WILCOUNTY LINE BANNER
AUGUST 2010
        (A bi-monthly newsletter from Williamson County, Texas)

Learn to Fish Day Planned for August 28


Williamson County is hosting its own Learn to Fish event in the Southwest Regional Park, 3005 CR 175, in Leander on Saturday, August 28, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Children, between the recommended ages of 4 through 14 years, will be able to spend time learning various fishing tips and techniques from local experts.    More…

August 6 Ribbon Cutting Announced for Pond Springs Road Project 

On Friday, August 6, a ribbon cutting will be held at 9:30 a.m. for the recently completed Pond Springs Road improvements to include a 12-foot center turning lane between two 11-foot travel lanes. The project was approved by voters as part of the 2006 bond election.

Groundbreaking for CARTS Bus Station on August 5

The Capital Area Rural Transportation System (CARTS) will host a groundbreaking for a new bus station to be constructed at 1105 2nd Street in Taylor on Thursday, August 5th at 10 a.m. The public is invited to attend the event. The approximately $1.2 million station will be funded by a grant from the Texas Department of Transportation and will be the first CARTS station in the Taylor area. When completed, riders will be able to purchase tickets at the station and take the bus to a variety of destinations nationwide. Construction of the project is expected to be completed in the spring of next year. For more information on CARTS and their services, go to www.ridecarts.com.

Texas AgriLife Pecan Field Day on August 11

The Williamson County Office of Texas AgriLife Extension Service has a Pecan Field Day planned for Wednesday, August 11, at Berry Springs Park and Preserve. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. with the program from 10 a.m. through a noon meal. The cost of the program will be $5. To pre-register, contact the extension office at 512-943-3300 or dmcolburn@ag.tamu.edu.

GISD’s Healthy Nutrition Initiatives Recognized

The Williamson County and Cities Health District Board of Health recently recognized Georgetown Independent School District (GISD) Nutrition Services for their dedication to nutritional excellence and healthy children. Board members cited GISD’s innovative approaches through events, attractive packaging of healthier foods offered, and active participation in regional restaurant initiatives as deserving commendation. More…

US Highway 79 Improvements Ribbon Cutting August 13

A ribbon cutting is scheduled on Friday, August 13, 9:30 a.m., to celebrate the completion of improvements to US 79 Section 5b from FM 1063 to the Milam County Line. The road has been upgraded from the existing four mile rural undivided highway to a divided highway consisting of two 12-foot lanes in each direction, paved shoulders and a 54-foot depressed median by LAN is complete.

August Activities Announced for the Williamson Museum

Join us for First Friday, on August 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. when a new exhibit, High Cotton: Farming in Williamson County, will be introduced.  On Wednesday, August 11, Yolanda Sanchez of the Round Rock Ballet Folklorico will present “Ballet Folklorico: It’s Not Just Dancing”from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at The Salon at Wildfire's Backroom. Saturday, August 14, the Hands-On History activity will be “Back to School” held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Also on August 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the museum will host its “Discover the Stories” membership drive. The Books for Texans Club will discuss "Minding the Store” by Stanley Marcus on Tuesday, August 17, beginning at 7 p.m., in the Hewlett Room of the Georgetown Public Library. The popular Gault Site tour will begin on site at 9 a.m. on Saturday, August 28. Fee is only $10. For more information, visit www.williamsonmuseum.org or contact the Museum at 512-943-1670.

Coffee With the Commissioner on August 25

Williamson County Commissioner Lisa Birkman invites the public to attend her first Coffee with the Commissioner event on Wednesday, August 25, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. at the J. B. and Hallie Jester Williamson County Annex, 1801 E. Old Settlers, Round Rock, TX 78664.  Information on the County budget will be available for review.  More…
 
Vern’s No Frills 5k Run or Walk on Saturday, August 21

Berry Springs Park and Preserve is the site for the August 21 Vern’s No Frills 5k race, beginning at 8 a.m. The race is free to all K-12 students and will cost $1 for adults to enter. The race is part of a series, held every 3rd Saturday through the summer. At the end of the year, minus any costs, the proceeds will be given to Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department. Sponsors for the popular race series include Georgetown Running Club, Williamson County Parks and Recreation, and Run-Tex. For more information contact Bill Schroeder at 512-724-3774, or click on this link: Vern’s No Frills 5k Race.

Area Hospitals Noted for Contributions to Public Health

Scott & White Memorial Hospital and Foundation and Scott and White Health Plan, St. David’s Georgetown Hospital, St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center, and St. David’s Community Health Foundationwere acknowledged at the July meeting of the Williamson County and Cities Health District Board of Health for their support of the 2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS). Their funding assistance allowed researchers to better assess the impact of risk factors contributing to the leading causes of death and chronic diseases at the county level. More…

WCRAS Recognizes International Homeless Animals Day

The Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter (WCRAS) recognizes August 21 as International Homeless Animal Day. Organizations around the world come together on the third Saturday of August to raise awareness about the pet overpopulation epidemic. More…
 
August 26 set for Car Seat Safety Check

Williamson County Emergency Medical Services in conjunction with the Texans In Motion-Kids In Safety Seats Project will be sponsoring a car seat safety event for area residents on Thursday, August 26, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the County parking garage located at Third and Rock streets. To make an appointment for the event, please call 512-943-1264, before noon on Tuesday, August 24.

Extension Services Begins New Master Gardeners Class

 "An Orientation to Master Gardening" class will begin meeting on Tuesday, August 10, at the Cowen Creek Amenity Center, in Sun City. To check on space availability, please contact Joanne Dietrich at crdieterich@yahoo.com or 512-903-5747. 
 
Williamson County Animal Shelter Promotes Gala Dinner Benefit

Tickets are now available for the first annual Denim and Diamonds Fur Ball, benefiting the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter. The event will be held on Saturday, October 16, from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Marriott North in La Frontera. The ball will feature dinner, dancing and a silent auction. Tickets are $75 each. More…