment building and damaged two other apartment buildings at the Bexley at Silverado, located at 12820 West Parmer Lane in Cedar Park.

Williamson County lifts burn ban

Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell issued an order Monday that officially lifted the county's burn ban. The mandatory burn ban was issued back on July 18 during weeks of over 100-degree … more

By Josh Moniz, Senior Reporter | 10/4/23

The Leander ISD administration building in Leander.

LISD considering opening new early childhood center

Due to ongoing growth in the northern part of the district, Leander ISD is considering opening an early childhood center in 2025. The early childhood center, which is recommended at the Sept. 21 … more

By Clayton Kelley, Reporter | 10/3/23

Sections

Services

Connect with us